Once upon a time, Jet Li kicked ass in China and America
And we’re back! Check out our handy list of Blu-ray and DVD releases for the coming week of 10/4/11. Be advised that a few of the titles on this list are Imports but we have labeled what Region they are whenever possible. Most of you guys have All-Region players anyway, right?
ASIAN CINEMA
Once Upon a Time in China & America (blu-ray) – a hi-def release for Sammo Hung’s 1997 martial arts movie starring Jet Li, which drew the ire of Jackie Chan when he felt Sammo had stolen his idea for “Shanghai Noon.” The disc is listed as an IMPORT but it’s Region A/1 and with English subtitles
Harakiri (blu-ray) – the Criterion Collection presents a hi-definition transfer of this 1962 Japanese samurai film, which won a Special Jury Prize at the ’63 Cannes Film Festival
Higanjima: Escape From Vampire Island (blu-ray + DVD Combo) – Funimation releases this 2009 Japanese action-horror film from the Korean director of “Volcano High,” about an island overrun by vampires
I’m a Cyborg, But That’s OK (DVD) – the director of “Oldboy” presents this 2006 quirky love story set in a mental institution, finally on DVD from Pathfinder Pictures
Deep Gold (blu-ray/DVD) – this 2011 deep sea action-thriller from the Philippines was released in 3D over there
Space Battleship Yamato (blu-ray) – Amazon will have an IMPORT (Region currently unlisted) available of this 2010 Japanese science-fiction movie, with a hefty price tag of $47.49
FOREIGN
Phase 7 (DVD) – this 2011 Spanish language chiller set in a quarantined building won rave reviews in the festival circuit
Amer (blu-ray/DVD) – this 2009 French film is presented as an homage to 1970’s Italian horror movies from directors like Dario Argento and Lucio Fulci. Released by Olive Pictures
Salo (blu-ray) – impress your friends with a hi-definition release of Pier Pasolini’s 1975 most shocking and disturbing film of all time, courtesy of the Criterion Collection
Cinema Paradiso (blu-ray) – this 1988 nostalgic classic of Italian cinema from director Giuseppe Tornatore arrives on blu-ray for the first time
Julia’s Eyes (blu-ray) – Amazon will have a Region B/2 IMPORT of this 2010 Spanish language horror film, presented by “Pan’s Labyrinth” director Guillermo Del Toro
MAINSTREAM
Fast Five (blu-ray/DVD) – this 2011 box office smash features one of the best onscreen tussles since Godzilla vs. King Kong when Vin Diesel and The Rock throwdown
Pulp Fiction (blu-ray) – Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 modern crime movie masterpiece gets the hi-def treatment. You can bet John Travolta will be picking up a copy
Jackie Brown (blu-ray) – Tarantino’s lesser regarded but still great 1997 crime flick will also see a blu-ray release this week
Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (blu-ray) – Tim Burton first made a name for himself with this 1985 zany comedy, now on blu-ray
The Lion King (blu-ray + DVD Combo) – Disney’s massively popular 1994 feature animated film arrives on blu-ray for the first time
Being John Malkovich (blu-ray) – Amazon will be selling the All-Region IMPORT blu-ray of this 1999 cult film from director Spike Jonze
Johnny English (blu-ray) – if you must have your Rowan Atikson fix on blu-ray, Amazon will be selling this 2003 film as a Region 2/B IMPORT
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (blu-ray) – perhaps even more disturbing than “Salo” is Tim Burton’s 2005 blasphemy against a children’s classic
ANIMATION
Daft Punk: Interstella 555 (blu-ray) – Daft Punk dance their way onto blu-ray with this hi-def release of their anime musical
Legend of the Millennium Dragon (blu-ray + DVD Combo) – Sony releases this 2011 anime feature film, which won praise for its beautiful animation
HORROR
Scream 4 (blu-ray/DVD) – Wes Craven’s 2011 entry in the arguably tired “Scream” franchise is released on multiple formats
Dead Alive (blu-ray) – Peter Jackson’s beloved 1992 zombie splatterfast makes it way to blu-ray this week
Friday the 13th: The Ultimate Collection (DVD) – you can procure “Friday the 13th” Parts I-VIII in this box set, just don’t go expecting any new-fangled blu-ray technology
Interested in any of these movies? If so, we hope that you’ll consider ordering from our affiliate to help support this site. Thank you!
