Return of the Street Fighter Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

Return of the Street Fighter Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 13, 2019

Sonny Chiba battles his way into new danger with 1974’s “The Return of the Street Fighter.” Well, at least semi-new danger, with the production returning a few old enemies to the roster of baddies who want Chiba’s seemingly immortal character dead. While brutality remains, this round of martial arts mayhem is noticeably calmer than the previous chapter, with director Shigehiro Ozawa offering more style and 007-esque entanglements, taking the opportunity to refine the “Street Fighter” formula.

While story issues slowed “The Street Fighter,” the sequel dials down community entanglements, giving Terry (Chiba) a bit of a breather as assorted cops and members of the mafia come after each other over fraudulent fundraising. While paper trails are examined, there’s plenty of time for physical encounters, finding Terry fighting assassins around Japan, with the action moving briefly to a ski resort and inside a spa, with “Return of the Street Fighter” determined to open up this criminal universe while spotlighting Chiba’s masterful movie fight skills.

Return of the Street Fighter Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Return of the Street Fighter" opens with a card explaining that Shout Factory used two sources to create the viewing experience, merging a new scan of the English Language cut with an "earlier HD master" of the Japanese cut. While largely consistent, a few shots, including a mid-movie love scene/hotel room attack, use some upscaling to complete the visual puzzle. Detail remains, with the sequel delivering more varied locations, retaining distances with a mountain fight and sweaty particulars during a sauna battle. Facial ruin is displayed with clarity, and business interiors are searchable. Colors are agreeable, doing well with period fashion and nature, encountering pleasingly bright snow and city greenery. Skintones are natural. Delineation remains overall, save for a few shadowy encounters. Sources have some wear and tear, with speckle storms common, along with mild scratches.

Return of the Street Fighter Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix continues the "Street Fighter" audio journey with some more fluctuations in volume, though nothing severe is encountered. Dialogue exchanges are satisfactory, providing a sense of dubbed emphasis with slightly dulled highs. Scoring isn't quite as valued by the production the second time around, but music is present, even with a quieter mix, supporting the action and revenge plans when necessary. Sound effects come through with sufficient power. A more natural Japanese 2.0 DTS-HD MA track is included.

Return of the Street Fighter Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Still Gallery (3:02) collects lobby cards, publicity stills, poster art, newspaper ads, and home video covers.

• And a U.S. Teaser Trailer (:33, HD), Theatrical Trailer (2:10, HD), and Japanese Trailer (3:02, SD) are included.

Return of the Street Fighter Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Return of the Street Fighter" supplies the fist-first goods, but hindsight and practice is apparent, giving Chiba more to do (including a love scene) while the picture is focused on the world of martial arts, even pausing the story to offer a showcase of weapons. While craziness is missed, the sequel provides a more engaging narrative and wider assortment of threat.