Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

The Sword Stained with Royal Blood Blu-ray Movie Review

The Sword Stained with Royal Blood is an exciting adventure and action-packed gem. Produced by Runme Shaw (Swordsman and Enchantress, Five Deadly Venoms), the martial arts classic is another must-see for genre fans. The Shaw Brothers classic is based on the novel by Louis Cha. The Sword Stained with Royal Blood adds to the enduring legacy of the Shaw Brothers studio.

Yuan Cheng-chih (Phillip Chung-Fung Kwok) is on a mission. The stakes are high as the kung fu fighter accomplishes the impossible and graduates from his master. Upon completion of his warrior training, the kung-fu hero enters a mysterious cave and discovers a legendary sword, a special treasure map, Golden Snake kung-fu training manual, and an ancient skeleton.

The kung-fu fighter is now on an exciting new mission as he embarks forth on the journey established by the cave’s hidden stash, message, and treasures. Can the sword, treasure map, and other findings lead to new beginnings? The epic quest is just beginning.

The ensemble of supporting characters in The Sword Stained with Royal Blood includes Wen Ching-Ching (Hsueh-Erh Wen), Chin She Liang-Chun (Tien-Hsiang Lung), Wen Cheng (Sheng Chiang), Wen Nan-yang (Feng Lu), and Chief of Lung Yau School (Shen Chan). The cast does a good job with the production. A worthwhile effort and the actors bring something special to the table.

The production features noteworthy art direction by Johnson Tsao (The Treasure Hunters, The Deadly Duo) and the design elements add a lot to the production. The style of the film is an outstanding and integral part of the feature. Large sets and design elements help make the scope of the film all the more ambitious.

The costumes by Chi-Yu Liu (Ambitious Kung Fu Girl, The Lady Assassin) are well-done and a huge part of the fun. The costuming by Liu is essential to the production. The entire ensemble cast have excellent costume designs. The designs fit the characters and their sensibilities well.

The hair and makeup add a lot to The Sword Stained with Royal Blood, too. The hair styling by Yen-Lien Peng (How to Choose a Royal Bride, Hong Kong Godfather) is impressive and creatively done. Makeup art by Ji-Cheng Liu (The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter, The Spirit of the Sword) and Hsu-Ching Wu (A Touch of Zen, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin) helps provide more elegance and sophistication to the production.

The action is the must-see event for most martial arts fans. The stunts were coordinated by Sheng Chiang (Thrilling Bloody Sword, Ten Tigers of Kwangtung), Phillip Chung-Fung Kwok (The Bride with White Hair, The Blue Jean Monster), and Feng Lu (Brave Archer and His Mate, Legend of the Fox). An impressive action spectacle with outstanding stunt-work, The Sword Stained with Royal Blood features terrific action scenes and the choreography and spectacle on display is remarkable. The end result is an entertaining action film – with the action scenes delivering in spades.

Written by Cheh Chang (Two Champions of Death, The Shaolin Avengers) and Kuang Ni (The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter, Shaolin Intruders), The Sword Stained with Royal Blood has a fun script. An engaging storyline and concept. The mysterious elements are impressive and the concept helps make the script all the more entertaining.

Directed by Cheh Chang (Five Deadly Venoms, One-Armed Swordsman), The Sword Stained with Royal Blood is full of adventure and splendor. Chang is one of the best martial arts filmmakers. The Shaw Brothers gem is full of spectacle brought to life by Chang. The action and drama are essential. An enormous gift from the filmmaker to martial arts fans. The Sword Stained with Royal Blood is an undeniable classic audiences won’t want to miss.

The Sword Stained with Royal Blood Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Shout Factory, The Sword Stained with Royal Blood is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The transfer provides an exceptional and pleasing high-definition presentation. The high- definition video looks robust, engaging, and satisfactory. The transfer has excellent color reproduction. The colors "pop" exceptionally well while looking authentic for the scan. The transfer also has good detail – the transfer showcases a more filmic appearance and has less digital tinkering. The print is free from egregious print damage, dirt, and other imperfections.

The Sword Stained with Royal Blood Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a lossless audio presentation: Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (with English subtitles). The lossless audio is a highlight of the release. The audio sounds crisp and well detailed. Dialogue clear and easy to understand. The score is engaging and robust on the track. Unfortunately for English dub fans, the release lacks an English dub option. This will be of little to no concern for those who prefer the original language versions (like myself).

The Sword Stained with Royal Blood Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Royal Attraction – Interview with Veteran Shaw Actor Chu Ke (HD, 14:11)

Bloodstained Insight – Interview with Actor Lung Tien-Hsiang (HD, 10:51)

Original Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:46)

Celestial Trailer (HD, 1:06)

The Sword Stained with Royal Blood Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Sword Stained with Royal Blood is a thrilling action-packed adventure. The spectacle is enormous and there is so much wonder in the filmmaking. The Sword Stained with Royal Blood features superb direction and production values. The Blu-ray release features a selection of interviews with actors – including Chu Ke and Lung Tien-Hsiang. Highly recommended.