A Touch of Zen 05/16 Blu-ray (Rental)

'Visionary' barely begins to describe this masterpiece of Chinese cinema and martial arts moviemaking. A Touch of Zen by King Hu (Dragon Inn) depicts the journey of Yang (Hsu Feng), a fugitive noblewoman who seeks refuge in a remote, and allegedly haunted, village. The sanctuary she finds with a shy scholar and two aides in disguise is shattered when a nefarious swordsman uncovers her identity, pitting the four against legions of blade-wielding opponents. At once a wuxia film, the tale of a spiritual quest, and a study in human nature, A Touch of Zen is an unparalleled work in Hu s formidable career and an epic of the highest order, characterized by breathtaking action choreography, stunning widescreen landscapes, and innovative editing. BLU-RAY SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES - New 4K digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack - Documentary from 2012 about director King Hu - New interviews with actors Hsu Feng and Shih Chun - New interview with filmmaker Ang Lee - New interview with film scholar Tony Rayns - Trailer - New English subtitle translation - PLUS: An essay by film scholar David Bordwell and notes by Hu from a 1975 Cannes Film Festival press kit