Overview: Every ten years, a duel is held between the finest Japanese and Chinese martial artists to determine whose Swordmanship is superior. During the Ming Dynasty, as the next duel approaches, the chosen candidates are caught in the middle of a battle between Ninjas and Shaolin monks. Only a Duel to the Death will settle the countries’ conflicts and stop the bloodshed.

Known for his classic film, A Chinese Ghost Story, as well as for directing Tsui Hark’s the Swordsman saga, this debut feature from director Ching Siu-tung is filled with dazzling visuals and astonishing martial arts choreography (also by Ching Siu-tung, who would later choreograph the action sequences for Zhang Yimou’s acclaimed wuxia triptych; Hero, House of Flying Daggers, and Curse of the Golden Flower), Duel to the Death comes to Blu-Ray for the first time in the USA from a brand new 2K restoration.

Blu-ray Verdict: Simply put, and for my money, Duel To The Death is an incredible film. Admittedly, I’m not a kung-fu film expert (gore and sleaze being more my forte), but I can recognize a great film when I see it and Duel is one of the most enjoyable films I’ve seen in a VERY long time. I don’t throw out 10’s often, but I really can’t find anything wrong with this one.

Duel is about a tournament that’s held between China and Japan’s best swordsman. Both competitors are absolute experts in their techniques and hold honor and patriotism in the highest regard. But along the trek to the tournament location, there are numerous hinderances thrown at our heroes. Flying ninjas, disappearing ninjas, burrowing into the ground ninjas, poison-wielding ninjas (did I happen to mention the ninjas?!) try to trip up our worthy combatants at every step. Throw in the hosting clan’s jealousy at not being allowed to participate in the duel, and a plot by the Japanese shogun to rig the fight - and you have non-stop, insane, kung-fu ninja action!

The influence that this film has had on other modern martial-arts action films is undeniable. Films like KILL BILL, HERO, HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS and NINJA SCROLL give obvious nods to this masterpiece. I really can’t rave about this one enough. The cinematography, choreography, costumes, settings, the amazing high-flying acrobatics; everything in DUEL is absolutely top-notch.

Being a relatively big Japanese pinky/exploit film fan, I could have used some more nudity and sleaze, but this isn’t that kind of film. Judged on its own merits, Duel To The Death is the most perfect martial-arts film and deserves a look from any action fan. [E.S.]

Bonus Features:
O-RING SLIP CASE WITH NEW ARTWORK BY KUNG FU BOB
2K RESTORATION FROM THE ORIGINAL NEGATIVE
REMASTERED ORIGINAL CANTONESE MONOAURAL SOUNDTRACK
5.1 DTS-HD MA Cantonese Re-Mix
NEWLY TRANSLATED ENGLISH SUBTITLES
English Dub Option
Audio Commentary with Asian Cinema Expert Frank Djeng
Duel Identity – Archival interview with actor Norman Chui Siu-keung
Flora Cheung on Duel to the Death – Archival interview with actress Flora Cheung
Alternate English credits
Image Gallery
Original Hong Kong Trailer
Reconstructed Tai Seng Trailer
Reversible Sleeve

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