If you're a fan of the recent influx of technically proficient Asian action films, you'll be bedazzled by the crazy sword fighting and super-human combat in Legend of the Black Scorpion. Throw in a story wrapped around the layers of Hamlet and a multitude of slo-mo action sequences choreographed by Yuen Wo-Ping (The Matrix, Kill Bill) and you have one hell of a good time. The latest Dragon Dynasty release, Legend of the Black Dragon (a.k.a. The Banquet), sees ZiYi Zhang reteam with cinematographer Tim Yip (Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon) for an Asian-themed adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, set during the end of the Tang Dynasty in a time known as the Period of Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms. As you might imagine, this particular retelling of the classic tale features a lot more blood and a ton of kick-ass modern martial arts swordplay that would make William Shakespeare's head spin. The truth be told, if they taught this version of Hamlet in high schools, no one would ever fall asleep.

Aside from the remarkably stunning visuals, a ton of slo-motion action sequences, intricately designed sets, and lavish wardrobes, Legend of the Black Scorpion comes loaded to the gills with a variety of cool special features. In keeping with the Dragon Dynasty tradition, the 2-disc set includes a comprehensive feature commentary by Hong Kong film expert Bey Logan that provides a wealth of educational insight into the film and goes even deeper on a historical level as related to Asian cinema. If you're new to the world of Asian action, you can take comfort in knowing that Logan is the premiere authority on the genre. While the set also features a series of expanded extras that include a "making of", a behind-the-scenes segment, and cast and crew interviews, the story of Black Scorpion is best told by Logan on the commentary. Case in point - the opening sequence in the Anji bamboo forest is the same location used in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and House of Flying Daggers. Trust us, Bey knows everything about the industry and how it’s all inter-connected.

For an action movie that features so many adrenaline charged fight sequences, we were hoping to receive a collection of fight related outtakes or extended sequences. Even better... why not show us the slo-mo action sequences in real time as a comparison? Other than those minor whinings, there's nothing to complain about.

Legend of the Black Scorpion isn't your average lightning-paced Kung-fu action flick. If you didn't care for Curse of the Golden Flower, this one might not be for you. However, for those of you that can hang in for a complex story interspersed with a variety of awesome battle scenes and sleek visuals, Black Scorpion will be right up your alley. The best comparison would be the pace, timing, and action of House of Flying Daggers. Once again, Dragon Dynasty delivers another first rate Asian import with the same type of respect they show for the classic Jackie Chan and Chow Yun-Fat movies.