Tattooed Life | Blu-ray (Radiance)

Tattooed Life | Blu-ray (Radiance)

Tattooed Life | Blu-ray (Radiance)

RELEASE DATE: September 23, 2024

On September 23, 2024, Radiance Films is releasing the Blu-ray (Region A/B) for Tattooed Life, a 1965 Yakuza flick from director Seijun Suzuki (Pistol Opera, Branded to Kill).

Tetsuo (Hideki Takahashi, Haunted Samurai), a low-level yakuza is double-crossed by his boss and attacked. His younger brother Kenji (Kotobuki Hananomoto, This Transient Life), an aspiring artist with no connections to crime, comes to his aid and kills Tetsuo’s assailant. Fearing repercussions from the yakuza they flee to Manchuria where they risk coming under suspicion of rival gangs.

Seijun Suzuki (Detective Bureau 2-3: Go to Hell Bastards!) remains loyal to the conventions of the yakuza film, but Tattooed Life contains flashes of his later creative genius, including a final Continue reading

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

Four 3, The | aka The Four: Final Battle (2014) Review

"The Four 3" Theatrical Poster

“The Four 3” Theatrical Poster

Director: Gordon Chan
Co-director: Janet Chun
Cast: Crystal Liu Yi Fei, Deng Chao, Colin Chou, Ronald Cheng, Yu Chenghui, Anthony Wong Chau Sang, Wu Xiubo, Jiang Yi-Nan, Alec Su, Ada Liu
Running Time: 107 min. 

By Paul Bramhall 

The closing scenes of The Four 2 saw the team’s internal strife come to a head, leading to Crystal Liu’s Emotionless leaving both the Divine Constabulary and her brooding boyfriend, Deng Chao’s Coldblood, after learning that Collin Chou’s Iron Hands was involved in the massacre of her family 12 years earlier. The opening of The Four 3 sees the team continuing to disband, with Chao announcing that he’s returning to Department Six to help with the investigation into the Sheriff King’s murder, and Ronald Cheng’s Life Snatcher continuing to wonder exactly what his role is in the series. Only one will have more clarity by the time the end credits roll.

Co-directors Gordon Chan and Janet Chun return to close out the trilogy with 2014’s The Four 3, shot back-to-back with its predecessor, as the father of the original’s villain continues his dastardly plan to overthrow the emperor, and presumably cause more pain and suffering for his own personal gain. Played by Mainland martial arts cinema royalty Yu Chenghui, he heads Continue reading

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Four 2, The (2013) Review

"The Four 2" Theatrical Poster

“The Four 2” Theatrical Poster

Director: Gordon Chan
Co-director: Janet Chun
Cast: Crystal Liu Yi Fei, Deng Chao, Anthony Wong Chau Sang, Cheng Taishen, Colin Chou, Ronald Cheng Chung Kei, Wu Xiubo, Yu Chenghui, Ken Lo
Running Time: 118 min. 

By Paul Bramhall

Hot on the coat tails of 2012’s The Four, the following year The Four 2 hit the screens, arriving with the announcement that a third instalment had been filmed back-to-back with the sequel. Considering the first entry in director Gordon Chan’s reimagining of the The Four Great Constables was an underwhelming experience, more than 10 years since their release it may seem a bewildering thought as to how a sequel was green lit so quickly. The answer is very much connected to the early 2010’s era that they were made in, which saw China going through an economic boom, and going to the cinema becoming one of the nation’s favorite past times. Cinemas were built in their hundreds in a very short space of time, and local audiences lapped it up with seeming little regard to if the movies they were going to see were actually good or not. The same explanation can be applied to how a movie like 2013’s Switch came to exist.

The Four brought together a cast of popular Hong Kong and Mainland talent for a tale that many would have been familiar with, even if just in passing, so the fact that it became a box office success wasn’t such a big surprise when considering such factors. A more interesting question is how returning directors Gordon Chan and Janet Chun perceived The Four’s success – did they figure they got everything just right and should approach another instalment in the exact Continue reading

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What’s streaming on Hi-YAH for the month of June? Wu Yue, Donnie Yen, Tai chi and a bunch of snow…

Hi-YAH!, Well Go USA’s very own Asian/martial arts streaming channel has just announced their New Release line up 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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Delta Force | 4K Ultra HD (Shout! Factory)

Delta Force | 4K Ultra HD (Shout! Factory)

Delta Force | 4K Ultra HD (Shout! Factory)

RELEASE DATE: August 13, 2024

On August 13, 2024, Shout! Factory is releasing a 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray for the 1986 Cannon Films classic, The Delta Force, starring Chuck Norris (Slaughter in San Francisco), Lee Marvin (The Dirty Dozen), Steve James (American Ninja) and an unrecognizable Robert Forster (Vigilante), who gives an Oscar-worthy performance as an Iranian hijacker!

After a plane is hijacked by terrorists, The Delta Force is sent in to resolve the crisis. Directed by Cannon head honcho Menahem Golan (Enter the Ninja), Delta Force offers a little bit of everything: Action, martial arts, motorcycles with missiles, and even some intense drama that may surprise you!

The film also stars Continue reading

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

Deal on Fire! Shawscope Volume Two | Blu-ray | Only $104.60 – Expires soon!

Today’s Deal on Fire is for Shawscope Volume Two: Limited Edition (the first set was released last year), which will include 14 films (as opposed to 12, which was the count for the first set). As with the first set, Shawscope Volume Two will be an all region (UK/US/CA TITLE) release.

Read the official details:

Picking up where Volume One left off, this sophomore collection of Hong Kong cinema classics draws together many of the best films from the final years of the Shaw Brothers studio, proving that while the end was nigh, these merchants of martial arts mayhem weren’t going Continue reading

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Four, The (2012) Review

"The Four" Theatrical Poster

“The Four” Theatrical Poster

Director: Gordon Chan
Co-director: Janet Chun
Cast: Colin Chou, Ronald Cheng Chung Kei, Crystal Liu Yi Fei, Anthony Wong, Sheren Tang Shui Man, Deng Chao, Jiang Yiyan, Waise Lee Chi Hung, Cheng Taishen, Bao Bei Er, Ryu Kohata, Michael Tong, Wu Xiubo
Running Time: 117 min.

By Paul Bramhall

Back in 2012 director Gordon Chan decided that China needed its own superhero franchise, the result of which saw the release of The Four, which he’d co-direct with Janet Chun. The timing was understandable, and with the burgeoning Marvel Universe still in its relative infancy (The Avengers would be released the same year), it was the X-Men that frequently got brought up whenever a comparison was called for. In fairness the proposition was an attractive one – like its western comic-book counterparts, The Four’s origins lie in a series of wuxia novels published in the 1970’s by Woon Swee Oan, and similarly this isn’t the first time for them to be adapted for the screen (with the most well-known being the 1984 ATV series, The Undercover Agents, which featured Bruce Leung).

It is the first time for them to be re-imagined with superpowers though, and with a cinema going audience that was being charmed by the output of what we now call Phase 1 of the MCU, it there was ever a time to make a superpowered wuxia then 2012 was probably it. The wuxia setting was a smart movie, since local audiences at the time were likely still reeling from 2010’s City Under Siege, the late Benny Chan’s attempt to make a contemporary set superhero flick involving Aaron Kwok as an inflatable clown and a latex covered Collin Chou. Gordon Chan Continue reading

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‘Dr. Cheon’ teams up with ‘My Sassy Girl’ for the upcoming action spy thriller ‘Tempest’ for Disney+ and Hulu

"Blood: The Last Vampire" Japanese Theatrical Poster

“Blood: The Last Vampire” Japanese Theatrical Poster

South Korean superstar Jun Ji-hyun (aka Gianna Jun) – who is perhaps known for 2001’s My Sassy Girl, 2009’s Blood: The Last Vampire and 2015’s Assassination – will star in Tempest alongside Gang Dongwon (Broker, Peninsula, Dr. Cheon and the Lost Talisman).

Tempest will be directed by Kim Hee-Won (Queen of Tears, Little Women) off a script by Chung Seokyung (Decision to Leave). You can expect some good action pieces, since the project is being co-directed by Heo Myunghaeng (Badland Hunters, Roundup: Punishment).

Set in modern-day Korea, it follows Munju, a high-flying diplomat and former ambassador to the U.S., as well as Sanho, an international special agent. Together, they set out to uncover the truth Continue reading

Posted in News |

Deal on Fire! The Last Sentinel | Blu-ray | Only $8.92 – Expires soon!

"The Last Sentinel" Japanese Theatrical Poster

“The Last Sentinel” Japanese Theatrical Poster

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for The Last Sentinal, starring 11-time World Kickboxing Champion, Don “The Dragon” Wilson (Showdown in Manila, Diamond Cartel, Death Fighter).

Before director Jesse V. Johnson unleashed Savage Dog, Accident Man and Triple Threat, he teamed up with “The Dragon” for this sci-fi actioner.

In the film, Wilson is an electronically enhanced soldier who rescues Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica) from a failed resistance mission.

The Last Sentinal also stars Keith David (The Thing), Peter Allas (Encino Man) and Steven Bauer (Scarface).

Fun Trivia: The Last Sentinel is the only Don “The Dragon” Wilson film where Continue reading

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

A Guide to Hosting a Joker-Themed Game Night at Home

Are you planning a game night that’s both thrilling and memorable? A Joker-themed event could be your winning hand! This theme, inspired by the iconic and mischievous character from the world of comics and movies, offers endless opportunities for creativity and fun.

Whether you’re a fan of card games, role-playing, or just looking for an exciting way to spice up your gatherings, a Joker-themed game night promises laughter, surprises, and a dash of cunning. Let’s dive into the essentials of hosting this unique event, to ensure that it’s a hit!

Setting the Scene

Transform your space into a Joker’s den with decor that screams playful and sinister. Think purple and green lighting, playing card garlands, and posters of the Joker’s most iconic appearances. Set the mood with a playlist that includes mysterious or playful tunes.

For an immersive experience, consider a projector playing scenes from famous Joker movies or animations in the background. The setting isn’t just about visuals; it’s about creating an atmosphere that keeps your guests on their toes, wondering what tricks you have up your sleeve.

Costume Contest

Encourage guests to come dressed as various versions of the Joker or any related characters from his universe, like Harley Quinn or Batman. Host a costume contest with categories such as Most Creative, Most Sinister, and Best Duo. Offer playful prizes such as Joker playing cards or comic books. A costume contest not only makes the event more engaging but also helps guests get into character, enhancing the thematic experience of the night.

Game Selection

No Joker-themed night would be complete without a carefully selected array of games. Card games like poker or blackjack can be played with custom Joker-themed cards. For more interactive fun, incorporate games like Joker’s Wild, where players complete dares or answer questions to earn points, or a murder mystery game where guests solve riddles to unveil the Joker among them. Choose games that encourage laughter and interaction, ensuring that the spirit of the Joker—chaotic, fun, and a bit cunning—permeates the evening.

Additionally, consider adding an online dimension with casino games. Invite guests to try their luck on popular online casino games like roulette and virtual slots, ensuring they play on trusted platforms, like this one that offers Australia pokies online, for a safe gaming experience. This blend of traditional and digital games can make your game night even more dynamic and engaging.

Themed Refreshments

Serve your guests a menu that the Joker himself would approve of. How about Harley’s Heartbreakers spicy meatballs or Puddin’ cups for dessert? Don’t forget the Joker Juice—a vibrant green punch. Decorate your food table with comic book pages, and use playing card holders to label each dish. These details will keep your guests immersed in the world of Gotham’s notorious trickster while they eat and play.

Photo Booth Fun

Create a photo booth with props like Joker hats, oversized playing cards, and comic-style word bubbles with phrases like Bang! and HaHaHa! This not only provides a fun activity but also gives your guests memorable keepsakes to take home. Set up a simple backdrop with green and purple streamers, and maybe even a cardboard cutout of the Joker. A photo booth is a fantastic way to capture the joy and creativity of your themed game night.

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Which Gaming App Is Best for Earning Money?

If you like to play online games on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, then you may want to earn money playing games, right? 

Well, there are many gaming apps that allow earning money just by playing games using their platform. 

However, not all of them are genuine and may be fraudulent. That’s the reason why we are here. We will help you choose a gaming platform that fits your needs. 

The Problem: Too Many Options and Unclear Earnings

Nowadays, the Online gaming industry is flooded with thousands of apps that claim to be a real-money earning source for users. 

But do you ever cross-verify whether their promises are genuine or not? 

Mostly, you do not, and you end up wasting your time playing games on those platforms in the hope of earning real cash.

The Solution: Finding the Right App

If you want to earn real cash playing online games, then finding the right gaming app that is legitimate and trusted is crucial. 

So, here is a complete list of top-performing and trusted gaming apps that offer genuine ways to earn money:

  • Tiranga Games

Overview

It is one of the most prominent Indian-gaming apps that offers 8+ gaming categories, including 52+ casino games. Tiranga Games has one of the best gaming environments, which makes the games very engaging.

Features

  • It offers a number of games.
  • You will get cash rewards and prizes.
  • You can play casino games 24*7.

Earnings

Tiranga Games has a very fair system that makes it better than others. Here, you can start winning from a small amount to lakhs.

  • Skillz: Real Money Games

Overview

It is another very popular gaming app that hosts different types of games where you can start earning real money. 

Here, you will get everything from puzzles to card games, which are skills you need to excel. Moreover, if you take part in the tournaments, you have a chance to win cash prizes.

Features

  • Many games are there to play.
  • Tournaments are held almost regularly.
  • Chance to win exciting rewards and prizes.

Earnings

Similar to Tiranga Games, it also has a transparent system that allows players to win significant money.

There are many players who earn 3- 4k dollars using Skillz.

  • Mistplay: Play and Earn

Overview

It is a rewards-based gaming platform that rewards players with points for playing and becoming testers of new games. 

However, you can further redeem these points in exchange for PayPal cash or gift cards.

Features

  • The UI is very easy to understand.
  • Many games are available to play.
  • They regularly add new games.

Earnings

It is true that playing these types of games won’t make you rich overnight. But you will definitely start earning a steady amount daily or monthly. I know many users who already started earning $10-$50/month.

  • Lucktastic: Scratch Cards for Cash

Overview

It is a digital gaming platform that offers digital scratch cards. When you use these cards, you will get a chance to win cash and gifts. 

Although this app has nothing extraordinary, it has gained massive popularity.  

Features

  • It gives you regular winning opportunities.
  • Immediate cash prizes.
  • Gifts for larger prizes

Earnings

Lucktastic can sometimes be hit or miss. Many users reported that this app only offers small amounts. 

However, we also have other players’ testimonies who claimed that they won several thousand dollars.

Thus, we suggest you have patience, as it is the only key to success in this type of game.

  • InboxDollars: Paid to Play

Overview

It is more than a gaming app. Here, you can easily earn money by watching videos and taking surveys.

Features

  • Various methods to earn real cash.
  • Withdraw payment using PayPal.
  • UI is very intuitive.

Earnings

On average, if you are an active user, you can easily earn $30-$100/month.

So, that’s all we have for you on which gaming app is the best for earning money. It’s our hope that this guide has helped you. For more details, comment below and let our team know. 

 

Posted in News |

What Makes a Game Profitable?

The gaming industry is a complex puzzle that is very hard to solve. If you are a game developer, then you need to be very smart to make your game profitable. 

There are many factors involved in this industry to get success. 

So, if you want to know what makes your game profitable, then check out the guide until the end to know every single thing related to this. 

Do Market Research and Understand the Audience

Understanding your audience before development begins is very crucial. 

So, first, do your own market research to help your developers identify potential markets, your targeted audience, etc. 

You can start by analyzing the player’s demographical data, preferences, gameplay patterns, etc. 

  • Target Audience Identification

History says identifying your targeted audience before starting developing any game is the key factor that decides whether it will succeed or not. 

For example, before creating PUBG, Bluehole company first set their targeted audience. 

Their CEO said in an interview that they have seen many youngsters face difficulty as they don’t have access to high-end devices. 

However, seeing this, they partnered with Tencent and created a mobile version of PUBG, and the rest is history. 

  • Competitive Analysis

Getting success in the online gaming industry isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. 

Before creating any game, after analyzing your targeted audience, you need to check the market competition. 

Yes, you must check whether you have any other competition in the same genre. 

  • Compelling Game Design

Once you have researched the market and understand your audience, you are good to go with the designing. But, for that, you need to follow these steps:

  • Engaging Gameplay

You have to keep in mind that the gameplay mechanics must be fun and engage players for a long time. 

Make it balanced in difficulty and controls that provide a rewarding experience. For example, if you see Candy Crush or Clash of Clans. 

Then, you will understand how they mastered engaging gameplay that keeps engaging the players for long periods.

  • Art and Sound

Tell your design team to create the overall art and sound aesthetics because these play a significant role in attracting players.

You can take the example of Daman Games; they really have some best-in-class art and sound that make their audience engaging. 

If your game has high-quality graphics, animations, and sound design, it will have a best-in-class quality that enhances the overall gaming experience.  

  • Narrative and Immersion

Just engaging gameplay and overall aesthetics can’t help you to make your game successful.

Yes, you need the best storyline and character creation that make a connection with players. 

An engaging storyline will surely encourage them to invest their time and money. 

  • Effective Monetization Strategies

Just creating a gaming app won’t give you success. You need to decide on a perfect monetization strategy that helps you generate revenue. 

Different models will help you monetize your game, such as: 

  • Premium Model

It is the traditional method that allows players to take a one-time subscription to the game’s premium feature. 

Games like Roblox, Red Dead Redemption 2, etc., their revenue model is based on this.

  • Free-to-play (F2P) with Microtransactions

You can make your game free-to-play but offer in-game purchases. This will make your game more engaging as those who don’t want to invest money can also play your game. 

In this microtransactions model, the developer will earn or generate revenue from players purchasing virtual goods, cosmetics, and other enhancements.  

  • In-App Advertising

Show in-game advertisements to generate revenue. The more players play your game, the more you will earn. 

  • Marketing and Promotion

Once you are done with all the above methods, you have to do heavy promotion of your game. 

Promote your game on different platforms. Some of them are mentioned below: 

  1. Create a pre-launch hype using a social media handle. 
  2. Make a perfect launch strategy to make your game more visible to users. 
  3. After launching the game, you need to do marketing to promote your game on different platforms.

So, that’s all we have for you on what makes a game profitable. We hope that this guide has helped you. For more help, comment below and let us know. 

 

Posted in News |

How Do You Calculate Color Prediction in a Game?

Playing a color prediction video game is a widespread activity that not only trains your reflexes but also your intuition. But, not only that, have you ever thought about how the game selects the next color? Though some may seem arbitrary, the two most crucial steps used to produce a demanding yet authentic experience are as follows:

1. Random Number Generation (RNG)

This is the method that color prediction games consider most often. RNG algorithms generate unpredictable numeric series, which in turn assures randomness for the ensuing color. This system keeps the game as intense and challenging as it is since it is not possible to predict whether the next series will take place. Certain games may have a “safe zone” where more of those colors appear, thus giving a tiny glimpse of predictability in the midst of chaos.

2. Markov Chain Model

This method uses a more sophisticated approach that considers the history of the occurrences. Red, green, and blue are the three colors that are the best bets when it comes to a game of color prediction. A history of color sequences will be presented in Markov chain form.

For instance, if the sample which was green was succeeded by red and blue, the green model could have anticipated that the subsequent color would have been blue. Though that would not ensure the blue color, there is a possibility.

Recognizing Patterns and Probabilities

Games that are prepared to offer the players the choice of colors are more developed than the others. They can do so by using simple patterns to add to the color palette, but those designs are usually complex and meant to be challenging for the player to learn. The key aspect here is that you are the one being assessed, and the choices you make will define the likelihood of getting the good colors at a later time. This adds another layer of strategic planning and the fact that players can potentially benefit from seeing small patterns or recurring color schemes.

Finding the Right Balance for a Gaming Boost

By integrating the real and virtual worlds, you will be able to provide your players with an exceptional gaming experience that will captivate them. Repetition and monotony are the worst enemies of a game, but on the other hand, too much change is equally bad.

For this, developers often attempt to combine RNG and the most frequently played songs that are played a little bit.

The following are some other factors that could affect color prediction:

  • Game Difficulty: However, more difficult levels can be more random, while the easier levels can have a higher chance of having recognizable color patterns.
  • Time Pressure: In this regard, time limits generate a feeling of urgency and pleasure that makes it even harder to decide on styles when they are present.
  • Power-Ups and Bonuses: Some games have bonuses that occasionally alter the color collection, and this makes the game even more exciting.

The knowledge of color prediction will make your gaming experience even better if acquired. Some video games are intrinsically hazardous, while others offer chances for those who have good vision and a good strategic mind. Therefore, the next time you engage in a color prediction game, focus on the sequence and try to find out the magic!

Summary

These are some of the subliminal effects that you can notice the next time you play the color prediction game. It is always more enjoyable to play when you fully understand the rules of the game, be it a clear and direct threat or a hint of a calculated guess.

 

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Don’t Go Too Far (2021) Review

"Don’t Go Too Far" Theatrical Poster

“Don’t Go Too Far” Theatrical Poster

Director: Park Hyun-yong
Cast: Son Jin-hwan, Son Byung-ho, Choi Jae-sup, Lee Sun-hee, Park Myung-shin, Lee Kyung-sung, Lee Do Yup, Ji Dae Han, Kang Tae Young
Running Time: 77 min.

By Paul Bramhall 

While it’s not uncommon for movies to be based off stage plays, what is uncommon is for the actual theatre setting itself to be integrated into a production intended for the screen rather than the stage. Part of what makes Don’t Go Too Far unique is that it doesn’t just embrace the stage aesthetic, it puts it front and centre for all to see. The feature length debut of director Park Hyun-yong, after helming a couple of short films in the form 2016’s The Luncheon on the Grass and 2017’s Visit, in 2018 he’d step in to the world of theatre with Malformation. It was his last foray that provided the inspiration for Don’t Go Too Far, which sees the mostly 1-room setting as a gathering point for three sons and a daughter to hear how their dying father has split up the inheritance between them.

Movies that focus on family dynamics within a limited setting tend to provide futile ground for underlying tensions to bubble to the surface, with either dramatic or comedic effects, and Hyun-yong’s script seems fully aware of this. When the notary arrives to read the will, out of the 2 billion won up for grabs it’s the eldest son (played by Son Jin-hwan – The Bad Guys: Reign of Chaos) who’s gifted 900,000,000 won, while the rest (played by Son Byung-ho – Running Wild, Choi Jae-sup – Tazza: The High Rollers, and Lee Sun-hee – Concrete Utopia) are given 300,000,000 each (with the remainder being donated to church). Even before the will has finished being read a sense Continue reading

Posted in All, Korean, News, Reviews |

Ninjas with attitude! Satsuo Yamamoto’s ‘Shinobi’ Limited Edition Blu-ray collection now available from Radiance Films

Now available is the Blu-ray (Region A/B) for Radiance Films’ collection for the Shinobi Collection, which will include Satsuo Yamamoto’s Band of Assassins and Revenge, as well as Kazuo Mori’s Resurrection.

It’s the 16th century and Japan is in chaos. Samurai clans engage each other in battle over who gets to rule the nation, while warlords call upon the ninja to spy on and assassinate their rivals. Goemon, an ambitious young member of a ninja family, is thrown into the turmoil of Japanese history when his village is wiped out by the forces of leading warlord Oda Nobunaga, who has sworn to eradicate the ninja in his quest for absolute power. Fueled by vengeance, Goemon uses every weapon in his arsenal to bring down Oda and to prove that Continue reading

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