The incredibly amazing “Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings” arrives on Blu-ray and 4K, and if you are a Marvel fan, this is something that definitely deserves a spot on your shelf. Marvel Studios really outdid themselves with their newest superhero by focusing on what makes the titular character so fascinating, while also expanding the MCU and emphasizing the empowerment of representation in skin color and gender roles. It also gives a space for audiences to see more of the Chinese culture as it recognizes Qingming, family names, enunciation, and the ABC language.
“Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings” was a moment where AAPI community could see themselves be like the heroic characters on-screen and prove that they aren’t anything like the negative stereotypes established by the toxicity of early pop culture. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and written by Cretton, Dave Callaham, and Andrew Lanham, the film’s familial story can’t escape those generic daddy issues that the MCU continuously implores. That being said, it is a trope that is used effectively considering that Tony Leung plays the primary antagonist and the story itself is viewed through the Asian lens.
Set in a post-Blip MCU, “Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings” follows Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) as he confronts his past with his best friend Katy (Awkwafina). Believing that he left everything behind, this father Wenwu (Tony Leung), the leader of the Ten Rings organization, captures him and his sister Xialing (Meng’er Zhang), he reveals to them all that he is searching for a mythical village that may be hiding the key to resurrect his wife and their mother from the dead.
Now “Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings” may be available on Disney+, but for those who love their physical media, this would be an excellent addition to their MCU home entertainment collection. The sights and sounds of it even at home are a splender. Bill Pope’s cinematography, especially during the scaffolding fight, is an homage to all of those martial arts fights of the past. And the film’s prologue pays reverence to the Wuxia epics as Wenwu and Ying Li (Fala Chen) do more of a martial arts dance rather than a fight. It probably the most romantic things that features two characters throwing punches, slinging rings, and other action elements.
But as awesome as the “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” is, its bonus features are some what lacking. Once again, it features the same EPK material that you might see on B-roll and other YouTube clip goodies. And the gag and deleted scenes material are as lighthearted generic fun as they come. But if you are really looking for something that goes in depth into the material, then “Building a Legacy” might be the first place you want to look considering it gets into Liu’s life starting from as an immigrant child to becoming an Asian leading man in an MCU film. “Family Ties” chronicles Shang-Chi’s history from its comic book origins to its current cinematic status.
There is no denying what a film like “Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings” means to so many MCU fans of the Asian community. One would hope that as the MCU expands with more stories with rich cultural specfities, we would get to see more stories like this – based on this film, Black Panther, and the additions of other POCs, Marvel Studios is already on that path.
Here are the bonus features you can expect to see on the Blu-ray and 4K.
“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” Special Features:
- Audio Commentary – View the film with Audio Commentary by Destin Daniel Cretton and Dave Callaham. (2:12:21)
- Building a Legacy – Go behind the scenes and explore Shang-Chi’s explosive debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (8:53)
- Family Ties – A deep dive into the rich but complicated legacy of Shang-Chi and Xu Wenwu. (7:28)
- Gag Reel – Take a look at some of the fun mishaps on set with the cast and crew of Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings. (2:11)
- Eleven (11) Deleted Scenes (15:03)
- They’re Waiting – Shang-Chi and Katy connect with Xialing over a call.
- Take a Shot – Katy has a moment of resolve during a battle.
- Apology – Years after his sudden absence, Shang-Chi tries to apologize to Xialing.
- I’m Here – Shang-Chi and Katy have a conversation in the alley. Katy reassures Shang-Chi that she will always be his support system.
- Pep Talk – In order to turn the tide, Razor Fist encourages Katy during the middle of a battle.
- Greatness – Trevor and Katy bond over passions in their getaway car.
- Escape Tunnel – The gang slips out through Trevor’s escape tunnel in order to secure a getaway vehicle.
- Two Sons – Xu Wenwu compares Shang-Chi and Razor Fist during a tense dinner.
- Postcard – Shang-Chi and Xu Wenwu reunite as father and son. Shang-Chi makes it clear he disagrees with Xu Wenwu’s philosophy.
- Just Friends – Katy and Xialing get to know each other. Xialing asks Katy some personal questions.
- Do It Yourself – Xu Wenwu returns to his empire after the Iron Gang boss is captured.
“Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings” is available on digital and Disney+ November 12th, 2021. It arrives on store shelves on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD November 30th, 2021.
Read our review of the film here.
