THE KUNG FU MASTER (reviewed in issue #158) was derived from the opening third of that 1994 ATV series, while this release is an abridgment of the remaining episodes. Following the murder of his parents, Hung Hei-kwun (Donnie Yen Chi-tan) is accepted into Shaolin Temple, where he hones his martial arts abilities alongside Fong Sai-yuk (Nick Cheung Kar-fai), under the tutelage of Master San Dak (Ben Ng Ngai-cheung). Hei-kwun learns that a valued ally, previously thought dead, has been captured by the Ching forces. In order to effect a rescue, he declares his intention to successfully navigate through the Shaolin Wooden Men. Anyone who survives this formidable challenge has attained perfection in the martial arts and Hei-kwun will need these heightened abilities to prevent the Ching forces' latest stratagems from succeeding.

As always with these condensed versions, the excess fat has been removed but what we are left in this case plays more like a 3 1/2 hour trailer than a properly structured narrative. However, the program remains engrossing and the kung fu is above average by television standards.

The pre-digital era Betacam production looks its age, with a rather soft image and occasional minor wear on the master tape, but it is passable. The original sync sound Cantonese tracks are available in either Dolby Digital or DTS; the re-mix adds a little additional energy and presence; an English dub is also included in 5.1 (but best avoided). As is his trademark, ubiquitous audio commentator Bey Logan speaks throughout the 3 1/2 running time. There is some valuable info imparted but also a significant amount of (inevitable) repetition from previous talks. A Donnie Yen bio, video promos, and a 2 minute "Making Of..." are also included on the two disc set.