Monthly Archives: April 2011

Battle Beyond the Stars Blu-ray/DVD (Shout!)

RELEASE DATE: July 12, 2011 Battle Beyond the Stars is a 1980 Roger Corman-produced cult classic science fiction film, directed by Jimmy T. Murakami (Humanoids from the Deep). The film, intended as a “Seven Samurai in outer space.” The screenplay was written by John Sayles (Eight Men Out), the score was composed by James Horner (The Terminator), and the special effects were directed by James Cameron (Aliens). Check out the … Continue reading

Posted in DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Other Notable Titles |

Mischievous Kiss DVD Set (Ya Entertainment)

RELEASE DATE: May 31, 2011 Based on the popular Japanese comic Itazura na Kiss (also available in English from Digital Manga Productions) – which has sold over 30 million copies worldwide – Mischievous Kiss is an adorable Korean TV drama series that follows in the footsteps of hits like Palace and Boys Over Flowers. Check out the trailer here.

Posted in Asian Titles, DVD/Blu-ray New Releases |

Torso Blu-ray/DVD (Blue Underground)

RELEASE DATE: Jul 26, 2011 Giallo master Sergio Martino’s Torso is now available in high Definition and is freshly transferred from the original negative. It’s presented here in its Uncensored English Version for the first time ever! The Blu-ray edition comes with both the English Version and the Full-Length Italian Director’s Cut! If you have the guts, check out the trailer!

Posted in DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Other Notable Titles |

Brazil Blu-ray (Universal)

RELEASE DATE: July 12, 2011 In the future, a clerk at the all-powerful Ministry of Information sticks to his ideals and ends up crushed by the system in this half comedy, half horror story from former ‘Monty Python’ animator Terry Gilliam (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas). Like Orwell’s novel ‘1984’, which it echoes, the future is seen from a 1940’s perspective. Jonathan Pryce stars, with Robert De Niro making … Continue reading

Posted in DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Other Notable Titles |

Saga of the Phoenix (1990) Review

"Saga of the Phoenix" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Nam Nai Choi Co-director: Lau Shut Yue Cast: Yuen Biao, Gloria Yip Wan Yi, Rachel Lee Lai Chun, Shintaro Katsu, Jacqueline Ng Suet Man, Lau Sek Yin, Pauline Wong Siu Fung Running Time: 93 min. By JJ Hatfield Saga of the Phoenix is a sequel to Peacock King. Ashura, Hell’s virgin really wants to visit outside Hell. She wants to feel the sunshine and smell the flowers. Peacock and … Continue reading

Posted in Chinese, Golden Harvest, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , |

Hero of Swallow, The (1996) Review

Director: Siu Sang Writer: Siu Sang Studio Producer: Cheung Chung Ping, Hu Chin, Allen Lan Hai Han Cast: Yuen Biao, Athena Chu Yan, Eddie Ko Hung, Lily Chung Suk Wai, Ma Chung Tak, Elvis Tsui Kam Kong, Yvonne Yung Hung, Allen Lan Hai Han Running Time: 96 min. By JJ Hatfield “The Hero Of Swallow” is set in pre – WWII China. There is a tremendous amount of misery caused … Continue reading

Posted in Chinese, Reviews | Tagged , , , , |

New York, New York Blu-ray (MGM)

RELEASE DATE: June 7, 2011 An egotistical saxophone player (Robert De Niro) and a young singer (Liza Minnelli) meet on V-J Day and embark upon a strained and rocky romance, even as their careers begin a long uphill climb. Directed by Martin Scorsese (Taxi Driver, Goodfellas). Check out the trailer here.

Posted in DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Other Notable Titles |

The Warrior’s Way Blu-ray/DVD (Fox)

RELEASE DATE: June 28, 2011 The Warrior’s Way (aka The Warrior) is a 2010 fantasy/western/martial arts action film about a warrior-assassin who is forced to hide in a small town in the American Badlands after refusing a mission. The Warrior’s Way stars Korean actor Jang Dong-gun (Friend, Nowhere To Hide), Kate Bosworth (Superman Returns), Geoffrey Rush (The King’s Speech), Danny Huston (X-Men Origins: Wolverine), Tony Cox (Who’s Your Caddy?) and … Continue reading

Posted in DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Martial Arts Titles |

Picture of a Nymph (1988) Review

"Picture of a Nymph" Chinese DVD Cover

AKA: Painting of a Nymph Director: Wu Ma Cast: Yuen Biao, Joey Wong, Wu Ma, Lawrence Ng Kai Wah, Elizabeth Lee Mei Fung, May Lo Mei Mei, Fanny Sit Chi Lun, Yuen Wah, David Lam Wai Running Time: 95 min. By JJ Hatfield Tsui Hark has done a simply wonderful film with “A Chinese Gho…” Wait. My apologies but the confusion would be understandable. This is not the same film … Continue reading

Posted in Chinese, Golden Harvest, Reviews | Tagged , , , |

What do you think of the new cityonfire.com?

What do you think of the new cityonfire.com? Please drop us an email (or leave a comment below) if you have any questions or comments. In case you haven’t noticed: In addition to the new reviews, we have been adding past reviews from the old site (check out the January and February archives to see those reviews). There are A LOT more to come, so check back often. Only newly … Continue reading

Posted in News |

Frozen Flower, A (2008) Review

"A Frozen Flower" Korean Theatrical Poster

Director: Yu Ha Cast: Jo In-seong, Joo Jin-Mo, Song Ji-hyo, Shim Ji-Ho, Im Ju-Hwan, Yeo Wook-Hwan, Song Joong-Gi, No Min-Woo, Do Ye-Seong, Jang Ji-Won, Lee Jong-Gu Running Time: 133 min. By JJ Hatfield A Frozen Flower is a fictional drama set sometime near the end of the Goryeo Dynasty, 918 – 1392. The region is under control of the King (Jin-mo Ju) however it is always being watched by China. … Continue reading

Posted in Korean, Reviews | Tagged , , |

Fantasy Mission Force (1982) Review

"Fantasy Mission Force" Japanese Theatrical Poster

AKA: Fire Dragon Director: Chu Yen Ping Cast: Jackie Chan, Brigitte Lin, Jimmy Wang Yu, Adam Cheng Siu Chow, Pearl Chang Ling, Paul Chang Chung, Chen Hung Lieh, Suen Yuet, Hui Bat Liu, Gam Dai, Cheng Fu Hung, Fong Ching, Fong Ching, Lee Kwan Running Time: 90 min. By Numskull Mere words cannot express how bad this movie is (I call it Fantasy Mission FARCE). It has something to do … Continue reading

Posted in Chinese, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , |

King Boxer | aka 5 Fingers of Death (1972) Review

"King Boxer" Chinese Theatrical Poster

AKA: Invincible Boxer, Iron Palm Director: Jeong Chang Hwa Cast: Lo Lieh, Tung Lam, James Nam Gung Fan, Fang Mien, Wong Chin Feng, Wong Ping, Tien Feng, Chiu Hung, Goo Man Chung, Chan Shen, Chan Chuen Running Time: 102 min. By Joe909 I love cityonfire.com, but I’ve noticed there’s just a widespread disrespect for old-school martial arts movies on this site. Spoiled by “New Wave” slickness and stuntman Jackie Chan’s … Continue reading

Posted in Chinese, Reviews, Shaw Brothers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , |

Avenging Fist, The | aka Legend of Tekken (2001) Review

"The Avenging Fist" Chinese DVD Cover

Director: Andrew Lau Co-director: Corey Yuen Cast: Stephen Fung, Wang Lee Hom, Sammo Hung, Chin Kar Lok, Roy Cheung, Gigi Leung, Kristy Yeung, Yuen Biao, Cecilia Yip, Ekin Cheng, Benjamin Yuen, Brian Banowetz, Sammul Chan, Brian Ireland, Jackson Ng Running Time: 96 min. By JJ Hatfield This movie had a number of reasons why it should be good entertainment. The names Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao starts things off right. … Continue reading

Posted in Chinese, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Trailer for the apocalyptic “Bellflower”

An apocalyptic love story for the Mad Max generation, Evan Glodell’s impressive feature debut paints a classic, yet urgently contemporary, tale of the destructive power of love. A 2011 Sundance Film Festival favorite… Bellflower follows two friends who spend their time building flamethrowers and other weapons in the hope that a global apocalypse will occur and clear the runway for their imaginary gang, Mother Medusa, to reign supreme. While waiting … Continue reading

Posted in News |