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

ADDITION: Eureka Classics Blu-ray (May 2020): Eureka Classics have transferred Tsui Hark's Zu: Warriors from the Magic Mountain to Blu-ray. It is cited as being from a "brand new 2K restoration". It is on a dual-layered disc with a high bitrate in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio. It looks very good, if having some moments of inconsistency. The 1080P resolution allows you to see occasional 'wire' used for effects. The latter, more extravagant, special effects look pretty wild but, still sometimes, primitive with heightened dramaticism for the representation of magic. This is actually part of the film's appeal, imo. It is easy to identify some of it with Nobuhiko Obayashi's Hausu. So, yes, a few sequences looking compromised by the a less-effective source - but they are few and far between and the overall presentation is a delightful one - more power to the film's, convoluted, and unrestrained art direction. Grain is evident and colors appear to carry some depth. Occasional warts and all - I really enjoyed it.

On their Blu-ray, Eureka Classics use DTS-HD Master mono tracks (24-bit) in both Cantonese and an, sync-challenged, English language DUB. It has, predictably, 'intense' sound effects - frequently in choreographed battle scenes. There isn't a ton of depth but a stable high-end - which we often don't find in these Hong Kong action films of the 70s and 80s. There is a score by Sing-Yau Kwan (Adventures of a Little Savage), sounding consistent and clean. Eureka Classics offer optional English subtitles on their Region 'B' Blu-ray.

Firstly, Eureka include on their Blu-ray the export cut of the film, entitled Zu: Time Warrior, produced for European theatres, featuring a wraparound segment with Yuen Biao as a modern-day college student who is transported, Wizard of Oz style, to 10th Century China. It runs over 1.5 hours, is in 1080P but exported with a weak bitrate of only 12 Mbps. It is a decent curiosity to include. I haven't fully listened to the new audio commentary by critic and Asian cinema expert Tony Rayns, but I did notice a significant gap - although I will check that it is not my system. He is, as always, great - especially on the historical aspects of these productions, he mentioned some homo-erotic scenes and I look forward to fully indulging soon. He is the best for Asian film. Also included is a brand new interview with Tsui Hark. It is a lengthy (over an hour) and in-depth interview with director Tsui Hark filmed in 2020 exclusively for this release. he is frank and interesting. We get a 22-minute episode of Son of the Incredibly Strange Film Show which originally aired on British television in 1989. The series is presented by Jonathan Ross focusing on the world of "psychotronic" or B movies. It's fun. There are alternate opening credits, restored to their original Western presentation, a 13-minute archival Interview with Yien Biao in SD, plus interviews with Mang Hoi and Moon Lee plus a trailer. The package has a Limited Edition O-CARD with new artwork by Darren Wheeling and a collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film - both limited to 2000 units.

Tsui Hark's Zu: Warriors from the Magic Mountain is a delightful mix of comedy, supernatural (magic) and, of course, martial arts (Wuxia). It's a film that rarely lets up with constant conventions of the genres that it is, almost, parodying. It's the most fun I have had with one of these Hong Kong efforts in a long while.  The Eureka Classics Blu-ray has a lot of value with a stacked package that includes a Tony Rayns commentary, booklet and interviews, plus the export cut of the film - despite its weak quality. Still, very much worth indulging for fans of the director or multiple genres. It's a blast.

Gary Tooze