Logos / Credits

The Reconstructed Original Version begins with a warning of the different quality of the scenes, followed by a logo of a production company.

On the other hand, the German VHS starts approx. 5 seconds earlier with the introductor text box. The TVP master instantaneously starts with the second paragraph while the text is complete on the German VHS.

Reconstructed Original Version 21.8 sec longer

German VHS	Reconstructed Original Version

00:30 / 00:52-00:57

The final text box however is a little longer on the screen. Probably that the voice-over can be finished because after all, it is quite long.

5.1 sec



Credits

Approx. 3 minutes later, the title pops up. In the Reconstructed Original Version, the international title has been added.

German VHS	Reconstructed Original Version

Cut Equals the TVP Version
12:05 / 12:31-13:35

Before the third challenge begins, Piao has a conversation with some old guy who promises him a cure from the book "Dharmal" for his mother. In order to get it, Piao needs to pass three shaolin challenges.
The following scene with the abbot begins earlier as well. He wants to know the reason why Piao intends to do the challenges and Piao tells him.

Last but not least, an intercut to the good master in the middle of the shot.

64.4 sec

Cut Equals the TVP Version
14:17 / 15:47-16:30

After failing the challenge, the abbot actually talks to other monks (resp. their conversation starts much earlier).
It is about Shen and the deadliness of his flying guillotine and the successor of the Prince who has been ruling for years. Allegedly, the 4th Prince has sent some people to ally with Shen. Another monk comes to the conclusion that Shen needs to be killed as quickly as possible.

43.2 sec

18:44-18:46 / 20:55

This is where it gets interesting because the German VHS is (except for a few minor jump-cuts with a length of less than 0.5 sec before) a little longer. The shot of the people crossing the woods is much longer on VHS.

It looks like there was a rather huge jump-cut in the HD reel because the subsequent shot has been added to the Reconstructed Original Version from a different source (probably from the German VHS!). Does not change the fact that those 2 (admittedly redundant) seconds are missing.

+ 2.1 sec

26:24-26:28 / 28:31

When the abbot hands over the book, there are two longer shots on the German VHS. In order for his comment not getting lost, it now ends during the following shot even though one can assume that there is no lip movement anymore.

+ 4.4 sec

Cut Equals the TVP Version
30:29 / 32:32-32:52

Piao's conversation with his mother is longer (the image quality changes in the middle of it).
His mom is sceptical regarding all the ineffective meds over the last years but Piao points out these meds were all from the book Dharmal which is why they would help guaranteed.

20 sec

Cut Equals the TVP Version
31:38 / 34:01-34:50

Piao's mother's comment is more explicit. She explains Piao's father had left her and her son because he loved fighting so very much. For that reason, she wishes Piao would not be a warrior anymore after her death. She adds that 20 years before, his uncle had searched for his father but he had never returned.

49.4 sec

Cut Equals the TVP Version
32:13 / 35:25-36:45

Some advising at the monastry before the yard scene begins.

20 years ago (what a coincidence), Shen sougt sanctuary at the monastry in order to get his hands on the book he could use to cure his desease. But during the thrid test, he had a heart attack and never returned. Allegedly, he is in Death Valley now because some gas that is leaking there is some kind of cure for his heart condition. The two other masters worry about Shen working with Ching and pronounce attacks.
The abbot would like to discuss who to send but noises from outside make him check it out. All of that has also been witnessed through a peephole by someone who is now leaving as well.

80.1 sec

36:05-36:09 / 40:37

After Piao's flip, only the German VHS contains the shot of him landing. The shot of Tsiao Wei starts earlier as well: He turns around and blocks the first monk's attack.

Pretty weird that this is missing in the Reconstructed Original Version.

+ 4.4 sec

37:10-37:13 / 41:38

Jump-cut in the middle of the shot of Tsiao Wei. At least, the part of the comment is audible during the following shot.

+ 2.3 sec

37:52 / 42:17-42:19

Further jump-cut on the German VHS when the camera zooms in on Tsiao Wei's robe.

1.5 sec



Cut Equals the TVP Version
38:00 / 42:27-43:42

After the death of Tsao Wei, the monks consult with each other. The spy upset a lot of people which makes killing Shen an urgent matter. With regard to his deceased mother, Piao volunteers but monks reject his offer for that very reason resp. they tell him to handle his personal matters first.

The subsequent scene with the 4th Prince also starts earlier. The Prince is being informed about Shen's heart condition. This is very satisfying for him because as owner of the Dharmal book, he now has leverage.

75.6 sec

Cut Equals the TVP Version
39:02 / 44:45-45:07

The 4th Prince keeps talking in that very shot. Out of anger about his fallen friend, he almost tears the book apart. His servant calms him down and points out the upside/the further course of action.

22.4 sec

43:04 / 49:09-49:10

Probably just another jump-cut but one way or another, a rather distinctive shot: The central part of the fight is missing: While the cam zooms out, a Manchu is being blocked.

1.4 sec

Cut Equals the TVP Version
46:27 / 52:32-53:17

The conversation in front of the fire is longer: Monk Ken asks about Piao's Kung Fu skills. Piao explains he had learned it from one of his father's books and when being asked who his father was, he tells Ken what happened 20 years ago.

44.5 sec

Cut Equals the TVP Version
47:53 / 54:43-56:07

The Prince's delegate speaks longer to Shen Mo Shao. At first, he apologizes for the circumstances one more time. But then, their conversation becomes more and more heated. Shen threatens with his skills the delegate mentions the rest of the book which Shen will only get if he cooperates. Eventually, Shen agrees but he points out the punishment (death) if he does not get the book. He hands over a little notebook (probably with instructions how to handle the guillotine).

84.1 sec