Author Archives: JJ Bona

Running Out of Time (1999) Review

"Running Out of Time" Theatrical Poster

Director: Johnnie To Cast: Andy Lau, Lau Ching Wan, Yoyo Mung, Waise Lee, Lam Suet, Ruby Wong, Shiu Hung Hui Running Time: 89 min. By Joe909 A very stylish, slick movie in which Andy Lau finds out that he’s soon to die from cancer, and decides to get even with the gangster who killed his dad (Waise Lee), while at the same time using Lau Ching-Wan as a guinea pig. … Continue reading

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Delinquent Girl Bosses DVD Collection (Tokyo Shock)

RELEASE DATE: July 12, 2011 Gritty Pink (“a style of Japanese softcore pornographic theatrical film that dominated the Japanese domestic cinema from the mid-1960s through the mid-1980s”) classics in one collection. Beauty, gangsters and butt-kicking skills. More details to come.

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

Scarface Limited Edition Humidor Blu-ray (Universal)

RELEASE DATE: September 6, 2011 Limited edition (1,000 worldwide) set priced at $999.99. It will feature a hand-crafted Scarface-themed humidor. Created by the renowned Daniel Marshall, the humidor’s exterior is hand painted and polished with the Marshall’s trademark “1000 coat brilliant finish.” The interior – made with untreated Spanish cedar – will properly condition and age approximately 100 cigars at optimal humidity levels. Click here for more details. Standard Blu-ray … Continue reading

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

Bruce Lee, Sonny Chiba and Brandon Lee in 3-D!!!

Buyer beware! Even though it’s my duty to report releases like these, it’s obvious that these are the very low budget, public domain versions. No specs are given at all (Amazon.com doesn’t even list a a brand or distributor!). I doubt they’re even letterbox versions. Come to think of it, you might even have to supply your own 3D glasses (so run to your nearest 7-11!). They even list “Chinese … Continue reading

Posted in News |

Kung Fu Dunk | aka Slam Dunk (2008) Review

"Kung Fu Dunk" American DVD Cover

AKA: Shaolin Basket Director: Chu Yen Ping Cast: Jay Chou, Eric Tsang Chi-wai, Wilson Chen, Charlene Choi, Ng Man Tat, Wang Gang, Huang Bo, Will Liu Keng Hung, Leung Kar Yan, Eddie Ko Running Time: 98 min. By Mighty Peking Man From Chu Yen Ping (aka Kevin Chu), the director of Fantasy Mission Force (1982) comes Kung Fu Dunk… Since when did Chu Yen Ping become a hot shot director … Continue reading

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Norwegian Ninja DVD (MPI)

RELEASE DATE: June 28, 2011 Norwegian Ninja is a 2010 Norwegian action comedy film, directed by Thomas Cappelen Malling. The film, based on a 2006 book, presents real-life espionage-convicted Arne Treholt as the leader of a ninja group saving Norway during the Cold War. Though most details of the movie have been kept secret, it is known that Mads Ousdal will play the part of Treholt. Check out the trailer … Continue reading

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

Heavy Metal Blu-ray (Sony)

RELEASE DATE: June 14, 2011 First time on Blu-ray! Based on the fantastical illustrated magazine Heavy Metal, producer Ivan Reitman enlists the help of some of Hollywood’s animation masters to create the otherworldly tale of a glowing green orb from outer space that spreads destruction throughout the galaxy. Click here for more information.

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

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 |

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 |

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 |

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

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