Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

The Blood Brothers Blu-ray Movie Review

The Blood Brothers is an intense and action-packed gem (also released under the alternate title of Dynasty of Blood). Executive produced by Runme Shaw (The Sword Stained with Royal Blood, Vengeance!), The Blood Brothers is based on a true story. The Blood Brothers is inspired by one of the biggest scandals in Chinese political history. Set during the Ching Dynasty, The Blood Brothers features performances by David Chiang and Ti Lung.

Chang Wen-hsiang (David Chiang) is a skilled assassin. Huang Chung (Chen Kuan-Tai) is a bandit with a mission. Combined, Chang and Huang are now united in working to rob the well-off Ma Hsin-yi (Ti Lung). As the duo finds themselves unable to defeat Ma, the duo becomes a trio of rebels and the three skilled fighters decide to take on their opposition. A nearby group of bandits gets in the way and Chang, Huang, and Ma all fight a big fight.

Ma becomes determined to leave the bandit life behind and find a position in the government to rise from his rebellious side.  Huang gets married to Mi Lan (Ching Li). Ma becomes a successful general. When Huang sets forth on a new and dangerous mission, Ma has an affair with his close friend’s wife as sparks fly between them. Ma then decides to order his friend be assassinated in order to be with his wife without causing any political damage in the process.

The other supporting cast of characters in The Blood Brothers include Ma Chung-hsin (Ching Tien), Rebel Chief Tseng Tieng- yang (Danny Lee), Rebel Chief Yen Chen-feng (Fan Mei-Sheng), and Manchu Prosecutor (Miao Ching). The cast is fantastic and the supporting roles well played-out. Each supporting player in The Blood Brothers adds something special to the film.

The cinematography by Mu-To Kung (The Spiritual Boxer, The Snake Prince) is visually wondrous and the style of the production is well-highlighted by the cinematographer. Kung is one of the best of the Shaw Brothers cinematographers. The visual language of the filmmaking is fantastic.

The production features worthwhile art direction by Johnson Tsao (Portrait in Crystal, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin). The art direction by Tsao adds to the filmmaking. There is so much worth appreciating with regards to the aesthetic of the film. The designs are lavish and well-done.

The score composed by Yung-Yu Chen (The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, Clans of Intrigue) is an impressive highlight of the feature-film. Chen is talented and there is so much value to the score. The music adds energy and dramatic depth.

The stunts coordinated by Tang Chia (Shaolin Intruders, To Kill a Mastermind) and Chia-Liang Liu (The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter, Drunken Master II) are fantastic and a sight to behold. The stunts add an enormous sense of scale to the production. Chia and Liu are wonderful stunt coordinators and the action sequences are fantastic.

Written by Cheh Chang (Heroes Two, The Delightful Forest) and Kuang Ni (The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, Dirty Ho), The Blood Brothers is a strong script. The Blood Brothers screenplay adds a lot of wonder to the filmmaking. The script is top-notch and there is a lot to appreciate about the dramatic depth of The Blood Brothers.

Directed by Cheh Chang (Vengeance!, The Flag of Iron), The Blood Brothers is a must-see for Shaw Brothers fans. The action and spectacle are outstanding. Director Chang is one of the best Shaw Brothers filmmakers and this is another gem by the filmmaker. Don’t miss it.

The Blood Brothers Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Shout Factory, The Blood Brothers is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The transfer is excellent on the release. Colors are well reproduced and have noteworthy depth. The scan looks remarkably good and detail is quite excellent on the presentation. The scan is also free from any egregious print damage and wear. A solid encode by Shout Factory.

The Blood Brothers 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 encoding is impressive and adds to the presentation quality. Dialogue is well reproduced and sounds clear. A pleasing soundstage with the score making a suitable impression on the release. The English subtitles are free from egregious spelling or grammatical errors.

The Blood Brothers Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by James Mudge

Original Theatrical Trailer (SD, 4:37)

Celestial Trailer (SD, 1:06)

Still Gallery (HD, 1:01)

The Blood Brothers Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Blood Brothers is an exciting and action-packed classic. The Shaw Brothers gem is a must-see. The martial arts are spectacular throughout. Ti Lung and David Chiang are both incredible in the film. The Blu-ray release includes an audio commentary, a photo gallery, and a selection of trailers. Highly recommended.