Author Archives: Z Ravas

Netflix’s dirty little secret: a failure to stream

When Netflix added a surplus of Asian films to their streaming catalog, cinema fans everywhere rejoiced, including the folks here at City on Fire. However, as their increased price hike and falling stock prices have proved, Netflix can’t seem to do anything these days without some kind of hiccup. Recently Netflix made a deal with distributor Asian Crush that saw many Korean titles bypass blu-ray/DVD distribution altogether in the West … Continue reading

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Asian movie murders and executions – I mean, mergers and acquisitions

Today Crunchyroll reports that Funimation has acquired the rights to Hong Kong superhero parody “Incredibly Ever After” (known as “Mr. and Mrs. Incredible” in Hong Kong). The film follows retired superheroes Gazer Man (Louis Koo) and Aroma Woman (Sandra Ng), and is set for a DVD release in the fall of 2012. Here’s some older news but still good to know: Twitch Film reported earlier in the month that Well … Continue reading

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Better Tomorrow, A (2010) Review

Director: Song Hae-Seong Cast: Joo Jin-Mo, Song Seung-Heon, Kim Gang-Woo, Jo Han-Seon, Kyeong-yeong Lee, Ji-yeong Kim, Hae-gon Kim, Hyeong-jun Lim, Tae-hwa Seo, Sin-seong Lee Running Time: 124 min. By HKFanatic Considering Hong Kong cinema’s rich history, particularly during the New Wave of the 80’s and early 90’s, it’s surprising that producers haven’t indulged in more remakes. Then again, the Hong Kong film industry has changed so much during the last … Continue reading

Posted in Korean, Reviews | Tagged , |

Palisades Tartan titles expiring soon from Netflix Instant

Just a heads up that a few Asian films released by distributor Palisades Tartan will be expiring from Netflix Instant at the end of the month (11/30/11). Most of them are Asian horror movies, but if you’re interested in watching any of them you might want to do so in the next few days! KOREA Face (2004), Address Unknown (2001), The Coast Guard (2002), Sorum (2001), Bloody Reunion (2006), Whispering … Continue reading

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Chinese historical epic ‘The Warring States’ now on Netflix Instant

“The Warring States” is a 2010 Chinese historical epic, co-starring Francis Ng, that combines elements of romance, comedy, and action. The film just arrived on DVD last week but you can watch it streaming on Netflix Instant, along with a host of other Asian titles. Recent additions to the Netflix streaming catalog include the 1990 Ultraman TV series and the Andy Lau/Anita Mui fantasy epic “Saviour of the Soul.” As … Continue reading

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Well Go USA inks deal with upstart streaming service ‘Japan Flix’

Via Far East Films, Asian film distributor Well Go USA has signed a deal with upstart streaming website Japan Flix to make their catalog of Japanese films available on streaming. The first titles available will include the splatterpunk zombie movie “Helldriver” and the teen martial arts romance “Negative Happy Chainsaw Edge.” This is a major boost for Japan Flix as Well Go USA is arguably the finest distributor of Asian … Continue reading

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Legend is Born – Ip Man, The (2010) Review

"The Legend Is Born – Ip Man" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Director: Herman Yau Cast: Dennis To, Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao, Fan Siu-wong, Huang Yi, Ip Chun, Kenya Sawada, Betty Huang Yi, Bernice Liu Bik Yi, Lam Suet, Chen Zhi Hui, Kenya Sawada, Sire Ma Sai, Hins Cheung Ging Hin, Louis Cheung Running Time: 100 min. By HKFanatic Viewers would be forgiven for thinking that “The Legend is Born” is a legitimate prequel to Donnie Yen’s “Ip Man” series. Not only … Continue reading

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

Blu-Ray and DVD Releases for 11/22/11

Not a lot on the table this week but cinema buffs should still be able to find something to enjoy, whether you’re craving a gory Japanese flick or a Criterion Collection blu-ray. So here are your Asian and genre-related blu-ray and DVD releases for the week of 11/22/11: ASIAN CINEMA Helldriver (blu-ray/DVD) – a 2010 post-apocalyptic zombie road movie from the director of “Tokyo Gore Police.” For fans of Japanese … Continue reading

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Donnie Yen to star in a heist film produced by Jackie Chan

Twitch Film is reporting that Donnie Yen is set to star and choreograph the actions sequences in an upcoming heist film called Ultimate Codebreak. The movie will be produced by Jackie Chan, who will have a small role in the film. Also starring is Wu Chen (14 Blades). A director has not been named at this time but shooting is already set to begin next month.

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Blue Velvet (1986) Review

Director: David Lynch Writer: David Lynch Producer: Fred Caruso Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Isabella Rossellini, Dennis Hopper, Laura Dern, Hope Lange, George Dickerson, Dean Stockwell Runing Time: 120 min. By HKFanatic People who aren’t video or audiophiles will tell you that blu-ray isn’t much of an upgrade in quality and that they’re perfectly happy with their DVD collections. True AV geeks know the truth: that when enough care is put into … Continue reading

Posted in Other Movies, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , |

Mortal Kombat: Legacy (2011) Review

Mortal Kombat: Legacy Blu-ray (Warner)

Director: Kevin Tancharoen Cast: Michael Jai White, Jeri Ryan, Darren Shahlavi, Matt Mullins, Sam Tjhia, Jolene Tran, Ryan Robbins, Ian Anthony Dale, Kevan Ohtsji, Peter Shinkoda Running Time: 100 min. By HKFanatic Back in 2010, a director named Kevin Tancharoen appeared out of nowhere with a short film titled “Mortal Kombat: Rebirth.” The film was a ‘proof of concept’ for Kevin’s vision of a Mortal Kombat relaunch, a way to … Continue reading

Posted in Asian Related, Reviews | Tagged , , , , |

Blu-ray and DVD Releases for 11/15/11

A diverse range of titles will be available for purchase this Tuesday. A little something for everyone, as they say. So here are your Asian and genre-related blu-ray and DVD releases for the week of 11/15/11: ASIAN CINEMA Infernal Affairs (blu-ray) – ignore the gun-toting cover art and enjoy this 2002 Andrew Lau film starring Andy Lau and Tony Leung, now in glorious hi-def Treasure Hunter (blu-ray/DVD) – a 2009 … Continue reading

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Well Go USA takes you on an apocalyptic zombie road trip with ‘Helldriver’

“Helldriver explodes with goodness!” – Cole Abaius, Film School Rejects “Plenty of gore, comedy and carnage to go around!” – Colleen Wanglund, CinemaKnifeFight.com Welcome to Zombie World! HELLDRIVER Japanese Splatter King Yoshihiro Nishimura Delivers a Blood-Soaked Gore Fest on Blu-ray™ + DVD Combo Pack and DVD November 22 Extensive Bonus Materials Include Three Spinoff Short Films Set Within the Helldriver Universe:  Helldriver Dokata, Catch Me If You Can! and Bailout! … Continue reading

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Who Saw Her Die? | aka The Child (1972) Review

"Who Saw Her Die?" Italian Theatrical Poster

AKA: Chi l’ha vista morire? Director: Aldo Lado Cast: George Lazenby, Anita Strindberg, Adolfo Celi, Dominique Boschero, Peter Chatel, Piero Vida, José Quaglio, Alessandro Haber, Nicoletta Elmi Running Time: 90 min. By HKFanatic “Who Saw Her Die?” is a 1972 giallo from director Alan Aldo that stars George Lazenby in a rare post-James Bond leading role. Unfortunately, Lazenby looks quite unflattering here, with a thick handlebar mustache and a gaunt, … Continue reading

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Blu-ray and DVD Releases for 11/8/11

This is a pretty jam-packed so let’s get right into it. From masters like Terry Gilliam and David Lynch on blu-ray to a Korean remake of one of John Woo’s best loved flicks, there is plenty to discuss. Here are your Asian and genre-related blu-ray and DVD releases for the week of 11/8/11: ASIAN CINEMA A Better Tomorrow (blu-ray/DVD) – a stylish, 2010 Korean language remake of John Woo’s classic … Continue reading

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