Dragon Inn (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

Groundbreaking film by the wuxia (sword and martial arts heroes) genre's greatest innovator, director King Hu, Dragon Inn (1967) ushered in a new era of action movies and became a seminal work still influencing modern classics- from The Heroic Trio and certainly Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. A prime example of the director's style, with many of his trademarks of widescreen nature scenery and inn interiors, awesome sword fights, thrilling stunts, a Ming dynasty setting complete with colorful costumes and a fine cast of stoic grandmasters, charming heroes, power-hungry villains, and constantly evolving storylines. A confidently done operatic adventure, yet often purposely corny and humorous and filled with inventive cinematic tricks. When it comes to classic martial arts cinema, I find King Hu's films especially entertaining and also recommend Come Drink With Me, The Fate Of Lee Khan, Raining In The Mountain, and the epic masterpiece A Touch Of Zen. Highly recommended to fans of samurai cinema and spaghetti westerns. Criterion Collection's Blu Ray looks very good and contains two informative short documentaries on the film, interviews, and an essay.

This is the third and best copy of this movie that I’ve owned. I first had it on a bootleg DVD that I bought somewhere in midtown Manhattan. My next copy was a legitimate Taiwanese import DVD which was a big improvement. Now seeing it on this criterion Blu-ray, it’s like I’m seeing the movie for the first time. I see details that I didn’t even know existed in the film. As for the film itself, it’s my favorite King Hu picture. A total blast. It has some genuinely funny moments too. Feels like a western at times. Great storytelling. Way more entertaining than A Touch of Zen which seems to get all the kudos (and has a soporific effect on me). Grady Hendrix does a great feature in the bonus materials where he breaks down a scene with commentary.

After 40+ years, this movie is finally available in Blu-ray format in the US! I saw this movie released theatrically when I was a kid. I liked it then and I like it even better now after it has been cleaned up and digitally restored. The process was way overdue. I wish they could have done the same for the soundtrack, but there was not much to improve in the clarity of the dialogue and the music was never in stereo. For fans of this genre, this classic from King Hu is a must in your video library. They don’t produce movies like this anymore. The directing, acting, screenplay, cinematography, stunts, etc. are all top notch. It’s well worth the price and investment.

Superb Digitally Remastered DVD of a King Hu Classic

I am an American who has had the pleasure of living in Hong Kong. During my time there, I fell in love with HK cinema, especially from the 80s and 90s. I love many of Tsui Hark's films from that time including "New Dragon Inn" which is a remake of this movie. Naturally, when I saw that Criterion was releasing this movie - the ORIGINAL Dragon Inn along with a "Touch of Zen" I was EXCITED! Unfortunately, I was extremely disappointed with this movie. The fight scenes are incredibly cheesy and weak. The plot is dull. I felt overall that the pacing of this movie was way too slow. For me, it was a chore to watch. Perhaps at its time it was a great achievement, but I do not think that it holds up as well as some other films from that time period do. Before you accuse me of not liking old films, I am a huge fan of Seven Samurai, Yojimbo/Sanjuro, and the Zaitoichi films that Criterion released. Those movies, and not this film, are true and timeless classics. King Hu's movies? Not so much.

King Hu is the Taiwanese answer Akira Kurosawa. His films are poetic, visual, and storytelling with passion along with action. This is a collector's comodity and real gem.

another excellent release from Criterion; great quality

Excellent colour & sharp scenes throughout

Excellent movie, criterion did nice work as usual. Amazon shipped on time and there was no damage to my delivered product. Overall 5 star experience!

Increíble restauración, excelentes extras y una gran película.

Own both A TOUCH OF ZEN (fell just below expectation) and LEGEND OF THE MOUNTAIN (fell way below expectation) so I was well prepared for the movie.The movie is almost half a century old and it's dated fighting actions do look 'clumsy' by today's standards. The story has straight forward elements: right the wrong, defeat the evil, avoid dying in the process. Stories of eunuchs gaining power and wreaking havoc is well represented in Chinese classic literatures; this is one of those ambitious eunuchs meeting his untimely death, or rather timely justice.Overall, it is entertaining to watch. Expect A TOUCH OF ZEN, not LOTM (first watch was quite awful . . .)

great