Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Undefeatable 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 7, 2023

1993’s “Undefeatable” is a highly bizarre fight film starring Cynthia Rothrock, who brings a special energy to most of her endeavors, capable of handling action choreography and at least a rudimentary offering of dramatic skills, doing well with limited thespian demands. However, she’s practically Streep-esque in this feature, which is a remarkably clumsy effort from director Godfrey Ho, a shockingly prolific helmer with limited interest in production refinement. He’s breezing through “Undefeatable,” putting zero attention on pace and performance, leaving Rothrock to do the heavy lifting while surrounded by astonishingly wooden actors, placing all of his concentration on fight sequences, which often lose intended ferocity, sliding right into campiness.

A diner server/street fighter with a heart of gold, Kristi (Cynthia Rothrock) is trying to make enough money to support her sibling’s college experience, with Karen (Sunny David) the responsible one of the sisters. Across town, mechanic-turned-kickboxer Paul (Don Niam) has lost touch with reality, learning his abused girlfriend, Anna (Emilie Davazac), has left him, putting him into a rage. Hunting for Anna, Paul decides to kidnap, torture, and kill any woman that looks like her, eventually murdering Karen during his rampage. Destroyed by the news of her sister’s death, Kristi launches a plan of revenge, tentatively teaming with Detective Nick (John Miller) to look for suspects, learning about Paul’s demented ways as he increases his barbaric acts.

“Undefeatable” brings Hong Kong action cinema to Maryland, identifying Paul as an American mean machine, powered by severe mommy issues and great strength, giving him a defined “Terminator” vibe. He’s a broad baddie, but everything in the feature is transformed into a cartoon, including Kristi, who slings coffee during the day and takes on challengers…well, later in the day. She’s tough and the one likable character in the screenplay, emerging as a no-nonsense type trying to support her sister, unafraid to pound adversaries (who resemble video game-style opponents) for cash prizes, showing some form of responsibility and support.

“Undefeatable” seems to be putting Kristi and Paul on a collision course, but the film’s priorities are strange, with Nick emerging as a main character, finding the easily outwitted cop looking to reach Paul before Kristi, only to end up partnering with her, but a funky buddy cop dynamic doesn’t emerge. Instead, supercop interests are highlighted, with Kristi almost, ever-so-slightly, handed the back seat in her ride to revenge. That’s not to suggest Rothrock has nothing to do. She takes on the bulk of the movie’s acting demands, and Ho makes time for fight sequences, allowing the star to pummel hyper-masculine goons, which is always a treat to watch. And time with street fighting is far more appealing than Paul’s subplot, with the madman slowly torturing female victims. Ho lingers on this sexual violence, doing his best to ruin the escapism potential of “Undefeated.”

Two versions of the film are presented on this release: the “Undefeatable” cut and the alternate “Blood Mary Killer” cut.

Undefeatable 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Screencaps are taken from the Blu-ray.

The "Undefeatable" UHD experience opens with an info card from Vinegar Syndrome, who share how the original negative suffered from "substantial image damage," with the threat of digital artifacting keeping them from a more extensive restoration effort. Indeed, some wear and tear is present during the viewing experience, with scratches, points of damage, and mild color fluctuations detected. Beyond the obvious, this is a striking viewing experience, with detail excellent throughout, exploring defined skin particulars and period costuming. Interiors retain decorative additions, and exteriors are deep. Colors are vivid, with primaries especially powerful, delivering deep reds and blues. Lighting elements and props also add rich hues. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is fine and film-like.

Undefeatable 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix offers a straightforward understanding of dialogue exchanges, hitting some sibilance issues along the way. Music cues support as intended, with a defined synth sound. Body blows and property destruction handles with sharp sound effects.

Undefeatable 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (10 pages) contains an essay by Danielle Burgos.

• Commentary on "Undefeatable" features actress Cynthia Rothrock.

• Commentary on "Bloody Mary Killer" features film historian Brandon Bentley.

• "Street Fighter" (12:27, HD) is an interview with actress Cynthia Rothrock, who was building her Hong Kong career when "Undefeatable" was presented, returning her to America for the shoot. Co-stars are recalled, with many of them determined to make a strong impression for the cameras, while others required lines taped to Rothrock's head to make it through the scene. Not exactly a fan of "Undefeatable," Rothrock has come around to the feature in recent times, responding to its unintended camp potential. The interviewee offers some strange memories of director Godfrey Ho, who would use hand as a stand-in when off-camera actors weren't around, and he was prone to reusing footage from his other pictures. Rothrock closes with a plug for her upcoming directorial debut.

• "It's a Cartoon with People" (17:52, HD) is an interview with cinematographer Phil Cook, who started his career working for Don Dohler, eventually catching the attention of director Godfrey Ho, who hired him for "Undefeatable." Recollections about Ho's presence on the set and his temperament are offered, and Cook details his experience making his first martial arts movie, loving the challenge. American locations are recalled, and actors are assessed, pointing out the times a poorly wigged stuntman was called in to double for Cynthia Rothrock. The interviewee closes with an appreciation for the silliness of "Undefeatable," and its eventual internet resurfacing as a subject of much mockery.

• "They Call Him Stingray" (25:33, HD) is an interview with actor Don Niam, who was interested in making his way into martial arts movies, testing the waters with some time in Los Angeles. Eventually cast in "Undefeatable," Niam shares thoughts on his co-star, barely interacting with Cynthia Rothrock, finding more of a friendship with John Miller. The interviewee's experience in the martial arts world is recalled, building new skills along the way, and the shoot is analyzed, with the taxing nature of the stunts pushing Niam to his limits. The weird cult appeal of "Undefeatable" is highlighted, with the picture representing different things to different audiences and generations.

• "A Mind for Action" (16:00, HD) is an interview with actress Donna Jason. Developing an interest in the martial arts after years as a dancer, Jason found her place in the Maryland scene, eventually hired for work on "Honor and Glory," returning for duty in "Undefeatable." Offering suggestions on the set, the interviewee was gifted an assistant director credit, eventually turning to screenwriting to help improve her material. Jason provides some thoughts on her time with director Godfrey Ho and co-star Cynthia Rothrock, and she offers some insights about the production's limited concern when it came to perfecting dramatic power.

• Interview (14:43, HD) is a discussion of "Undefeatable" with director Godfrey Ho, who began his career working for Chang Cheh, eventually rising up in the ranks with a young John Woo. This Shaw Brothers education provided the helmer with an understanding of the business, eventually stepping out on his own. The interviewee managed a prolific career in the 1980s, soon coming into contact with Cynthia Rothrock, with the pair teaming for "Honor and Glory." The interviewee also covers martial arts styles and his working relationship with Rothrock.

• "'Undefeatable' vs. 'Bloody Mary Killer'" (8:23, HD) identifies the differences between the two versions of "Undefeatable."

• "Cynthia Rothrock: A Legendary Life" (13:40, HD) is a video essay by Samm Deighan and Charles Perks.

• And an "Undefeatable" Trailer (2:42, HD) and a "Bloody Mary Killer" Trailer (2:40, HD) are included.

Undefeatable 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Undefeatable" seems like a prime choice for Bad Movie Night fun. The acting is absurdly stilted, action is strange at times, there are surges of ultraviolence, and Ho stops the whole thing on a few occasions to highlight martial art demos. It's goofy, which keeps it interesting, but there's sluggishness to the film that's frustrating, with Ho unable to get the picture up and moving like the best revenge thrillers. One can appreciate disastrous creative choices, but it's difficult to cheer on such ridiculousness when the endeavor is brought down by an overall immobility.