And so arrives Hong Kong legend Derek Yee. It is here, in the role of the third master as a 20-year-old, where the young actor absolutely delivers a memorable role as the greatest sword master in the world . . . even if he is in disguise as a lowly worker in a whorehouse due to the shame he feels about his family. He still strikes a magnificent pose, especially when he has to defend his friends and come out of hiding to face the world.
And, suddenly, agents of evil surround him, all wanting to strike down the most feared man in the world.
Adapted from a Gu Long story by the film’s director Chor Yuen, Death Duel opens with a beautifully shot scene of some serious swordplay at sunset as Yen Shi-san (Ling Yun), a rising martial artist figure who wants to prove himself as the best swordsman in the world, takes on and defeats a number of challengers. The scene is at once marked with high production values and some gnarly takedowns. When the dust settles, Yen Shi-san learns of the Third Master and leaves on a voyage to challenge the legendary figure to a duel to the death.
It’s a rather bleak premise and, sorry to inform you, that darkness never once leaves this wuxia film. In fact, Chor Yuen wallows in it, adding a dense atmosphere to some of the set and production designs. Sure, there are recognizable Shaw Brothers elements in the film - the infamous stage where all sorts of action takes place and the inclusion of actors David Chiang (who appears in a box because he is too crazy to release!), Yueh Hua, Lo Lieh, reprising his role from Killer Clans, and Ti Lung, reprising his role from The Magic Blade as Fu Hung-huseh.
Death Duel also marks the first appearance of Candice Yu, who plays one of the prostitutes in the whorehouse and befriends the Third Master while he is still disguised as the hopeless Ah Chin, who befriends a deaf mute. Their connection is sweet and adds some romance to this dark tale, even if that spark is short-lived due to the heaviness of the overarching story, which includes some pretty fantastic gore effects as Third Master has his arm ripped open several times.
Death Duel is now on blu-ray thanks to Shout Factory’s release of the Shaw Brothers Classics, Vol 3, a box set comprising of 11 classic martial arts films from the famous Shaw Brothers' library, featuring some of their greatest stars – Alexander Fu Sheng (The Brave Archer), Lo Lieh (King Boxer), Ti Lung (A Better Tomorrow), David Chiang (The Boxer Of Shantung) and The Deadly Venoms! Many of these films are debuting for the first time on Blu-ray.
It’s a fight to the death in Chor Yuen’s darkly poetic Death Duel!
Home Video Distributor: Shout Factory
Available on Blu-ray - October 24, 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; 11-discset
Region Encoding: Locked to Region A
This martial arts spectacular showcases 20-year-old Derek Yee. Variety noted, "Yee's charismatic screen presence should take him to superstardom like his older brother, David Chiang." The prediction proved correct, and his performance as ace swordsman Third Master is just what any producer would want. He fights evil, saves damsels in distress (including a kindhearted prostitute portrayed by Yu An-an), and duels rival swordsmen Ling Yun.
Video
The Big Boss is beautifully presented from Shout Factory. In fact, the film looks more glorious than ever. Interiors are strong. Colors pop throughout, but it is the blood effects - burning bright in the transfer - which seal the deal on this one. It has a solid atmosphere thanks to the quick-footed script and looks visually eye-popping due to the handling of the digital camera. Black levels are strong throughout, bringing out nice details in both the loud and quiet moments of this epic adventure. Even the costumes are noted stitch by stitch.
Audio
A Mandarin Mono DTS-HD Master Audio track is included. The track is accompanied with new subtitle translations in English.
Supplements:
Complete with brand-new artwork from R. P. Kung Fu Bob O’Briwn, 88 Films provides fans some solid supplemental entertainment which highlights the efforts of the filmmakers.
Commentary:
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See Special Features for the complete breakdown.
Special Features:
Fans are in for a treat as Death Duel gets two audio commentaries, a new interview with its star, and a new interview with Candice Yu.
- NEW Audio Commentary With James Mudge, Veteran Hong Kong Film Critic At easternKicks
- NEW Acting Before Directing – An Interview With Actor/Director Derek Yee By Frédéric Ambroisine
- NEW A Touch of Romance – An Interview With Actress Candice Yu By Frédéric Ambroisine
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- Celestial Trailer
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Composite Blu-ray Grade
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MPAA Rating: Not rated.
Runtime: 90 mins
Director: Yuen Chor
Writer: Yuen Chor; Lung Ku
Cast: Tung-Shing Yee; On-On Yu; Ping Chen
Genre: Action | Drama
Tagline:
Memorable Movie Quote: "Who boils tea doesn't have to drink it. Things in this world are like that."
Distributor: Shaw Brothers
Official Site:
Release Date: July 7, 1976 (Hong Kong)
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: October 24, 2023
Synopsis: The Third Master (Erh Tung Sheng, aka Derek Yee, in the role that launched his career) is considered to be the greatest sword master of the day. His displays of skill and strength bring armies of challengers to his door, seeking the title for themselves. Not to be defeated, the Third Master fights evil, saves damsels in distress, and duels rival swordsmen to the death.
