A Touch of Zen (1971) (DVD) (The Criterion Collection) (English Subtitled) (US Version)

Actors: Hsu Feng, Shih Chun, Bai Ying
Directors: King Hu
Format: Color, NTSC, Restored, Special Edition, Subtitled, Widescreen
Language: Chinese Mandarin
Subtitles: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
Number of discs: 2
Rated:
Unrated
Not Rated
Studio: Criterion Collection
DVD Release Date: July 19, 2016
Run Time: 180 minutes

'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.

DVD SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES
- New 4K digital restoration
- 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