Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.5

Snake & Crane Arts of Shaolin Blu-ray Movie Review

Snake and Crane Arts of Shaolin is a 1978 Hong Kong action classic. The production was distributed by the Lo Wei Motion Picture Company (a sub-division of Golden Harvest). Executive produced by Wei Lo (New Fist of Fury, Wizard’s Curse), Snake and Crane Arts of Shaolin features a superb performance by Jackie Chan. The film co-stars Nora Miao, Cheng-Lan Chin, and Yung- Kuo Li.

Hsu Yin-Fung (Jackie Chan) carries with him an important book – one that might hold more power inside it than meets the eye. Hsu manages to be brave as he carries the book with him while other kung-fu fighters are seeking the book and will fight for it at any cost. Limb and life are risked to obtain the important book from Hsu. The gathering fighters want nothing more. Can Hsu protect the book?

Jackie Chan is first-rate in Snake and Crane Arts of Shaolin. The performance is fantastic and a must-see for fans of the actor. There is a strong dedication from the actor to this role. The film is all the more compelling as a result. Chan delivers the goods.

Edited by Chih-Hsiung Huang (Fighting Madam, The Butterfly Murders), Snake and Crane Arts of Shaolin is well-paced and the filmmaking is all the more fun as a result. The sense of rhythm is exquisite. The action is well-edited.

The production design by Shih-Mei Chu (To Kill with Intrigue) is of an exceptionally high quality. The design work certainly makes the scope of the filmmaking all the more impressive. The designs are also complimented by the high-quality art direction by Chih-Liang Chou (Spiritual Kung-Fu, The Super Kung-Fu Fighter).

The cinematography by Chung-Yuan Chen (Shaolin Wooden Men, New Fist of Fury) is beautiful, too. The filmmaking has a nice visual style. The lensing is fantastic.

The costumes by Yan-Hung Li (The Fearless Hyena, Shaolin Wooden Men) add a lot to the production. The costuming feels ambitious. Quality is conveyed through the costume designs.

The score composed by Fu-Liang Chou (Legend of a Fighter, Fighting Ace) adds to the excitement of the action scenes. The score by Chou is fun in spades. This amps up the action for Jackie Chan fans.

The stunts by Jackie Chan and Wei-Ho Tu (The Man from Hong Kong, A City Called Dragon) are thrilling and this is one of the highlights of the film. Chan is a masterful action star. As a action choreographer, there is a sense of ambition. Chan delivers.

Written by Hsin-Yi Chang (Kung-Fu Commandos, Mission: Kiss and Kill), Snake and Crane Arts of Shaolin is a fun script with some great moments for the characters. The screenplay has good dialogue and is a fun ride. A good effort by Chang indeed.

Directed by Chi-Hwa Chen (Police Story, Half a Loaf of Kung Fu), Snake and Crane Arts of Shaolin is well worthwhile. Chen helps to bring out a great performance by star Jackie Chan. The filmmaking is quite thrilling and fans of the actor won’t be able to resist the charms of the film.

Snake & Crane Arts of Shaolin Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Shout Factory, Snake and Crane Arts of Shaolin is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the theatrical aspect ratio of 2.39:1 widescreen. The release has an outstanding high-definition presentation. Color reproduction looks great on the release. Detail is certainly well reproduced in the image.

Snake & Crane Arts of Shaolin Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The audio is provided in Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio Mono, Cantonese DTS-HD Master Audio Mono, and English DTS-HD Master Audio mono.  English subtitles are provided. The audio quality is pleasing during the presentation. The sound effects are well integrated with the sound design. An enjoyable lossless audio mix.  

Snake & Crane Arts of Shaolin Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary with Critic and Author David West

Pick Your Poison – Interview with Rick Baker (HD, 19:46)

Trailer (SD, 1:59)

Japanese Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:13)

Japanese TV Spot (HD, 00:16)

Still Gallery (HD, 1:24)

Snake & Crane Arts of Shaolin Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Snake and Crane Arts of Shaolin is an entertaining Jackie Chan classic with a lot of energetic fight scenes. The choreography by Chan is first-rate. Jackie Chan fans won't be able to resist this thrilling adventure. The Blu-ray release features an impressive high-definition presentation and lossless audio. The release provides a nice selection of bonus features. Highly recommended.