Martial arts student Leroy Green (Taimak) is on a quest to obtain the elusive all-powerful force known as “The Glow.” Along the way, he must battle the evil, self-proclaimed “Shogun of Harlem” – a kung fu warrior also known as Sho’nuff (Julius J. Carry III) – and rescue a beautiful singer (Prince protégée Vanity) from an obsessed record promoter. Combining pulsating music, cutting-edge dancing and the best in non-stop action, BERRY GORDY’S THE LAST DRAGON is kickin’ good fun featuring an amazing Motown soundtrack, including music by Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Vanity and DeBarge performing their smash hit “Rhythm of the Night.”

For thoughts on The Last Dragon, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:

[youtube https://youtu.be/NtnntbeGwqs?si=87wJm5Kji8Wi4tKw&t=1072]

Video Quality

The Last Dragon has at long last been given a 2160p 4K UHD upgrade with HDR/Dolby Vision that has been scanned from the Original Camera Negative and approved by director Michael Schultz. The included Blu-Ray is the same disc that was first released in 2015, and while great for the time, it is clear that there has been a significant jump in quality since that HD debut. This 4K UHD disc conjures the perfect amount of natural film grain which resolves well and never fluctuates unnaturally. Throughout the film, you are treated to a fabulous world of pleasing texture and detail within each environment thanks to this transfer. Fans of the film have never seen this film appear so three-dimensional, even upon its theatrical release.

Skin tones look natural and the clarity of the transfer gives you a notable amount of facial detail including loads of sweat and the distinct facial hair of Sho’nuff. Any print damage or other such blemishes have long since been eradicated. The improvements in contrast and overall clarity are outstanding, especially when you look around Leroy’s family apartment or explore the textures on the costumes. The UHD disc contains sumptuous, deep colors throughout, especially when it comes to some aforementioned flashy costumes and some of the lighting schemes. Highlights are brighter and offer greater stability without veering into blooming. Black levels are deep and allow the picture to achieve an incredible amount of depth and detail in darker environments. This transfer is a revelation for fans of this classic genre picture. Sony should consider this a major flex to signify their dominance in the space.

Audio Quality

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc puts forth a new Dolby Atmos track along with a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track and a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio stereo track for the purists. The range of audio and subtitle options Sony provides on this disc is unlikely to displease anyone. The Atmos track is not an unrecognizable difference from the 5.1 presentation, but it does flesh out the overall soundscape with enhanced vitality and a more forwardly immersive quality. Dialogue does usually stay grounded up front, but activity extends to the surrounds, rears, and overhead speakers when it comes to the music and various environmental sounds to make the adventure feel more robust and dynamic. The sounds up above are not unrelenting, but they make an impact when filling the room with music or in some of the fight scenes.

The film thrives when it comes to the music, as the speakers pump in top-tier tunes which will have you moving in your seat. Dialogue is crisp and clear without ever getting overshadowed by the competing elements. The low-end effects from the subwoofer come alive during the fight scenes, but the music allows you to feel the bass, as well. Directionality is never an issue when it comes to environmental effects. For those who choose to go with the original stereo track, you will be treated to a fantastic presentation that captures the original artistic intent. You cannot go wrong here.

Special Features

Sony has provided The Last Dragon with a sleek SteelBook featuring artwork that is truly lovely in person. The front artwork features the main characters in poses in the middle of a stylized urban street, and the rear features a dragon emblem. The interior sports a still of one of the fight scenes. Video of the SteelBook can be found at the top of this review.

4K UHD Blu-Ray (Disc One)

New Audio Commentary: Comedian Amber Ruffin and Author Lacey Lamar, who happen to be sisters, provide a fan commentary track that is light on information but heavy on fun. This feels like watching the film with good friends as you playfully comment on the film with humor and love.

Blu-Ray (Disc Two)

Archival Audio Commentary: Director Michael Schultz provides a more focused commentary track recorded a few years back in which he discusses the production of the film, a disastrous deletion of the script, doing much of the martial arts practically, working with the performers, why he wanted to make this movie and more.

Return Of The Dragon: A 24-minute retrospective featurette in which the cast and creative team reflect on the making of this film, the mixture of martial arts and music, the look and style of the feature, the performances, how it resonated with audiences, the legacy of the film, and more you will not want to miss.

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

Final Thoughts

The Last Dragon is a fun blend of many different genres which allows martial arts films to encompass more backgrounds than they are typically associated with. Some of the dynamics are familiar to those who are well-versed in this subsection of film, but the execution could not feel more fresh and exciting. Of course, there are copious amounts of ‘80s cheese and outrageous situations, but this is kind of what you want from the experience. The stars are gorgeous, the music is tight, and the characters are chewing the scenery – it doesn’t get better. Purists may find this to be a bit silly, but those open to just having fun with the premise will love it. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray featuring a dominating A/V presentation and worthwhile new and archival special features. Fans of the film will be delighted to have this one finally treated with this level of respect. Recommended

The Last Dragon is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray and Digital.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment 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.