"The Last Stand" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Variety reports that Kim Jee-woon has signed on to direct a movie adaptation of Ed Brubaker’s acclaimed graphic novel, Coward. Kim is best known for his crafty, cult action films like A Bittersweet Life, The Good, the Bad, the Weird and the ridiculously violent I Saw The Devil. Earlier this year, Kim made his Hollywood directing debut with The Last Stand, which was hailed as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s “comeback film.”

Here’s a description of the Coward graphic novel courtesy of Amazon: Leo is a professional pickpocket and legendary heist-planner. But there’s a catch with Leo: he won’t work any job that he doesn’t call all the shots on, he won’t allow guns, and the minute things turn south, he’s looking for any exit that won’t land him in prison. But when he’s lured into a risky heist, all his rules go out the window.Now Leo must come face-to-face with the violence he’s kept bottled up inside for 20 years, and nothing will ever be the same for him again.

We’ll keep you posted as we hear more about Coward. Until then, watch some Kim Jee-woon films. We recommend all of them. Also be sure and check out the trailer to his latest project The X, which is a short film that premiered at the 2013 Busan International Film Festival.

"Bruce Lee: The Legacy Collection" Blu-ray and DVD Box Set

Shout! Factory has announced the Bruce Lee: The Legacy Collection Blu-ray and DVD set, which arrives at retail this October 22, 2013.

This box set includes four of the films that would make Bruce Lee one of the most important martial artists ever to grace the screen. The set includes 1971’s The Big Boss (aka Fists of Fury), 1972’s Fist of Fury (aka The Chinese Connection), 1972’s Way of the Dragon (aka Return of the Dragon) and 1978’s Game of Death, all on both DVD and, for the first time, Blu-ray.

Keep in mind that the set is 11 discs total: four movies on Blu-ray, the same four movies on DVD, and three DVDs containing 1983’s Bruce Lee: The Legend/1973’s Bruce Lee: The Man, The Legend, 2012’s I Am Bruce Lee, plus over two hours of bonus content exclusive to this set.

It’s now available for pre-order at Amazon.

Update: The latest press release is as follows:

The Bruce Lee Legacy Collection:

Extraordinary 11-Disc Blu-ray™+ DVD Box Set Presentation of The Bruce Lee Legacy Collection, which contains:

– Four Bruce Lee Classics on Blu-ray™ for the first time (The Big Boss, Fist of Fury, The Way of the Dragon and Game of Death)

– Three Feature-Length Documentaries

–  Hours of Bonus Content

ALL COLLECTED IN A DELUXE BOOK-STYLE PACKAGE WITH 68 PAGES OF

RARE AND UNSEEN PHOTOS, MEMORABILIA, TIMELINE, NEW ESSAY ON BRUCE LEE’S AMAZING CAREER and MORE!

Legendary cultural icon Bruce Lee continues to be an unstoppable force, unbeatable warrior and an unforgettable star. He is the very face of martial arts mastery, the inspiration for millions to walk an enlightened path and mentor to the greatest stars and fighters the world over. He became a hero to those who knew him in life and, following his death, a legend to all. Since his incredible rise to fame nearly five decades ago, audiences across the globe have been amazed by the supreme talents and undeniable charisma that make Lee such a beloved icon. As an actor, his impact on film was more palpable than a roundhouse kick. He remains the single greatest figure in martial arts cinema; the man responsible for bringing the genre into the mainstream. Lee was also a loving husband and father of two and an insightful philosopher who believed in the integration of the physical and spiritual to attain a balanced existence. In every aspect of his life, he was anything but ordinary. His life remains an enduring source of inspiration, and his amazing talents will continue to make a difference on all those that come in contact with his legacy.

Loyal fans, movie collectors, pop culture and martial arts enthusiasts will be treated to a whole new home entertainment experience to celebrate the life and brilliance of the late Bruce Lee when The Bruce Lee Legacy Collection 11-Disc Blu-ray™+ DVD box set presentation debuts in stores everywhere on September 17, 2013 from Shout! Factory.

Three feature-length documentaries Bruce Lee: The Legend (and the original version Bruce Lee: The Man, The Legend), the critically acclaimed I Am Bruce Lee and The Grandmaster and the Dragon: William Cheung and Bruce Lee; a special bonus disc with hours of new bonus content exclusive to this set, and four DVDs of aforementioned action-packed classics. A fitting tribute and celebration in honor of the legend, these sumptuous offerings are collected in a deluxe book-style packaging, brimming with 68 pages of archival materials, rare and never-before-released photos, new essay on Lee’s amazing career, and much more! The Bruce Lee Legacy Collection is priced to own at $119.99 SRP.

Extensive Bonus Content:

– Newly translated English subtitles on The Big Boss, Fist of Fury and Way of the Dragon

– The original English dub track for The Big Boss, never used in the U.S.

– The Big Boss, Fist of Fury and Way of the Dragon include the original mono soundtrack in Cantonese and Mandarin

– Audio Commentaries on all four films by Hong Kong Film Expert Mike Leeder

– Return to Pak Chong: The Big Boss Revisited

– New interviews with Jon Benn, Bob Wall and many more!

– Interviews with Sammo Hung, Simon Yam, Yuen Wah, Wong Jing, Nora Maio, Riki Hashimoto and Jun Katsumura

– Remembering Fist of Fury featurette

– Bruce Lee the Early Years: an interview with Gene LeBell

– Bruce Lee Martial Arts Master featurette

– Game of Death: Then & Now – Return to the locations of Game of Death

– Game of Death memories featurette

– Master of the Game with Danny Inosanto

– Bruce Lee Remembered featuring interviews with Bryron Mann, Dustin Nguyen and filmmaker Gareth Evans (The Raid)

– Extensive Still Galleries on all four films including rare stills, movie posters etc.

– Theatrical Trailers and TV spots

– Deleted Scenes

– Alternate openings and endings

– Game of Death outtake montage and bloopers

– Game of Death Revisited

– And much more!

SPECIAL BLU-RAY™ MOVIE PRESENTATIONS OF FOUR BRUCE LEE CLASSICS

The Big Boss: In his “first smash hit movie” (BBC), Bruce Lee stars as a young man who moves to Bangkok to take a job in an ice factory. But soon he finds that the factory is smuggling heroin…and that in order to restore justice to some missing coworkers, he must come face to face with the Big Boss for a climactic showdown!

Fist of Fury: Bruce Lee is “powerful, humorous and charismatic” (Leonard Maltin) as a student who vows to uncover how his mentor was murdered. Though all signs point to the local Japanese Martial Arts School, the local police won’t do anything…so he decides to restore honor to his teacher by taking matters into his own hands!

The Way of the Dragon: Tang Lung (Lee) flies to Rome to help his friend, who is being forced by local gangsters to sell her restaurant. When Tang proves to be a threat to the syndicate’s plans, they hire the best martial artists, including Colt (Chuck Norris). The two men battle in the ancient city’s majestic Colosseum in what is “regarded by many as the finest martial arts combat ever committed to celluloid” (BBC)!

Game of Death: Billy Lo is a young kung fu star with a promising career. Refusing to sign with the leader of a syndicate known for its exploitation of entertainers, Billy’s martial arts mastery is put to the test when he is brutally harassed by his men. In a stunning showdown, Billy must “go one on one with each of the villains in some of the most explosive fight scenes ever filmed” (Leonard Maltin).

The Big Boss: 1971 – 100 mins. Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1)

Fist of Fury: 1972 – 106 mins. Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1)

The Way of the Dragon: 1972 – 99 mins. Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1)

Game of Death: 1978 – 100 mins. Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1)

Bruce Lee: The Legend (and the original version Bruce Lee: The Man, The Legend)

Documentary Presentation (DVD)

The documentary highlighted Lee’s early childhood films and touched on a more personal side of the man. The film also offered a peek into his then Hong Kong home, his studio office and more glimpses from behind the scenes of Lee’s two films Enter the Dragon and Game of Death.

Ten years later, Golden Harvest revamped the title and added more production value with new interviews, footage from Lee’s appearances in the Longstreet TV series and additional action segments, including outtakes from Game of Death. In the United States, Bruce Lee: The Legend premiered on syndicated television, along with the other Bruce Lee films. They were a ratings blockbuster.

I AM Bruce Lee Documentary Presentation (DVD)

Produced by Derik Murray, Network Entertainment, Bruce Lee Enterprises and Leeway Media Group, and directed by Pete McCormack, I AM BRUCE LEE delves deeper into the compelling saga behind Bruce Lee than ever before and deftly unravels Lee’s fascinating life through his own words and visually stunning actions, as well as through the eyes of his family, close friends and luminaries from the world of sports and entertainment. The film also examines Lee’s connections to the modern field of Mixed Martial Arts.

Among the notable luminaries featured in this film are NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, renowned boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, Academy Award® nominated actor Mickey Rourke, Emmy Award winning actor Ed O’Neill, actress and MMA fighter Gina Carano, multiplatinum recording artist Taboo (Black Eyed Peas), UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, and UFC President Dana White, who calls Lee the “Father of Mixed Martial Arts.” Other interviews featured in the film include celebrated writer and director Reginald Hudlin, boxer Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, and MMA fighters Cung Le and Stephan Bonnar. The people who knew Lee best, his daughter Shannon Lee and wife Linda Lee Cadwell, as well as his friends and associates including legendary martial artists Dan Inosanto, Bob Wall and Gene LeBell, offer unprecedented insights into his private life and career.

Their candid perspectives, in combination with rarely seen videos, archival photos and footage from Lee’s groundbreaking martial arts action films, further establish I AM BRUCE LEE as the definitive look at a man whose legacy will endure forever.

Special Features on I Am Bruce Lee:

• Backyard Training – Bruce Lee’s Personal Films

• Inspiration – Bruce Lee’s Global Impact

• Bruce Lee In Action

• Theatrical Trailer

• Bruce Lee’s Hollywood Audition

The Grandmaster and the Dragon: William Cheung and Bruce Lee, featuring first-hand account by renowned grand master, William Cheung, and his friendship, training and teaching of the legendary Bruce Lee. Documentary Presentation (DVD)

Pre-order at Amazon.com today!

"Black Belt Jones" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Cityonfire.com is proud to announce the 1st Annual The Urban Action Showcase, which will be taking place in New York City. This 3-day event is an independent action showcase and film festival which focuses on minority filmmakers, specifically in the action film genre.

With the help of sponsors – such as Cinemax, Warner Bros, Alan Goldberg’s Action Martial Arts Magazine and Megahoot – the purpose of this event is to recognize, promote, facilitate, and encourage the participation of ethnic minority filmmakers in the action film genre.

It will also be your chance to meet iconic action stars such as: “The Hammer“ Williamson (Three the Hard Way), Pam Grier (Foxy Brown, Jackie Brown), Ron Van Clief (Way of the Black Dragon), Rick Yune (Olympus Has Fallen), Ben Ramsey (director of Blood and Bone), Kelly Hu (The Scorpion King), Michael Jai White (Blood and Bone) and Jeff Imada (stunt choreographer).

Also – in addition to workshops, panels, contests and awards ceremonies – Warner Bros is presenting a special screening of Enter the Dragon and Black Belt Jones, in honor of the late Jim Kelly. For more information and a detailed schedule, visit urbanactionshowcase.com.

"CZ12" International Poster

THE MOVIE: Directed, written and starring Jackie Chan, CZ12 (aka Chinese Zodiac, Shi Er Sheng Xiao, The 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals) is the third part of the Armor of God series, which explores the further adventures of Asian Hawk (Jackie Chan). This time, the plot revolves around the 12 bronze animal heads from the Chinese zodiac.

CZ12 also stars Oliver Platt, Caitlin Dechelle, Steven Dasz, Kenny G, Andrew Dasz, Kwon Sang-woo and Alaa Safi.

Updates: An HD version of the trailer is now available. Jackie Chan will be making an appearance at the San Diego Comic Con this Thursday in order to promote Chinese Zodiac! This is the first time a Chinese film has ever been presented at the Con. | Brand new 5-minute behind-the-scenes clip (in Chinese). | Not much new info on the film but here’s a great shot of Jackie posing with his pals Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger at Comic Con!

Check out a new teaser trailer, featuring Jackie’s rollerblading sequence, for the film. | Check out this great new poster, courtesy of Chinese Films. | New full-length trailer! The latest poster has Jackie Chan and company flying at your face! Thanks to Twitch. | Jackie Chan fears no volcanos in the new poster for Chinese Zodiac. | Watch the new Philippine trailer. | New Hong Kong trailer for the film. | Director of distribution Ramy Choi revealed to news outlets that CZ12 is slated for a European and American theatrical release on “a few hundred screens,” starting in either the spring or summer of 2013.

BREAKING NEWS: Watch the new North American trailer, courtesy of Apple. See it in theaters on October 18th, 2013.

"Special Identity" Character Poster

Martial arts fans who were pleased by Donnie Yen and Nicholas Tse’s 2006 collaboration Dragon Tiger Gate should be happy to hear that the two actors are teaming back up for a new project. Yen and Tse, easily two of the biggest stars in Hong Kong right now, will square off “emotionally and physically” in Enter the Master.

The action film is set in a US-based Chinatown where Donnie Yen’s martial arts master is pulled into the middle of a deadly Triad war thanks to his friendship with a new immigrant, played by Nicholas Tse.

Is it just us or does this almost sound like Donnie Yen’s take on the Shaw Brothers classic Chinatown Kid? Either way, Enter the Master is to be directed by Chan Hing-Kai. Donnie Yen will serve as action director as usual.

Film Business Asia does mention there are hopes of turning Enter the Master into a franchise if the first film is successful.

Update: Twitch offers word that Enter the Master is now titled simply The Master, which may or may not cause confusion with both the 1989 Jet Li movie of the same or Paul Thomas Anderson’s recent work. Directing duties have been handed off to Soi Cheang, who helmed last year’s excellent Hong Kong action racer Motorway. The film will begin shooting this year.