Category Archives: News

Blood of Dragon Peril (1979) Review

"Blood of Dragon Peril" Korean Theatrical Poster

AKA: A Man with Seven Faces Director: Kim Seon-gyeong Writer: Yoon Sam-yook Cast: Chang Il-do, Choi Min-kyu, Kwon Il-soo, Robby Ban, Edie Wang, Judy Suh, Edwin Lau Running Time: 94 min. By Paul Bramhall I confess to having a soft-spot for kung fu movies that have grammatically challenged titles, and Blood of Dragon Peril is definitely up there with the best of them. “Blood of what?” you may ask, well, Dragon … Continue reading

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Shout! Factory unleashes 4K masters of Bruce Lee’s films

Shout! Factory has recently announced that they’ll be releasing restored, 4K versions of Bruce Lee’s films, starting with The Big Boss (1971) and Fist of Fury (1972). Oddly enough, they’ll be released as their North American titles, Fists of Fury (ak The Big Boss) and The Chinese Connection (aka Fist of Fury). The films will be packaged using original U.S. theatrical artwork, which can also be reversed for those who prefer international artwork. The titles are being marketed as “Collector’s Editions,” but according … Continue reading

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Martial Arts Kid, The (2015) Review

"The Martial Arts Kid" Theatrical Poster

Director: Michael Baumgarten Cast: Don “The Dragon” Wilson, Cynthia Rothrock, Jansen Panettiere, Kathryn Newton, Matthew Ziff, T.J. Storm, Brandon Tyler Russell, R. Marcos Taylor, Chuck Zito Running Time: 103 min. By Jeff Bona Don “The Dragon” Wilson (Bloodfist) and Cynthia Rothrock (Shanghai Express) are back to doing what they do best in The Martial Arts Kid, a coming of age, martial arts-themed tale directed by Michael Baumgarten (The Guest House). The Martial Arts Kid follows a rebellious teenager … Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! Little Big Soldier | Blu-ray | Only $7.44 – Expires soon!

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Little Big Soldier, starring the legendary Jackie Chan (Armour of God III: Chinese Zodiac) and Leehom Wang (Lust, Caution and Legendary Amazons). Directed and written by Ding Sheng, Litte Big Soldier (read our review) is definitely one of the best Jackie Chan flicks of the last 10 years. I know we’re all sick of period films (especially one titled Little Big Solider), … Continue reading

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Double Impact (1991) Review

"Double Impact" Theatrical Poster

Director: Sheldon Lettich Cast: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Geoffrey Lewis, Alonna Shaw, Bolo Yeung, Alicia Stevenson, Paul Aylett, Alan Scarfe, Philip Chan, Corrina Everson, Julie Strain, Wu Fong Lung, John Sham, Peter Malota, David Lea, Sarah-Jane Varley Running Time: 107 min. By Kelly Warner Few things scream “90’s” quite like Jean-Claude Van Damme starring opposite himself in an action movie. The concept of taking an action star and having them play … Continue reading

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Judge Archer | DVD (Lionsgate)

RELEASE DATE: November 1, 2016 Lionsgate presents the long-awaited U.S. release for Haofeng Xu’s Judge Archer on DVD, which stars Yu Chenghui (The White Haired Witch of Lunar Kingdom), Lvy Lee (Poor Rich Father) and Song Yang (The Final Master). Haofeng Xu (The Final Master) made a name for himself by penning the screenplay for Wong Kar-Wai’s The Grandmaster – but due to that film’s lengthy production process, Haofeng has managed to make … Continue reading

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Female Prisoner Scorpion: Jailhouse 41 (1972) Review

Director: Shunya Ito Story: Toru Shinohara Cast: Meiko Kaji, Fumio Watanabe, Kayoko Shiraishi, Yukie Kagawa, Yuki Arasa, Hideo Murota Running Time: 94 min. By Kyle Warner In the opening moments of Female Prisoner Scorpion: Jailhouse 41, we find our antihero Matsu the Scorpion (Meiko Kaji) chained up in solitary confinement. She’s been locked away for a year after the bloodshed she caused in the previous film. The series’ familiar theme song … Continue reading

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Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: 15th Anniversary Edition | Blu-ray/4K (Sony)

RELEASE DATE: October 18, 2016 Details have emerged for Sony Pictures Home Entertainment’s upcoming 15th anniversary 4K Blu-ray (pre-order here) and Blu-ray editions (pre-order here) of director Ang Lee’s Oscar-winning film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Named “Best Picture of the Year” by over 100 critics nationwide! Two master warriors (Chow Yun Fat and Michelle Yeoh) are faced with their greatest challenge when the treasured Green Destiny sword isstolen. A young aristocrat (Zhang … Continue reading

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Blood Father (2016) Review

"Blood Father" Promotional Poster

Director: Jean-François Richet Cast: Mel Gibson, Erin Moriarty, Diego Luna, Michael Parks, William H. Macy, Elisabeth Rohm, Thomas Mann Running Time: 88 min. By Zach Nix Mel Gibson (Lethal Weapon, Mad Max) is one of cinema’s most rewarding figures. He’s worn many faces over the decades: actor, action star, filmmaker, and even comedian. Although he’s been successful on all fronts and always been a reliable entertainer, I personally believe that … Continue reading

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Ken Watanabe is full of ‘Rage’ in Sang-il Lee’s new thriller

After previously collaborating on the remake of Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven, director Sang-il Lee (Hula Girls) and actor Ken Watanabe (Inception) are set to premiere their next artistic collaboration, the murder mystery Rage (aka Anger, Ikari). The plot description from the Toronto International Film Festival: A grisly unsolved murder links three seemingly unrelated stories in three different Japanese cities, in this arresting ensemble thriller from director Sang-il Lee. In addition to … Continue reading

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Antony Szeto’s ‘Fist of the Dragon’ finally makes its U.S. debut

2000’s Moving Target, which starred 11-time World Kickboxing Champion Don “The Dragon” Wilson, has been loosely redone in the form of Fist of the Dragon, a U.S./Chinese co-production that puts Strikeforce World Lightweight Champion, Josh “The Punk” Thomson, in Wilson’s shoes. As with the original, Roger Corman’s New Horizons Pictures is producing. Fist of the Dragon is directed by Antony Szeto (Wushu) and also stars Juju Chan (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of … Continue reading

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Phantom of the Theatre | DVD (Well Go USA)

RELEASE DATE: October 11, 2016 Well Go USA presents the DVD for Phantom of the Theatre, a thriller starring Ruby Lin (Blood Stained Shoes), Tony Yang (The Crossing), Simon Yam (Cross) and Huang Lei (CJ7). A haunted theatre, filled with the vengeful spirits of a tragically-trapped performance troupe murdered in a fire 13 years ago, waits for the once-grand palatial playhouse to re-open with a new show… and bring in … Continue reading

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Kung fu, retro games and metal collide in ‘Metal City Mayhem’

Get ready to bang some heads with Metal City Mayhem, a proposed action/comedy series by Dan Jackson and Savage Storm Studios. Metal City Mayhem draws inspiration from cult classic films like Warriors and arcade favorites such as Double Dragon and River City Mayhem. It also fuses Hong Kong-influenced choreography with old-school, heavy metal pop culture. In the tradition of Hobo With a Shotgun, Machete, and Black Dynamite – all of which started out … Continue reading

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Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion (1972) Review

"Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Director: Shunya Ito Cast: Meiko Kaji, Rie Yokoyama, Yayoi Watanabe, Yōko Mihara, Akemi Negishi, Keiko Kuni, Yumiko Katayama, Emi Jo, Isao Natsuyagi, Fumio Watanabe Running Time: 87 min. By Kelly Warner Almost every ambitious leading man or lady is on the lookout for that iconic role that will shoot them to superstardom, netting them a legion of fans and hopefully a mountain of cash. Roles that earn awards can prove … Continue reading

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Akira Kurosawa’s Dreams | Blu-ray & DVD (Criterion)

RELEASE DATE: November 15, 2016 Criterion Collection presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Akira Kurosawa’s Dreams. Unfolding in a series of mythic vignettes, this late work by Akira Kurosawa brings eight of the beloved director’s own nighttime visions, informed by tales from Japanese folklore, to cinematic life. In a visually sumptuous journey through the master’s unconscious, tales of childlike wonder give way to apocalyptic visions: a young boy stumbles on … Continue reading

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