Special Features: |
Disc 1
- Intro (2:02, HD) offers initial thoughts and a project overview from Vinegar Syndrome's Kurtis M. Spieler.
- Commentary features Kurtis M. Spieler.
- "Re-Enter the 'New York Ninja'" (48:44, HD) is a sizable documentary on the creation of the lost martial arts picture. Authors Chris Poggiali and Grady Hendrix provide some background information on director/star John Liu, who made a name for himself as a master of flexibility, with the ability to "super kick" his onscreen enemies. Liu's early career achievements are noted, along with the international appeal of his endeavors, which eventually made their way to America. Distribution executive Arthur Schweitzer, editor Jim Markovic, makeup effects artist Carl Moreno, and actress Adrienne Meltzet examine the creation of "New York Ninja," finding Liu trying to pull off an action movie with a tiny crew and no money, using guerrilla filmmaking techniques to complete his days around New York City. Losing funding, the footage was eventually caught up in bankruptcy woes. Decades later, a pallet of film cans was offered to Vinegar Syndrome, inspiring an idea to take the unfinished feature that didn't have sound and try to make sense of it. Company team Ryan Emerson, Ralph Stevens, Kurtis M. Spieler, Brandon Upson, and Brad Henderson went to work on a new version of "New York Ninja" without Liu (who's difficult to find these days), hoping to recapture the era-specific feel of the effort, including a voice cast than includes Don "The Dragon" Wilson, Cynthia Rothrock, and Michael Berryman. Praise for the score (by Voyag3r) is also included.
- Trailer (1:27, HD) is included.
Disc 2
- "Re-Directing 'New York Ninja'" (18:33, HD) sits down with Vinegar Syndrome's Kurtis M. Spieler, who handled directorial duties for this reworking of the John Liu film. The interviewee explores the organization of the raw footage, which was freshly scanned and prepared for editorial analysis, with Spieler trying to spot slates to help make sense of it all. When that didn't work, plans for a different movie were made, inspiring Spieler to use a 1984 mentality to bring a new version of "New York Ninja" to life. Dialogue and dubbing are highlighted, along with scoring achievements.
- "Locations Unmasked" (13:59, HD) is a nicely edited overview of New York City spots where "New York Ninja" was filmed, hosted by Michael Gingold.
- Deleted Scenes (26:59, HD) presents lengthy shots and scenes from "New York Ninja," which are analyzed by project director Kurtis M. Spieler.
- B-roll and Outtakes (10:18, HD) is raw footage from the "New York Ninja" shoot, including stunt work, slates, cast and crew camaraderie, and general production atmosphere.
- Still Gallery (4:23) includes BTS snaps and a glimpse of a "New York Ninja" promotional button.
- "The Music of 'New York Ninja'" (10:43, HD) features interviews with Voyag3r, who provided the score for "New York Ninja." Members Steve Greene, Aaron Greene, and Greg Mastin walk through the creative process, also detailing their fondness for the subgenre.
- Original Sizzle Reel (9:27, SD) is a VHS copy of footage used to help raise money to finish the film.
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