Monkey Kung Fu – 88 Films (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: Hong Kong, 1979
Director: Mar Lo
Writers: Mar Lo, On Szeto
Cast: Siu-Tung Ching, Chiu-Sing Hau, Feng Kuan, Hui-Huang Lin, Siu-Hung Leung

Release Date: March 22nd, 2022
Approximate Running Time: 93 Minutes 26 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVCC
Rating: NR
Sound: LPCM Mono Cantonese, LPCM Mono English
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region A,B
Retail Price: $29.95

"When prisoner Ching is given half of a wooden keepsake by a one eyed-master about to be executed, he breaks out of prison to go in search of the other half to discover its purpose. However, on his quest he is pursued by a gang leader who will also stop at nothing find out its secrets." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 3.5/5

Here’s the information provided about this release's transfer, “HD master from the original 35mm negatives.” 

Monkey Kung Fu comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 32.9 GB

Feature: 27.4 GB

The source used for this transfer is in great shape. Colors are nicely saturated, the image looks crisp, and though black levels fare well, there are moments when they could be improved.

Audio: 4/5 (LPCM Mono Cantonese), 3.25/5 (LPCM Mono English)

This release comes with two audio options, a LPCM mono mix in Cantonese and a LPCM mono mix in English. The Cantonese language track is the stronger of the two audio mixes. It sounds clean, clear and robust when it should. Though dialog comes through clearly on the English language track, there are some mild distortion issues, most prominent in the first twenty minutes. Included with this release are two subtitle options: English for the Cantonese language track and a second English subtitle track for Cantonese text and signs.

Extras:

Extras for this release include theatrical trailer (3 minutes 57 seconds, Dolby Digital mono Cantonese with burnt-in English and Cantonese subtitles), an interview with Choreographer Tony Leung Siu-hung titled Stunting Around (14 minutes 46 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), an audio commentary by Kenneth Brorsson and Phil Gillon of the Podcast On Fire Network, reversible cover art, a double-sided foldout poster, a limited edition slipcover and a twenty-four page booklet with an essay titled Going Ape Hong Kong Style: A Look Back at Monkey Kung Fu written by Andrew Graves.

Summary:

Monkey Kung Fu is an adventure martial arts film that begins in a prison. From there, a prisoner named Wei Chung escapes with another prisoner. Then, Wei Chung looks for the other half of a medallion that he was given by a prisoner before he was executed after escaping from prison.

From its opening moments, Monkey Kung Fu establishes a breakneck pace. The narrative is best described as minimal. The wall-to-wall fight sequences, which are inventive and well-executed, are the main attraction.

A few standout fight sequences include a scene in the prison where Wei Chung and the prisoner who gave him the half medallion fight in a dining area. In this sequence, the two fighters use the table, chairs, and even each other when executing their martial arts moves. Another standout fight sequence involves a man who holds a bird cage in one hand while fighting with his other hand.

Although the performances are best described as serviceable. With the standout performance being Siu-Tung Ching's portrayal of Wei Chung. His performance relies more on his character's fighting skills. His background as a stunt and action coordinator is put to good use in Monkey Kung Fu.

The most surprising aspect of Monkey Kung Fu is how it uses humor. Most of its contemporaries had humorous one-liners and humor that came from the fight sequences. All the humor in Monkey Kung Fu comes from its fight sequences. Most notably, the sequences that follow Wei Chung’s escape from prison. After his escape, he finds himself chained to another prisoner, and a humorous situation arises from their trying to find a way to get their chain removed. Another funny moment is when Wei Chung goes to a brothel and the prostitute uses her superior martial arts skills against him in bed. Ultimately, Monkey Kung Fu is a highly entertaining mix of action and humor.

Monkey Kung Fu gets a good release from 88 Films that comes with a strong audio/video presentation and a wealth of insightful extras, recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer