In which David Chiang takes out strongman Bolo Yeung in a literal David and Goliath sequence! This is - thanks to the stunning choreography - the best scene in the movie and it leaves a lasting impression that resonates long after the movie has ended.
Large-scale and completely unexpected, The Heroic Ones reads more as a costumed adventure epic than a healthy dose of Kung Fu and proves that director Chang Cheh can still surprise his audience when it comes to swashbuckling assaults. The narrative might be a bit more subdued than expected (or preferred), but the bloodletting is at an all time high thanks to the body count as the Imperial capital city of Chang’an is in need of liberation after a seriously rotten group of rebels enter its gates.
The plot, involving a total of thirteen “sons” of Tartar King Id (Ku Feng), a barbarian king, who set out to fight against a warrior band of rebels, is never difficult to follow even if this 2-hour flick drags a bit when it comes to the drama. Yet, thanks to a conscious switch in weapons - from swords to spears - we have a much more engaged kinetic lens with which to be entertained by. The spear in Ti Lung’s hands becomes an extension of himself and his own reach and it is quite fun to watch him work with something other than a sword when it comes to wild action scenes.
While most of the narrative centers upon the effort to take out the rebels, there is a whole lot of treachery within the group assembled to help King Id as secret alliances are formed and a whole lot of twists in the plot reveal that - when it comes to war - all is not as it seems. What is certain, though, is that this Shaw Brothers production looks absolutely fabulous with props and decor outshining some of the tragedy which befalls the alliance.
The Heroic Ones is now on blu-ray as a part of Shout Factory’s The Ti Lung/David Chiang box set which comprises 12 classic martial arts films from the famous Shaw Brothers' library. Many of these films are debuting for the first time on Blu-ray.
Get ready for some exciting thrills and chills as our iconic heroes square off against abominable villains in a duel to the death!
Home Video Distributor: Shout Factory
Available on Blu-ray - November 28, 2023
Screen Formats: 2.35:1
Subtitles: English
Audio: Mandarin: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono; English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono; English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono
Video: MPEG-4 AVC 1080p
Discs: Blu-ray Disc; 12-disc set
Region Encoding: Locked to Region A
No screen team was more triumphant in the Golden Age of kung fu cinema than the iron triangle of director Chang Cheh and his protégés David Chiang and Ti Lung. This is their quintessential historical epic, set during the waning years of the Tang Dynasty. It's literally brother against brother as David Chiang and Ti Lung display their remarkable martial arts prowess – battling insiders and outsiders in a duel to the death for the fate of China.
Video
Shout Factory brings The Heroic Ones to Blu-ray with a restored AVC encoded 1080p with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. Interiors are strong. Colors pop throughout, but it is the blood effects - burning bright in the transfer - which seal the deal. It’s full of great atmosphere thanks to the quick-footed script and looks visually eye-popping due to the 1080-upgrade. Black levels are strong throughout, bringing out nice details in both the loud and quiet moments.
Audio
The film is supplied with the original Cantonese Mono DTS-HD Master Audio with new subtitle translation and an English Dubbed DTS-HD Master Audio with SDH subtitles.
Supplements:
Commentary:
-
None
Special Features:
This release will please fans of Chang Cheh thanks to the interview with Gilbert Po, which is included here.
-
NEW Sanguine And Guile – Filmmaker And Academic Gilbert Po Offers An On-Camera Discussion Of The Bloody Brilliance Of Director Chang Cheh
-
Celestial Trailer
-
Still Gallery
| Movie |  |
|
| Video |  |
|
| Audio | |
|
| Extras | |
|
|
Composite Blu-ray Grade
|
||
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Runtime: 102 mins
Director: Cheh Chang
Writer: Kuang Ni
Cast: David Da-Wei Chiang; Lung Ti; Ching Lee
Genre: Action | Drama
Tagline: Bao biao
Memorable Movie Quote:
Distributor: Shaw Brothers
Official Site:
Release Date: December 28, 1969 (Hong Kong)
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: November 28, 2023
Synopsis: Ti Lung is the armor of an "armored van" taking silver to the capital. Along the way, a mysterious knight (David Chiang) stalks him. Although he appears to be the robber, his intentions prove to be far more mysterious.
