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

ADDITION: Eureka Classics Blu-ray (June 2021): Eureka brings the Sammo Kam-Bo Hung classic horror/comedy Encounter of the Spooky Kind to Blu-ray on a new dual-layered disc. This is the first time the film has been available on Blu-ray in the UK, and this transfer is from a brand new 2K restoration. The 1980 film's print must have been in pristine condition, for this is a very good looking 2K transfer. Fine details are very discernible, especially in bright or heavily lit scenes. The film does have some darker moments, typically utilizing various spooky lighting that wouldn't be out of place in a Hammer horror film. It is in these darker moments that details get a little harder to come by, though the Blu-ray sports a fully maxed out bitrate which helps the image when in motion, as does the film's fine grain structure.

NOTE: We have added 44 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

Eureka's Blu-ray of Encounter of the Spooky Kind includes a bevy of audio options. The film is available in the original theatrical Cantonese (24-bit linear PCM mono), remixed Cantonese audio from the original home video release (16-bit linear PCM mono), a classic English dub from the English VHS release (16-bit linear PCM mono) as well as an alternate English dub presented in surround sound audio (16-bit 5.1 DTS-HD Master audio). While the quality obviously varies depending on which track you choose, you can't go wrong with the original Cantonese track or the new English dub in surround sound. There is a nice separation in the 5.1 channels, without the various hits and kicks jolting you out of your seat. Some may recognize excerpts from the Phantasm soundtrack used in the film. There are also English subtitles available on this Region 'B' Blu-ray from Eureka Classics.

Eureka's Blu-ray of Encounter of the Spooky Kind features an audio commentary from Asian film expert Frank Djeng. Djeng is a very energetic and passionate fan of all things martial arts. He discusses everything here from the life and work of Sammo Hung, to other horror/comedy and martial arts classics. Eureka has also included a 13-minute archival interview with Sammo Hung. Sammo talks of how his early childhood interest in martial arts schooling influenced his prolific movie career. The actor humorously explains how his career later took off after some work as a stunt double. Two trailers appear in this package, the original Hong Kong trailer as well as the US home video preview. A stills gallery also appears on Eureka's Blu-ray disc, which includes artwork, pressbook excerpts, and production stills. This first-run printing also comes with a booklet featuring new writing by James Oliver, as well as a slipcase and reversible poster featuring the film’s original HK artwork.

Fans of Sammo Hung will be very pleased to finally have this classic horror/comedy film on Blu-ray in the UK. Eureka's brand new 2K restoration showcases the film in a flattering light, with lots of detail and a fine smooth grain. Frank Djeng's commentary is quite enjoyable, and you have a ton of options as far as the audio is concerned. Recommended to fans.

Colin Zavitz