Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Masked Avengers Blu-ray Movie Review

Masked Avengers is a must-see action gem from Shaw Brothers. Executive produced by Lieh Chen (Clans of Intrigue, Return of the Sentimental Swordsman), Masked Avengers is thrilling and a classic for martial arts fans. Produced by Mona Fong (The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, Painted Faces), Masked Avengers is an intense experience and one that audiences will cherish.

Terror knows many shapes and as the martial arts stakes are heightened, a group of kung-fu warriors embark on a new journey as the warriors wear artistic and mystifying masks to hide their faces. The masks are part of the show. Yet the masks can’t stop the terror from within. The masks can’t stop murderous intentions.

The masked killers set out to kill and the bodies begin to pile up. With the masked avengers using sharp-edged weapons to kill, the warriors find themselves in a blood bath. Determined to investigate, a few fighters look into it more but are met with more bloodshed and an even higher body count. Who can survive the vengeful terror of the Masked Avengers?

The ensemble cast of characters includes Kao Yao (Phillip Chung-Fung Kwok), Chang Chung (Siu-Ho Chin), Chi San Yuen (Sheng Chiang), Liang Yung (Ke Chu), Lin Yung Chi (Feng Lu), Fong Su Kwong (Li Wang), Yanzhang Han (Kuo Chao), Chung Chang Long  (Yu-Lung Hsiao), Chung Yu Long (Huang-Hsi Liu), Sister Long (Li-Fen Han), and Elder Brother Long (Kang Shih). The cast has fun with the feature- film and the performances are well-done. A good ensemble and the performances add to the charm of the Shaw Brothers classic.

Masked Avengers includes art direction by Johnson Tsao (Legendary Weapons of China, Corpse Mania). The art direction is superb and a fantastic part of the production. The production has an epic sense of scale and scope.

The hair styling and make-up adds to the charm of the production, too. The make-up by Ji-Cheng Liu (The Spirit of the Sword, The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter) and Hsu-Ching Wu (A Touch of Zen, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin) is well- done for the ensemble cast. The hair styling by Yen-Lien Peng (Painted Faces, How to Choose a Royal Bride) is impressive and helps add to the style of the production. A worthwhile effort by the team.

The costume designs by Chi-Yu Liu (The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter, An Amorous Woman of Tang Dynasty) are outstanding. Liu is a fantastic costume designer and the efforts here are certainly commendable. The costuming adds so much to the production. The costumes are wonderful. Outstanding artistry – there is so much to appreciate about the costumes and their style.

The stunts coordinated by Sheng Chiang (Avenging Warriors of Shaolin, The Kid with the Golden Arm), Ke Chu (Brave Archer and His Mate, The Boxer's Omen), Phillip Chung-Fung Kwok (The Bride with White Hair, Two Champions of Death), and Feng Lu (Ten Tigers of Kwangtung, The Nine Demons) are an essential part of the action-packed fun. The action scenes are superb and the main draw some audiences look for. The action scenes are thrilling and the sense of stylistic choreography adds a vibrancy to the entire production.

The cinematography by Hui-Chi Tsao (Five Deadly Venoms, The Rebel Intruders) is one of the best aspects of the film. Masked Avengers features superb cinematography and the visuals are truly outstanding. The superb cinematographic style enhances the genre elements and adds an artistic sensibility that feels enriching to the filmmaking – the painterly aspects of the visuals on full display.

The score composed by Eddie Wang (To Kill a Mastermind, Return to the 36th Chamber) is fantastic and an essential part of Masked Avengers. Wang is a talented composer – the music enhancing the action and drama. Wang manages to weave together a great and entertaining score that highlights the character beats and the spectacle of the production.

Edited by Hsing-Lung Chiang (Disciples of the 36th Chamber, Hong Kong Godfather) and Yen-Hai Li (The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, Dirty Ho), Masked Avengers is well-paced and the editing aids the film. The editing is a superb aspect of the feature. Chiang and Li do great work and it certainly is something worthwhile.

Written by Cheh Chang (The Magnificent Trio, One-Armed Swordsman) and Kuang Ni (The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin), Masked Avengers has a terrific script and it adds so much magic to the production. The script has great characters and a fun story. The mask element adds an element of intrigue that helps shape the film and its story.

Directed by Cheh Chang (The Wandering Swordsman, The Boxer from Shantung), Masked Avengers is a terrific Shaw Brothers gem. Chang is a master filmmaker and someone with a great understanding of action storytelling. Chang is so gifted with the camera and brings out the best with the cast. A fun, thrilling, and worthwhile classic. Don’t miss it.

Masked Avengers Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Shout Factory, Masked Avengers is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The release has an engaging, pleasing, and worthwhile high-definition presentation. The release has a scan free from egregious issues with print wear or damage. The transfer is mostly crisp and clean without print wear, telecine wobble, or other problematic woe to address.

The one drawback to the presentation is it isn't as sharp and naturally filmic as desired. The transfer does exhibit some digital noise reduction (DNR) and isn't a razor-sharp transfer. Some of the scenes look a bit soft and less detailed as a perfectly pristine 4K restoration might have provided. Nonetheless, the feature-film looks reasonably good and other aspects of the presentation are impressive.

Masked Avengers Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a selection of lossless audio options: Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (with English subtitles) and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono. The release includes a nicely engaging soundstage and the sound presentation is a highlight of the release. Dialogue is clear, engaging, and well-refined. The soundtrack and score is clear and well detailed on the release. Soundstaging is worthwhile. A solid encode.

Masked Avengers Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary with Film Critic Ian Jane

Audio Commentary with Film Historian Brian Bankston

Avenging Force – Interview with Veteran Shaw Actor Chu Ke (HD, 25:32)

Celestial Trailer (HD, 1:07)

Masked Avengers Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Masked Avengers is an essential Shaw Brothers classic. The filmmaking is top-notch and the production is well-mounted across the board. A must-see gem by director Cheh Chang. Masked Avengers is full of spectacle and adventure. The Blu-ray release features a selection of audio commentaries and an interview with Shaw Brothers actor Chu Ke. Highly recommended.