The Shock Labyrinth Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)
[RELEASE DATE: May 8, 2012
Get ready for The Shock Labyrinth (aka The Shock Labyrinth 3D), directed by Takashi Shimizu (Ju-on: The Grudge). The Shock Labyrinth is the story of a group of teenagers who are suddenly confronted with the return of a friend who was thought to be dead. The film takes place in an amusement park called Fuji-Q Highland, which features “The Haunted Hospital,” the largest haunted house in the world. Check out the trailer.
The Front Line Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)
RELEASE DATE: May 8, 2012
Well Go USA announces Jang Hun’s The Front Line which is Korea’s 2011 submission to the Academy Award category of Best Foreign Picture. The film tells the story of the fierce struggle to establish a border between North and South Korea at the end of the Korean War and is currently a box office smash in its native country. Check out the trailer.
Films of Fury: The Kung Fu Movie Movie DVD (Phase 4 Films)
RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2012
From Enter the Dragon to Kung Fu Panda and everything in between, Films of Fury: The Kung Fu Movie Movie features the genre’s greatest on-screen warriors, and reveals the legend, the lore, and the loony of the Kung Fu film genre like it has never been seen before. Based on Ric Meyers’ best-selling book, Films of Fury: The Kung Fu Movie Book. Check out the trailer.
Lethal Weapon: The Complete Collection Blu-ray (Warner Bros.)
RELEASE DATE: June 12, 2012
Warner Bros. presents the Lethal Weapon: The Complete Collection on Blu-ray. Along with Die Hard, the first Lethal Weapon is one of the greatest action films of all time. The sequels that followed have nothing on the original, but as a whole, the franchise is solid entertainment. All films are directed by genius filmmaker, Richard Donner (“Superman”).
"Battle Royale” Japanese Movie Poster
42 Students, Three Days, One Survivor, No Rules. Clever, creepy and ultra-violent, Battle Royale, one of the most controversial cult films ever made, will be shown in North American theaters for a limited time.
According to Blu-ray.com, Anchor Bay Entertainment, who acquired Battle Royale’s (and its sequel) North American rights, is hosting a limited theatrical run for the director’s cut of the movie. The film will not be shown in 3D, which is what was originally planned.
Both Battle Royale Parts 1 and 2 will also be available on Blu-ray & DVD on March 20th.
"Wu Xia" Chinese DVD Cover
Here at Cityonfire.com, we universally love Peter Chan’s 2011 film Wu Xia. Guest reviewer DiP gave it a 10/10; Mighty Peking Man said that if it was the kind of martial arts film Bruce Lee would make if he were still alive; while HKFanatic called it Donnie Yen’s best role since 2008’s Ip Man.
In the film, Donnie Yen plays a family man with a dark past. When two criminals wander into his town, he’s forced to raise arms once again in order to protect his family. Forensic detective Takeshi Kaneshiro is called on the scene to investigate and each clue leads him closer to uncovering Donnie’s past – but that’s the last of their worries with an army of assassins waiting in the wings.
The Weinstein Company bought the rights to Wu Xia but have yet to distribute it in the West. Over at trusted retailer DDDHouse, you can import the film on Region A Blu-ray for $23.72 or Region 3 DVD for $15.38.
Part of the reason I mention this is that over at Twitch, James Marsh has received word from Peter Chan that the Weinsteins will be releasing Wu Xia in North American theaters, most likely in May. The Weinsteins are giving the film the more generic title Dragon and, not surprisingly given their history, have cut the film to be “leaner, pacier.” Plenty of viewers have enjoyed Wu Xia just the way it is, even if the movie is not as action-packed as some of Donnie’s other work like Killzone or Flash Point. Wu Xia is a one of a kind of film; an intense character drama that combines elements of high-flying martial arts with CSI-like forensic work. Our recommendation is to see it the way Peter Chan intended it.
"Gantz" International Theatrical Poster
Director: Shinsuke Sato
Writer: Hiroya Oku, Yusuke Watanabe
Cast: Kazunari Ninomiya, Ken’ichi Matsuyama, Yuriko Yoshitaka, Kanata Hongo, Natsuna Watanabe
Running Time: 130 min.
By HKFanatic
Much like “Death Note,” 2010’s “Gantz” is a two-part live-action adaptation of a popular and long-running manga/anime. While “Death Note” sticks closely to the realm of the supernatural, “Gantz” is pure science-fiction. At times it feels like a cross between “The Matrix” and “Men in Black.” The premise offers an immediate hook: right as they’re about to be flattened by a subway train, two childhood friends are transported to a starkly furnished room with a group of complete strangers. It’s there that a giant black orb explains their mission: aliens are among us and must be hunted down. Our protagonist, Kei, and his unlikely allies suit up in “X-Men”-like black leather and hit the streets to take down aliens with powerful weaponry unlike anything on this earth. “Gantz” is one of the few films that manages to deliver on its high concept with two hours of violent action and existential dilemmas, leaving the viewer hungry for Part Two.
My experience with the “Gantz” anime was limited to the first four or five episodes and I have to admit I found the live-action film to be something of an improvement. The movie tones down the more “ecchi” (perverted) elements of the anime, removing the overtly sexual content but keeping the blood ‘n gore intact. While this certainly softens the story in some regards, making Kei more likable than he was in the anime, I feel like the changes are acceptable to allow “Gantz” to reach a wider audience. In other words, Kei is no longer imagining that every girls he sees is naked – but you still get your fill of exploding aliens. I know some have called the film a “dumbing down” of the source material but I wasn’t bothered by the trade off.
For the most part, “Gantz” is a slick piece of pop entertainment with great production design and costumes, fairly decent special effects, and a convincing cast. Most of the flaws in this film can be traced back to the anime and manga: although the characters are equipped with extremely effective weapons, they have a habit of aiming their guns at an enemy and standing there, mouths open in shock or rattling off about their latest existential crisis. You can kind of get away with this storytelling crutch in an animated series but once it’s in live-action it becomes even more noticeable and plenty of reviewers have already criticized “Gantz” precisely for this issue. However, it might not be as much of a problem if the viewer knows what to expect. Just be warned the characters of “Gantz” have a habit of crying and yelling when they could just pull a trigger and solve most of their problems.
While “Gantz” is only one part of a two-part series, it does a fairly decent job of telling a complete story. The only thing disappointing about the third act, really, is that it degenerates into an endless series of CG-infused battles. The computer effects are acceptable but not necessarily up to the standards of a Hollywood blockbusters. I suppose the nature of “Gantz’s” enemies necessitates that they be conceived with digital effects – they are aliens, after all – but I found that the first two, more humanoid opponents provided more satisfying action sequences. The last 20 minutes of “Gantz” prove to be CG overkill.
Regardless, “Gantz” is an enjoyable popcorn movie. The characters are anguished, the costumes are tight, and the aliens are out for blood. Chances are you either love these live-action anime adaptations or you’re driven nuts by how they deviate from the source material. Depending on where you stand, “Gantz” should be another satisfying entry in this particular genre, which seems to be enjoying a renaissance as of late. As for me, I’m looking forward to popping in “Gantz: Part II – Perfect Answer” as soon as I get the opportunity.
HKFanatic’s Rating: 8/10
Life Without Principle DVD (Indomnia)
RELEASE DATE: May 29, 2012
Directed by Johnnie To, 2011’s Life Without Principle delves into Hong Kong’s money-obsessed culture through three characters whose destinies collide one fateful day when a loan shark gets assaulted after withdrawing $10 million from the bank. Starring Lau Ching Wan, Richie Ren and Denise Ho. Watch the trailer.
"Zorro" (1975) Japanese Theatrical Poster
THE MOVIE: There are now plans for a post-apocalyptic take on the classic swash-buckler last portrayed in movies by Antonio Banderas. X-Men special FX artist Rpin Suwannath is attached to direct Zorro Reborn. Plans are for the film to be darker than its predecessors. Although I have to say that someone already beat that company to the punch on the premise of a post-apocalyptic swordsman.
Updates: This Zorro is not to be confused with an attempted Sony reboot. Dark Horizons suggests the Sony version will either be called The Forging of Zorro or Zorro: The Legend Begins.
BREAKING NEWS: Variety, via cinemablend.com, states that Amores Perros’ Gael Garcia Bernal is now attached to star in Zorro Reborn.
"Beach Patrol Force: Cherry and Peach" Japanese Promotional Poster
Now this has to be the strangest trailer I’ve seen in awhile. A micro-budgeted Japanese action flick called Beach Patrol Force: Cherry and Peach is on its way. It looks to follow the exploits of two female cops in short shorts who make sure the beaches of Japanese are safe and, if the occasion calls for it, team up with local police to take down drug dealers.
Surprisingly, the trailer looks like a lot of fun and not at all as exploitative as you’d imagine. Okay, maybe a little exploitative. But still fun. Check out the trailer here.
Meanwhile, Beyond Hollywood has two posters and more info on this flick, which releases in Japan later in the year.
Hit! Blu-ray & DVD (Olive Films)
RELEASE DATE: April 24, 2012
Olive Films presents 1973’s Hit!, directed by Iron Eagle’s Sidney J. Furie. A federal agent (Billy Dee Williams), whose daughter dies of a heroin overdose, seeks out revenge on the drug ring held responsible. Also starring Richard Pryor, Paul Hampton and a funky soundtrack by Enter the Dragon’s Lalo Schifrin.
"Unbowed" Korean Theatrical Poster
The Chosun Ilbo reports that the low-budget Korean film Unbowed is causing a box office sensation. According to the Korean Film Council, film attracted a total accumulated number of 1.4 million viewers, surpassing the 1-million mark just eight days since its release.
Unbowed is inspired by the true story of Kim Myung-ho (played by Ahn Seong-Gi), a professor who failed to get tenure by his university after he questioned the validity of a math question in its entrance exam in 1995. After years of litigation against the university, Kim lost and shot a crossbow at the judge who handled his case. Check out the trailer.
Update: If you’re in the Los Angeles area, you can see The Unbowed at CGV cinemas starting February 17th. Korean distributor CJ&EM is working to get the film released in other U.S. cities. Thanks to the Asian Media Wiki.
Mutant Girls Squad Blu-ray/DVD Combo (Well Go USA)
RELEASE DATE: May 22, 2012
Mutant Girls Squad (aka Fighting Girls: Legend of the Blood of the Iron Mask) is a Japanese film by Noboru Iguchi (“The Machine Girl”), Yoshihiro Nishimura (Tokyo Gore Police) and Tak Sakaguchi (“Yoroi: Samurai Zombie”). The film is about Rin, a sixteen-year-old mutant girl who meets a gang of rebel mutants who aim to take revenge on humans for persecuting their race. Check out there trailer.
Battle Beyond the Stars Blu-ray/DVD (Shout!)
For decades, Roger Corman has been synonymous with low-budget but influential genre filmmaking. Through his production house he helped iconic American directors like James Cameron and Jonathan Demme get their start. Lately distributor Shout! Factory has been re-issuing many of Corman’s out-of-print films on blu-ray and DVD. Today several of these Roger Corman Cult Classics arrive streaming on Netflix. Celebrate the man, the legend, that is Roger Corman with these key films:
Rock ‘n Roll High School (1979) – the hit rock musical that launched The Ramones into the cultural lexicon
Battle Beyond the Stars (1980) – this science-fiction epic was no doubt produced to ride the “Star Wars” craze but its story structure actually takes inspiration from Akira Kurosawa’s “Seven Samurai.” Streaming in HD
Slumber Party Massacre (1982) – this tongue-in-cheek slasher movie was helmed by acclaimed screenwriter Amy Jones (“Mystic Pizza,” “Beethoven”)
Humanoids From the Deep (1980) – this horror flick is notorious for its skin-crawling premise involving mutant fish monsters wanting to mate with land-dwelling ladies. Streaming in HD
Caged Heat (1974) – possibly the most famous film of the entire ‘women in jail’ subgenre, this movie was an early effort from “Silence of the Lambs” director Jonathan Demme
The Big Bird Cage (1972) – another movie with a ‘women in captivity’ theme, this one stars Pam Grier and arrives from “Spider Baby” and “Switchblade Sisters” director Jack Hill. Streaming in HD
Women in Cages (1971) – are you noticing a pattern yet? Subjugated women sure were a popular theme in the 70’s. Also starring Pam Grier. Streaming in HD
Grand Theft Auto (1977) – before the popular video game there was this film, about a couple on the run from the mob in a hot car, which also happens to be Ron Howard’s directorial debut
Crazy Mama (1975) – Jonathan Demme directs this kitschy ode to the 1950’s involving three outlaw women
Carnosaur (1993) – released two weeks before “Jurassic Park” hit the big screen, this low-budget cheapie cashed in on the whole dinosaur fad
Bloodfist (1989) – yes, Roger Corman even tried to produce his own “Bloodsport.” This martial arts flick starring Don “the Dragon” Wilson spawned no less than eight sequels
"Badge 373" Theatrical Poster
RELEASE DATE: April 24, 2012
Olive Films presents 1973’s Badge 373, an action thriller starring Robert Duvall. Eddie (Duvall) is a tough, no-nonsense, racist Irish cop who heads out on a one-man crusade to find out who killed his partner. Like 1971’s The French Connection, Badge 373 is based on Eddie Egan, a real life, tough-talking New York cop. Watch the trailer.
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