Review of Idiot Swordsman, The

Introduction

Skip to the next section if you`ve read any of my reviews for Soulblade DVDs before.... This one is rather similar, because the product is pretty much the same pile of garbage.

Before I start, a plea. Apologies if you`ve read this before (I did say skip to the next section), but maybe the repetition might make someone listen. And I like saying it. So there. I don`t really care if I sound like a broken record (or CD for the younger generation, or perhaps even corrupt MP3 file for the really young generation).

Can any DVD company who have rights to martial arts films, and who aren`t called Hong Kong Legends, please transfer all those rights to the aforementioned Hong Kong Legends effective immediately. Nobody does it better than Hong Kong Legends, although perhaps because nobody is trying. But if you won`t try, then don`t do it at all. The reason for this rant will become clear in a moment.

Right then, on with this DVD. It`s supposed to be "hilarious martial arts action with Lo Lieh". I have a feeling it might not be so good.

Video

A horrible nasty full frame transfer, which has been cropped down from the original print. It`s all a bit of a mess, with a very ropey sub-VHS quality about it a lot of the time. There is also plenty of print damage in the form of scratches, dust and dirt.

Almost unbearable basically. You`ve probably seen better pirated VHS tapes.

Audio

A naff DD2.0 English dubbed soundtrack. Not only is it a dub (usually a criminal offence in my book), it`s very poor quality, with lots of naff sound effects added over the top and no redeeming features. Some of the mistranslations are mildly amusing, but it`s still rubbish.

Features

Nothing worth talking about (trailers for other DVDs as well as the main feature itself).

Conclusion

"Hilarious martial arts action with Lo Lieh."

Well, if it is, you`ll be lucky to see it through all the murk on the print. The film is a mess, the picture`s a mess, the sound is a mess. It`s just too hard to watch and enjoy.

If you want to see some great martial arts (with nice picture, sound, subtitles and more) then try Iron Monkey, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Legend of a Fighter, Magnificent Butcher, Drunken Master, Snake in the Eagle`s Shadow, Once Upon a Time in China or Fist of Legend. Or why not get a Bruce Lee film instead?

If you want a piece of old tat that no-one has lavished any care and attention upon, this is your thing.

Avoid, even if it`s in a bargain bucket for 50p.