Search - Dance of Death on DVD

Satisfyingly Fight-Filled Kung Fu Movie

J. Pinkerton Snoopington | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | 07/13/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"First things first: "Hand of Death" is packed to the gills with fight scenes. I don't think five minutes go by without there being a fight. The fights (choreographed by none other than Jackie Chan) are well-done, too, and they usually go on for extended periods of time. With that out of the way, I might as well say that the plot (about a woman, yawn, avenging someone's death) is weak and the comedy regrettable, but, really, who cares? Lots of people get kicked in the head. If you can find this for $4, like I did, you'll have fun.
The DVD from Ground Zero's Wu-Tang Clan line has the image in the 1.33:1 aspect ratio, severely cropped from its probable 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The image is scratchy and faded - not a surprise for something found in the bargain bin. The audio is dubbed, which sort of adds to the movie's campy charm.
There are surprisingly quite a few extras, the best of which are a bunch of bonus fight scenes from other Ground Zero releases. There's also a featurette called "Secrets of the Young Master" (basically, a guy showing some kung-fu moves), a Wu-Tang Clan music video, and a few Ground Zero trailers."

Old "Skool" Kung Fu!!

M. Beckford | Toronto Canada | 06/06/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This flick was directed by Jackie Chan. "Dance Of Death" could have been a 4 star easily. I though this flick was just o.k,,,,I'm a big fan of the "crazy horse kung fu", which is very rare in kung fu movies. This movie highlighted that kung fu style very nicely I though,,,however, I felt it went over-board in the final fight scene, which resulted the fight became extremely boaring,,,I swear,,this went on for approximately 20 mins. That is why I ended up giving this film a 3 star. However, the choreography was nicely done."