Review: The Master DVD

The Master might be homage to the old school martial arts film but it’s not very well made, the acting is spotty and the unnecessary dubbing is distracting. The DVD released by Lionsgate is weak with no bonus material and so-so video and audio transfers.

 

 

The Master
(2014)

Genre(s): Martial Arts
Lionsgate | PG13 – 90 min. – $26.98 | February 24, 2015

MOVIE INFO: Directed by: Ke Zhou Writer(s): Ke Zhou, Mai Jintong, Li Xushang (written by) Cast: Shi Hongbo, Cheng Ni, Shi Tianlong, Mai Jintong, Chang Xiangguo, Huang Minghua DISC INFO: Features: None Digital Copy: Yes Number of Discs: 1 Audio: English (Dolby Digital 5.1), Mandarin (Dolby Digital 5.1) Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35 Subtitles: English, Spanish Region(s): 1

** Click Here to Purchase The Master on DVD from Amazon.com **

THE MOVIE

In 19th-century China, during the corrupt Qing Dynasty, the people are suffering at the hands of greedy landlords, crooked officials, and unwelcome invaders. To bring his people together, Chen Xiang opens a martial arts school combining teaching techniques from both the North and the South. When Chen refuses to join the armies of the Qing prince, the prince seeks revenge on Chen’s school and family. To survive, Chen must rise up and fight to free his students and protect his home.

SPECIAL FEATURES – 0/5

This release comes with a Digital Copy redemption code.

VIDEO – 4.0/5 | AUDIO – 3.5/5

The Master is presented with an anamorphic widescreen, 2.35 aspect ratio, and looks good featuring a nice array of colors and no obvious signs of aliasing or artifacts beyond the norm for standard def.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 track is a bit limited. The music/score comes through well enough providing the most depth but the dialogue, or should I say dubbing (both Mandarin and English) is flat, even distracting as it’s clear it was recorded in a studio.

OVERALL – 2.0/5

Overall, The Master might be homage to the old school martial arts film but it’s not very well made, the acting is spotty and the unnecessary dubbing is distracting. The DVD released by Lionsgate is weak with no bonus material and so-so video and audio transfers.

 

Published: 03/22/2015