Magnificent Bodyguards: Deluxe Limited Edition – 88 Films (3D Blu-ray/Blu-ray Combo)

Theatrical Release Date: Hong Kong, 1978
Director: Lo Wei
Writer: Gu Long
Cast: Jackie Chan, James Tien, Leung Siu-lung (Bruce Liang), Wang Ping, Lau Ming, Lee Man-tai, Luk Chuen, Fang Fang, Ko Keung

Release Date: June 29th, 2026 (UK), June 30th, 2026 (USA)
Approximate Running Time: 103 Minutes 55 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC
Rating: 15 (UK), R (USA)
Sound: LPCM Mono Mandarin, LPCM Mono Cantonese, LPCM Mono English, LPCM Mono English With Alternate Music Cues
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region A,B
Retail Price: £25.00 (UK), $49.95 (USA)

"Jackie Chan leaps out of the screen in Magnificent Bodyguards! As Lord Ting Chung, he commits to leading a team of warriors escorting a gravely ill man across a treacherous land known as Stormy Hills—a place filled with danger, betrayal, and possible death. But as the journey unfolds, could their mysterious charge be hiding a deadly secret?" - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 4.25/5 (All Versions)

Here’s the information provided about this release's transfer, "Brand new 2K restoration from the original camera negatives."

Magnificent Bodyguards 3D version comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 44.6 GB

Feature: 37.8 GB

Magnificent Bodyguards, the 2D version, comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 41.2 GB

Feature: 34.4 GB

Magnificent Bodyguards, an anaglyph 3D version, comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 39.9 GB

Feature: 33.1 GB

The source is clean, free of any imperfections; it's easily the best it's looked on home media. Flesh tones look healthy, colors look correct, image clarity and black levels are strong, and there are no issues with compression. That said, while watching the 2D version, the moments that do not use 3D look considerably stronger.

Note: There are reports that some people are having trouble with some of the discs, notably the 3D disc.

Audio: 4.5/5 (LPCM Mono Mandarin, LPCM Mono Cantonese), 3.75/5 (LPCM Mono English, LPCM Mono English With Alternate Music Cues)

This release comes with four audio options: a LPCM mono mix in Mandarin, a LPCM mono mix in Cantonese, a LPCM mono mix in English, and an alternate music cue LPCM mono mix in English. Mandarin and Cantonese are the two strongest tracks; dialogue always comes through clearly, and everything sounds balanced and robust when it should. That said, the two English-language tracks sound muffled and lack the depth that the other tracks have. Included are removable English subtitles for the Mandarin-language track, removable English subtitles for the Cantonese-language track, and removable English subtitles for Mandarin text when watching in English.

Extras:

Extras are the same across these three discs. Extras include an English-language theatrical trailer (3 minutes 35 seconds, DTS-HD mono English, no subtitles), a Mandarin-language theatrical trailer (3 minutes 35 seconds, DTS-HD mono Mandarin with removable English subtitles), an interview with Steve Lawson titled Magnificent Bodyguards - A New Dimension in Action? (8 minutes 56 seconds, DTS-HD stereo English, no subtitles), an interview with film critic James Mudge titled Punching Into the 3rd Dimension, and an audio commentary with Hong Kong film experts Frank Djeng and F.J. DeSanto.

Other extras include reversible cover art; a lenticular cover featuring new artwork by “Kung Fu Bob” O'Brien; one pair of anaglyph 3D glasses (red and blue); and a 32-page booklet with an essay titled Long Live The King: Crossing the Cloudy Mountain written by Thorsten Boose and archival images.

Note: The 3D anaglyph Blu-ray and glasses are only available for the first pressing.

Summary:

Lo Wei directed Magnificent Bodyguards. He is best known for directing two Bruce Lee films and six Jackie Chan films.

A kung fu master is hired to escort a woman and her sick brother through the dangerous Stormy Hills, an area controlled by criminals.

Over the course of their six film collaborations, Lo Wei attempted to make Jackie Chan the next Bruce Lee, and in Magnificent Bodyguards, he employed 3D technology and everything he could to make Jackie Chan the next big thing in martial arts cinema. In their first film, New Fists of Fury, Lo Wei tried to make Jackie Chan the next Bruce Lee, and with Magnificent Bodyguards, Lo Wei would employ 3D in hopes of elevating his stature as a filmmaker. Unfortunately for Lo Wei, he would never try the one thing that would later make Jackie Chan a star.

At the heart of Magnificent Bodyguards is a story rooted in deception. While there is a hero, Lord Ting Chung, he actually takes a backseat to a rogue gallery of criminals and killers who each have a unique set of fighting skills. Unknown to Lord Ting Chung is that the man he’s escorting is actually the king of Stormy Hills, and he’s on a vendetta against an imposter who assumed his throne.

Although Jackie Chan’s character Lord Ting Chung would be considered the protagonist, Magnificent Bodyguards is really an ensemble cast where no one cast member stands out. Other notable cast members are James Tien (Fists of Fury) in the role of Tsang, a character who skins their opponents and Leung Siu-lung, who’s better known as Bruce Liang, in the role of a deaf fighter named Chang.

While the fight scenes are not on the level of other Jackie Chan films like Snake in the Eagle's Shadow, Snake & Crane Arts of Shaolin, and Drunken Master, they do take advantage of the 3D aspects. Another thing about the fight choreography and Lo Wei’s directing: both benefit more from the cast's contributions than his creative instincts. The most notable fight scene sees Jackie Chan’s character fight snakes.

I found the narrative engaging, despite its shortcomings, notably its inability to maintain momentum. The narrative could have achieved better balance by incorporating more exposition and reducing the heavy reliance on action set pieces. Magnificent Bodyguards is yet another 1970s martial arts film with familiar music cues, this time around Star Wars. Ultimately, Magnificent Bodyguards is a film that is most remembered for being the first Hong Kong film in 3D, and it is only recommended for Jackie Chan completists.

Magnificent Bodyguards gets a solid release from 88 Films that comes with a strong audio/video presentation and informative extras. Recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer

The Invincible Eight – 88 Films (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: Hong Kong, 1971
Director: Lo Wei
Writers: Lo Wei, Lo Tai-Wai
Cast: Nora Miao, Angela Mao, James Tien, Tang Ching, Han Ying-Chieh, Lydia Shum, Sammo Hung Kam-Bo, Lam Ching-Ying, Bruce Leung

Release Date: May 12th, 2026
Approximate Running Time: 98 Minutes 58 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC
Rating: NR
Sound: LPCM Mono Mandarin
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region A
Retail Price: $29.95

"The story follows eight warriors, each driven by the same burning purpose: to avenge the brutal murders of their fathers at the hands of a ruthless general. Among them are two of the era's most iconic stars—Nora Miao (The Way of the Dragon) and Angela Mao (Enter the Dragon)—whose fierce determination and commanding presence anchor the film's emotional and physical battles alike. Backed by an ensemble that includes Sammo Hung, James Tien, and Lydia Shum, The Invincible Eight balances breathtaking action choreography with heartfelt human drama." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 4/5

Here’s the information provided about this release's transfer, "This stunning Blu-ray edition from 88 Films restores The Invincible Eight in 2K from the original negative."

The Invincible Eight comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 27.3 GB

Feature: 25.5 GB

The source looks excellent; flesh tones and colors look correct, image clarity and compression are solid, and there are no issues with digital noise reduction. That said, there are a few instances where image clarity is not as strong.

Audio: 3.5/5

This release comes with one audio option, a LPCM mono mix in Mandarin with removable English subtitles. While the track sounds clean, it is not the most expansive when it comes to range. Fortunately, dialogue comes through clearly enough to follow and ambient sounds during action sequences are well represented.

Extras:

Extras for this release include an image gallery with music from the film playing in the background (posters/stills), a theatrical trailer (3 minutes 39 seconds, Dolby Digital mono Mandarin with removable English subtitles), an audio commentary with Asian cinema experts Frank Djeng and Michael Worth, reversible cover art, a fold-out poster (limited to the first pressing), and an O-Ring slipcase (limited to the first pressing).

Summary:

Lo Wei directed The Invincible Eight. He is best known for directing two Bruce Lee films and six Jackie Chan films.

8 offspring of 8 different generals join forces in their quest to avenge the deaths of their fathers by killing the man responsible, General Hsiao.

After making a name for himself at the Shaw Brothers, directing such films as Dragon Swamp, The Golden Sword, and Brothers Five, Lo Wei would make the move to a new company called Golden Harvest. His first film for Golden Harvest was The Invincible Eight, a film that has many elements associated with Wuxia, a genre that the Shaw Brothers dominated in the 1960s. While The Invincible Eight and his next film for Golden Harvest, The Comet Strikes, have a workman quality that’s a hallmark of his filmography, The Big Boss and Fist of Fury would make him one of the most prominent directors in Hong Kong.

Revenge is the most central theme explored throughout martial arts cinema. The Invincible Eight is a film about revenge where 8 strangers who all have a common goal join forces. Standing in their way is the man who had their fathers killed, and when he learns of their desire for revenge, he sends his army of men after them. Along the way, the 8 strangers form a bond as they face a series of obstacles; notably, a few of them are captured and tortured for information.

The Invincible Eight has a solid cast; several of them, like Angela Mao (Lady Whirlwind) and Nora Miao (Fists of Fury), are in their first prominent roles. In the case of Nora Miao, it is her film debut. Angela Mao portrays a character who disguises herself as a man (a familiar martial arts trope), while Nora Miao portrays a gifted martial artist whose ability to be one step ahead of her opponent is unrivaled. Another performance of note is Han Ying-Chieh (The Big Boss) in the role of General Hsiao. The Invincible Eight also features Sammo Hung Kam-Bo (The Magnificent Butcher) and Lam Ching-Ying (Mr. Vampire) in early roles, portraying General Hsiao’s henchmen.

The narrative quickly jumps right into the action with a scene where General Hsiao's men chase several rebels. This opening setup does an excellent job setting the stage for what follows, and out of all of the action sequences, it is the strongest. That said, when it comes to most of the action sequences, they lack inventiveness and play things too safe. While there is a case to be made that The Invincible Eight is one of Lo Wei’s best films not associated with Bruce Lee, it still has some shortcomings that are a hallmark of his films, notably a deliberate pacing that disrupts momentum. Ultimately, The Invincible Eight’s positives far outweigh any of its negatives, making it a must-see film for fans of 1970s martial arts cinema.

88 Films gives The Invincible Eight a strong audio/video presentation and there is an insightful audio commentary. Recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer

Martial Law: Lo Wei's Wuxia World – Eureka Video (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Dates: Hong Kong, 1968 (The Black Butterfly, Death Valley), Hong Kong, 1971 (Vengeance of a Snow Girl)
Director: Lo Wei (All Films)
Cast: Chiao Chiao, Yueh Hua, Tien Feng, Yang Chi-Ching, Fan Mei-Sheng, Ku Feng (The Black Butterfly), Yueh Hua, Angela Yu Chien, Chiu Chien-Ying, Chen Hung-Lieh, Lo Wei, Chao Hsiun, Lee Kwan (Death Valley), Li Ching, Yueh Hua, Ku Feng, Tien Feng, Lisa Chiao Chiao, Paul Chang Chung, Huang Tsung-Hsun, Lee Kwan, Sammo Hung Kam-Bo (Vengeance of a Snow Girl)

Release Date: August 18th, 2025 (UK), August 19th, 2025 (USA)
Approximate Running Times: 110 Minutes 43 Seconds (The Black Butterfly), 99 Minutes 12 Seconds (Death Valley), 122 Minutes 54 Seconds (Vengeance of a Snow Girl)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC (All Films)
Rating: 15 (UK), NR (USA)
Sound: LPCM Mono Mandarin (All Films)
Subtitles: English (All Films)
Region Coding: Region A,B
Retail Price: £19.99 (UK), $39.95 (USA)

"In 'The Black Butterfly', a good-hearted thief acts as the Robin Hood of the martial world, robbing from the rich to give to the poor - and they begin by stealing a fortune in gold from a group of five ruthless bandits holed up at Five Devils Rock. Then, in 'Death Valley', the Lord of Chao Manor (Lo Wei) is murdered by his niece (Angela Yu Chien), leading to a bitter fight to claim his land and a clash between a hired swordsman (Chen Hung-lieh) and the Lord's heir apparent (Yueh Hua). Finally, in 'Vengeance of a Snow Girl', a young woman (Li Ching) takes revenge for her murdered parents, who were killed in a dispute over the legendary Tsui Feng sword - leading to a final showdown on frozen ground." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 3.75/5 (The Black Butterfly, Death Valley), 4/5 (Vengeance of a Snow Girl)

Here’s the information provided about this release's transfers, "1080p HD presentations of all three films."

The Black Butterfly and Death Valley come on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 44.3 GB

Feature: 23.1 GB (The Black Butterfly), 21.1 GB (Death Valley)

Vengeance of a Snow Girl comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 38.9 GB

Feature: 34.1 GB

These transfers are on par with other already existing HD sources. Colors and flesh tones look correct, image clarity and black levels are strong, and there are no issues with compression. Although some digital noise reduction is noticeable, it does not detract from the viewing experience.

Audio: 4.25/5 (Death Valley), 3.75/5 (The Black Butterfly, Vengeance of a Snow Girl)

Each film comes with one audio option, a LPCM mono mix in Mandarin with removable English subtitles. All of the audio tracks are in good shape; dialogue comes through clearly, and everything sounds balanced. That said, Death Valley sounds robust, while the other audio track sounds more confined.

Extras:

Extras on the disc with The Black Butterfly and Death Valley include an audio commentary with action cinema experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema for The Black Butterfly and an audio commentary with Mike Leeder and Arne Venema for Death Valley.

Extras on the disc with Vengeance of a Snow Girl include an interview with Hong Kong cinema scholar Wayne Wong on the life and work of Lo Wei titled Hong Kong Hustle (20 minutes 7 seconds, LPCM stereo English, no subtitles) and an audio commentary with Mike Leeder and Arne Venema for Vengeance of a Snow Girl.

Other extras include a reversible cover art, an O-card slipcase (limited to 2,000 copies), and a 24-page booklet (limited to 2,000 copies) with cast & crew information for each film, an essay titled A Pillar of Traditional The Life and Work of Lo Wei written by Camille Zaurin and information about the transfer titled Notes on Viewing.

Summary:

Lo Wei directed The Black Butterfly, Death Valley, and Vengeance of a Snow Girl. He is best known for directing two Bruce Lee films and six Jackie Chan films. Lo Wei’s career can be broken into two distinct halves: before and after Bruce Lee. His output before Bruce Lee mostly consisted of Wuxia films, a genre that he excelled at. Though he is most known for Bruce Lee and films he made after those two films, one should not undervalue his contributions to the Wuxia genre.

The Black Butterfly: A masked thief known as the Black Butterfly takes from bandits and the wealthy, giving to those in need.

The Black Butterfly is a Robin Hood-like scenario in a Wuxia world. The opening setup brilliantly introduces the protagonist and showcases her ability to move unseen. She wears clothing that masks her identity, and she leaves her calling card, a Black Butterfly, at the scene of the crime.

Although there is not much in the way of action early on, the narrative is always engrossing and moves quickly. These opening moments largely depend on tension arising from instances where the protagonist navigates through dangerous places. However, when action sequences do occur, they are inventive and well-executed, showcasing exceptional swordplay.

All around, the cast are excellent, especially Chiao Chiao’s (One-Armed Swordsman) portrayal of Kwan Bao Zhu, aka Black Butterfly. She does a phenomenal job portraying her character's two distinct sides: the mild-mannered Kwan Bao Zhu, who does not know any martial arts, and Black Butterfly, a highly skilled martial arts fighter. Another performance of note is Yueh Hua (Come Drink with Me), who portrays Liu Xi Lang, a man tasked with unmasking and capturing Black Butterfly. His character also becomes romantically involved with Kwan Bao Zhu.

Deception plays a crucial role in the unfolding story. Although there are numerous clues that could reveal Black Butterfly's identity, she consistently manages to turn the tables on her pursuers. There is also a revenge subplot, where a character wants revenge for a family member who was murdered. That said, the protagonist's story and the revenge subplot collide in the finale.

Though the narrative opens strongly, the middle section relies heavily on action, leading to a lack of exposition. Fortunately, the last act returns to form, effectively building momentum toward a finale in which the Black Butterfly and her accomplices attack the bandits' fortress. Ultimately, The Black Butterfly’s positives far outweigh its negatives, making it a film that Wuxia fans should enjoy.

Death Valley: An assassin befriends a man he’s been hired to kill.

In Death Valley, two main elements emerge: a femme fatale character who manipulates men against one another to eliminate any obstacles in her pursuit of her uncle's fortune, and a case of mistaken identity that jeopardizes her plans. The primary obstacle in her path is a cousin who was en route before she orchestrated her uncle's murder. Furthermore, the initial setup effectively develops the characters and their motivations.

Although a character's greed initiates the story, the dynamic between the assassin and the man he befriended instead of killing ultimately drives the narrative. A significant twist arises in their relationship when one man takes on the identity of the other. Additionally, the story is filled with numerous twists and turns that keep you guessing, and when the moment of truth arrives, its outcome is a surprise.

The performances are solid, especially Angela Yu Chien (The Cave of the Silken Web), who portrays Chiu Chien-Ying, the niece of a wealthy man who's determined to eliminate anyone who stands in the way of her inheritance. Another performance of note is Yueh Hua (Clans of Intrigue) in the role of Chiu Yu-Lung, the nephew and the rightful heir to the fortune. Director Lo Wei even makes an appearance in the role of the murdered uncle.

The action sequences are exemplary, many of the kills are gory, and there are some severed limbs. For a film made during the late 1960s, there are some surprisingly risque moments. The score, like so many 1960s and 70s martial arts films, has uncredited music, and in this instance it is a music cue from James Bond. Ultimately, Death Valley is a perfect blend of melodrama and action, making it a must-see for fans of Wuxia cinema.

Vengeance of a Snow Girl: A crippled woman with exceptional martial arts skills and a coveted sword seeks revenge against the four men who killed her parents.

Vengeance of a Snow Girl was a transitional film for Lo Wei; it was his final film for the Shaw Brothers before his move to Golden Harvest and then working on his own. After Vengeance of a Snow Girl, there was a dramatic shift in the type of films Lo Wei directed as he moved away from fantasy films and shifted to a more realistic kind of action. His direction is exceptional; he delivers what is arguably his best Wuxia film.

Revenge is the most used theme in martial arts cinema, and it is front and center in Vengeance of a Snow Girl. It is a classic revenge scenario: a child witnesses the death of a family, in this case both parents, grows up, and then sets out to exact said revenge. That said, what sets the protagonist apart from other revenge-themed martial arts films is that she’s a cripple, and outwardly she does not appear to be a threat.

When the protagonist is introduced in Vengeance of a Snow Girl, the story employs a familiar martial arts trope: a woman disguising herself as a man. Her movements are misleading, despite the limitations imposed by a childhood incident that affects her leg usage. She wields two golden canes, one of which conceals a hidden sword, and at times, she appears to float in the air.

The main attraction of Vengeance of a Snow Girl is Li Ching (Have Sword, Will Travel) in the role of the protagonist, Shen Ping-Hung. She delivers a powerful performance that effectively conveys her character's rage, and she excels in the action sequences. While her performance stands out and overshadows the rest of the cast, the other performances are still strong. The cast has several recognizable faces, including Yueh Hua (The Sentimental Swordsman), Chiao Chiao (Return of the One-Armed Swordsman), and Sammo Hung Kam-Bo (The Magnificent Butcher), in a brief non-speaking role as one of the bad guys' henchmen.

From a production standpoint, Vengeance of a Snow Girl is a film where everything falls into place. The premise is superbly executed, and a well-constructed narrative does a phenomenal job building momentum to a bittersweet ending. A strength of the narrative is how effectively it employs a flashback to fill in the details behind the protagonist's quest for revenge. The action sequences and stuntwork are exemplary; they are inventive, and they deliver an ample amount of surprises. Ultimately, Vengeance of a Snow Girl stands out as an exceptional film, representing one of the finest examples of the Wuxia genre. It also deserves recognition as one of Lo Wei’s greatest works.

Eureka Video’s Martial Law: Lo Wei's Wuxia World brings together three films directed by Lo Wei, gives them strong audio/video presentations, and includes informative extras. Highly recommended.

 

Written by Michael Den Boer

The Tattooed Dragon – Eureka Video (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: Hong Kong, 1973
Director: Lo Wei
Writer: Lo Wei
Cast: Jimmy Wang Yu, Samuel Hui, Sylvia Chang, James Tin, Lee Kwan, Erh Chun, Lee Kwok-Keung, Simon Hsu 

Release Date: July 21st, 2025 (UK), July 22nd, 2025 (USA)
Approximate Running Time: 98 Minutes 49 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC
Rating: 15 (UK), NR (USA)
Sound: LPCM Mono Mandarin, LPCM Mono English
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region A,B
Retail Price: £17.99 (UK), $39.95 (USA)

"Wang Yu stars as the eponymous Tattooed Dragon, a virtuous martial artist who makes a habit of defending the defenseless. After he is injured in a fight, he is taken in by a farmer (Samuel Hui, The Swordsman) and his sweetheart (Chang), and soon finds himself having to defend their local village when it becomes the target of a gangster (Tien) and his crew. Determined to lay their hands on the village’s rich resources, the gangsters install a casino and encourage the locals to gamble away everything they have. But the Tattooed Dragon has other ideas…" - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 4.25/5

Here’s the information provided about this release's transfer, "The Tattooed Dragon presented in 1080p HD from a new 2K restoration."

The Tattooed Dragon comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 36.7 GB

Feature: 31.1 GB

The source used for this transfer looks excellent. Colors are nicely saturated, the image looks crisp, black levels are strong, and there are issues with compression.

Audio: 4.25/5 (LPCM Mono Mandarin), 3.75/5 (LPCM Mono English)

This release comes with two audio options, a LPCM mono mix in Mandarin and a LPCM mono mix in English. Both audio tracks sound clear and balanced. That said, the Mandarin language track sounds more robust. Included are removable English subtitles for the Mandarin language track and removable English subtitles for Mandarin text when watching the English language track.

Extras:

Extras for this release include a U.S. theatrical trailer (1 minute 12 seconds, LPCM mono English, no subtitles), a Hong Kong theatrical trailer (3 minutes 30 seconds, LPCM mono Mandarin with burnt-in English and Cantonese subtitles), alternate opening credits from the English-language release (2 minutes 54 seconds, LPCM mono English, no subtitles), an interview with martial arts cinema expert Wayne Wong titled Here Be Dragons (16 minutes 12 seconds, LPCM stereo English with non-removable subtitles for Mandarin film clips), an audio commentary with East Asian cinema expert Frank Djeng (NY Asian Film Festival), an audio commentary with action cinema experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema, reversible cover art, an O-card slipcase (limited to 2000 copies), and a 20-page booklet (limited to 2000 copies) with cast & crew information, an essay titled The Big Bosses Golden Harvest and The Tattooed Dragon written by James Oliver and information about the transfer titled Notes on Viewing.

Summary:

Lo Wei directed The Tattooed Dragon. He is best known for directing two Bruce Lee films and six Jackie Chan films.

A virtuous outsider helps a village fight back against a gang who own a casino and are cheating the citizens out of all of their money and property.

Although Lo Wei is not a filmmaker who is known for a distinctive style, when it came to building films around an actor, he was one of Hong Kong’s best in this regard. After working with Bruce Lee on a pair of films, Lo Wei would work with Jimmy Wang Yu on four films: A Man Called Tiger, Seven Magnificent Fights, The Tattooed Dragon, and The Killer Meteors. Where Lo Wei’s other collaborations teamed him up with an up-and-coming actor, Jimmy Wang Yu was one of the biggest names in martial arts cinema at the time. Jimmy Wang Yu often portrayed characters who were injured or lost a limb, and in The Tattooed Dragon his character suffers an injury; early on, his leg is stabbed, causing him to walk with a noticeable hobble.

Martial arts cinema, especially from the 1970s, really knew how to create memorable opening sequences that set the foundation for the events that unfold. The Tattooed Dragon gives Jimmy Wang Yu’s character, known as Tattooed Dragon, a grand opening sequence where he comes upon a gang of thieves who have stolen money. Despite being greatly outnumbered, he confronts all of the thieves and retrieves the stolen money. Additionally, a notable aspect of this sequence is that he sustains an injury but cleverly uses his wits to narrowly escape, allowing him to fight another day.

While Jimmy Wang Yu serves as the main draw as the protagonist, Samuel Hui portrays Xiao Yang, a farmer who aids Tattooed Dragon in his recovery from injuries. This character can also be considered a dual lead. This character has a subplot that revolves around him and Ah-xiang, the woman he loves. Samuel Hui’s first four films were all directed by Lo Wei, and he had prominent roles in all of them. Other cast members of note are Sylvia Chang (Immortal Story) in the role of Ah-xiang and James Tin, most known for the two films he had worked on with Bruce Lee; he portrays The Boss.

The action sequences are solid; there is even a Thai boxing sequence. Although the opening setup is action-heavy, outside of a few fights, the bulk of the action is on the backend. The biggest and best fight sequence is saved for the finale, where Tattooed Dragon is once again greatly outnumbered. This sequence, like all of the fights, is brutal and intense, and it culminates with the main villain, The Boss, on fire.

The most memorable moment is a scene at the casino where Tattooed Dragon (who's in disguise) and Xiao Yang win back all the money and property deeds that the gang stole from the locals. Knowing the gang’s tricks, Tattooed Dragon, who’s wearing sunglasses, uses his ears to guess the dice numbers. Martial arts films often have hard-to-watch moments, like women being assaulted. The Tattooed Dragon has a scene where a mother ties herself and her three children up, and they jump into the river and drown. Martial arts films are also known for lifting music cues, and The Tattooed Dragon takes music from Once Upon a Time in the West. Ultimately, The Tattooed Dragon is a fairly routine martial arts film that works as well as it does because of Jimmy Wang Yu’s performance.

The Tattooed Dragon gets a first-rate release from Eureka Video that comes with a strong audio/video presentation and informative extras. Recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer