Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

The Delightful Forest Blu-ray Movie Review

The Delightful Forest is an edge-of-your seat martial arts action epic. Produced by Runme Shaw (Legend of the Fox, The Flag of Iron), The Delightful Forest is an incredible Shaw Brothers feature-film and one fans won’t want to miss seeing. From a story by Nai'an Shi (Tiger Killer, The Reincarnation of Golden Lotus), The Delightful Forest is an exhilarating experience and features a superb lead performance by Mu Chu. Co-starring Ching Tien, Feng Yu, and Ling Chiang.

Wu Sung (Lung Ti) is considered a legendary hero by some and a villain by others. Wu Song was sent to prison due to accusations of murdering his own sister-in-law and her lover – a dangerous thug. Upon going to prison in the Meng district province, Wu is introduced to “Golden Eye” Shih En (Ching Tien). Shih En helps to protect Wu against getting the baton punishment and fierce whippings.

Meanwhile, a restaurant known as the “Delightful Forest” is visited by the infamous “Door God” Chiang Chung (Mu Chu). The Door God Chiang Chung begins a battle over the wine cellar and even pretends to be drunk to have an advantage during the fight. Politics unfold as Chiang Chung finds himself being escorted away – and finding himself in a role he never expected. Will Chiang Chung emerge a victor?

The performances in The Delightful Forest are excellent and the film features some of my favorite performances in any of the Shaw Brothers films. In fact, lead Mu Chu is remarkably impressive in performing the versatile role of the “Door God” Chiang Chung. With a huge and overbearing log attached to his head while prisoner, the actor manages to evoke such a strong performance as a compelling outsider with a plan of his own – even pretending to get “drunk” to outwit his opponents. The performance is a great showcase for the actor and Chung outdid himself in the role. As The Delightful Forest and its story progresses, more sides of Chung are seen and the role is good at showcasing the range of its actor. The supporting roles are excellent in the film, too. The film has outstanding sequences showcasing the range o the cast with the confrontations at The Delightful Forest.

The production has some wonderful artistic merits, too. The Delightful Forest features stunning art direction by Johnson Tsao (The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, Godfather from Canton). The production highlights so many wonderful components of the feature-film and its design. The scale of the film manages to feel incredible and evoke a more expensive film production. The efforts of the production team contribute to the success of the film in spades. The costumes by Chi Li (The Sword of Swords, Disciples of Shaolin) are impressive and well-designed for the cast of characters, too.

Action stunts were coordinated by Chuan Chen (Silent Love, The Dragon Tamers), Chia-Liang Liu (Drunken Master II, Drunken Monkey), Chia-Yung Liu (Once Upon a Time in China, Armour of God), and Chia Tang (Lightning Fists of Shaolin, To Kill a Mastermind). The action stunts are incredible and there are so many iconic action scenes in the film. The action at The Delightful Forest restaurant is intense, riveting, and compelling. The intensity of the spectacle is something that will pull audiences in with plenty of suspense.

The score composed by Yung-Yu Chen (Five Fingers of Death, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin) is full of energy and excitement. The score is enormously compelling and it adds so much to the production. Sweeping music and wonderful gravitas. The score is an incredible highlight for the action and the drama.

The cinematography by Ting-Bang Yuan (The Boxer from Shantung, The Oath of Death) is one of the most important parts of the film. The cinematography adds wonderful visuals to the filmmaking. A testament to the cinematographic skills of Yuan, The Delightful Forest is a visual joy for martial arts enthusiasts, showcasing the poetic visuals of the action choreography with beautiful lensing.

Written by Cheh Chang (Ninja in Ancient China, Slaughter in Xian), Shu-Mei Chin (Samurai Bells of Death, Avenging Dragon) and Kuang Ni (The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, Dirty Ho), The Delightful Forest is a fun script and one that has some nice surprises in store for viewers. The action is front-and-center but an entertaining storyline keeps the film all the more engaging. A wonderful script for the action classic.

Directed by Cheh Chang (Shaolin Hellgate, Ninja in Ancient China) and Hsueh-Li Pao (The Boxer from Shantung, Night of the Assassin), The Delightful Forest is full of surprises. The Delightful Forest is an entertaining and wild ride through the world of the Shaw Brothers. Chang brings out strong and memorable performances from the cast. The staging and style of direction is first-rate.

The Delightful Forest Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Shout Factory, The Delightful Forest is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The presentation looks quite pleasing with good clarity across the transfer. The color reproduction is notable and looks good on the release. The scan is crisp and well-detailed without issues with scratches, print damage, and wear. An impressive encode and one that capably highlights the production values of the filmmaking.

The Delightful Forest Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (with English subtitles). An optional English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono audio option is provided on the release as well. Outstanding clarity and detail on the release. Dialogue sounds clear and easy to understand. The score composed by Yung-Yu Chen is well reproduced and sounds engaging on the release. The sound effects also are well integrated into the sound design. The subtitles are excellent and are free from egregious spelling or grammatical errors.

The Delightful Forest Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary with Cult Film Critic Ian Jane

Audio Commentary with Film Historian Brian Bankston

Celestial Trailer (HD, 1:09)

The Delightful Forest Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Delightful Forest is an outstanding Shaw Brothers film. The Delightful Forest has impressive action sequences and compelling performances. Mu Chu is especially impressive in the role of the "Door God" Chiang Chung. The production values are excellent and The Delightful Forest stands as another must-see Shaw Brothers film.

The Blu-ray release features a strong high-definition transfer and compelling lossless audio. The release also includes two audio commentary track for fans of commentaries to indulge in: one featuring film critic Ian Jane and another featuring film historian Brian Bankston. Recommended.