Yearly Archives: 2011

Halloween II: 30th Anniversary Edition aka Halloween 2 Blu-ray (Universal)

RELEASE DATE: September 13, 2011 Literally starting right off from the original classic “Halloween”, Dr. Loomis and Sheriff Brackett are again searching the dark streets for Micheal Myers but meanwhile Laurie Strode is taken to the Haddenfield Hospital where she is still not safe. Totally underrated in my opinion. This is the 1981 film, which is not to be confused with Rob Zombie’s sequel. Check out the trailer here.

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

Jurassic Park Ultimate Blu-ray/DVD Trilogy and Limited Edition Blu-ray Set (Universal)

RELEASE DATE: October 25, 2011 Universal Studios Home Entertainment presents the Jurassic Park Ultimate Trilogy. Based on Michael Crichton’s best-selling novel, director Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park created a world where science brought the dinosaurs back to life, a world further explored in its popular sequels The Lost World: Jurassic Park and Jurassic Park III. Universal is also offering the Jurassic Park Trilogy in a special “Limited Edition” Blu-ray gift set. … Continue reading

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

Rebel, The (2007) Review

"The Rebel" Vietnamese Theatrical Poster

Director: Charlie Nguyen Cast: Johnny Tri Nguyen, Veronica Ngo, Dustin Nguyen, Chanh Tin Nguyen, Nguyen Thang Running Time: 103 min. By HKFanatic If you’ve heard of “The Rebel,” it’s probably for one of two reasons. (1.) Upon the time of its release in 2007, it was the most expensive Vietnamese production of all time, with a budget somewhere between 1.5 and 3 million US dollars. (2.) It stars Dustin Nguyen … Continue reading

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Fireball: Muay Thai Dunk | aka Fire Ball (2009) Review

Director: Thanakorn Pongsuwan Writer: Thanakorn Pongsuwan, Kiat Sansanandana, Taweewat Wantha, Adirek Wattaleela Cast: Preeti Barameeanat, Khanutra Chuchuaysuwan, Kumpanat Oungsoongnern, Phutharit Prombandal, 9 Million Sam, Arucha Tosawat Running Time: 97 min. By HKFanatic You just got out of prison only to find out that your twin brother is a coma, beaten half-to-death by the same thugs he borrowed money from to ensure your release. So what do you do? If it’s … Continue reading

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Yojimbo (1961) Review

Director: Akira Kurosawa Writer: Ryuzo Kikushima, Akira Kurosawa Cast: Toshiro Mifune, Tatsuya Nakadai, Yko Tsukasa, Isuzu Yamada, Daisuke Kat, Seizabur Kawazu, Takashi Shimura, Hiroshi Tachikawa, Yosuke Natsuki Running Time: 110 min. By Mairosu One day I’ll stop frenetically rewatching Kurosawa, but I’ve got to make the most of it right now. After Ikiru, Stray Dog and Throne of Blood (which I’ll review somewhere later), I got to this little story … Continue reading

Posted in All, Japanese, News, Reviews | Tagged , |

The Exterminator: Unrated Director’s Cut Blu-ray/DVD Combo (Synapse)

RELEASE DATE: September 13, 2011 First time on Blu-ray! The Exterminator is a 1980 action film written, produced and directed by James Glickenhaus (“The Protector”) and starring Robert Ginty as Vietnam veteran vigilante “The Exterminator”, who takes out the street punks and those involved in organized crime when the law fails to do justice. Also starring Steve James (“American Ninja”). Check out the trailer here.

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

Cat vs. Rat (1982) Review

"Cat vs. Rat" Chinese Theatrical Poster

AKA: Cat Versus Rat Director: Lau Kar Leung Cast: Alexander Fu Sheng, Adam Cheng, Hsiao Ho, Kara Hui Ying Hung, Lau Kar Wing, Gordon Liu, Lydia Shum, Lam Fai Wong, Johnny Wang, Lung Tien Hsiang Running TIme: 92 min. By JJ Hatfield This is an unusual Shaw Brothers movie, especially considering the director was Lui Chia-Liang. The company apparently was looking at more comedy boosting the kung fu and old … Continue reading

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Mandingo (1975) Review

Director: Richard Fleischer Writer: Kyle Onstott, Norman Wexler Producer: Dino De Laurentiis Cast: James Mason, Susan George, Perry King, Lillian Hayman, Richard Ward, Brenda Sykes, Ken Norton Running Time: 127 min. By JJ Hatfield “Mandingo” is one of the most misunderstood movies in U.S. cinema. The first thing the viewer needs to know is that this is not an xploitation flick, at least not in the common usage. It is … Continue reading

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Rashomon (1950) Review

AKA: In the Wood Director: Akira Kurosawa Producer: Jingo Minoura Cast: Toshiro Mifune, Machiko Kyo, Masayuki Mori, Takashi Shimura, Minoru Chiaki, Kichijiro Ueda, Fumiko Honma Running Time: 88 min. By Alexander The Good: I’ve never been as captivated by the cinematography of a black and white film as I was with this one. There are only three locales in the entire movie, yet each (particularly the rain-ravaged temple ruins) are … Continue reading

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Muay Thai Giant | aka Somtum (2008) Review

Director: Nonthakorn Thaveesuk Cast: Nathan Jones, Nawarat Techaratanaprasert, Sasisa Jindamanee, Chupong Changprung Running Time: 99 min. By HKFanatic “Somtum” is something of a novelty film, a Thai action movie that I suspect a lot of people are either going to love or think is the corniest thing ever. Personally, I got a kick out of this movie. It’s the first headlining vehicle for Nathan Jones, a guy that you’ve probably … Continue reading

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Vengeance | aka Ekdikisi (2006) Review

AKA: Phairii Phinaat Paa Mawrana Director: Pleo Sirisuwan Cast: Nattanun Jantarawetch, Chalad Na Songkhla, Sorachai Sang-aakaat, Watchara Tangkaprasert, Nattaree Wiboonlert, Chirapat Wongpaisanlux Running Time: 90 min. By HKFanatic “Vengeance” is a slick, commercial flick from Thailand with a decent plot hook: some dangerous bandits have escaped from prison (though we never actually see their big breakout) and headed into a mystical forest. A steely-eyed cop with a dark past is … Continue reading

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Sanctuary, The | aka The Warrior’s Path (2009) Review

AKA: Sam Pan Boke Director: Thanapon Maliwan Writer: Thanapon Maliwan, Anuwat Kaewsopark Cast: Michael B., Russell Wong, Intira Jaroenpura, Patharawarin Timkul, Erik Markus Schuetz, Winston Sefu, Lak-Khet Waslikachart Running TIme: 86 min. By HKFanatic As a stuntman for Tony Jaa (“Ong Bak”), Mike B. probably had to learn to take a few hits. Unfortunately, he brings that same philosophy to his own starring vehicle, the Thai martial arts flick “The … Continue reading

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Vampires, Mummies and Monsters DVD Collection: Lady Frankenstein, Time Walker, The Velvet Vampire & Grotesque (Shout!)

RELEASE DATE: September 27, 2011 Shout! presents another chapter in Roger Corman’s Cult Classics Collection. This time the Vampires, Mummies and Monsters DVD Collection, which contains Lady Frankenstein, Time Walker, The Velvet Vampire & Grotesque. Trailers/Clips: Lady Frankenstein | Time Walker | The Velvet Vampire | Grotesque

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

God of Gamblers Returns (1994) Review

AKA: God of Gamblers 2 Director: Wong Jing Producer: Charles Heung, Wong Jing, Jimmy Heung Cast: Chow Yun Fat, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Jacqueline Wu Chien Lien, Chingmy Yau, Elvis Tsui Kam Kong, Charles Heung, Tse Miu, Blacky Ko Sau Leung, Ken Lo, Baau Hon Lam, Bobby Yip Kin Sang, Yuen Bun Running Time: 125 min. By Numskull Saying that Wong Jing has consistency is like saying “Miramax has integrity” … Continue reading

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God of Gamblers (1989) Review

Director: Wong Jing Cast: Chow Yun Fat, Andy Lau Tak-Wah, Joey Wong, Sharla Cheung Man, Charles Heung, Ronald Wong Pan, Jimmy Lee Fong, Shing Fui On, Yeung Chak Lam Running Time: 125 min. By Numskull This highly revered Chow Yun-Fat vehicle is credited as the inspiration for a host of gambling-themed films in much the same way as Corey Yuen’s Yes, Madam! kick-started the “girls with guns” genre and Ricky … Continue reading

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