The Kosugi ninja empire lives on! New Trailer for Shane Kosugi’s ‘Seek’ starring Kansuke Asano and Kane Kosugi

"Seek" Poster

“Seek” Poster

Shane Kosugi (9 Deaths of the Ninja, Pray for Death) makes his directorial debut with Seek, an upcoming martial arts actioner that stars Kansuke Asano (Barashi Fight), as well as Shane’s brother, Kane Kosugi (Tekken 2: Kazuya’s Revenge, Zero Tolerance).

In Seek, Kyohei Aizawa (Asano), an assassin for a covert non-governmental espionage group in Japan called “SEEK”, is grieving over the loss of his girlfriend from a tragic plane accident. The leader of “SEEK”, Ryo Mikumo (Nahara), contacts him for an emergency mission; save a fellow agent, recover a new highly explosive liquid called “RDX@”, stop a ruthless Yakuza leader, Sojiro Kotsuki (Kane Kosugi), and his gang before they take over Japan. Although the Ninjas were thought to have disappeared…the new breed of assassins live on helping to protect Continue reading

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Contour (2006) Review

"Contour" Poster

“Contour” Poster

Director: Eric Jacobus
Cast: Eric Jacobus, Dennis Ruel, Ed Kahana, Andy Leung, Tyler Wang, Stephen Reedy, Donovan McKendrick, Vlad Rimburg, Tracy Butcher, Steven Yu
Running Time: 100 min.

By Z Ravas

Contour is a 2006 independent martial arts comedy set in San Francisco, created by writer/director/producer/editor Eric Jacobus and his cohort of fellow martial artists and stunt performers who cheekily dub themselves The Stunt People. Prior to this recent rewatch, I had seen Contour once back when it was new-ish on DVD; I believe it was a purchase from the beloved HKFlix, a website you may remember if you have gray hairs like me, where the film earned rave reviews for its punishingly fast, Hong Kong-inspired martial arts sequences. I know I liked the movie well enough at the time but, to be honest, Contour didn’t stay with me the way some other cult martial arts movies (like Steven Wang’s Drive) have over the years.

I’ve noticed, though, that Contour still gets reverentially name-dropped on the action-obsessed side of Twitter every so often, its fight choreography spoken about with something like bated breath, so I figured it was due time to pull this DVD off the shelf and experience Contour again. I very quickly realized that the Action Twitter denizens are correct, and this effort from Eric Jacobus and the rest of the Stunt People features arguably some of the best fight sequences Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! The Foreigner | Blu-ray | Only $8.99 – Expires soon!

The Foreigner | Blu-ray & DVD (Universal)

The Foreigner | Blu-ray & DVD (Universal)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for The Foreigner (read our review) starring Jackie Chan (Panda Plan 2, The Shadow’s Edge).

Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan star in The Foreigner, an action thriller from director Martin Campbell of Casino Royale and Goldeneye.

Chan stars as humble London businessman Quan, whose long-buried past erupts in a revenge-fueled vendetta when the only person left for him to love — his teenage daughter — is taken from him in a senseless act of politically-motivated terrorism. In his relentless search for the identity of the terrorists, Quan is forced into a cat- and-mouse conflict with a British government official (Pierce Brosnan), whose own past may hold clues Continue reading

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Hail to the thief! Imprint Asia announces 4K Ultra HD for John Woo’s Hong Kong heist actioner ‘Once a Thief’

On June 10, 2026, Imprint will release the 4K Ultra HD for Once a Thief, a 1991 actioner from acclaimed Hong Kong filmmaker John Woo (The Killer, Hard Boiled).

The film stars Chow Yun-Fat (Prisoner on Fire), Leslie Cheung (Double Tap), Cherie Chung (Walk on Fire), Paul Chu Kong (The Big Heat) and Kenneth Tsang (To Be Number One).

Three orphans grow up to become art thieves under the tutelage of a crime boss. Romance complicates matters when the trio are double-crossed.

This special release features an exclusive SteelBook with the film remastered on 4K UHD and Blu-ray from the original 35mm negative, plus a 60-page Hardcover Booklet with production stills and brandNEWessays, all housed in a Lid Hardbox.

1500 copies only.

Disc One – 4K UHD

  • 2160p Ultra high-definition NEW Dolby Vision / HDR10 presentation on 4K UHD, restored from the original camera negative
  • NEW Audio commentary by Hong Kong film critic James Mudge
  • Original Theatrical Trailer
  • Audio: Cantonese LPCM 2.0 Mono + Cantonese DTS-HD 7.1 Surround + Mandarin DTS-HD 5.1 Surround + English Dub LPCM 2.0 Mono
  • Aspect Ratio 1.85:1
  • Optional English Subtitles from a NEW translation

Disc Two – Blu-ray

  • 1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray of the 4K restoration
  • NEW Audio commentary by Hong Kong film critic James Mudge
  • NEW “Handling A Heist” – interview with director John Woo
  • NEW “Thoughts About Thievery” – interview with screenwriter Clifton Ko
  • NEW “Stealing Some Shots” – interview with cinematographer Poon Hang-Sang
  • NEW “Heists and Lows” – interview with producer Terence Chang
  • NEW “Art of the Steal” – interview with editor David Wu
  • NEW “Hong Kong Confidential: Inside ‘Once a Thief’ with author Grady Hendrix”
  • NEW “Once A Star, Always an Icon: Film Critic Frank Djeng on actor Leslie Cheung”
  • “Brothers in Arms” – archival interview with producer Terence Chang
  • “Up Close and Personal” – archival interview with director John Woo
  • Archival interview with actor Kenneth Tsang
  • Original Theatrical Trailer
  • New Theatrical Trailer
  • Audio: Cantonese LPCM 2.0 Mono + Cantonese DTS-HD 7.1 Surround + Mandarin DTS-HD 5.1 Surround + English Dub LPCM 2.0 Mono
  • Aspect Ratio 1.85:1
  • Optional English Subtitles from a NEW translation

Hardcover Booklet

An exclusive 60-page hardcover booklet featuring production stills and brand NEW essays by Sean Gilman and Brian Tallerico.

Watch the Trailer:

 

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16 bit martial arts mayhem comes to life! Lionsgate’s live action ‘Streets of Rage’ lands director and new writers

Lionsgate’s live action Streets of Rage film is back in motion, with director Jeymes Samuel at the helm. Samuel is best known for writing, directing, and producing the 2021 BAFTA winning film The Harder They Fall, as well as The Book of Clarence.

Derek Kolstad, the writer behind Nobody and creator of the John Wick franchise, is no longer attached as writer. Stepping in to replace him are Pat Casey and Josh Miller, the writing duo behind the modern cult classic Violent Night and the Continue reading

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Jackie Chan, Panda-monium, bada$$ heroines, Korean thrillers and more! Here’s what’s on Hi-YAH in June

Hi-YAH!, Well Go USA’s very own Asian/martial arts streaming channel has just announced their New Releases for the month of June.

If you want to give Hi-YAH! a go, visitors of this site can use the promo code “CITYONFIRE” for a FREE 30 Day trial!

Read on for the full list of New and Exclusive Continue reading

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School on Fire | Blu-ray (Shout)


On August 4, 2026, Shout is releasing a 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray for School on Fire, a 1988 Hong Kong action film from acclaimed director Ringo Lam (Sky on Fire, City on Fire).

A young schoolgirl, Yuen Fong becomes caught in a tragic stranglehold of triad activity after she testifies in court over a triad beating. When this news reaches the triad Continue reading

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Who you gonna call? Michael Jai White and Jim Belushi are part of the ensemble cast of James Mark’s ‘Karate Ghost’

Indie action filmmaker/writer James Mark (Infiltrate, Kill Order) is currently hard-at-work on Karate Ghost, an upcoming martial arts comedy that’s headlined by Tim Rozon (Wynonna Earp: Vengeance), Colton Gobbo (The Desperate Hour) and Jim Belushi (Red Heat).

The film’s ensemble cast also includes Michael Jai White (Triple Threat), WWE on-air personality Cathy Kelley, Natalie Zea (Justified), and comedian Continue reading

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Ping Pong | Blu-ray (88 Films)

On July 27, 2026, 88 Films is releasing the Blu-ray (Region A/B) for 2002’s Ping Pong. Adapted from Taiyo Matsumoto’s cult manga series, the debut feature of Fumihiko Sori (Vexille, Fullmetal Alchemist) is a zero-to-hero tale of friendship, dedication and sportsmanship, featuring exhilarating table-tennis battles that will make you never look at the sport in quite the same way again.​

Punkish ping pong prodigy Peco (Yosuke Kubozuka; Go, Silence) is on a losing streak, not helped by his friend since childhood, Smile (ARATA; After Life, United Red Army), intentionally letting him win in their practice sessions. As tournament day Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! The Corrupter | Blu-ray | Only $8.08 – Expires soon!

The Corrupter | Blu-ray (Warner)

The Corrupter | Blu-ray (Warner)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for The Corrupter, a 1999 action/thriller directed by James Foley (Glengarry Glen Ross, At Close Range).

The Corrupter stars Hong Kong screen legend Chow Yun-fat (Project Gutenberg, The Killer), Mark Wahlberg (The Departed, Mile 22, The Big Hit), Ric Young (Kiss of the Dragon), Jon Kit Lee (Romeo Must Die), Brian Cox (Braveheart) and Byron Mann (Double Edge, The Man with the Iron Fists).

Nick Chen (Chow Yun-Fat) is not your average New York cop. Working in Chinatown has its multifarious cultural nuances and its fair share of ubiquitous enticement, both of which are reflected in detective Chen’s weary face. He had to get into bed with the highest Continue reading

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Shogun’s Ninja | Blu-ray (Arrow)

On August 25, 2026, Arrow will release the Blu-ray (Region A) for Shogun’s Ninja, a 1980 martial arts thriller directed by Norifumi Suzuki (Wandering Ginza Butterfly). Secure your copy today at Goodie Emporium!

Before starring in John Wick: Chapter 4 and Shogun, Hiroyuki Sanada (John Wick 4, Royal Warriors) got to showcase his physical prowess in his first lead Continue reading

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Jackie Chan must BREAK YOU! Watch Arrow’s New Trailer for ‘Breakout Hits!’ 4K Ultra HD’ collection arriving in June

On June 29, 2026, Arrow will be releasing a 10-Disc Limited 4K Ultra HD set for Jackie Chan’s Breakout Hits!, which includes 1994’s Drunken Master II, 1995’s Thunderbolt, 1996’s Police Story 4: First Strike, 1997’s Mr. Nice Guy and 1998’s Who Am I? – ALL of which include multiple cuts!

Note: If you’re a fan of Jackie’s black muscle shirt look, there’s also an Arrow store-exclusive version available. That said, we actually prefer this one. Aside from the cardboard O-ring sleeve, it’s exactly the same set – right down to the reversible inner sleeves.

He was the biggest movie star in the East for two decades, but Hong Kong action legend Jackie Chan had never successfully cracked the West… until the 1990s kicked off a six-film run of phenomenal smash hits that would finally make him an international Continue reading

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The wait is nearly over! Jackie Chan’s 3D kung fu adventure ‘Magnificent Bodyguards’ arrives on Blu-ray this July

Now available for Pre-order is the Blu-ray (Region A/B) for Magnificent Bodyguards, which will be released on July 13, 2026. This 1978 kung fu oddity is directed by Lo Wei (The Big Boss) and stars the one and only, Jackie Chan (Hidden Strike, Ride On).

Jackie leaps out of the screen in Magnificent Bodyguards, the first Hong Kong movie shot in 3D! The icon joins a team of guards who are escorting an ill man across a land filled danger and possible death, a land known as Stormy Hills, but does the man hold Continue reading

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How Martial Arts Films Have Inspired Online Casino Games

Martial arts cinema has quite heavily influenced the online casino industry, particularly within the categories of video slots as well as specialized table games that have been designed to capture the high-energy aesthetics, cinematic choreography and deeply ingrained cultural themes of the classic kung fu and action films.

Bruce Lee’s cinematic roar, Jackie Chan’s fluid acrobatics and the tactical ingenuity of the classic Shaw Brothers productions have all left an indelible mark on global pop culture. As much as this influence has traditionally dominated the home video, streaming site and classic console industries, it has recently found its way into the world of online casinos.

The crossover between cinematic combat and online betting has been quite a natural one, because both of these industries thrive on high-stakes tension, rapid-fire tempo and the thrill of an unexpected ending. Leading international online casinos like jackpot city have fully embraced this synergy, offering players a captivating and immersive experience that gives their interactive gambling the same energy as a cinematic dojo.

Why Martial Arts and Gambling Are Such a Good Combination

Suspense is one of the main hallmarks of any martial arts film. Whether it’s a lone hero facing off with a rival clan or a dramatic tournament finale where everything is on the line, the emotional arc incorporated into these films is very reminiscent of what you’d experience while playing the reels or tables at an online casino like Jackpot City.

The developers of online casino games have capitalized on this psychological overlap by intentionally using cinematic tropes to enhance player engagement. They do this by incorporating mechanics and features that involve:

  • The hero’s journey, especially in modern video slots that incorporate progressive mechanics. These games allow you to unlock new stages, master techniques or defeat bosses to trigger multipliers.
  • High-octane visuals like flying kicks, flashing katanas and shattering bricks have replaced the standard spinning reels in most martial arts-inspired online casino games, turning a traditional mechanic into an interactive masterpiece.
  • The spirit of discipline introduced in skill-based casino alternatives challenges you to adopt the intense mental focus of a fighter, shifting the focus from pure luck to tactical strategy.

These martial arts-inspired features in modern online casinos like Jackpot City have contributed to bringing the spirit of the classic films into the online casino industry in a harmonious way that enhances the overall experience.

What Cinematic Categories of Martial Arts Casino Games Are There?

The online gambling industry features several distinct categories of games that have been heavily influenced by fight choreography as well as East Asian action films.

Movie Adaptations

The software developers of modern online casinos regularly acquire official movie licenses that permit them to create cinematic slots inspired by classic movies.

Two of the most well-known martial arts film-inspired online casino slots are:

  • The Karate Kid slots, where you train alongside digital versions of the classic characters, unlocking specific Cobra Kai or Miyagi-Do bonus rounds.
  • Shaolin Soccer adapts the over-the-top supernatural martial arts comedy style that was popularized by Stephen Chow, using wirework animation to uncover hidden wild symbols.

Tributes To Fighting Legends

There’s no single person who bridges the gap between martial arts and gaming more than Bruce Lee. Slot developers frequently build slot games inspired by his legacy, incorporating symbols like:

  • The iconic yellow jumpsuit
  • Nunchucks
  • Philosophical quotes from Enter the Dragon

These symbols normally play the role of premium, high-paying markers or scatter icons that trigger cascading free-spin sequences.

How Traditional Table Games Reflect Cinematic Lore

The link between classic combat movies and gambling doesn’t just end with slot games. Classic table games that are deeply rooted in East Asian heritage have also been frequently highlighted in period cinema, creating a deeper connection between historical action and modern betting.

Some of these games include:

  • Pai gow tiles
  • Sic bo
  • Mahjong hybrids

The inclusion of these games in some of the most well-loved martial arts films further entrenches the idea that these two industries work harmoniously together, creating an enthralling experience for players in online casinos like Jackpot City.

A Timeless Masterpiece For Modern Enthusiasts

The undying love that exists for classic martial arts films and the reverence people have for iconic figures like Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee have created the foundation of a new era for online casinos that has been heavily influenced and fundamentally inspired by the incredible world of martial arts films.

As these two industries share many of the same core philosophies, the experience of blending the two has made for a harmonious blend of suspense, anticipation and unexpected outcomes. The martial arts-inspired video slots have borrowed from the narrative plot devices of classic films to create immersive progressive experiences that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Given the popularity of these games in the online casino industry, you can be sure to see them expanding and improving for many years to come.

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Well Go USA delivers history’s darkest experiment! Linshan Zhao’s ‘731’ hits Blu-ray and DVD in June

"731" Theatrical Poster

“731” Theatrical Poster

On June 2, 2026, history’s darkest experiment arrives on Blu-ray and DVD from Well Go USA! Directed by Linshan Zhao (The Assassins), 731 (aka Evil Unbound) revolves around a real-life facility that was responsible for large-scale biological and chemical warfare research, as well as lethal human experimentation.

731 will most definitely be compared to the similarly themed 1988’s Men Behind the Sun, as being one of the most controversial movies ever made.

731 is set against the backdrop of the bacterial experiments conducted by the Japanese Imperial Army’s Unit 731 in Northeast China, and reveals the crimes of Unit 731 through the turbulent fate of Continue reading

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