6.9 | / 10 |
Users | 3.5 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
During the Ming Dynasty, a skilled assassin on a mission to return the remains of a mystical Buddhist monk to their resting place falls in love with a man named Jiang, whose father was killed by her gang. Unaware that he also is a trained martial artist, their love blossoms but tensions arise as the truth of her past unravels. Soon, a lethal triangle surfaces between her, Jiang and the team of assassins that are after the monk's remains.
Starring: Michelle Yeoh, Kelly Lin, Shawn Yue, Xueqi Wang, Jung Woo-sungForeign | 100% |
Action | 32% |
Romance | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Mandarin: Dolby TrueHD 7.1
Cantonese: Dolby TrueHD 7.1
Mandarin: Dolby Digital 5.1
Cantonese: Dolby Digital 5.1
Mandarin (Traditional), Mandarin (Simplified), English
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (locked)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 2.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Written and directed by Su Chao-Bin, and co-directed and produced by John Woo, "Reign of Assassins" (2010) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Hong Kong-based distributors MegaStar. The supplemental features on the disc include the film's original theatrical trailer and making of featurette. In Mandarin, with optional English, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese subtitles for the main feature. Region-A "locked".
Somewhere in China
Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Su Chao-Bin's Reign of Assassins arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Hong Kong-based distributors MegaStar.
This is a very strong high-definition transfer. Fine object detail is outstanding, clarity excellent, and contrast levels consistent throughout the entire film. The color-scheme does not disappoint either - the broad range of soft blues, yellows, greens, browns, grays, and blacks look wonderful. Edge-enhancement is never an issue of concern; neither is macroblocking. I also did not see any severe compression artifacts to report in this review. Most of the various CGI effects are quite well done, and many are in fact very intelligently used. Lastly, there are no serious stability issues - blown through a digital projector the high-definition transfer conveys outstanding depth and tightness. All in all, MegaStar have put together a very strong package that will likely impress many different viewers. (Note: This is a Region-A "locked" Blu-ray disc. Therefore, you must have a native Region-A or Region-Free PS3 or SA in order to access its content).
There are four audio tracks on this Blu-ray disc: Mandarin Dolby TrueHD 7.1, Mandarin Dolby Digital 5.1, Cantonese Dolby TrueHD 7.1, and Cantonese Dolby Digital 5.1. For the record, MegaStar have provided optional English, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese subtitles for the main feature. When turned on, they appear inside the image frame.
The Mandarin Dolby TrueHD 7.1 is impressive. The bass is potent and punchy, the rear channels very active and very effective, and the high-frequencies not overdone. Predictably, the best surround effects are during the various fight scenes, but a few of the romantic scenes also sound great; there are plenty of nuanced dynamics, and the dialog is always crisp, clean, stable, and easy to follow. Finally, there are no balance issues with Peter Kam's epic score. I also did not detect any annoying pops, cracks, or hissings to report in this review.
Note: Generally speaking, the English translation is good, but every once in awhile the English subtitles would switch rather quickly.
Reign of Assassins is an entertaining wuxia film with some surprisingly strong production values. The Blu-ray disc herein reviewed, courtesy of Hong Kong-based distributors MegaStar, looks and sounds terrific. It is English-friendly but it is Region-A "locked", so keep that in mind if you are residing in a Region-B country. RECOMMENDED.
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