A Definitive Classic

THE 36TH CHAMBER OF SHAOLIN

"Widely considered to be the greatest kung fu flick of all time." New York Times
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DIRECTED BY

Lau Kar-Leung


FEATURING

Gordon Liu


USER RATING

|

4.8


Shedding light on the introduction of Shaolin kung fu to the oppressed Chinese, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin stars Gordon Liu (Kill Bill Vol. I and II) as a young man who trains at a Shaolin Temple in order to seek revenge for the brutal slaughter of his people at the hands of the Manchus. Devoting himself to the study of martial arts, he becomes known as the legendary monk San Te, and single-handedly takes on his people’s oppressors. A definitive classic, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin spawned two sequels and helped to launch the North American fascination with Eastern fighting films.


ORIGINAL RELEASE

, 1978

RUNNING TIME

119 minutes

SPECIAL FEATURES

Feature Commentary by Film Scholar Andy Klein and The RZA, Interview with Star Gordon Liu, “Shaolin: A Hero Birthplace” Featurette, Interview with Film Scholars David Chute and Andy Klein, Commentator Biographies, Music Video for Wu-Tang Clan’s “Gravel Pit”, Posters and Stills Gallery, Trailer Gallery


Release Date
2007-06-19

Studio
Shaw Brothers

Rating
R

FORMAT

NTSC Region 1
1 Disc
DVD

PICTURE

16x9 Widescreen

SOUND

English
Mandarin
Cantonese

OPTIONAL SUBTITLES

English
Spanish

TO REPORT SPAM, ABUSIVE LANGUAGE, OR AN OBJECTIONABLE REVIEW PLEASE E-MAIL US AT REVIEWS@DRAGONDYNASTY.COM

USER REVIEWS

AVERAGE RATING
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|

4.8

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The Classic I've been waiting for!

This movie certainly a timeless classic. Very good story, character development and fantastic choreography. I love it!

- Kj Newell, Washington, DC | May 24, 2007
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good

fun

- carmen sanchez, dunkirk 14048 | May 24, 2007
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5 star

Looking forward to it

- VM Guilamo, Lafayette, LA | May 29, 2007
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Finest! The best I ever seen!

Wu-tang clan for life! -StoicOneLove!

- Talib Sly, Oklahoma | May 29, 2007
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My first, and favorite Shaw Brothers film

Now getting proper treatment from Dragon Dynasty!! Great!

- Jin256, Las Vegas, NV | May 29, 2007
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I am waiting for this release...

Can I get an advance version so I can fill in this space properly?

- 107, Pueblo | June 01, 2007
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a classic film any fung fu fan should see

this is such a great film! the story is interesting and gordon liu is a good actor. i recommend this to anyone!

- mike poisson, fall river, ma | May 31, 2007
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The greatest movie ever, much better than Citizen Kane.

This movie is the shit. The RZA is my boy. Wu-Tang!!!!

- Sam Kremer, Shaolin | June 02, 2007
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This movie has one of the greatest training scenes I have seen!

When I was in high school, I first saw this movie on the afternoon money movie. It blew my mind and I have loved it ever since. My father loved it to the point that when I was training for football in the summer, we used some of the training techniques to help in me getting ready for the season. It was a great help! This movie is one of my all time favorite movies. I am glad that D.D. is releasing this on DVD in it original format. Keep up the great work guys.

- Lenny, Ohio | June 05, 2007
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Excellent Shaw Film-Could still rock a cinema today!

With this release of ‘The 36th Chamber of Shaolin’ by Dragon Dynasty, I feel like the character Spike in the movie Notting Hill, who after seeing Julia Roberts in his bathtub, his expression was ‘thank you god!’ Now you know just how I feel about this Shaw Brothers film…

- R Butler, Jamaica | June 06, 2007
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great news!

already pre-ordered and can't wait! will they be doing the sequels as well?

- sixsixtysix, hoodbury, mn | June 08, 2007
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If your a Die Hard Martial Arts fan this is your movie!!

All you Wu tang Clan Fans this is the movie where RZA got his stuff from. This is by far one of the best martial arts films ever. It's a classic that if you call yourself a martial arts movie fan this should be in your collection.

- Andrew C, Virginia | June 14, 2007
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Dude stole my moves!

my mom named me after the secret monk fighters and this movie has linked me to my mystical past lives, GET THIS MOVIE!

- Shalan (shaolin), Soth OC | June 19, 2007
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A true Classic!

This was my FAVORITE martial arts film as a kid in the early 80's (2nd favorite = Master of the Flying Guillotine). I have been waiting for a good DVD transfer of this for years. Finally. Thanks.

- Jeff Fazio, California | June 19, 2007
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Shaw Brothers!!

My dad will be happy!!!(and me too!) we have been waiting for good quality releases of the shaw brothers classics! we have some on dvd from HK but the quality isnt as goood, and the features look bangin!

- sam, england | June 21, 2007
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simply incredible!!!

this was the dvd I've been waiting for. one of my all time favorite SB movies, this is the picture and sound quality I've been waiting for for years. EXCELLANT JOB GUYS!!!!

- Bill Merkel, Wisconsin | June 21, 2007
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fantastic

this is like a long awaited dream come true--i love shaws and the fact you included the original english dub makes it perfect--thanks--lets get a few more rare dubbed tittles out there.

- BOBO, kitchener-ontario-CANADA | July 09, 2007
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A TIMELESS CLASSIC... A must own for any true collector! (11 of 14)

THE BEST OF THE BEST. Thanks to Dragon Dynasty the movie most of us have been waiting for is back with a PUNCH and a few KICKS(great transfer)...5 GOLD STARS for the fond memories. KUNG-FU THEATER where have you gone?

- Chris Williams, Florida | June 23, 2007
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Beautiful anamorphic transfer!

Finally, justice has been done to this, arguably the greatest martial arts film ever made. The anamorphic transfer is absolutely gorgeous. Do yourself a favor and cop it! Dragon dynasty is the best thing to happen to Asian film, EVER!

- Pixote 1, Salt Lake City, Utah | June 23, 2007
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A classic that will never be forgoten

I have seen this Movie back in Germany back in 1979. It was great and always will be. This is what Martial arts is.

- Mike, New york | June 24, 2007
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greatest kung fu movie EVER!

Gordon Liu IS the MAN! everything in this movie is the epitome of excellent!

- Challeng, Escondido | June 26, 2007
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Dragon Dynasty- More Please!!

I absolutely love this DVD release! Now can we get Shaw Brothers Chinese Super Ninjas (Five Element Ninja) and Masked Avengers?

- R Butler, Jamaica | June 29, 2007
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It was well worth the wait!

I have become more active in the acquisition of Martial Arts films over the past two years, during this time I was directed to http://www.kungfucinema.com and quickly identified The 36th Chamber Of Shaolin as one of titles every collection should possess. I became aware of the DD release when KFC made the announcement and my excitement quickly grew. I had the chance to pick up the Shaolin Master Killer release but didn’t want to enjoy an inferior product. Finally, after months of agony, the video was available after KFC stated a March 10th release. That very night I devoured the DVD much to the clenched teeth of my wife. After seeing the movie she forgave my inability to wait a few days. That day, I had read Bey’s blog, “BEHIND THE 36th CHAMBER: Some notes on the creation of a martial arts masterpiece (part two)” and was saddened at the details omitted from the versions targeted at western audiences. While viewing the film I noticed some of the inconsistencies remained such as English subtitles stating “Open sesame/close sesame”! instead of "East of the sea has the emperor’s influence/When he comes back, everyone is happy”. as mentioned in the same blog post. I thought known discrepancies would have been corrected on such a stellar release. Perhaps future titles will have original dubbing and voice tracks plus newer, corrected versions that would delight purists and perfectionists alike. Commentary also needed Bey’s touch, especially on such a title, but the two that were available presented an enthusiastic effort, but it was evident they have some polishing before they can shine as commentators. This movie did live up to the attention earned over the years. We all agree that the film is great, so I have addressed the other features that would have further enhanced the DD release. Perhaps upcoming titles will offer corrected dubbing and audio tracks in English as a supplement to the original works. Thanks Dragon Dynasty!

- 107, Pueblo | July 03, 2007
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Fantastic Film! Classic Martial Arts Film that looks better than ever! Top notch re-production of a Shaw Brothers Movie!

I never got the chance to see the Shaw Brothers Classics when they were originally released, but you can bet I'm going to be waiting for each and every one of the digitally enhanced versions to come out on DVD. The quality of the picture and sound is Magnificent! I can't wait for the future movies, you've got me waiting on the edge of my seat!

- J.W.S., Independence, Missouri | July 04, 2007
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Absolutely Excellent

Very good release by Dragon Dynasty. Dragon Dynasty did a much better job in this remaster than IVL did(which is bare bones i might add). Its great to see this film in its intended form after all these years. A kung fu classic that everyone should have in their collection!

- ol skee, ATL | July 05, 2007
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Outstanding

This was like watching a new movie, the restoration was superb; and let's not forget the action. Inspiriing.

- Bayan, Austin, TX | July 09, 2007
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one of the best kung fu movie around won't be disappointed in this movie lots of action.

sss

- john, OH | July 11, 2007
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One Word AWESOME!!!

This movie is now one of the best in my martial arts DVD collection, can't waite for the sequels to come out.

- Tony G, NY, NY | July 12, 2007
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Very, very good

This film has pretty much the best training sequences I've ever come across. It's quite the landmark film, as well. Everything looks beautiful, the sound is clear, the fighting totally classy. The only problem I find with this movie is the severely problematic subtitles. There are a lot of glaring errors and omissions in the translations, but who knows... Still without a doubt worth the money to buy it and the time to watch it.

- Spence, Missouri | July 12, 2007
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The Best!!!!!

OMG I have waited for this for a LONG time! Thanks so much Dragon Dynasty!! Now, how about 5 Deadly Venoms???

- Chip, Alabama | August 06, 2007
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Superb! keep pumping out the old school shaw brothers flicks!!

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin A.K.A. "Master Killer" is my all time favourite shaw brothers kung fu movie.Gordon Liu's performance is top notch,second to none.Great Story and Killer Kung Fu.

- Joe.V, Hamilton, Ontario,CANADA | August 09, 2007
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Finally somebody got it right!

I finally made the purchase of The 36th Chamber of Shaolin and I'll admit that I had reservations about if they were going to release the Shaw Brothers collection in English. For the last few years I have been keeping pace to see if Celestial Pictures would ever release these movies in the U.S. and it seemed futile at the time, but here we are now getting a remastered Shaw catalog here in the U.S.! I was glad to see it had English dialogue and shocked to see that it had the classic English dubbing from back in the day! I give major credit to Dragon Dynasty for their deal with Celestial Pictures, but I give even more credit for acquiring the classic dubbing for which would seem authentic to some Kung Fu movie enthusiasts for that is the way a lot of us remember these movies. Also, I have to give them some credit for the subtitles which may not be spot on with the dubbing, but whenever there is something Chinese written, the subtitles translates that for the ones who have always wondered what those words or inscriptions meant. Finally there is something for all of us to enjoy! Thanks again Dragon Dynasty, I hope to collect the entire Shaw catalog and definitely the Venom's movies when they are available as well as many more! Keep up the great work!

- DJ Raw Sauce, Gary, IN | August 12, 2007
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Buddha Be Praised!

This was one of a handful of movies that really captured my love for kung fu movies after the death of our beloved Bruce Lee. For years, I was always wondering what would happen to these movies, our would they be lost through the ravages of time? In 2002 Celestial Picture bought the rights to over 700 films of a thousand film library. And finally, five years hence comes these beloved films. 36 Chambers is an all out classic. If anyone is going to get a taste of truily great martial art action with a compelling story, this you can't miss. Truily, Buddha be praised!

- James W., Indianapolis, IN | August 26, 2007
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The film was excellent and The features were extremely extra enjoyable period.

Its always great to see old Kung Fu movies in the original audio with subtitles. The dubbing tends to take out a huge part of the movie. The features were incredible, first interivew i've seen with Gordon Liu, it was awesome to hear from that side of the Hong Kong movie scene. ummmm oh yea, this movie is just out of control. And I want to take this opportunity to be like yo dragon dynasty i think its time to get on your game. Bruce Lee 4 of 5 movies are out of print. Do something digitally remaster them and put in the original audio if it still exist, some good ol special features in there, I can't get return of the dragon anywhere. And then go beat up some people at WB and get Enter the Dragon and throw some good stuff in there. Also, Before I forget how about the killer, maybe a little bit of street fight or le return. Make some good quality Digital video discs.

- Ben K., Mt.Sinai, NY | October 24, 2007
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A MUST HAVE

I HAVE BEEN AFTER THIS FILM FOR A LONG TIME NOW ITS ONE OF THE BEST MARTIAL ART FILMS EVER MADE.THE TRANSFER AND BONUS MATERIAL ARE TOP NOTCH.CANT WAIT TO BUY REMAINING SHAW BROTHERS MOVIES.KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK DRAGON DYNASTY.

- S PARSONS, ENGLAND | October 31, 2007
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A classic revived!

I love Dragon Dynasty's re-releases. They have made an effort to clean up old, but wonderful films and I am continuing to collect my favorites in he series. I currently own 4 or 5 of the DD titles.

- Van N., Lafayette,LA | November 16, 2007
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Greatest kung fu movie ever made!!!

Therefore I have made a fan page on Facebook. Everyone join and "become a fan"!!!

- Jon Andreas Sanne, Norway | March 31, 2008
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It made me reminisce when me and big brother would watch "Black Belt Theater" on Saturdays at noon!

Thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I'm definitely recommending it to all. It's my brother's birthday today and if he has not gotten it, this will be his present. I remember as a little girl growing up, I bonded with my brother watching Black Belt Theater, those were for sure the good ol' days. I must now look for some of the classics I enjoyed backed in the 70's like the "Five Deadly Venoms" and the "Drunken Monkey". Hope they will be as much of a treat as "The 36th Chamber of Shaolin", was to me. I highly recommend this one for ol' time sakes!

- Daphne, Chesapeake, VA | April 23, 2008
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Great movie...brought back great memories...

Saw the first release in 1978 at the Great Star Theatre on Jackson Street in San Francisco Chinatown, and the subsequent sequels in the following years. I recalled the active audience cheered the heroes and jeered the badies. The long lines for our tickets, the chatters of our excitement before showtime, and the sweet and sour snacks from the snack bar were all cherished memories because of this movie and the sequels. We were not disappointed, and all the movies lived up to our wildest expectation. Curious when will the other two sequels will be available?

- BSH, Oakland, California | July 05, 2008
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Finally something for me to sing about!

I look foward to every single Dragon Dynasty release, but this is one of the greatest movies ever made. I looked high and low for this movie on dvd everywhere I went people said that it was out of print. When I heard that Dragon Dynasty was releasing it I got estatic.

- Will, Atlanta Georgia | August 20, 2008
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I have never seen anything like this before

I have always enjoyed Martial Arts Movies, but was never really exposed to real martial arts movies. I have found my love for movies. This is the movie that started me on my journey to experience real film making and understanding. I am not a typical Martial Arts Film lover but I will never look at another martial arts film the same because of the elegance and intelligence of this movie. Thank you for the wonderful films, keep them coming.

- Jamelyn, Lewisville, Texas | August 31, 2008
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The ultimate martial arts film

Everything in the film is superb. The story, the fights, the training sequences etc. A must buy DVD. Well Presented, DD are doing the business.

- Paul Smith, Aberdeen, UK | September 06, 2008
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Lau Kar-leung

This film immediately had me hooked to all Lau Kar-leung and Gordon Liu films that followed this. I had been waiting on the best release of this film and DragonDynasty has captured this and much praises and adoration go towards this company. Now im awaiting Master of the Flying Guillotine and Five Deadly Venoms. One Love!

- Trip, Texas | September 25, 2008
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Fantastic!

Have not seen this movie in years and wow did Dragon Dynasty do a great job on the DVD. A must own film for any martial arts fan.

- Greg, USA | October 11, 2008
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Amazing ,a true clasic

the best martial arts film ever

- militia, miami | December 19, 2008
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Very very very good

Need to have more of these older movies Like The One-Armed Boxer

- Irvendavis, Indianapolis, IN. | March 11, 2009
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A True Classic

I've been waiting on a good old school Shaolin movie. It made me feel young again. You know like when you were little and after a good martial arts movie you would be outside all day trying to jump tree to tree or learn the snake, crane, toad, scorpion, tiger, dragon style and any other style ever made. I loved it.

- Darrius A. Tyler I, Danville, Illinois 61832 | May 13, 2009
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If perfection can ever be filmed it would be called 36th cambers

What can I say that has already been said? What thoughts can I express that can fully portray feelings? The only thing that I can write is as a martial arts fan, you can not hold the title of fan unless you have sat and watched this movie. It will take you to a place of bliss and you would experience the true essence of training and you could hear the heartbeat of thousands of years of shaolin monks as they train, fight and live the true way. Enjoy

- Richard A Nieves, Norwalk, CT | July 27, 2009
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the best movie ever

the best movie piret.....

- aaron santos, san antonio tx. | August 11, 2009

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