I requested these because they had ninja in the title. I had no idea what I was in for. Born a Ninja and Commando the Ninja were shot on video. They do have impressive moves and choreography but everything in between is filler.
These are both 4:3 frame and calling it standard definition is generous. This is the best possible version but it certainly brings back VHS nostalgia. There are even glitches from the master tape.
They will sometimes move the camera overhead 360 probably because VHS camera were small enough to.
Much more impressive is the 8-bit graphics menus.
And despite the producers cranking these films out, the Blu-ray treats them like Hong Kong movies with commentary and features.
Justin Decloux is on both films and further extras talking about Godfrey Ho and director Law Chi. His enthusiasm certainly sells these movies. I read his Albert Pyun book and wish I’d read it in his voice.
Will Sloane is also on Commando the Ninja. An interview with actor Kwan Chung at a convention appearance reflects on his career crossing paths with other notable martial arts names.