Corey Yuen’s all-star actioner ‘So Close’ starring Shu Qi, Vicky Zhao Wei and Karen Mok is now on Blu-ray

So Close | Blu-ray (88 Films)

So Close | Blu-ray (88 Films)

Now available is 88 Films’ Blu-ray (Region B) for So Close, a 2002 martial arts film from Corey Yuen (No Retreat No Surrender 2) that stars Shu Qi (Visible Secret), Vicky Zhao Wei (Shaolin Soccer) and Karen Mok (King of Comedy).

A conflict of interest between two high-kicking assassin sisters is complicated as they’re pursued by the criminals who hired them and an equally high-kicking female cop. The film is known for its grand finale, featuring the blade work of none other than Yasuaki Kurata (Eastern Condors) – a fight classic, employing some ferocious, acrobatic, and intense choreography.

So Close also stars Ben Lam Kwok Bun (Flash Point), Song SeungHeon (2010’s A Better Tomorrow), Gam Hing Yin (Black Mask) and Henry Continue reading

Posted in News |

Deal on Fire! Journey to the West | Blu-ray | Only $9.99 – Expires soon!

Journey to the West | Blu-ray & DVD (Magnolia)

Journey to the West | Blu-ray & DVD (Magnolia)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons, directed by Stephen Chow (Kung Fu Hustle).

Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons (read our review) stars Huang Bo (Mojin: The Lost Legend), Shu Qi (The Adventurers), Wen Zhang (League of Gods), Show Luo (The Mermaid) and Chrissie Chau (Master Z: The Ip Man Legacy).

In a world plagued by demons who cause great human suffering, young demon hunter Xuan Zang risks his all to conquer a water demon, a pig demon and the demon of all demons, Sun Wukong. Adhering to his firm belief in giving of one’s self for the greater cause, he embraces the demons as his disciples. However, in order Continue reading

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Top Features of the Best Music Streaming and Downloading App

The internet has improved the way people access music today. You can easily get it from wherever you are on your PC or mobile device. All you have to do is to simply visit any music streaming website or app. Then, stream or download any song you want.

But for seamless music streaming and download, you have to visit a reliable website or app. It should have great features that will enable you have smooth experiences. Fortunately, we have compiled them below for you.

1. Easy Installation

The best music streaming and downloading app should be easy to install. It shouldn’t have a complicated process that can become a nightmare for you. The app should be available in the popular play stores.

Well, this makes it easier for Android and Apple users to download and install it. The process should take a few minutes and not hours. Moreover, the app should be of reasonable size. You wouldn’t want it to take a big space on your device. So, look for a music streaming and downloading app like tubidy that is easy to download and install. It should also be of a smaller size.

2. Wide Variety of Music

There are different types of music in the entertainment industry. Some include band, rock and roll, country, and slow music among others. The app should have various music genres in its collection. Wondering why? To provide you with a wide selection of songs for your entertainment.

You don’t have to listen to the same songs all the time, as they may turn out boring. On top of that, the app must add new music to its libraries regularly. It keeps you up to date with the latest songs of various musicians.

3. Quick Music Downloads

Slow downloads can be disappointing where you have to wait for several minutes before the song is downloaded on your device. The best music streaming and downloading apps understand this and usually provide the fastest downloads. In fact, both audio and video music takes a few minutes to download.

Look for such music apps and get your songs from them. However, you should also ensure that you have a stable internet connection. It affects the download speed of the app. If your network is poor, you will experience slow downloads, but if it is good, expect fast downloads.

4. Mobile Compatibility

Another amazing thing about the best music streaming and downloading apps is that they are mobile compatible. You can use the app on your mobile devices like tablets and smartphones as on the desktop. What does this mean? You can download your favorite music on your handheld device like you do on the computer.

So, when looking for a music streaming and downloading app, consider one that is mobile compatible. It saves you from boredom when you are off the keyboard like while on the bus, or train. You just open it and access some great music.

Get the Best Music Streaming and Downloading App

Identify and download the best music streaming app like tubidy to improve your entertainment. Best of all, it provides free music downloads you can’t easily get else where.

Posted in News |

Making Waves: Why Owning a Pool in Knoxville Is Worth the Investment?

Located at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville, Tennessee, is a city brimming with Southern charm, natural beauty, and vibrant community spirit. Imagine basking in the warm sun on a lazy summer afternoon, the sound of water gently lapping against the poolside and the refreshing splash as you dive into crystal-clear water. For many, this scenario might seem like a dream vacation, but what if you could experience it daily in the comfort of your backyard? This article dives into why investing in pools Knoxville TN, is worth making.

Enhanced Lifestyle:

Having a pool transforms your backyard into a personal oasis. It’s not just about swimming; it’s about creating a space for relaxation, entertainment, and exercise. Whether hosting a lively pool party or enjoying a quiet evening swim, a pool enhances your lifestyle by providing a focal point for outdoor activities and social gatherings.

Health Benefits:

Swimming isn’t just fun; it’s also an excellent form of exercise. Unlike high-impact activities, swimming is gentle on the joints while offering a full-body workout. Regular swimming sessions can help you stay fit and healthy without putting excessive strain on your body, from improving cardiovascular health to building muscle strength. Additionally, the buoyancy of water provides natural resistance, making swimming an effective way to burn calories and tone muscles.

Family Bonding:

A pool fosters family togetherness in a way that few other amenities can. It provides a setting where parents can connect with their children, impart swimming skills, engage in games, and build cherished memories. Instead of spending weekends indoors, a pool encourages outdoor activity and fosters a sense of togetherness. Whether it’s a game of Marco Polo or simply floating on inflatable rafts, a pool provides endless opportunities for family fun.

Increased Property Value:

While the initial cost of installing a pool may seem daunting, it’s essential to consider the long-term benefits, including increased property value. A properly maintained pool can significantly increase the allure of your home, potentially making it more enticing to prospective buyers should you opt to sell later on. Particularly in warm climates, a pool is frequently viewed as an essential amenity, further elevating its value as a sought-after asset.

Year-Round Enjoyment:

One of the most significant advantages of owning a pool is enjoying it year-round. While summer may be the peak season for swimming, modern pool heating systems make it possible to extend the swimming season well into the cooler months. With the addition of a pool enclosure or heated pool, you can take a dip even when the weather outside is less than ideal, ensuring maximum enjoyment of your investment throughout the year.

Convenience and Privacy:

Public pools can be crowded, noisy, and lacking in privacy. With a private pool, you can swim without having to contend with crowds or restricted hours. Whether you prefer an early morning swim or a midnight dip under the stars, a private pool offers unparalleled convenience and privacy, allowing you to relax and unwind on your terms.

Summing it Up:

In conclusion, investing in pools in Knoxville, TN is more than just a luxury; it’s a worthwhile investment in your home and lifestyle. From enhancing your outdoor space to providing health benefits and family entertainment, a pool offers many advantages that make it well worth the initial cost. So why wait? Dive into the world of pool ownership and start making waves today!

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To Sir, With Love | aka Bloody Reunion (2006) Review

"Bloody Reunion" Theatrical Poster

“Bloody Reunion” Theatrical Poster

Director: Im Dae-woong
Cast: Oh Mi-Hee, Seo Young-Hee, Yeo Hyeon-Soo, Lee Ji-Hyun, Yoo Sul-Ah, Lee Dong-Kyu, Kim Eung-soo, Jang Sung-Won, Park Hyo-Joon, Lee Tae-Rim
Running Time: 93 min.

By Paul Bramhall

Pick any Asian horror from the early to mid-2000’s, and there’s a high chance you’ll encounter a long black-haired ghost, inevitably showing up to terrorise the cast and seek revenge for a past wrong. A trend that was started by Japanese director Hideo Nakata’s successful adaptation of Koji Suzuki’s novel Ringu, the 1998 production of the same name popularised the image for several years after. However in Hollywood movies like 2004’s Saw and 2005’s Hostel were bringing a different type of horror movie back to the table, eschewing silent dread for the more visceral thrills of gratuitous blood and gore, and in Asia the trend also caught on. Movies like Taiwan’s Invitation Only, Hong Kong’s Dream Home, and Indonesia’s Macabre all took the slasher flick template, and put their own spin on it with plenty of blood spilled for good measure.

Korea was certainly no different, and in 2006 they got in on the action with To Sir, With Love. Setting expectations straight out of the gate, the opening utilises rapid fire editing to show a mother giving birth to a deformed baby, jumping forward in time to show him as a child being raised in the basement of an isolated seaside house. When the plot starts in earnest its 16 years later, and a grizzled detective (Kim Eung-soo – Ransomed, A Violent Prosecutor) shows up at the same property to discover a gruesome scene involving several murder victims Continue reading

Posted in All, Korean, News, Reviews |

Prison Walls: Abashiri Prison 1-3 | Blu-ray (Eureka)

Prison Walls : Abashiri Prison 1-3 | Blu-ray (Eureka)

Prison Walls : Abashiri Prison 1-3 | Blu-ray (Eureka)

RELEASE DATE: May 27, 2024

On May 27, 2024, Eureka will be releasing a Blu-ray (Region A/B) for Prison Walls, a 2-disc set that will include 1965’s Abashiri Prison, Another Abashiri Prison Story, and Abashiri Prison: Saga of Homesickness.

Constructed in the late nineteenth century to house political prisoners, Japan’s infamous Abashiri Prison served as the inspiration for a popular and prolific run of yakuza movies released between 1965 and 1972. The Masters of Cinema series is proud to present the first three entries in this landmark series, directed by the “King of Cult” Teruo Ishii (Blind Woman’s Curse) and starring a titan of Japanese genre cinema, Ken Takakura (Golgo 13).

In Abashiri Prison, Takakura stars as Shinichi Tachibana, a yakuza sent to Abashiri as punishment for an attack on a rival gangster. He intends Continue reading

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

The Crow | 4K UHD (Paramount)

The Crow | 4K UHD (Paramount)

The Crow | 4K UHD (Paramount)

RELEASE DATE: May 7, 2024

On May 7, 2024, Paramount is releasing the 4K Ultra HD for The Crow, a 1994 thriller from director Alex Proyas (I, Robot) that stars Brandon Lee (Legacy of Rage, Rapid Fire) and Ernie Hudson (The Ghostbusters). The film is often overshadowed by the death of Lee, who was tragically wounded on set.

Based on a series of cult comic books by James O’Barr, The Crow stars Lee as Eric Draven, a rock guitarist who is killed, along with his fiancée, on the eve of their wedding and returns from the dead as “The Crow” to seek revenge.

The Crow also stars David Patrick Kelly (Warriors), Michael Wincott (Nope), Rochelle Davis (Revenge of the Devil Bat), Bai Ling (Maximum Impact), Jon Polito (Miller’s Crossing), Laurence Mason (True Romance), Tony Todd (Candyman), Michael Continue reading

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

Won Jin ‘Scorpion King’ and Casanova Wong ‘Human Tornado’ collide in ‘Tiger’s Trigger’ arriving in March

"Tiger’s Trigger" Theatrical Poster

“Tiger’s Trigger” Theatrical Poster

A match made in kung fu movie heaven? Korean martial arts stars Casanova Wong (City Ninja, South Shaolin vs. North Shaolin) and Won Jin (The Suspect, Operation Scorpio) are teaming up for Lee Gang Wook’s Tiger’s Trigger, which is due for a domestic release in March this year.

Very little is known about the film, but one thing is definite: It’ll be the first time the two will share the screen as leads (set photo).

Won Jin marked himself as a legend of kung fu cinema when he appeared in Operation Scorpio. In the film, he showed amazing physical dexterity and flexibility with kicks that seemed to defy gravity – and let’s not forget his famous “scorpion stance”, hence his nickname “The Scorpion King”.

But for old school Continue reading

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Monstrous Corpse, A (1981) Review

"A Monstrous Corpse" Theatrical Poster

“A Monstrous Corpse” Theatrical Poster

Director: Kang Beomgu
Cast: Chiang Ming, Yu Gwang-ok, Hong Yun-jeong, Kim Wang-guk, Baek Song, Pauline Wong
Running Time: 85 min.

By Paul Bramhall 

As far as baffling remake choices go, the obscure Korean horror oddity A Monstrous Corpse from 1981 must surely be up there as one of the top contenders. A reimagining of the 1974 Italian and Spanish co-production Let Sleeping Corpses Lie, director Jorge Grau’s Lake District set tale of the undead predated the likes of George A. Romero’s Dawn of the Dead and Lucio Fulci’s Zombie by a number of years. It would arguably be the latter productions which popularised the zombie genre, particularly in Europe, so it’s all the more interesting that director Kang Beomgu would choose the comparatively more sedate earlier outing as the source material for his own take on the genre.

From a purely historical perspective, A Monstrous Corpse is significant in that it proves the Korean film industry produced a zombie movie 35 years before Train to Busan was released, a title which became frequently referred to as the countries first attempt at the zombie genre. Is there a reason for A Monstrous Corpse to have faded into obscurity? It’s worth noting that Korean cinema from the 1980’s in general is still not as widely available as the decades the precede it, with the last few years seeing a steady stream of classics from the 1960’s and 1970’s be re-released for new audiences to discover. Korea spent much of the 80’s in the shadow of military dictator Continue reading

Posted in All, Chinese, Korean, News, Reviews | Tagged |

Ready to kill some Nazis? New poster for Guy Ritchie’s ‘Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’ starring Henry Cavill

“Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” Theatrical Poster

In April, Guy Ritchie will unleash The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, an upcoming actioner based on Damien Lewis’ 2014 book, Churchill’s Secret Warriors: The Explosive True Story of the Special Forces Desperadoes of WWII.

In the film, British military recruits a small group of highly-skilled soldiers to strike against Nazi forces behind enemy lines during World War II.

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare features an all-star cast that includes Henry Cavill (Man of Steel), Eiza González (Ambulance), Alan Ritchson (Fast X), Henry Golding (Assassin Club), Alex Pettyfer (Elvis & Nixon), Hero Fiennes Tiffin (First Love), Babs Olusanmokun (Dune), Freddie Fox (The Three Musketeers), Til Schweiger (Inglourious Basterds), Henrique Zaga (The Stand) and Continue reading

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Motorway | Blu-ray (Chameleon Films)

RELEASE DATE: April 2024

In April of 2024, Chameleon Films will be releasing the Blu-ray (Region B) for Motorway, a 2011 Hong kong thriller from director Pou-Soi Cheang (SPL II: A Time for Consequences). The film will be available in both a standard and a Limited Pressed CD soundtrack version.

Motorway stars Shawn Yue (The Brink), Anthony Wong (Untold Story), Michelle Yip Suen (Dream Home), Gordon Lam (I Did It My Way) and Josie Ho Chiu Yee (Twins Effect).

This radically pared back action film transforms Continue reading

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

What is the Most Accurate Way to Watch Classic Cinema? 

Living in the time of ultrafast internet has been a godsend in delivering us to the golden age of film collecting. The web has provided ways for films otherwise lost to be shared openly, and the proliferation of Blu-rays means we can store our media at the highest levels of detail possible. For decades, we’ve been told that more detail in higher-definitions offers a better viewing experience, but for classic films, the truth isn’t so simple. 

Simplicity isn’t Simple 

The idea commonly stated in the digital age that more equals better is a result of market competition pushing new products as much as anything else. In some more technical ways, the claim can be true. Having a faster device with more storage is a positive thing, allowing us to accomplish more in less time. When it comes to the art and entertainment contained in and displayed by this technology, challenges to the idea begin to arise. More complexity and fidelity in these realms aren’t necessarily tied to better quality, and the same is true in many artistic and entertainment mediums. In truth, the core of the experience can be tied to a kind of pure simplicity, and this is something artists have understood forever. 

Hemingway best expressed this ideal when his storytelling was criticized by Faulkner for being too simplistic. Hemingway responded, “Poor Faulkner. Does he really think big emotions come from big words?”. This central tenant of effectiveness through limitation applied to his writing, it applies to film, and it applies to many other forms of entertainment too. Pollock’s abstract expressionism, for example, is not less than hyper-realism despite offering less technical detail at a glance. 

Jackson Pollock’s Untitled (Green Silver“ (CC BY-SA 2.0) by divya_ 

Similar claims can be made about interactive entertainment, as is commonly illustrated today in the realm of online casino gaming. With software, slot games online can offer infinitely more complexity and detail than physical machines. This would be another case of unnecessary overkill, however, so it doesn’t happen. Instead, online casinos rely on features like free spins and deposit matches to generate advantages brick-and-mortar establishments can’t. In addition to mobile accessibility, choice, and convenience are what give these new casinos an edge, as they again work from a simple core. 

Back in film, the biggest differences provided by the digital age are seen directly in the quality, color, and dimensions of each frame. Great fiction filmmakers aren’t trying to mirror real life on the screen, they’re trying to tell a story with the full understanding of how filming translates the experience. Kurosawa is one of our favorites who understood these limitations in films like Seven Samurai and Yojimbo. He knew that they would be limited to black and white, he knew the image quality would be limited to early film cameras, and he built his stories around these elements. Like with Hemingway, Pollock, sports, slots, and so many other examples, less didn’t mean a lesser experience. 

The Best and Easier Ways to Watch 

When you watch a film from someone like Kurosawa, you do so with the understanding that there is a definite way he intended the audience to engage. You also go in knowing that it’s often not possible to recapture this experience even with the best modern technology. You’ll never be able to perfectly reproduce the cinema setups of the 1950s, and you’ll never be able to reproduce CRT blur on a modern LCD screen. So, what can you do? 

The first option which is the most broadly applicable to most viewers is to explore the viewing settings on their TV. Even before the advent of smart TVs, most televisions launched with color adjustment modes and presets. The one we’re interested in is commonly called cinema or filmmaker mode. 

This setting will adjust the color, brightness, and contrast in a way that you’re likely not used to, which is why it’s often skipped over. It will also far better capture a film closer to the original spirit intended by the filmmakers. Going from the aggressive vivid setting to this mode can seem to mute the display, and it’s not always the best choice for modern media, but it’s a huge help in recapturing the feeling of classic cinema. 

A less common solution available to the bigger tech fans in the audience is to use a VR headset. Home theatre VR apps emulate a movie theatre experience from the comfort of your own home, giving you a way to watch classic films back on the big screen. You can even modify the viewing options with the cinema mode function to provide an experience more accurate to what was originally experienced. This approach can even be shared with VR-donning friends. 

Seven Samurai (1954)“ (CC BY 2.0) by japanesefilmarchive 

With all this said about how much viewing classic media has changed, there’s also the undeniable fact that taste is subjective. If you get more out of one type of viewing than another, even if it’s contrary to the filmmaker’s intent, then that’s still a valid choice. If possible, we would still encourage viewers to attempt the intended form of engagement, if only for better context and appreciation of the road traveled. Just maybe bypass collecting VHS tapes if you do lean more into the classic route. 

Posted in News |

Unity of Title: A Requirement for True Joint Tenancy

Have you ever seen a developer buy out and flatten a bunch of individual houses or buildings and put up one giant development in their place?

This often happens when the character of a neighborhood changes from a quiet-residential or a demure set of family businesses into a trading hub. This is easy enough and even profitable for contractors and the local economy, but it poses many legal challenges.

Combining smaller lots into one real estate development requires a Unity of Title. Learn more about how this works and why the law needs it in this quick guide.

Unity of Title

To an owner or property developer, a Unity of Title is like a special agreement with the local municipality. When the developer or owner has two or more distinct lots they want to use for one real estate development, they enter into a written agreement with the local municipality.

In this document, the owner agrees not to sell or lease the original lots as separate units. Instead, each tenant in the building or set of buildings will have an equal, undivided interest in the development.

Most jurisdictions also require an opinion of title as a foundation for the Unity of Title process.

Opinion of Title

An opinion of title isn’t what the real estate lawyer thinks about the place. Instead, it’s a very detailed and comprehensive breakdown of all the legal matters related to the lots the developer or owner wants to unify. This process ensures no mortgages, special exceptions, or easements on any of the properties.

How the Process Works

First, a real estate attorney has to get the deeds of all the properties to be unified. These will help them prepare an opinion of title and see if the development is legal in that area. The completed opinion of title will then be bundled with proof of tax payments, deeds, and any other information the locality requires.

Then, you’ll need to complete a particular Unity of Title form or agreement. These vary between municipalities and states, but they’re all essentially the same promise not to split the use of the properties. Many municipalities require both steps to be completed before they approve building plans.

Why Is There All This Hassle?

The Unity of Title process is really a convention of property law to stop people from fighting with each other or the property’s owner(s). Since all tenants have the same (undivided) rights to the entire development, you don’t need a court to impose easements or resolve disputes. It also allows the owners to establish true joint tenancy in cases where owners may have initially paid unequal amounts for the properties.

Property Law: A Fundamental Thing No One Talks About

The real estate market is always open to innovative new developments. However, if you want to combine smaller lots into one development, you must go through the Unity of Title process.

The Unity of Title process helps the local municipality see when land is being used in a new way. It also has distinct legal benefits for owners and renters of that development, including true joint tenancy.

Unity of Title is a small part of a large body of property law that you interact with every day. Gain more useful knowledge by exploring the rest of our blog.

Posted in News |

Jet Li to make his return to acting with Don Lee, Iko Uwais, Tony Jaa for an all-star actioner titled ‘Nonstop’?

"Nonstop" Teaser Poster

“Nonstop” Teaser Poster

An all-star martial arts actioner that will feature Don Lee/Ma Dong-Seok (The Roundup), Iko Uwais (The Raid), Tony Jaa (Ong-Bak) and Jet Li (Once Upon A Time In China) is in early stages of development.

Before we tell you more about this high anticipated movie, let us show you how you can win big by visiting betwinnereg.com/code-promo/.

News of the project, titled Nonstop – that originated from a December Instagram post by one of the aforementioned leads, Lee, by way of a Teaser Poster – left the public wondering if it were just a meaningless social media post, but now, it has been confirmed by Lee himself, via Variety:

“I still have a project left for Marvel. Also The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil, which I’m remaking with Sylvester Stallone. And then I’m getting ready for something called Nonstop, which is an actual franchise where Asian martial art actors Iko Uwais, Tony Jaa and Continue reading

Posted in News |

Sex and Fury | Blu-ray (Discotek Media)

Sex and Fury | Blu-ray (Discotek Media)

Sex and Fury | Blu-ray (Discotek Media)

RELEASE DATE: May 28, 2024

On May 28, 2024, Discotek Media is releasing the Blu-ray (Region A) for Sex and Fury (read our review), a 1973  ‘pinky violence’ film from director Norifumi Suzuki (Killing Machine) that stars Reiko Ike (New Battles Without Honor and Humanity, Cops vs Thugs). The film will be presented with a Brand New HD transfer.

During the Meiji era, a gambler called Ocho takes revenge on three gangsters who killed her father, shelters a wanted anarchist and confronts a British spy.

Norifumi Suzuki’s Sex and Fury owes some of its lasting appeal to its purported influence on Kill Bill. There are certainly visuals and themes that will remind modern audiences of Tarantino’s epic, but Sex and Fury is a scuzzier affair Continue reading

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