Return of the Bastard Swordsman

Search DVDBeaver

S E A R C H D V D B e a v e r

(aka 'Bu yi shen xiang')

Directed by Chin-Ku Lu
Hong Kong 1984

Just when you think you’ve had enough, the Shaw Brothers turn the brutality up another notch in Return of Bastard Swordsman. Hsu Sha-chiang (Bastard Swordsman, Hong Kong Godfather) reaches new levels of violent intensity. You’ll grip your chest and check your pulse when you witness one of the most over-the-top Kung Fu moves ever caught on film: the Phantom technique, a harrowing attack with the power to burst the human heart. Make no mistake—the Bastard is back.

Poster

Theatrical Release: September 30th 1984

Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews

DVD Review: Funimation - Region 1 - NTSC

DVD Box Cover		CLICK to order from:
Distribution	Funimation Productions - Region 1 - NTSC
Runtime	1:33:45
Video	2.35:1 Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 7.70 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate:
Audio	Mandarin (mono) DUB: English (Dolby Digital 2.0)
Subtitles	English, None
Features	Release Information: Studio: Funimation Aspect Ratio: Original Aspect Ratio 2.35:1 Edition Details: • 8 Funimation Preview trailers DVD Release Date: December 7th, 2010 Transparent Keep Case Chapters: 21

Comments:

We can pretty much mimic our comments for the simultaneously released Funimation DVD of Bastard Swordsman. Return was closer to the end of the Shaw Brothers wuxia fantasy dynasty. It has all the fun of the first feature with an expansion of hokey effects. Still a very watchable part of the genre - definitely worth seeing.

The Funimation transfer is again competent - dual-layered, progressive and anamorphic in 2.35 widescreen. It can look a little faded but is clean, consistent and has impressive detail. I think it gave me as good a presentation as Bastard Swordsman.

Audio offers the same two flavors - Mandarin mono with the more obvious post-dubbing and an English stereo DUB (which I briefly sampled). The flatness of the dialogue is a factor of production - and not unpleasant. The extensive fight sounds whiplash through the fronts. There are well-rendered optional English subtitles on the region 1 NTSC disc.

No extras save for 8 Funimation preview trailers that hold some promise of more. This is another very pleasing release - easily slipping you into all the fun - although sadly nearing the end of the Shaw's run. It makes for a perfect Double Feature with Bastard Swordsman. We recommend. Enjoy!