Commissions Earned

The 1995 film “The Blade” will get a 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray release via The Criterion Collection on March 31st. Tsui Hark directed and co-wrote the motion picture, distributed by Golden Harvest. It starred Vincent Zhao, Moses Chan, Hung Yan-yan, Xiong Xin-xin, Song Lei, Austin Wai, Chung Bik-ha, and Valerie Chow.

This has received a new 4K digital restoration. The tech specs for the 4K UHD Blu-ray include a 2160p video presentation in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) and Uncompressed Linear PCM Mono sound. The tech specs for the Blu-ray include a 1080p HD video presentation in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio and uncompressed Mono sound. The 4K release will come as a 2-disc “combo pack” with its Blu-ray counterpart included.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray are now available for preorder at Amazon. Also, you can preorder directly via the Criterion website. The bonus materials included with the release(s) are listed below.

• New audio commentary featuring Hong Kong cinema expert and producer Frank Djeng
• Action et vérité (2006), a documentary featuring director Tsui Hark, coscreenwriter Koan Hui, and actor Xiong Xin-xin
• New video essay by filmmakers Taylor Ramos and Tony Zhou (Every Frame a Painting)
• New York Asian Film Festival Q&A with Tsui from 2011
• Alternate English-dubbed track
• English-version opening and end credits
• Trailer
• New English subtitle translation
• PLUS: An essay by author Lisa Morton
• New cover by Oliver Barrett