Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

The Web of Death Blu-ray Movie Review

The Web of Death is a must-see Shaw Brothers classic. Produced by Run Run Shaw (The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, The Kung Fu Instructor), The Web of Death is an entertaining spectacle with a lot of fun for fans of the genre. The Web of Death is undeniable – a sophisticated gem and one that action fans shouldn’t miss.

The legend of the Web of Death is one that causes an enormous amount of interest amongst martial arts clans. The legendary Web of Death is something that many clan leaders hope to one day revive: bringing back the famous “Five Poison Web” in the process. In order to help bring about the revival, plans go underway.

The Snake Sect leader decides an affair with the seductive Scorpion Sect leader could perhaps help usher in a new era of the Five Poison Web. Yet it takes the collaboration of the Scorpion Sect, Snake Sect, and Centipede Sect. Can the Centipede Sect also get on board for the big finale? Can the Five Poison Web be brought back for a new era?

The cast is impressive. The large ensemble cast includes performances by Fei Ying Hsiung (Hua Yueh), Lu Shen (Lieh Lo), Hung Su Su (Li Ching), Master Wen Kung (Feng Ku), Venom chief Hung (Hsieh Wang), Venom chief mistress (Angela Yu Chien), and Fei Ying Chieh (Chung Wang). The lead performances imbue beauty and depth into the filmmaking. The Web of Death is exceptional and provides quite wonderful performances within the Shaw Brothers landscape.

The production features art direction by Ching-Shen Chen (An Amorous Woman of Tang Dynasty, The Tiger and the Widow). The production is exceptional in The Web of Death. The Web of Death is quite gripping and stunning. The production scope is enormous and there is so much to appreciate with a visual landscape that enriches the filmmaking.

The action is an integral part of the filmmaking. The Web of Death features top-notch stunts coordinated by Chia Tang (To Kill a Mastermind, Shaolin Intruders) and Cheung-Yan Yuen (Fist of Legend, Once Upon a Time in China). The stunt work is first-rate and adds to the production values of the film. The stunts coordination is superb. What a wonderful effort by the stunts team: the results in the film are top-notch.

The costumes by Chi-Yu Liu (Legendary Weapons of China, Return to the 36th Chamber) are superb and do not disappoint. The lead characters are especially well-dressed with costumes that feel perfect for these characters and their role in the film. The efforts by Liu are essential to the end result.

The score composed by Yung-Yu Chen (The Deadly Breaking Sword, Five Shaolin Masters) is a majestic addition to the production. The music is integral and vital to the filmmaking. The score provides an impressively epic backdrop to the film. The Web of Death features superb music that adds to the experience. The score elevates the drama and enhances the action spectacle.

The cinematography by Chieh Huang (New Tales of the Flying Fox, The Roving Swordsman) is a joy and wonder. The visual language of the cinematography is an impressive highlight of the filmmaking. The results are outstanding. The epic tapestry of the filmmaking is enhanced beautifully by the film and there is plenty to appreciate.

Edited by Hsing-Lung Chiang (The Avenging Eagle, The Love Eterne), The Web of Death is a perfectly paced gem. The editing by Chiang is top-notch and the first-rate editing helps the filmmaking excel. Wonderful flow and rhythm.

Written by Kuang Ni (The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter), The Web of Death is entertaining and well-written. The script is noteworthy and an essential part of the film. The character dynamics are impressive and the dialogue is well handled. A solid story and quality script.

Directed by Yuen Chor (The Magic Blade, Swordsman and Enchantress), The Web of Death is a must- see classic. The Web of Death features superb filmmaking. The action and spectacle quotas are enormous. Chor is a gifted director and the effort here is tremendous. A beautiful and essential Shaw Brothers classic.

The Web of Death Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Shout Factory, The Web of Death is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The presentation is crisp, detailed, and vibrant. The high-definition presentation provides a nice scan of the film. Colors are sometimes less vibrant than the most impressive Shaw Brothers transfers but the clean transfer impresses without egregious issues with dirt or other print deficiencies.

The Web of Death Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a selection of lossless audio options: Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (with English subtitles) and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. The presentation is impressive and it manages to add a lot to the experience. The lossless audio track is clear and capably preserves the soundstage. The subtitles are well done and are free from egregious spelling or grammatical errors.

The Web of Death Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary with Film Critic Ian Jane

Audio Commentary with Film Historian Brian Bankston

Original Theatrical Trailer (SD, 3:19)

Celestial Trailer (SD, 1:14)

The Web of Death Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Web of Death is a must-see Shaw Brothers martial arts classic. The performances are exceptional and add a lot of wonderment to the filmmaking. The production values are incredible and add so much texture to the filmmaking. The cinematography and visual language impresses. Highly recommended.