88 Films strikes back with another Lau Kar-Leung and Shaw Brothers classic, 1981’s Martial Club. Thank goodness they’re continuing to do so because my shelf is starting to look pretty stacked with classic martial arts films. It’s such a beautiful thing having these films with well-constructed and designed packaging displaying the same sense of fun and excitement each of these films delivers to their audience. Martial Club may be a little lesser known than some of their other outings, but it’s every bit worth your attention as the others.
Wong Fei-Hong (Gordon Liu) teams up with his former rival when both their schools are being targeted by a third school that has enlisted the aid of a Martial Arts expert from the north to do their work for them and hopefully stand supreme.
Martial Club varies a bit from other films from the Shaw Brothers canon mostly because it tries to deliver more of a message as opposed to the constant bloodshed. There are always the underlying themes of chivalry or honor, but usually, it goes in an opposite (and violent) direction. Martial Club takes a different approach and tries to be a bit more light-hearted. There’s a solid amount of humor, which doesn’t always translate, but it shines in its fight choreography.
Three significant sequences differ immensely, showing how diverse Shaw Brothers productions can be. The cast featuring Gordon Liu, Te-Lo Mai, and Wang Lung-Wei never feel like they’re going through the motions of another martial arts film and give their all to deliver something just a little bit different to their audience.
Of course, 88 Films isn’t one to skimp on the bonus features and load up this package. It features a limited edition slipcase with new artwork from R.P. “Kung Fu Bob” O’Brien, limited edition booklet notes by Barry Forshaw, a double-sided foldout poster, an HD transfer from the original negative, Cantonese with newly translated subtitles, commentary with Asian cinema expert Frank Djeng and actor/martial artist Michael Worth, supplemental audio commentary with Djeng, Instructors of Death – Grindhouse Presentation, Kung Fu and Dancing, interviews, trailer, and more.
RELATED: ‘ROBOCOP’ 4K BLU-RAY REVIEW: THE FX NEVER LOOKED BETTER
These releases are handled with care; it still amazes me how wonderful they look. I remember watching movies like these on subpar VHS releases or even on Kung Fu Theater, and you really can’t help but find an all-new appreciation when viewing them all cleaned up and not dubbed. Though, the English language dub is included.
To find out more or to order, check out 88 Films.
