Years after being assaulted, a young woman (Juliet Chan) seeks bloody revenge on the five men responsible. She is aided by a retired hitman sympathetic to her plight (“Tattooer Ma” Sha) and a group of like-minded girlfriends. One by one, each of the creeps are caught in a trap and done away with, but her final quarry has a few tricks up his sleeve, leading to a violent climactic confrontation. KILL BUTTERFLY KILL (aka UNDERGROUND WIFE) is a prime example of the so-called ‘Black Movie’, an exploitation sub-genre popular during the early 1980s in Taiwan. Though cheaply made, these were stylish and potent action films with often socially conscious aims and two feet planted firmly in the gutter.

Presented here in a new 4K restoration from the best surviving elements is the export English language cut of the film prepared by the notorious IFD Films. This slightly better cut differs from the original Mandarin language version known as UNDERGROUND WIFE, which is also presented here in a 4:3 ‘fullscreen’ SD print. Finally, this set also features the absolutely gonzo 1987 cut of the film, AMERICAN COMMANDO 6: KILL BUTTERFLY KILL, which features new scenes starring IFD regulars Mike Abbot and Mark Miller, from a 4K scan of the OCN. All of these various versions of this unique film are here making their official US home video and worldwide Blu-ray premieres. (Please note: The best surviving elements were used for these restorations and some scenes are not ideal. We hope that doesn’t hurt your enjoyment of these films)

For thoughts on Kill Butterfly Kill, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:

[youtube https://youtu.be/xWdeP8yLjmQ?si=YWoNaw_jkUq2G7le&t=2346]

Video Quality

Kill Butterfly Kill comes to Blu-Ray courtesy of Neon Eagle Video in a few different incarnations: the English-language export has been granted a 4K restoration from the best surviving elements, the strange 1987 cut of the film under the title American Commando 6: Kill Butterfly Kill is presented from a 4K scan of the Original Camera Negative, and the original Mandarin language version is presented in standard definition in 4:3 standard definition. Even at its best, the quality of the English-language export transfer is not exceptional and shows major deficits. Due to the reported quality of the elements, we are lucky to have this one in high definition at all. While obviously not ideal, Neon Eagle Video never attempts to mislead you about the inconsistent quality which makes you forgive some of the shortcomings. Most can agree that this was largely forgotten over the years outside of some die-hard fans, but the label has done everything in its power to give this as much life as possible.

With expectations in check, most will find the HD presentations to look acceptable. The natural grain is intact and resolved well even in the face of some more chunky or coarse moments. Viewers are treated to a fine amount of detail with nice textures on the clothing and production design when there is not egregious damage, of which there is quite a bit. Many scenes are swallowed up by at least half the screen experiencing significant degradation or some form of persistent impairment. This new transfer shows off a fair amount of depth to each environment. Black levels struggle the most in this presentation with shadowy scenes that display a milky appearance, crush, and loss of detail. Color temperature can be inconsistent, but not so much as to ruin the experience. Most who have been clamoring for this will be grateful to own it at all, but this is not a great transfer for casual fans.

For those looking for a greater level of consistency, you might want to jump over to the American Commando 6: Kill Butterfly Kill cut of the film on Disc 2. This is more than just small additions here and there – this is almost an entirely different film. With the 4K scan of the Original Camera Negative, things largely look quite terrific. There is so much unique footage in this version that looks bright, crisp, and gorgeous with very little in the way of damage. When the film does include footage from the “true” version of the film, most of the deficits remain that can be found on Disc 1. Some shots seem to hold up better with less overt damage, but it is the new scenes that impress. Where many may find too much fault with the original feature transfer, there is not much to complain about this cobbled-together feature outside of the narrative itself. The option to choose your own adventure is greatly appreciated.

Audio Quality

This Blu-Ray comes with a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track in dubbed English that holds up a bit better than the video side of things, but it similarly showcases some shortcomings. There are some swings in fidelity and pitch in a few instances, but you get decent consistency. The film employs some hard-hitting sound effects that are given the appropriate presence within the mix. The score comes through pretty well in relation to the other sounds in the mix. The dialogue sounds clear if not slightly bright without music cues or sound effects drowning out important information. This presentation gets the job done even if it could be a bit stronger. This disc provides optional English SDH subtitles.

Special Features

Disc One

Kill Butterfly Kill (English-Language Export) (1:27:02)

Underground Wife (Alternate Cut – Standard Definition) (1:25:42)

Audio Commentary: Kenneth Brorsson and Paul Fox of the Podcast on Fire Network provide an informative commentary track for the English-language export version in which they discuss the era in which this film was released, how this cut of the film differs from the others, the stunts in the film, the background of the performers, and much more.

Trailer: The two-and-a-half-minute trailer is provided.

Image Gallery: This disc provides an image gallery of stills and marketing materials.

Disc Two

American Commando 6: Kill Butterfly Kill (1:28:19)

IFD Trailer Compilation (Standard Definition): A nearly 32-minute compilation of trailers is provided.

American Commando 6 Trailer: The two-minute trailer is provided.

Final Thoughts

Kill Butterfly Kill is not exactly the type of film we are drawn to, but we can see where fans of this type of exploitation cinema would have fun with it. Some of the action and stunt work is impressive, but the cringeworthy comedy can be a bit much. There are times when the film seems to spin its wheels with flashbacks that do not offer anything new instead of moving forward with the narrative. This effort is not for the casual cinephile, so those who self-identify as “sickos” should be the ones seeking out this one. Neon Eagle Video has released a Blu-Ray featuring an understandably flawed A/V presentation that presents the film as well as it can, with some alternate cuts, and a good commentary track. This is a film that could have easily been lost to time, so fans who have been waiting for it should appreciate that it has been handled with as much care as it has.

Kill Butterfly Kill is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Neon Eagle Video has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.