Heavenly
Sword (2014/Flatiron/Cinedigm Blu-ray)
Picture:
A+ Sound: B+ Extras: B Main Program: A
Nariko's
clan has long being the protectors of the 'Heavenly Sword'. Legend
goes a warrior from the heavens defeated a great evil and left his
sword to protect mankind, but who ever held the sword would die. The
sword would curse it's wielder and drain their life. Prophecy said
only the chosen one can wield the sword, but when evil King Bohan
demands the sword and destroys her clan, Nariko must prevent the
sword from falling into his hands at all cost. Left will little
choice, Nariko take up the sword to save her clan. Nariko is a young
warrior maiden, protector and wielder of the Heavenly Sword.
All
her life she is seen with scorn and to regret of her father was she
was born female. When their clan come under attack, she is given the
sword to prevent from falling into evil hands. Nariko escapes with
her half sister Kai, and when they learn their clan has been captured
by Bohan, they storm his fortress to free their people. After
defeating several of Bohan's generals and freeing their people, Kai
end up sacrificing her life for Nariko. Nariko returns with a dieing
Kai, and makes a final epic battle against King Bohan and his armies.
In the heat of battle the Heavenly Sword drains her life, she makes
a pack with the sword, saying that the sword needs her or it will
fall into the hands of evil. She then ascends into a deity and...
you'll have to see the film for the rest!
This
was another video game turned into film release, but it worked.
While it followed the game story fairly closely, the graphics was on
par with the Warhammer 40K film. The game was a hack and
slash, and in the film you see people fall and die, but you'll never
see any blood or body parts.
The
1080p 1.78 X 1 digital High Definition image is among the best such
animated releases we have seen in the format to date, while the
lossless DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) 5.1 mix packs a real kick and
offers superior recording, mixing and action to just about match the
image. Extras include a Making of Heavenly Sword featurette,
trailer and teaser.
-
Ricky Chiang
