The Angry Guest Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

The Angry Guest Blu-ray Movie Review

The Angry Guest is a direct-sequel and follow up to Duel of Fists. Produced by Run Run Shaw (The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, Disciples of the 36th Chamber), The Angry Guest is a great action spectacle. The action film also features an impressive supporting role by Yasuaki Kurata – who would go on to be a popular co-star to action-hero Jet Li. Starring Ti Lung and David Chiang.

Now finished with all of the commotion in Bangkok, Thailand, Wen Lieh (Ti Lung) and Fan Ko (David Chiang) – the two once- separated brothers are back for more action-packed adventure as the brothers travel to both Hong Kong and Japan. Setting forth on new international missions, the two brothers discover a threat in crime boss Yamaguchi (a rare on-screen acting performance by their collaborator and legendary Shaw Brothers director Chang Cheh). Can a rivalry with the Japanese mob be overcome – with the reunited brothers kicking all kinds of ass?

The supporting cast of characters includes Katsu (Yasuaki Kurata), Ibayama Akiko (Jen Tsu Fang), Chiang Jen - 'Giant' (Sing Chen), Hsiao Lo's girlfriend (Chiu Chin Ku), Hsiao Lo (Lok-Lam Law), and Mr. Hsu (Wei Hu). The supporting cast of actors adds to the action-packed fun. The action is rounded out well with these supporting players, too.

The art direction by Johnson Tsao (Ode to Gallantry, The Battle for the Republic of China) is a highlight of the production. The production scale is well-mounted. There is a lot to appreciate about these stylistic elements.

The costumes designed by Chi Li (The Wandering Swordsman, The Heroic Ones) add to the quality of the production, too. Li designed noteworthy costumes for the lead cast members and the supporting cast. Wonderful efforts all around.

The action is an essential part of the film. The action stunts coordinated by Tang Chia (Rendezvous with Death, Shaolin Intruders) and Chia-Liang Liu (Five Shaolin Masters, Drunken Master II) enhance the big spectacle and the sense of scale. While the action in The Angry Guest isn’t on the same level as Duel of Fists, it is still a solid sequel and the action is certainly something fans won’t want to miss.

The score composed by Yung-Yu Chen (The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, The Spiritual Boxer) is engaging and fun. The music is a solid backdrop to the action scenes. The music provides a lot of energy and excitement.

The cinematography by Mu-To Kung (The Shaolin Avengers, Shaolin Temple) is beautiful and adds to the aesthetic. Kung is a talented cinematographer. The visuals are a big part of the fun – with these characters on a new journey in both Japan and Hong Kong.  

Written by Kuang Ni (Shaolin Intruders, House of Traps), The Angry Guest is a fun script. The Angry Guest is a solid follow-up to the original. While the sequel isn’t in the same league as the first film it is still an entertaining one. Ni created a solid script with the returning characters.

Directed by Cheh Chang (Five Elements Ninjas, Ten Tigers of Kwangtung), The Angry Guest is not one of the outright classics by Chang but it is still entertaining. The Angry Guest is a lot of fun. It isn’t on par exactly with the original but it also entertains and is a solid-enough sequel. Well worth seeing for fans of the original.

The Angry Guest Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Shout Factory, The Angry Guest is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The high-definition video presentation looks pleasing overall and there are plenty of strengths to the encode. The transfer has solid detail and clarity. Though the presentation isn't as robust looking at a 4K restoration would have yielded, the encode on the release is still solid. Color reproduction is on the positive side – good depth and visual finesse. The scan does look not as pristine as some of the best Shaw Brothers scans but it is mostly a solid presentation and one that will leave audiences satisfied.

The Angry Guest 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 lossless audio sounds clear, crisp, and pleasing. Dialogue is well reproduced on the release. The score is a nice highlight, too. An impressive depth to the audio presentation. English subtitles were well-done and free from any significant issues.

The Angry Guest Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by James Mudge

U.S. Theatrical Trailer (SD, 3:51)

Celestial Trailer (SD, 1:09)

Still Gallery (HD, 1:34)

The Angry Guest Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Angry Guest is a solid sequel to Duel of Fists. The Angry Guest is not as good as the original but it is still a decent follow-up and it has some impressive production merits. Fans of the legendary "trio" of director Cheh Chang and lead stars Ti Lung and David Chiang are sure to want to see the action film. Recommended.