The Mighty Peking Man (Blu-ray + DVD)

You know the fact that I'm probably one of a very select group of people who has actually seen this movie from start to finnish without loosing any concentration is quite a warm feeling. So in that regard, I do feel a little unique (in a funny kind of way). This film is basically Hong Kong's answer to King Kong. Now if you've seen the latest Peter Jackson King Kong, then don't go see this movie, because it pales in comparison. But, if you like your monsters movies then this should definately been in your collection. I give it 5 stars because I genuinely feel that it deserves that. The special effects are crude, the dialogue is dodge at best and the sound effects are histerical. But if I tried to make a monster movie it'd be a complete dogs dinner when compared to this film, so in that regard, I pay it my respects. It's not a bad film. It's not without it's charms. Just know that these types of movies were apparently the rave back in the day. It's not watered down with CG and animation like lots of movies are nowdays that we simply take for granted. When you watch this film, you will get a sense of nostalgia - probably, because it feels like your watching or re-watching one of those old movies you found in your cousins' garage when you were about 8 or [...] and you knew you shouldn't be watching it but you did anyway, and you had no idea what was going on woth it at the time. Granted you're much older now, your palatte has grown more sophisticated, but so what. If you're a true film fan then there should be enough room for to watch and appreciate all kinds of films from all kinds of periods in history. There are other monster movies out there that were kind of made around the same time as this film, like Godzilla vs King Ghidorah and Godzilla and Mothra and The War of the Gragantuas. The Mighty Peking Man is definately a cool addition to that genre of film. Roger Ebert once said that this film is Genius. It's crazy demented weirdness that it's so funny. I agree with him wholeheartedly. This isn't the type of film you take seriously at all. You're meant to sit back and relax, switch your brain off or leav it at the door and just have fun. It'll play as an amazing film in the background as you entertain your friends or some guests. It's sucha crazy movie, everyone will be asking all sorts of questions about it (most probably like "why the hell are we watching this piece of crap"). The only problem I have with this dvd is the sheer lack of special features Quentin Tarantino has given it. It sucks big time. Why didn't he have any of his trademark INTRO's and OUTRO's and commentary and stuff like that. He took the time and gave the care to other Rolling Thunder Pictures releases like Switchbald Sisters and Chungking Express, so why not this one. The answer is obvious - he just didn't care enough for this movie or these types of movies to do so. When I buy a Rolling Thunder Pictures release I think what lots of people probably think - 'wow, that looks cool, Tarantino is releasing it, I'd like to see that'. But I felt cheated when I watched this film and there were noe special features apart from the trailer. That's all. When I watch a Tarantino released film, I want the whole package, not just a flimsy release like this one. But I suppose I have to thank him for releasing it at all, otherwise it probably would've been lost in the annals of film history collecting dust. Anyway, this is a cool crazy film and definately one for you film buffs out there, just so you can say you've seen it and argue with each other with your highly crafted, finely tuned opinions. Enjoy and thanks for reading. Adios

88 Films have released an excellent transfer of a very weird film which was shot in India and Hong Kong. There is so much to enjoy yet at the same time elements of it it made me feel quite uncomfortable. Overall its a low budget tongue in cheek romp which has all the elements of a high camp classic but sadly it also delivers a queasy aftertaste. I really wanted to like this more but I found the use of live animals questionable; a tiger fights violently with a snake, a back projected stock shot seemingly shows an elephant being shot, a man and women playfully swing a leopard around in slow motion. Later in some close up shots the leopard appears to be struggling to open its mouth, had it been wired shut for the filming? Many Mondo or cannibal films from the same period have similar (if not much stronger) scenes however these are generally more specified in reviews. Surprisingly the very detailed commentary on the disc does not seem to address any of these issues at all but instead simply concentrates on how brave the actors are in getting so close to the big cats etc. I understand the film was made in 1977 and we can't erase the past but a little more warning of the more dubious elements of its contents would not go amiss.

88 Films Combo Review; 88 FILMS pulled out all the stops on this Shaw Bros release. The films amazing transfer is just as gorgeous as the scantly clad star Evelyn Craft. This is the best uncut print of this crazy Toho want- to-be monster movie you'll ever see. Sure its Kong knock off but its a fast paced roller coaster ride version that you just can't stop watching. The popping colors and clear print even on the DVD & Blu are probably the best I've seen from 88 Films. The awesome reversible cover art, disc extras and informative booklet are icing on the cake!

I like the movie.

Shipping was pretty fast , came just in time for my brother's birthday! Good picture and sound.