NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Kino Blu-ray (September 2021): Kino have transferred Robert Clouse's Golden Needles to Blu-ray. It is cited as being from a "Brand New 2K Master". It is on a dual-layered disc with a max'ed out bitrate. It looks fine - probably a direction function of the source - which was in decent shape without blemishes, marks or scratches. It tends to improve after the first 10-12 minutes with consistent film textures and depth. Contrast is pleasing - colors authentic showing richness. You can judge from the screen captures below.

NOTE: We have added 50 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Kino use a DTS-HD Master 2.0 channel track (24-bit) in the original English language. Golden Needles has plenty of fight scenes, people burned with a flame thrower, martial arts etc. that come through with surprising depth. Thee is a score by the great Lalo Schifrin (famous as the guy behind the Mission: Impossible theme as well as Bullitt, Dirty Harry, Joe Kidd, Rollercoaster, Charley Varrick, The Nude Bomb, Day of the Animals, Eye of the Cat, Hit!, Man on a Swing, The Manitou, Tango and many other films) sounding clean and impacting. The audio has consistent dialogue in the lossless transfer. Kino offer optional English (SDH) subtitles on their Region 'A' Blu-ray.

The Kino Blu-ray offers a new commentary by film historians Howard S. Berger and Chris Poggiali. They discuss the film's sexual references, the cast; Joe Don Baker, Elizabeth Ashley, Ann Sothern, Jim Kelly, Burgess Meredith, director Robert Clouse. They mention films that it evokes from The Maltese Falcon, Indiana Jones (the snakes), The Killer Elite and others. They do their best to garner appreciation for Golden Needles. There are also Radio Spots, a TV Spot, an image gallery and a theatrical trailer. The package has newly commissioned art by Vince Evans, a reversible sleeve (see below) and an limited edition O-card slipcase.   

Robert Clouse's Golden Needles is an unusually crafted film. It's an American International release 'presented' by Samuel Z. Arkoff. While not the most effective 'adventure-thriller', it sure has an interesting premise and starts with this narration: "In China, during the Sung Dynasty, a single golden statue was cast for the use of the Emperor. It indicated-seven forbidden acupuncture points. Used in correct sequence, they brought about extraordinary sexual vigor and youth. Used incorrectly, they brought instant and painful death." It is surrounded by Asian mystique and is a comfortable, sometimes humorous, viewing. The Kino Blu-ray is done to the '9's' with commentary and intriguing packaging. Curious fans may wish to indulge. 

Gary Tooze