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

ADDITION: Eureka Blu-ray (May 2021): Eureka have transferred Jimmy Wang Yu's One-Armed Boxer to Blu-ray. It is cited as being from a "brand-new restoration from the original film elements". The image suffers it the opening credits as being very rough, but once the film gets rolling - the 1080P image quality is pleasing if inconsistent in spots. There are some infused stills that definitely look inferior and the HD presentation is not the smoothest with some occasional frame-specific damage (see below). So while not without its inherent weaknesses, there is also impressive clarity in spots and plenty of depth. Colors seem true and minor grain peeking through.  

NOTE: We have added 58 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Eureka offer linear PCM mono track (24-bit) in the original Mandarin language, Mandarin dual-mono option, and an English DUB mono third choice. The film is still in the genre-era that was rife with whiplash, crackling metal and blunt bass punching sound effects. They come through, predictably, a bit hollow but add to the film's nostalgic charisma sounding consistent in the uncompressed audio transfer. It's hard not to recognize the liberal use of the "Shaft" theme and other music by Fu-Ling Wang (The Enchanting Ghost, The Flying Guillotine, The One-Armed Swordsman) that can sound Bond-like. Eureka offer optional English subtitles on their Region 'B'-locked Blu-ray.

The Eureka Blu-ray offers another new, and excellent, commentary by Asian film expert Frank Djeng (NY Asian Film Festival.) He's a treasure-trove of information describing certain cultural affectations in the film, why it was spoken in Mandarin and not Cantonese, careers of many of the performers as various fighters in the schools, including writer/director/actor Jimmy Wang Yu, Shaw Brothers at the same time and their movement to Wuxia (chivalry) out of romance dramas plus much more. He's the best for these details and has an extensive background to augment his knowledge. Eureka include the alternate English Credits as an extra, a The Chinese Professionals (the US title) promo, a stills gallery and an original, lengthy, Hong Kong trailer. The package has limited collector's edition (2000 copies) collector’s booklet featuring new writing by James Oliver and archival writing, an O-Card Slipcase featuring new artwork by Darren Wheeling and a reversible poster featuring new and original artwork. Fabulous.  

One-Armed Boxer is one of those very desirable classics of its genre and Jimmy Wang Yu crafted somewhat of a gem here while launching his career to the next level. It's over-the-top with extensive fight scenes and exaggerations with the evolution sequence of his 'iron-arm' is both silly and delightful. The characters are, for the moist part very black and white, and it would seem a quintessential effort in the appealing Wushu fantasy sect of 70's films. I loved it. There are many duplicators of One-Armed Boxer but this stands out as somewhat of a pioneer in moving to its vaunted place in history. I'm thrilled with the extensive love put into the Eureka Blu-ray from the restoration in 1080P to the illuminating Djeng commentary. If you have any inkling to this genre - then this is a must-own. Absolutely recommended!

Gary Tooze