Author Archives: JJ Bona

Devil Within Her aka I Don’t Want to be Born DVD (Scorpion)

RELEASE DATE: September 20, 2011 Hollywood legend JOAN COLLINS teams up with cult stars DONALD PLEASENCE and CAROLINE MUNRO in this 1976 terrifying tale of a demonic baby! Lucy (Joan Collins) is a former dancer, having moved up in the world via marriage to the wealthy Gino Carlesi, and now comfortably settled down. Lucy is expecting and when the time comes, she goes to the hospital to give birth to … Continue reading

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

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 |

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

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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 |

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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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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The Sword with No Name aka Like Fireworks, Like Butterflies Blu-ray/DVD (Funimation)

RELEASE DATE: September 6, 2011 Also known as Like Fireworks, Like Butterflies. In 19th-century Korea, a bounty hunter becomes the bodyguard of the queen he secretly loves. Directed by Kim Yong-Gyun (“The Red Shoes”) and starring Cho Seung-Woo (“Marathon”) and Soo-Ae (“Once in a Summer”). Check out the trailer here.

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

Higanjima: Escape from Vampire Island aka Barefoot Dream, Equinox Island Blu-ray/DVD (Funimation)

RELEASE DATE: October 4, 2011 Higanjima is an eerie island occupied by vampires, from where none has ever come back alive. When teenager Akira hears that his missing brother has been seen in the island, he decides to investigate with several friends. Check out the trailer here.

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

Tajomaru: Avenging Blade Blu-ray/DVD (Funimation)

RELEASE DATE: September 20, 2011 “TAJOMARU is the famous ‘bandit’ of the forest from RASHOMON. Whoever kills Tajomaru inherits his name, status and sword. A royal brother leaves his kingdom to protect the princess he loves, only to find a series of harrowing adventures along the way which lead him back to where he came from, and then disinheriting his past to become the bandit TAJOMARU.” Check out the trailer … Continue reading

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

Mr. Vampire (1985) Review

"Mr. Vampire" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Ricky Lau Producer: Sammo Hung Cast: Lam Ching-Ying, Chin Siu Ho, Ricky Hui, Moon Lee, Pauline Wong, Yuen Wah, Billy Lau, Choi Fung-Li, Wu Ma, Yuen Wah, Anthony Chan Running Time: 98 min. By Numskull I sat down to watch Mr. Vampire at least half-expecting to see a Chinese Night of the Living Dead acid-trip shitfest, and to say that I was pleasantly surprised would be a big understatement. … Continue reading

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Storm Riders, The (1998) Review

"The Stormriders" Chinese Theatrical Poster

AKA: The Stormriders Director: Andrew Lau Cast: Ekin Cheng, Aaron Kwok, Sonny Chiba, Kristy Yeung, Michael Tse, Lawrence Cheng, Wayne Lai, Roy Cheung, Shu Qi, Jason Chu, Alex Fong, Anthony Wong Running Time: 128 min. By Sergio Martorelli Lord Conquer (Sonny Chiba) leads the greatest clan of medieval China, the creatively named Conquer Clan. He collects rare, funny-named swords like a kid amasses Pokémon cards, and only wants two things … Continue reading

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Blades of Blood aka Like the Moon Get Out the Clouds, Like the Moon Escaping from the Clouds DVD (Lionsgate)

RELEASE DATE: September 13, 2011 During a turbulent time when political upheaval, rebellion, and invasion are coming to a head with a clash between two swordsmen caught up in a violent and bloody struggle to seize control of the country they love. With their army of alliance standing behind them they will meet for the most important battle of their lives. Swords will be drawn while many lives are lost, … Continue reading

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