Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

The Instructor Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 19, 2024

There’s one thing to keep in mind while watching “The Instructor”: you’re not having a stroke. Remain assured that it’s not you having a medical emergency, it’s just the 1981 release’s almost complete inability to tell a simple story of revenge. It’s a martial arts extravaganza from writer/director/co-star Don Bendell, who has a vision for stunt moves and dark displays of crime and punishment, but he’s caught working on several ideas for his endeavor, and none of them connect smoothly. “The Instructor” is a wild ride that often makes no sense, reflecting the work of a first- time filmmaker (actually, his only movie) who was in over his head, believing the visual power of karate action would be enough to support the whole effort. Go into this one expecting technical and editorial precision, and the room will start spinning immediately. Accept the ride as it is, and there’s some amusement to be found, especially when rough physical confrontations arrive.

Recently losing his wife to a violent sexual assault, The Instructor (Bob Chaney) is determined to carry on with his life, including some care for his daughter. He’s mostly focused on the strengthening of the Carver Karate Academy, joined by Dee (Lynday Scharnott), Thumper (Don Bendell), and Fender (Bruce Bendell), with the latter a dim man who can’t keep up with the classes. Standing in the way of peace is Bud (Bob Saal), a rival dojo owner looking to eliminate The Instructor after murdering the man’s wife, soon sending in his team to disrupt order in Akron, putting pressure on his enemy to fight him. While dabbling in various crimes, Bud increases the heat on The Instructor, who’s pulled into war with the criminal, unable to contain his rage.

As explained in the supplementary material on this Blu-ray, the opening 20 minutes of “The Instructor” was added long after principal photography concluded. Bendell needed extra action at the start of the feature, adding a sequences involving gang activity at a local railyard, where the members work out their issues through gladiatorial combat. These characters are only in the movie for a short stretch, and extra exposition is provided during a morning job shared by The Instructor and Thumper, who casually discuss the murder of the master’s wife and stop to horse around with local kids. Fender is also around, trying to be a stealthy ninja, but, to quote “Forrest Gump,” he’s “not a smart man,” with his buffoonery taking a more serious/ludicrous turn later in the picture.

Gang hostilities are addressed through an introductory battle, with The Instructor taking out the trash when Thumper fails to unleash hell on the Ohio brutalizers. It’s the first showcase for testicular trauma, as Bendell really enjoys seeing men punched in the store, and it gives viewers a full view of action choreography, with the production offering as much movement as possible from a low-budget endeavor created by someone who isn’t entirely sure how to make a movie. Hart’s reign of terror arrives soon after, with the evil dojo boss looking to hurt The Instructor, and he’s a freelance goon as well, accepting an assignment from a local gangster to help bust a union. Somehow this all moves over to a Children’s Zoo for a maximum display of intimidation, and, eventually, the Carver Karate Academy is targeted for a trashing, putting Dee into the line of fire.

Keeping up with “The Instructor” isn’t the point of the film, as Bendell shows little storytelling control. He’s mostly jumping all over the place, following available locations instead of a dramatic narrative, which is why the rivalry hits a disco restaurant and a karate tournament. It’s at this competition where things get really bizarre in the endeavor, following Fender’s desire to steal a trophy, which includes access to his inner monologue. But hey, “The Instructor” goes wherever it wants, and there’s an enjoyable lunacy to the picture, especially when things get crazy in the final act as The Instructor finally snaps, pursuing his enemy all over the city.

The Instructor Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as "newly scanned and restored in 4K from a 35mm archival print." Wear and tear is present throughout the viewing experience, with a few damaged frames and heavier scratches. Detail offers a softer appreciation of skin particulars, with many hairy men on display. Hairstyles are decently textured, along with varied costuming choices. City action remains dimensional, especially during chase sequences. Color is capable, with strong primaries on style choices and signage. The whiteness of martial art outfits is preserved, and skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is nicely resolved.

The Instructor Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA provides a basic understanding of dialogue exchanges, with the amateur actors remaining intelligible during the listening event. Scoring cues support with decent instrumentation and emphasis. Soundtrack accompaniment also registers as intended, with clear vocals. Sound effects are broad and appreciable.

The Instructor Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (18 pages) contains an essay by film historian Richard Heldenfels.

• Commentary features writer/director Don Bendell.

• "A Journey to Akron" (25:16, HD) is an interview with writer/director Don Bendell, who was "tired of the chop-socky flicks that glorified revenge," electing to build a story about the consequences of violence. Initially finding his way into journalism, Bendell spent time writing about and participating in marital arts, using this experience to help inspire the screenplay. A newcomer to the business, the interviewee struggled with financial issues, dealing with con artists, finally managing to secure the money needed to shoot in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. Casting is highlighted, with martial artists hired to work on the film, also turning to an investor to play a money man in the picture. Stunt performers are highlighted, with the L.A. crew showing up inebriated, requiring Bendell to find replacements. He also tussled with the original cinematographer, who failed to take the assignment seriously. Physical achievements are noted, including a major car stunt. Members of the Bendell family also joined the feature, assisting with acting and technical achievements. The helmer closes with memories from the premiere of "The Instructor," looking to create a fuss to attract a distributor, eventually making a deal that required major reshoots, changing the opening 20 minutes of the movie.

• A Trailer has not been included on this release.

The Instructor Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The feature climaxes with a car chase that changes to a motorcycle chase that changes into a river battle that changes into a forest hunt. It's a lot, but it's a pleasing escalation of violence and anger, giving Bendell screen energy to work with, especially when crude stunt work is utilized. There's also a mission to land "The Instructor" somewhere slightly different, refusing to celebrate typical screen heroism, especially when there's real-world consequences involved. It's a nice touch of reality in the middle of absurdity, and while it doesn't last for long, it's something. And in this film, a little invention is welcome, offering clarity in the midst of confusion. It's not a polished offering of martial arts mayhem, but there's a certain insanity to Bendell's work that holds attention, making it an obvious selection for Bad Movie Night entertainment.