6.5 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Secret agent, Duncan Jax, must form an elite strike force to stop the sale of atomic weapons to the Scarlet Leader, mankind's most evil and sadistic adversary.
Starring: Ian Hunter (VII), C.K. Bibby, Shakti Chen, Ed GradyAdventure | 100% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)
BDInfo verified
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (C untested)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
If you were a filmgoer in the 1980s, perhaps you were thinking, “This James Bond movie needs more ninjas.” Or maybe, “This ninja movie needs more James Bond.” Well, 1986’s “Unmasking the Idol” is going to be your best friend, as director Worth Skeeter attempts to merge the worlds of martial arts and superspy adventures, delivering all the excitement he can with a very limited budget, unknown actors, and sets left over from previous productions. Ambition runs pretty high here, as Skeeter strives to make a big impression with his action extravaganza, trying to deliver furious battles and elaborate escape plans while offering a tongue-in-cheek take on 007-style antics featuring a British secret agent. “Unmasking the Idol” isn’t sturdily built, lacking a great deal of momentum in the second act, but it’s a fun romp for the most part, as Skeeter really wants to entertain with this effort, doing what he can to delight viewers. And if you’re thinking, “Does this James Bond movie about ninjas contain a supporting performance from a baboon wearing a gi?” The answer is yes.
The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is sourced from a 2K scan of the 35mm interpositive. "Unmasking the Idol" is generally a brightly lit adventure film, and detail reaches as far as it can go, delivering softer textures on sets and skin particulars. Exteriors remain dimensional, and interiors are open for inspection, exploring the strange lairs used by the main characters. Colors are compelling, with deep reds on enemy ninjas and distinct primaries elsewhere. Golden glow for treasure is preserved. Greenery is exact, and skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is heavier but film-like. Source is in good condition.
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix delivers a mostly crisp listening experience. Dialogue exchanges are clear, handling a variety of accents and performance choices without issue. Scoring delivers distinct support, with decent instrumentation and emphasis during ninja battle sequences. Sound effects register as intended. Some age-related wear is detected, but it's very mild and brief.
There are issues with "Unmasking the Idol," which noticeably loses steam in the middle act, unable to make dry character interactions as enjoyable as martial art showdowns and cartoonish villainy. There's an extended finale to invigorate the last act, following the heroes as they deal with the castle's traps, which involves hungry alligators, and the action takes to the sky once again as balloons reenter the feature. "Unmasking the Idol" is madness in search of wilder execution, but Skeeter provides an appealing viewing experience that will likely be catnip to fans of B-movie weirdness. Oddly enough, the Duncan Jax saga doesn't end here, with 1987's "The Order of the Black Eagle" continuing the adventure for the spy/ninja, giving Skeeter a second chance to play in this sandbox, though it's hard to believe there's anywhere to go after watching 90 minutes of a man and his baboon beating up brightly colored enforcers while planning their balloon escapes.
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