It’s time to get spooky, Chop Socky fans!
The Bride from Hell might be tonally inconsistent, running the gamut between horror tropes and comedy in a very clunky (but lovable) way, but it is damn revelatory in its take on gothic tropes as the Shaw Brothers tackle Hammer Studios-like atmosphere with a vengeful ghost story that will have you rooting for the supernatural as the bride (Margaret Hsing Hui ) gets her revenge for her own rape and murder some 20 years prior to the film’s opening moments.
That’s right, it’s not really a martial arts movie, but director Chou Hsu-Chiang ramps up the chill factor with spectral images - which involves a very convincing ghost float effect - and manages to come up with interesting ways in which to knock off the evil-doers, including trapping a man’s soul in a fan through some inventive camera tricks.
The Bride from Hell opens with a very scared Yunpeng (Yang Fan) and his comic relief servant (Ko Hsiao-Pao) taking shelter from robbers and a ghost on a dark night at a country inn. They sort of push their way onto the property and crash inside the house. But, when Yunpeng sees Anu (Xing Hui) naked in bed, he finds that his stay here is extended because now he must marry the girl in atonement for his rude behavior. A similar arrangement is procured between his servant and Anu’s servant (Chiang Hsia) , but all bets are off when Yunpeng introduces his beautiful bride to his family.
They are completely shocked by Anu’s resemblance to a long deceased victim of robbery and rape. And then there’s that spooky green glow about her. Turns out this spirit from beyond wants revenge on Yunpeg’s relatives!
Transposing swordplay with neon lights and atmospheric charm, The Bride from Hell is a welcome change for the Shaw Brothers Studio and, as it is housed inside Vol. 2 of Shout Factory’s Shaw Brothers Classics multiple volumed release of films, acts as a sort of palette cleanser with its wild and often funny take on the supernatural. The visuals are strong, even when the script isn’t, and the film proves to be an enjoyable journey into the darkness which inhabits distinguished society.
It is now on blu-ray as part of Shout Factory’s second volume of Shaw Brothers films. This box set, which comprises 12 classic martial arts films from the famous Shaw Brothers' library, featuring some of their greatest stars Cheng Pei-pei (Come Drink With Me), Lo Lieh (King Boxer), Sammo Hung (Wheels On Meals), Ti Lung (A Better Tomorrow), and David Chiang (The Boxer From Shantung), is loaded with supplemental items as well. Many of these films, like The Bride from Hell, are debuting for the first time on Blu-ray.
Never marry a possessed woman ... especially one possessed by the spirit of a girl murdered by the uncle of the groom!
Home Video Distributor: Shout Factory
Available on Blu-ray - August 15, 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
Discs: Blu-ray Disc; 12-disc set
Region Encoding: Locked to Region A
Released a full two years before the international success of The Exorcist, The Bride from Hell introduces audiences to a possession which is not soon forgotten. Justice must be done and an exorcism, Hong Kong-style, must be performed before anyone can rest in peace. Talented Margaret Hsing Hui makes a fetching spirit in this mystery thriller that also incorporates a laugh or two amidst the chills.
Video
Presented in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, The Bride from Hell, is a less bloodier affair than most Shaw Brothers productions. There are a lot of neon lights to make up for it. It’s full of great atmosphere thanks to the horror 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 of this epic adventure. The tracking shots are glorious to behold in 1080p.
Audio
The audio is presented with your choice of a clean lossless Mandarin Mono DTS-HD Master Audio With New English Subtitle Translations.
Supplements:
Get ready for some exciting thrills and chills as heroes meet villains in a duel to the death, complete with awesome supplemental items, this release is legit.
Commentary:
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James Mudge, Hong Kong critic, provides a very detailed and helps the casual fan of Shaw Brothers develop more of an appreciation for this film.
Special Features:
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NEW Audio Commentary By James Mudge, Hong Kong Film Critic At easternKicks
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A More Traditional Terror: Hong Kong Film Historian Tony Rayns Talks Shaw Brothers Horror Films
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Original Theatrical Trailer
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Celestial Trailer
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Composite Blu-ray Grade
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MPAA Rating: Unrated.
Runtime: 75 mins
Director: Hsu-Chiang Chou
Writer: Tien-Yung Hsu
Cast: Margaret Hsing Hui; Fan Yang; Carrie Ku Mei
Genre: Acttion | Drama
Tagline:
Memorable Movie Quote:
Distributor: Shaw Brothers
Official Site:
Release Date:
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: March 24, 1972
Synopsis: A young man marries a beautiful woman after accidentally seeing her fully nude. He soon learns that his bride must be the ghost of a woman who was raped and killed by his relative 20 years ago.
