88 Films UK Blu-ray Synopsis: Another Kung Fu vehicle from the infamous Shaw Brothers studio, Disciples Of Shaolin AKA Hong quan xiao zi, delivers a typically power-packed Hong Kong tale of enemy gangs and super cool fight scenes. When shaolin disciple Kuan Fung Yi (Fu Sheng) takes a job at a textile factory he soon becomes embroiled in a bitter and violent clash with the rival Manchu clan who run a neighbouring mill. As well delivering some impressive martial arts set pieces, Disciples Of Shaolin also provides a political punch, underlining the abuse of workers and the corruption of cruel bosses. Fast, fierce and thought provoking, this is a must for collectors of extreme Asian cinema. (107 Mins)

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The Vengeance Pack German Blu-ray Mediabook Synopsis: The lovable farm boy Kuan comes to town to visit his friend Huang Han, who works in a weaving mill. Kuan quickly realizes that different customs and priorities prevail in the city than in his home country. He starts a job as a porter in the weaving mill, but due to his boisterous demeanour, he often offends other workers. However, his friend Huang Kuan can always prevent Kuan's expulsion. The weaving mill, however, has an inexorable competitor who does not stop at violent attacks. Kuan, who is a very good kung fu warrior, prevents worse things from happening and rises in the reputation of the weaving mill owner, Xin Fa Long. He becomes a foreman... But fame and money go to his head. Disciples Of Shaolin is one of the films that made Alexander Fu Sheng an absolute superstar. His performance is still considered one of the best ever seen in a kung fu film. Co-starring Chi Kuan Chun and directed by Chang Cheh, the film is an unforgettable piece of Asian cinematography. (102 Mins)

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Views: Alexander Fu Sheng plays Guan Feng Yi, a down-on-his-luck kid from the countryside who comes to the city in search of his good friend, Wang Hon. He soon finds Wang working at a textile factory and quickly gets embroiled in a war with a neighbouring factory, run by the arrogant Manchus and Boss Ha. In doing so, Guan starts to gain a little more respect which brings him more riches than he can imagine as he climbs the social ladder. At the same time though, it starts to drive a wedge between Wang and himself which doesn't help Guan when things take a turn for the worst that see him beaten to death after a brutal fight in Boss Ha's home. Of course, it is then up to Wang Hon to take revenge and bring Boss Ha to his knees!

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Unlike most other Chang Cheh films, viewers don't need to take notes on Disciples Of Shaolin to keep up with the huge cast on offer, as the majority of the focus stays on Alexander Fu Sheng (and Chi Kuan Chun in more of an extended bit-part). It's also not as violent and bloody as the most of his titles were around this period and even though it came in between his renowned 'Shaolin Cycle' of films – such as Heroes Two, Men From The Monastery, Shaolin Martial Arts, Five Shaolin Masters, and the fantastic Shaolin Temple – this title doesn't really have anything to do with any of them. Although named as Disciples Of Shaolin, it's fair to say that there isn't a single scene (or talk) of Shaolin itself, which leads me to think that it's more about the characters of Guan and Wang who were once disciples of the famed temple – and most probably suited its other title of The Invincible One more-so. Chang often liked to tell rise-and-fall stories, such as those seen in the awesome Boxer From Shantung, Chinatown, and many others, with Disciples Of Shaolin being no exception. The film gives Fu Sheng the chance to prove himself as an actor, giving a strong performance as the farm kid who is happier to finally receive a new pair of shoes, than anything else. I must admit though, it has given me a new appreciation of Fu Sheng who mixes comedy and dramatics with some great moves. While he has often been referred to as the original 'clown prince of kung-fu' (before Jackie Chan owned that title), I more often than not just found him to be irritating and annoying as opposed to funny. But there have been certain titles over the years – most of which have been restored and re-released like this – that are letting me see that Fu Sheng had a lot more to offer. The wonderful Chi Kuan Chun appears in what would only be his 4th role after the aforementioned Men From The Monastery, Shaolin Martial Arts, and Five Shaolin Masters, although doesn't really get to kick any ass until the final scene – which, in turn, looks like it had been misplaced from an early part of the movie. The wonderful Chaing Tao (aka Kong Do) returns in yet another bad guy role as Boss Ha, with the incredible Fung Hak On by his side. Both names have been a huge part of kung-fu cinema for many decades now, with each starring in over 200 titles (not to mention any television credits) as well as doubling-up as action-choreographers over the years. Fung even managed to direct a small number of films between 1981 and 1991 including The Gold Hunters which was produced by Jackie Chan, and the wonderfully named Godfather's Daughter Mafia Blues with Yukari Oshima. Unfortunately, Fung would pass in 2016 although had continued to star in films right up till then such as Tai Chi Zero, Ip Man: The Final Fight, Badges Of Fury, Once Upon A Time In Shanghai, and the outrageously fun Soccer Killer from Jeff Lau. A number of recognisable faces help fill out the cast, and many of which had starred alongside Fu Sheng and Chi Kuan Chun over the years. These include Lu Ti, Han Chiang, Chan Shao Chun, Stephen Yip, Jamie Luk, Ko Chang Sheng, and many more – including appearances by young stars Eric Tsang, Brandy Yuen, Yuen Shun Yi, Chan Siu Kai as extras or stuntmen.

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The legendary (and late) Lau Kar Leung handles the fight choreography in Disciples Of Shaolin, delivering a number of fun fights throughout that really entertain – especially the final battle for Alexander which is shown in a beautiful, sepia-toned, black and white filter. While Fu Sheng has never came across to me as a genuine kung-fu master, he still manages to throw some nice moves and pulls-off a number of high-combination sequences under Leung's direction – with rumours that the master himself trained Fu Sheng for a good 6 months leading up to this. Interestingly enough, master Lau would return almost 20 years later to choreograph the action in Johnnie To's highly praised remake, The Barefooted Kid, starring the gorgeous Aaron Kwok, with Ti Lung, and Maggie Cheung. Produced by Mona Fong, through Cosmopolitan Film Productions (under the Shaw Brothers/Celestial Pictures banner) along with titles such as Chow Sing Chi's Out Of The Dark, Love On Delivery, Look Out Officer, and The Mad Monk, To's film is a much different take on Chang Cheh's original tale – and probably more beautiful and melodramatic to a point, with even more incredible martial arts-action. The script for Disciples Of Shaolin was written by Chang Cheh and the prolific Ni Kuang. For Kuang, this was a job he had been doing since his debut in 1967 with the Chang Cheh directed classic, One-Armed Swordsman and by the time this film had come about, Kuang had written well over 90 films – most of which were for the Shaw Brothers studio, and many that were for director Chang Cheh. As well as a few small roles in Hong Kong movies over the years, Ni Kuang has proven to be one of the industries most successful writers with over 300 published novels and 400 films scripts completed over a few decades. It's also worth noting that this, along with Boxer Rebellion made the following year, would be one of the last films that would see Leung work as a choreographer for Chang Cheh – soon going off to become a hugely successful and highly regarded director himself...

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While it's safe to say that Disciples Of Shaolin is a Shaw Brothers film of significance, it still didn't wow me as much as I thought it would have, but I can totally appreciate the film for what it is and actually enjoyed the fact that it was a little more mature and different than the majority of Chang Cheh films from this period. All in all, it's definitely worth a watch and has never looked better than this Blu-ray release from 88 Films – or that from German label The Vengeance Pack, respectively!

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Overall: A well-directed tale that gives Alexander Fu Sheng that chance to shine, Disciples Of Shaolin is a Shaw Brothers classic that is worth the watch!

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88 Films Blu-ray Extras: Slipcase with New Artwork by R.P. Kung Fu Bob O'Brien, Extensive Booklet Notes, Double-sided Fold-out Poster, HD Remaster from Original 35mm Negatives, Audio Commentary with Mike Leeder & Arne Venema, Audio Commentary with Samm Deighan, Interview with Jamie Luk, Trailer, Reversible Sleeve with Original Hong Kong Poster Artwork

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The Vengeance Pack Blu-ray Mediabook Extras: Documentary on Chang Cheh, Elegant Trails Featurette on Fu Sheng, VHS Tribute on Fu Sheng, VHS Opening Sequence, Trailers, Music Video – Requiem, Photo Gallery (Plus matching DVD)

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Watch my unboxing video of this 88 Films release HERE and of The Vengeance Pack release HERE