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

ADDITION: 88 Films Blu-ray (June 2025): 88 Films has transferred Ching Siu-tung's Witch from Nepal to Blu-ray. It is cited as a "Brand-new 2025 2K Restoration from original camera negative". The 1080P transfer offers decent detail in interior close-ups and vibrant colors during dream and temple sequences with strong reds and neon glows that enhance the film’s supernatural aesthetic. The image quality, however, is inconsistent (wide exterior shots lack sharpness, and effects.) Driven scenes show their age with some dated optical effects appearing soft. Black levels tend toward inky and rich with elevated contrast in night scenes, which enhances the impact of atmospheric visuals, like the foggy graveyard sequence. While the restoration cleans up dust and debris (preserving the film’s grainy texture,) the muted, dusty palette in non-fantastical scenes reflects source limitations rather than grading choices. Ching’s use of misty landscapes, blue-tinted lighting, and surreal effects creates a captivating supernatural aesthetic, especially in Nepal and the graveyard. Overall, the HD presentation is solid but not revelatory, making the film’s vividness effective while exposing its budgetary constraints. It is on a dual-layered disc with a maxed out bitrate.

NOTE: We have added 64 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE.

On their Blu-ray, 88 Films uses a linear PCM mono track (24-bit) in the original Cantonese language. The score for Witch from Nepal (with its ethereal and moody tones) complements the film’s supernatural vibe, though it lacks the memorability of contemporaries, like Mr. Vampire. Sound effects (such as the “whoosh” of wirework stunts) amplify the action’s energy, but the Warrior’s repetitive leopard-like roars become comical, undermining his menace. In the Nepal scenes, the music leans on haunting, flute-like melodies and soft percussion, evoking a mystical, tribal atmosphere akin to 1980s fantasy films. In Hong Kong, the score shifts to lighter, comedic cues with synthesized strings for romantic moments, though these feel generic and dated. The climax introduces pulsing, orchestral tracks with driving rhythms, amplifying the tension of the graveyard battle and wirework duels. The sound design (with its exaggerated effects and synthesized score) is typical of the period’s genre films, prioritizing impact over subtlety. The uncompressed handles it with ease, consistency, and no egregious flaws. 88 Films offers optional English subtitles on their Region 'B'-locked Blu-ray.

The 88 Films Blu-ray extras package is robust for a niche title, anchored by a feature commentary from East Asian film expert Frank Djeng (NY Asian Film Festival,) who delivers a wealth of production insights, Nepalese historical context, and arguments for the film’s influence despite its box office failure, giving the release value. A 20-minute interview with Tony Rayns (King of the Children: And the New Chinese Cinema) provides valuable background on director Ching Siu-tung and star Chow Yun-Fat, analyzing the film’s genre-blending ambitions. The trailer captures the film’s wild energy, while the stills gallery includes promotional images and behind-the-scenes shots, adding archival value. There is a 40-page perfect-bound booklet with archive stills and new essays by C.J. Lines (Filth Kiss) and David West.

Ching Siu-tung's Witch from Nepal is tripartite but uneven - an exotic, mystical opening in Nepal, a slower romantic and comedic middle in Hong Kong, and a horror-action climax. Joe’s (Chow Yun-fat) transformation from an ordinary architect to a supernaturally empowered protector embodies the hero’s journey archetype. His initial reluctance and eventual acceptance of his role explore themes of destiny and duty, though the film under develops this arc with Joe’s powers used sparingly (e.g., one telekinesis scene and the final battle.) The 88 Films Blu-ray of Witch from Nepal is a deluxe treatment of a flawed but fascinating Hong Kong cult oddity, ideal for collectors and fans of 1980s genre cinema.

Gary Tooze