Soul of the Sword Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Soul of the Sword Blu-ray Movie Review

Soul of the Sword is an exhilarating and action-packed spectacle of the highest order for the Shaw Brothers. The filmmaking is tense and evocative. Executive produced by Mona Fong (Love on Delivery, Disciples of the 36th Chamber), Soul of the Sword is a thrilling experience. Produced by Run Run Shaw (The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, The Flag of Iron), Soul of the Sword features performances by Lung Ti, Chen-Chi Lin, Feng Ku, Hui-Ling Liu, Norman Chu, Yung Henry Yu, and Lily Li.

Wu-ming (Lung Ti) (otherwise known as ‘Nameless’) is an incredible swordsman with only one wish in the world – the desire to defeat the number-one swordsman in the entire field. The dream is his own. Could Wu-ming master his swordsman skills and manage to reach the top of the chain as the master swordman to defeat all others?

In order to pursue his quest with no distractions, Wu-ming decides following the established Warrior’s Code is something he must adhere to. Following the Warrior’s Code means that Wu-ming must continue as a swordsman without staying with his lover – and as a result he must put his love aside in pursuit of his quest to be the best swordsman. Could it be that there is more to life than being the best swordsman?

The supporting cast of characters includes Ke Lien / Greenhorn's lover (Chen-Chi Lin), Lu Tien Kang (Feng Ku), Three Strokes Hua- Chang (Hui-Ling Liu), Yen (Norman Chu), The Emperor (Yung Henry Yu), and Lo-yang assassin (Lily Li). The actors have fun with their roles and help to bring out a lot of fun in the big spectacle and action beats of the filmmaking. A good ensemble effort. Lung Ti is especially impressive in the leading role as Wu-ming. A quality performance and one that is a perfect fit for the action-packed filmmaking.

The production scale is impressive and there are a lot of worthwhile attributes to Soul of the Sword. The set decoration by Ching- Shen Chen (The Deadly Breaking Sword, Hong Kong Godfather) is top-notch. An excellent design approach was utilized for the film and the epic sense of scale is undeniable.

The costume designs by Chi-Yu Liu (Holy Flame of the Martial World, The Sword Stained with Royal Blood) are impressive and there is so much to appreciate about the designs. The designs by Liu are wonderful and an integral part of the filmmaking. The make-up by Hsu-Ching Wu (Legend of the Fox, The Spiritual Boxer) also elevates the actors aesthetic and helps to bring out the best in the performers. The hair styling by Yen-Lien Peng (Lightning Fists of Shaolin, Legend of the Fox) similarly impresses and adds style to the production.

The stunts coordinated by Chia Tang (Shaolin Intruders, The Boxer from Shantung) are an essential and integral element of the film. Tang is a superb stunt coordinator and he delivers a great spectacle for audiences. Tang brings out the best in the action stars and the filmmaking is all the more tense and gripping as a result.

Edited by Hsing-Lung Chiang (The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter, Five Elements Ninjas), Soul of the Sword is well-paced and well-cut. The editing by Chiang is something to appreciate and there is plenty of great qualities inherit in the filmmaking style. Chiang delivers on the spectacle without a dull moment.

The score composed by Yung-Yu Chen (Five Fingers of Death, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin) is one of the most essential and beautiful components of Soul of the Sword. Soul of the Sword features a wonderful score and one that delivers a beautiful sense of majesty to the filmmaking. A superb score by Chen.

The cinematography by Te-Wei Chang (Kung Fu from Beyond the Grave, Palace Carnage) is beautiful and complex. The visual splendor of the filmmaking is top-notch. Soul of the Sword is a lush and mesmerizing visual experience. Chang is a gifted cinematographer and there is so much to adore about the visuals. A wonderful feast for the eyes.

Written by Kang-Chien Chiu (Center Stage, Full Moon in New York) and Chan-Wei Lin (Sun Dragon, Soul Brothers of Kung Fu), Soul of the Sword has a great script. The script is well-written and has a superb sense of adventure. The script is engaging with good dialogue and a fun storyline. Well-done.

Directed by Shan Hua (Soul Brothers of Kung Fu, Disciples of Shaolin Temple), Soul of the Sword is a must-see in the Shaw Brothers legacy. Soul of the Sword is riveting and features superb action. An impressive spectacle and a film with a lot of depth and engaging performances. Hua did a great job directing the action gem. Shaw Brothers fans won’t want to miss out on this classic gem.

Soul of the Sword Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Shout Factory, Soul of the Sword is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The release features an excellent looking presentation. The transfer features superb color reproduction and clarity. This impressive transfer features few issues in regards to print wear or damage. The encoding is also engaging.  

Soul of the Sword Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (with English subtitles). The release does not include an English dubbed option. The Mandarin audio sounds clear and easy to understand. The soundstage is well reproduced. Dialogue is well integrated on the sound mix. An impressive translation with good English subtitles. The English subtitles are free from egregious spelling or grammatical errors.

Soul of the Sword Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary with Film Critic James Mudge

The "Soul" of the Grindhouse – Interview with Author and Critic Ric Meyers (HD, 1:15:03)

Original Theatrical Trailer (HD, 3:12)

Celestial Trailer (HD, 1:14)

Soul of the Sword Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Soul of the Sword is an entertaining and action-packed spectacle. The filmmaking is exhilarating and the sense of energy present throughout the film is something to behold. The performances by the cast of actors are also riveting.

The sense of scale is enormous. The Blu-ray release features a strong high-definition presentation, lossless audio, and a nice selection of supplements. Highly recommended.