Plot: What’s it about?
Ken O’Hara (Gary Daniels) is a retired detective who specialized in hunting down serial killers, which earns him the moniker of “mind hunter.” While he has been off the active roster for some time now, he soon finds himself right in the thick of it all when he is asked to return to the force for one case. This is a case he seems perfect for and no one else could solve this one, since is involves a ruthless serial killer who the police can’t seem to capture. This serial killer takes aim on martial arts warriors of all types, but he specially goes after the very best in each field. He doesn’t just murder them in some usual fashion either, as he uses his metallic fingers to do the job. This might seem like a cheesy gimmick for a killer, but to those he has slaughtered it’s no joke. So O’Hara tracks down this killer and though it will be a dangerous mission, he has a few tools of his own when it comes to kicking ass. And as he gets closer and closer to the killer, he’ll need to put those skills to use because if he doesn’t, he’ll end up being the next victim.
When it comes to direct to video action movies, about ninety-nine percent of all the releases turn out to be total clunkers. For every good movie like Drive there are a hundred miserable flicks to wade through, which means most people wouldn’t even waste their time looking to find the good ones. But I am an action fanatic and since I can’t get enough martial arts/fighting flicks, I keep the hunt alive and hope I can uncover a few good ones along the path. Bloodmoon looks like most other direct to video action vehicles to be sure, but in truth it a diamond in the rough when it comes to solid action. Sure you won’t find Jackie Chan or even any real name players, but you will find some terrific fight sequences which what we all want to see. The sequences in this film are all decent at the least, but a few of them are downright awesome especially the apartment fight, which rocks. The storyline isn’t rock solid by any means, but I think it serves the part well enough and the action more than makes up for all that. So while this isn’t an action classic, it will satisfy those in search of solid, fresh action flicks. I wish Fox Lorber would have done more with this disc, but as it stands I recommend this release as a rental to action nuts.
This solid action movie was directed by Tony Leung, whose experience as an action choreographer serves this film very well and shines in the action sequences. I didn’t expect much from this picture to be honest, but I am very impressed with the fight sequences. In most direct to video action flicks there is one or two sequences worth checking out, but in Bloodmoon all of them warrant a look to be sure. There isn’t much in terms of innovation or anything, but the scenes still pack a powerful punch which is all action fans can ask for. In the non action driven sequences Leung’s work falters somewhat, but still manages to bring across the needed information. I don’t watch movies like to be emotionally moved and I doubt others do either. This is a movie to watch for the action and have fun, which Leung has delivered on all counts. If you want to see Leung’s other films I recommend Insanity, Guns Of Dragon, Love Is Love, Satin Steel. Gary Daniels turns in a good leading performance here and really comes to life when the action heats up. Daniels (Spoiler, American Streetfighter) has some experience in the genre and shines in his role in this film. Fans of professional wrestling will be pleased to find “Mr. Monday Night” Rob Van Dam in this movie and he is impressive as always. The rest of the cast includes Brandie Rocci, Darren Shahlavi (Legion, Fatal Target), Nina Repeta (Tv’s Dawson’s Creek), and Chuck Jeffries (Superfights, Girl 6).
Video: How does it look?
Bloodmoon is presented in a full frame transfer, which retains the original aspect ratio of the film. This is a direct to video film so I didn’t much in terms of video quality, but this transfer is lacking in several areas. The print used shows dirt and debris and I noticed more than a few instances of compression artifacts. I’ve never seen a really great looking release of this movie, but Fox Lorber should have better than this for DVD. I liken the image to broadcast quality, as colors and contrast seem in order, but it just lacks the polish and sharpness it should have.
Audio: How does it sound?
This is an action movie, but you wouldn’t know from the included audio track. The overall sound is good, but I would have liked a more powerful and immersive track. Even in the most intense action sequences I wasn’t moved by the audio and I think a remix in Dolby Digital or DTS 5.1 would have been a nice touch, but Fox Lorber of course didn’t include that. But the music and effects do come across in a clear and concise manner, there’s not much push behind them. I found no flaws with the dialogue either, crisp vocals and consistent volume levels were evident.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This release contains filmographies and a trailer for the film. A behind the scenes featurette would have been nice, but no such luck.
