| Dubbed versions of kung fu films are [often] inferior for two main reasons: picture quality/editing and poor translation both compromise the viewing experience. Thank goodness for Celestial Pictures for re-releasing these Shaw Brothers movies, because now they make a lot more sense.
Killer Army (the dubbed version [I saw]) had great fight scenes, but the story made no sense. The end fight scene was butchered beyond belief. I wanted to like Killer Army, but not knowing how the final battle turned out left a bad taste in my mouth.
But along came "Rebel Intruders", (same movie as "Killer Army") restored with original subtitled dialogue. This version is by far superior when comparing the two. More importantly, per se, it is one of the best Venoms films available.
The main draw for me, and most fans of the Venoms, is seeing the proper end to this movie without the 'violence' edited out. Without the violence, the characters suffering is meaningless. Without the violence, we don't know how the main characters live or die by their martial skills. Without the violence, we are left with Killer Army. I'll take Rebel Intruders over that mess any day. Celestial, please keep them coming! |
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