‘Picture of a Nymph’ Blu-ray Review (88 Films)
Stars: Yuen Biao, Wu Ma, Lawrence Ng, Elizabeth Lee, Joey Wang, Wah Yuen, May Mei-Mei Lo, Wai Lam, Zhilun Xue | Directed by Wu Ma
88 Films continues to impress with their stunning Blu-ray presentations of international cinema. Recent releases such as On the Run, Saga of the Phoenix, and Rosa, have once again showcased the label’s commitment to giving cult and genre favourites the treatment they deserve. Now the spotlight turns to the latest wave of titles, beginning with Wu Ma’s 1988 supernatural oddity Picture of a Nymph. This cult classic has been newly restored and arrives on Deluxe Blu-ray, ensuring that physical media fans can rediscover – or experience for the first time – this eerie slice of fantasy cinema for years to come.
Shih Erh (Yuen Biao, Knockabout), a Taoist monk disciple, takes in a scholar named Tsui Hung-Chuen (Lawrence Ng, To Be Number One) after he inadvertently burned down his house after battling a demon. Shih Erh and his master Wu Men-Chu (Ma Wu, Kickboxer) house and attempt to protect Tsui from the demons and spirits that lurk nearby; however, Tsui encounters a benevolent female ghost named Mo Chiu (Joey Wang, A Chinese Ghost Story), who is confined to the hands of the wicked King Ghost (Elizabeth Lee, Widow Warriors). As Tsui falls in love with Mo Chiu, he paints a portrait of her, which the spirit uses to conceal herself from the King Ghost’s clutches.
Picture of a Nymph is a ghost story. I won’t call it a rehash of A Chinese Ghost Story, but there are definite similarities. Now, while the story is predictable, it is still an entertaining piece of cinema – the great cinematography and good acting make for a haunting [pun intended] film experience.
88 Films have transferred Picture of a Nymph to Blu-ray in 1080p, presented in 1.85:1 Widescreen aspect ratio. The audio track is a Cantonese LPCM Mono audio track. There are also English subtitles available. This transfer is sourced from a brand-new 2K restoration of the original negative. The audio had been remastered as well. What results is a simply stunning looking restoration that fans of Asian cinema will revel in. A gorgeous restoration might be enough for some companies, but not for 88 Films. They make their releases super deluxe. Take a look at what is included on this Blu-ray:
Bonus Materials:
- Limited Edition Rigid Slip Case with New Artwork by Sean Longmore
- Limited Edition 40 Page Perfect bound book
- Limited Edition Premium Art card
- Reversible Blu-ray insert
- Audio Commentary by Frank Djeng (NY Asian Film Festival)
- Audio Commentary by David West
- Image Gallery
- Original Trailer
Personally, I love the addition of two audio commentaries – they give two different perspectives on this film. And of course, artwork is always a welcome bonus. Here we have two different kinds of Blu-ray artwork, an amazing-looking art card and a great book, which I consider a must-read.
***** 5/5
88 Films never cease to amaze with how much love they put into their releases. If you love films about the supernatural and are a fan of Asian cinema, well, 88 Films’ Blu-ray of Picture of a Nymph is truly a must-own.
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