Eko Eko Azarak: The First Episode of Misa Kuroi | DVD (Tokyo Shock)

"Eko Eko Azarak: The First Episode of Misa Kuroi" DVD Cover

"Eko Eko Azarak: The First Episode of Misa Kuroi" DVD Cover

RELEASE DATE: TBA

Tokyo Shock presents the DVD for 2011’s Eko Eko Azarak: The First Episode of Misa Kuroi. A crisis occurs at a High School when the students fall prey to black magic. A student named Misa (Maeda Nozomi) attempts to help them by battling the dark forces with magic that has been passed down in her family for generations. Based on legendary horror manga Eko Eko Azarak and directed by original author, Shinichi Koga.

Pre-order Eko Eko Azarak: The First Episode of Misa Kuroi from Amazon.com today!

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

Horror Mansion: The Blind | DVD (Tokyo Shock)

Horror Mansion: The Blind | DVD (Tokyo Shock)

Horror Mansion: The Blind | DVD (Tokyo Shock)

RELEASE DATE: TBA

Tokyo Shock presents the DVD for Ochazukenori’s Horror Mansion: The Blind, a 2011 Japanese horror flick. One night, Sakura (Aizawa Rina) witnesses a murder through the blinds of her apartment. However, she is unable to identify the killer because he’s masked. The more Sakura thinks about it, she begins to suspect her older sister’s boyfriend as the murderer! Horror Mansion: The Blind features creature effects and make up supervised by Yoshihiro Nishimura (Tokyo Gore Police).

Pre-order Horror Mansion: The Blind from Amazon.com today!

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

Deal on Fire! War of the Arrows | Blu-ray | Only $8.75 – Expires soon!

"War of the Arrows" Blu-ray Cover

"War of the Arrows" Blu-ray Cover

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for War of the Arrows (aka Arrow: The Ultimate Weapon), directed by Kim Han-min (director of the upcoming The Admiral: Roaring Currents).

This South Korean box office smash is about a archer (Park Hae-il of Moss) who risks his life to save his sister from slavery under Prince Dorgan’s rule.

War of the Arrows won four awards in 48th Daejong Awards to Best Actor for Park Hae-il and Best New Actress for Moon Chae-won.

Order War of the Arrows from Amazon.com today!

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

New trailer for Vincent Zhao and Liu Ye’s ‘The Boundary’

"The Boundary" Chinese Theatrical Poster

"The Boundary" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Vincent Zhao (Wu Dang, True Legend), the martial arts star who made headlines back in 2013 when he dropped out of Donnie Yen’s action movie Special Identity, is back with a new film titled The Boundary (aka The Boundary Line). This upcoming crime tale also stars Liu Ye (The Last Supper), Choo Ja-Hyun, Gulnazar, Ma Yuke, Hui Can, Xue Haowen and Vianna Wu.

We hope we’re wrong, but judging from the trailer, The Boundary seems to rely more on drama, than action or martial arts; so if you’re expecting wall-to-wall destruction, you may end up disappointed.

The Boundary gets its domestic release on November 2014. Be sure to check out the trailer. – Thanks to DiP for the scoop!

Posted in News |

Deal on Fire! Blood: The Last Vampire | Blu-ray | Only $7.35 – Expires soon!

"Blood: The Last Vampire" Blu-ray Cover

"Blood: The Last Vampire" Blu-ray Cover

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Blood: The Last Vampire, starring Jun Ji-Hyun (My Sassy Girl, The Thieves), directed by Chris Nahon (Kiss of the Dragon) and produced by Ronny Yu (The Bride of White Hair).

Demons have infested Earth, and only one warrior stands between the dark and the light: Saya (Jun), a half-human, half-vampire samurai who preys on those who feast on human blood. Joining forces with the shadowy society known as the Council, Saya is dispatched to an American military base, where an intense series of swordfights leads her to the deadliest vampire of all. Read our review.

Order Blood: The Last Vampire from Amazon.com today!

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Exclusive: Interview with Hwang Jang Lee

Four decades ago, Hwang Jang Lee burst onto kung fu movie screens with his thunderous kicks, and for the next 20 years he didn’t stop kicking. There’s not too many Hong Kong legends that haven’t been on the receiving end of his boot at one point or another, and he himself is rightly considered a legend in the world of kung fu cinema, dubbed the King of Leg Fighters.

"Snake in The Eagle's Shadow" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“Snake in The Eagle’s Shadow” Chinese Theatrical Poster

In September 2014, thanks to the efforts of Ricky Baker and Toby Russell, Hwang headed to the UK for the first time to attend the SENI Strength & Combat Event in London. During his brief visit, I was able to land a private one-on-one interview with the master himself.

Dressed in a sharp black suite, at the age of 70, Hwang exuded an effortless cool, and looks at least 20 years younger. The interview was a very enjoyable and relaxed affair, and hopefully I’m correct when I sensed he was enjoying it as much as I was. Armed with a gravely voice and an ability to switch between both Korean and English, which he regularly did, Hwang in real life is the opposite of his villainous onscreen persona. That being said, he has an undeniable presence of authority about him, no doubt ingrained into his character through years of Taekwondo training, and the time I spent with him was an unforgettable experience.


Note: Unless it states otherwise, the interview was conducted with myself speaking English and Hwang speaking Korean. If at any point Hwang started talking in English and finished in Korean, I’ve entered a space to indicate this.

Preparing Hwang Jang Lee for the media.

Preparing Hwang Jang Lee for the media.

PAUL BRAMHALL: (speaking in Korean) Hi Master Hwang, nice to meet you, and welcome to the UK. You’ve been here since Thursday, what’s your impression of the country so far?

HWANG JANG LEE: *laughter* I like the UK, but since I arrived my schedule has been full of interviews with journalists every day!

PB: I see, too many interviews, and now you have another one!

(HJL laughs)

So I wanted to start by asking you, 30 years ago it was always Hong Kong and Japanese movies which were very popular. However since the late 90’s, the Korean movie scene has really broken out into the mainstream. Do you have any particular favorite Korean movie?

HJL: I like Korean movies a lot, however these days many of the movies coming out of Korea are period pieces, or dramas, so I’m not so interested in these types of genre. If it was a movie that featured martial arts, I’d watch it, but there are not so many of those these days.

Hwang Jang Lee getting the best of Jackie Chan in "Drunken Master."

Hwang Jang Lee getting the best of Jackie Chan in “Drunken Master.”

PB: How about City of Violence or The Man from Nowhere?

HJL: I’ve heard of these movies, and especially Won Bin is a very popular actor, but I haven’t seen them yet.

PB: Do you have any particular Korean actor you’d like to work with if you were to make another movie?

HJL*laughter* The movie stars these days are so young, they’re like children! I think I’m too old to work with them, we’re not compatible anymore!

PB: How about Ahn Seong-gi!?

HJL: Sure! But he’s still so young as well!

"The Secret Rivals" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“The Secret Rivals” Chinese Theatrical Poster

PB: *laughter* Going back just 20 years, nobody really knew about Korea, let alone its movie scene. However these days with the Hallyu Wave we have things like K-pop, Korean food, and of course Korean movies, which have given Korea an international exposure which it’s never experienced before. How do you feel now that Korean culture has become so popular on a global scale?

HJL: I’m really thankful that my country has now become so popular throughout the world. Now Korea and Korean brands are advertised and popular in many countries, so it’s a good thing that so many people now know about Korea.

PB: I agree! Now, I read that you used to be a trainer in the Korean army. Of course even today it’s still mandatory that every Korean male has to complete a minimum of 2 years service in the army. Do you agree with this policy, or do you think it’s no longer needed in these times?

HJL: Absolutely, I think it’s essential that every Korean guy goes to the army for that time. It’s very important for our country.

PB: And what do you think of the Korean army training now? Do you think it’s very different from when you were there, or is it still similar?

HJL: Hmmm, basically it’s the same, however when I was there the training regimes were much more strict and tough. Back then they would be really tough on every individual, however now there is more of a group focus.

Hwang Jang Lee, Jiyeon Kim (translator) and Paul Bramhall.

Hwang Jang Lee, Jiyeon Kim (translator) and Paul Bramhall.

PB: I see. Obviously you’re very passionate about Korea, so I wanted to ask about your acting days in Hong Kong. You predominantly worked in Hong Kong all the way up to the late 1980’s, before I read that you moved back to Korea. Was there any particular reason which made you decide to move back there?

HJL: One time when I was visiting Seoul, my wife, who was living in Hong Kong at the time, called me and said “Husband, I’ve decided, I want to live in Korea from now on!” So I said, “OK!” *laughter* So we lived in Korea for a while, and then after a few years we planned to move back to Hong Kong. However when I moved back, there was nothing! The martial arts film had finished. So then, we moved back to Korea again *laughter*.

Speaking in English: I thought it was a joke, you know!? I thought this is so easy, just say “OK!”

PB*laughter* So you’re not the big boss, your wife is the big boss!

HJL: Speaking in English: That’s right!

"Tower of Death" Japanese Theatrical Poster

“Tower of Death” Japanese Theatrical Poster

PB: So when you decided to return to Korea to settle down, did you still want to carry on making movies there, or what did you find yourself doing?

HJL: When I first moved back to Korea, there were a lot of people who were asking me to be involved in their movie, so for the first few years I made a couple of movies. After that, I owned a hotel and decided to give up acting for the time being.

PB: Actually I remember reading on the internet maybe 10 years ago now, that you were the owner of a golf factory. Was there any truth to this?

HJL: (Speaking in English) Ahhh, yeah, I did, but this wasn’t in Korea, it was while I was living in Hong Kong. It was a golf-tee factory that I was the owner of, and the factory was in the Philippines. A golf company based in the USA asked me to make golf-tee’s for them, so I made it for them.

PB: So you can say you’ve been a Taekwondo master, an actor, a hotel manager, and a golf-tee factory owner!

HJL: (Speaking in English) *laughter* Yes, so many!

Paul Bramhall and Hwang Jang Lee emulating a trademark style.

Paul Bramhall and Hwang Jang Lee emulating a trademark style.

PB: Now in 2009 you returned to Korean TV screens playing Miyamato Musashi in the drama The Return of Iljimae, what made you decide to briefly return to acting?

HJL: Ah, yes, the broadcaster asked me if I’d like to be in the series. So I spoke with the director and the crew of the series, and the situation seemed good, so I agreed to play the part.

PB: Now, we may have touched on this earlier – back in Hong Kong you made so many kung fu movies that everyone knows and loves, but I wanted to ask, are you yourself a fan of kung fu movies, or you just liked to act in them?

HJL: (Speaking in English) *laughter* Oh yeah, I like them! Of course!

PB: Great! Which ones do you like the best, the old-school movies or the newer ones?

HJL: (Speaking in English) I like all of them!

PB: I saw that you recently met with another famous Korean kung fu movie star, Casanova Wong. If you guys had a chance to make a reunion movie together, would you be happy to make it?

HJL: Yeah, I want to! But now so many Korean movies are historical battle movies or dramas, it’s difficult to make an original martial arts movie.

Yasuaki Kurata, Hwang Jang Lee and Yukari Oshima in "Shanghai Express."

Yasuaki Kurata, Hwang Jang Lee and Yukari Oshima in “Shanghai Express.”

PB: Right, that’s true for everywhere at the moment. Speaking of Casanova Wong, I always wondered when you were living in Hong Kong, there were many Koreans working there at the same time – aside from you and Casanova there was Kwan Young-moon, Kim Tai-jung, and a few others – was there like a Korean community of martial arts actors in Hong Kong and you all used to hang out together?

HJL: Around the period that I was living in Hong Kong and there were other Korean actors working there, I’d already been acting for quite a long time, and many of the others were just starting out. I assumed that maybe they were experiencing some problems settling in or they were bored, so I wanted to help them. But we were all always so busy, so a Korean community never really formed.

PB: I see, and what would you say is your favorite memory of living in Hong Kong?

HJL: You know when I was living in Hong Kong, I couldn’t really enjoy it, because I was working on some movie every single day. So when I would finish my work for the day, I would just go home and take a rest.

"Hitman in the Hand of Buddha" Korean Theatrical Poster

“Hitman in the Hand of Buddha” Korean Theatrical Poster

PB: On the internet you’ll often see polls on kung fu movie sites which debate about who is the best kicker of all time. Of course in these polls, you are always number 1! So I wanted to ask, if Hwang Jang-lee was to make his poll of top kung-fu fighters, who would be your top 5?

HJL: (Speaking in English) Ok! 1. Jackie Chan; 2. Yuen Biao, and then, ummm,; 3. Lo Lieh,; 4. Ti Lung, and, ummmm; 5. Sammo Hung

PB*laughter* No John Liu? He’s Number 6?

HJL*laughter* I would rank John Liu much lower.

* This comment was made due to the previous interview conducted by a Spanish couple, who were making a documentary on John Liu. When asked about Liu’s onscreen fighting technique, HJL responded that Liu’s timing was not good, and often he would move in too close when they were filming a fight scene, which resulted in HJL frequently kicking or punching Liu full force by accident. He went on to explain that at the end of filming, Liu would often be covered in bruises!

PB: I saw an interview with Casanova Wong in which he explained how grateful he was to Sammo Hung, as when he first came to Hong Kong, Sammo acted as a kind of mentor as to how the Hong Kong movie industry works and how to perform onscreen fighting. I wanted to ask if you had any similar relationship like Casanova had with Sammo when you first came to Hong Kong?

Hwang Jang Lee still has it.

Hwang Jang Lee still has it.

HJL: When I first came to Hong Kong I was already set up to start working on movies straight away, so I was always so busy even from the very first day. In that way I was different from Casanova, as I never had the time to take a break and have that relationship. In that way you could say that I taught myself.

PB: Ok, so I have to ask, out of all of the movies you’ve made both in Hong Kong and Korea, or anywhere else, which one would you say is your number 1 personal favorite?

HJL: Hmmm, it’s a tough question, at the time that I was working in Hong Kong, the quality of the martial arts movie was so high, and we were making so many compared to present day. But if I have to choose one, I think I would have to say Drunken Master is the favorite of my movies. For me, even now it is one of the best martial arts movies in the world.

PB: I agree! While we’re on Drunken Master, it seemed that you’d almost always play the bad guy in the movies that you were in. Was that a conscious decision by you, or just the types of roles that you were offered?

HJL*laughter* You know I was always too powerful, so every time I made a movie, I had to be the bad guy. I wanted to be the good guy, but the audience couldn’t accept it, because of my power, nobody wanted a good guy who was too powerful. So I would always be asked to play the bad guy.

"The Invincible Armour" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“The Invincible Armour” Chinese Theatrical Poster

PB: Now, both in Hong Kong and Korea there were a few movies in which you tried your hand at directing – Hitman in the Hand of Buddha, Canton Viper, Emperor of the Underworld. Did you enjoy directing, or did you prefer just to stick to acting?

HJL: (Speaking in English) I like acting, but as an actor, any actor, can be dreaming that they want to be a director. At the time I had some power and money, so I used my money to control my directing, so for example I went back to Korea and made Canton Viper.

PB: Right, I see. In 1981 as well as directing Hitman in the Hand of Buddha, you also made the Taekwondo instructional film The Art of High Impact Kicking. What made you decide to make this?

HJL: (Speaking in English) Ah, you know Roy Horan?

PB: Yes, I do.

HJL: (Speaking in English) I talked to Roy Horan, so we were discussing it together. But Roy Horan, he is thinking too much! He said “Yeah, yeah, yeah, it’s a good idea!” So we asked Ng See Yuen….do you know Ng See Yuen?

PB: Sure, the producer?

HJL: (Speaking in English) Yes, so Ng See Yuen, he came to see me and said “Ok, make it!” *laughter* And you know this one, it did good business across the whole world!

A few tips from the master.

A few tips from the master.

PB: Right right, even now it’s still popular.

HJL: (Speaking in English) Yeah yeah. When you watch it very closely and concentrate, I show you everything in detail. So you can learn from me very easily, you can do everything I do by yourself. *laughter* Just with this documentary, it’s easy to be like me.

PB*laughter* I don’t think it’s so easy, but I’m pretty sure it would be so painful! And was it true that you also taught your style to Roy Horan?

HJL: (Speaking in English) Yes that’s true. He was very good, that guy was very smart.

PB: One thing I love about kung fu movies are the stories that you hear about making them. Often you’ll hear that this person was very powerful, this person was the real deal, Hwang Jang-lee’s kicks are so powerful!

(HJL laughs)

Was there anyone that stood out for you that you worked with, who when you were filming a fight scene you thought, yeah, this guy is the real deal and knows how to fight?

"Lackey and the Lady Tiger" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“Lackey and the Lady Tiger” Chinese Theatrical Poster

HJL: Sammo, I believed that Sammo was very powerful. Even though he was really big, he was still really fast. During the filming of the finale in ‘Where’s Officer Tuba’, we were pretending to fight, like sparring, off camera, and we were both so fast that all of the crew was very surprised. Then, I accidentally hit Sammo in the nose and knocked him down, he waved his arms and said “Wait!” *laughter*. I asked him “Are you ok?”

PB*laughter* So when you were working in Hong Kong, did you ever have any difficulties due to the language differences?

HJL: (Speaking in English) No, I learned Mandarin, and then I realized that I liked it there, so I learnt Cantonese.

PB: Ok, so out of the new martial arts movies that are being released these days, is there anyone who you feel is an exceptionally good martial artist?

HJL: I haven’t really watched any of the newer movies. I feel like these days, compared to the past, the movies aren’t really very good, so I haven’t seen them.

(Speaking in English) Maybe now if you’re a good martial artist and you can make a martial arts movie, it would do very good business.

Hwang Jang Lee signing memorabilia for fans.

Hwang Jang Lee signing memorabilia for fans.

PB: Ok. You’ve had such an interesting life, have you ever considered writing an autobiography?

HJL: Ahhh, many people have also asked me this question before, and also I’m thinking to make a movie about my life could be good as well. But at the moment, I haven’t given it too much thought. I have many many ideas though.

PB: You should, it would be a bestseller! & if there was to be a movie made about your life, which actor would you want to play you?

HJL: (Speaking in English*laughter* I don’t know who, I have to try and looking for someone, or maybe if I shoot my story, I can play me, I’m not acting! Then I can control my picture, you know?

PB: Count me in, I’ll watch it! Well you’ve been living back in Korea a long time now, what would you say is your favorite place in Korea?

HJL: Anywhere I can play golf!

PB*laughter* I know now you’re living in Seoul, but was it true that you used to live on Jeju Island?

HJL: (Speaking in English) Yes, that’s true, but now I don’t live there anymore. When I mentioned earlier that I owned a hotel, this was on Jeju Island, but since then I’ve sold it and now I don’t go there anymore.

Young and dangerous.

Young and dangerous.

PB: So now you would say that you’re mainly a Taekwondo teacher?

HJL: (Speaking in English)  I wouldn’t say it’s like my main job, just you know, someone like me, I don’t teach groups, not just anybody, but I’ll teach one by one. Are you good, or not? & a really good teacher, they’ll be very hard, very strict. I have one story – there was a woman, she was 44 years old, and she liked me very much. She asked me, “Can you teach me?” So I said, “Yeah.” So the next day, she came again, and she asked me, “When will you start teaching me?” So I said to her, “Any time, any time you want.” “Ok.” She said, “So let’s start tomorrow.” Oh, tomorrow! *laughter* She had a job working for the government, but she was already retired, so I was so surprised, tomorrow start ok! So then I talked to her and told her if she wants to learn, it’s every day 4 hours, can you do that? “Yes, of course.” Ok, let’s try, and every day I taught her for 4 hours. After 6 months, she was a 5th degree black belt, she passed already. I taught her everything, and she got the qualification to open a Taekwondo school. Now she’s living in Germany, and right now she’s preparing to open a Taekwondo school there.

PB: Wow, and she was 44?

HJL: (Speaking in English) Yeah.

PB: So do you think it’s possible for someone of any age to learn martial arts?

HJL: (Speaking in English) Yeah, no problem, I have many experiences, so even if you’re 4, no problem, even if you’re 80, no problem. It’s all in the mind, will you do it, or not? You do it, ok, let’s do it. Maybe you’ll stop, maybe you’ll carry on. But if you have a strong mind, it’s ok.

PB: A strong mind, and after that, a strong body!

"Canton Viper" Korean Theatrical Poster

“Canton Viper” Korean Theatrical Poster

HJL: (Speaking in English) It’s all easy you know, all the movement, it’s all easy. It’s all in your mind.

PB: Wow, it’s very easy!?

HJL: When I started to learn martial arts, nobody taught me, but now I can teach other people, so it’s easy to learn.

PB: Ok, I’m going to have to start learning. *laughter* That wraps up all of my questions.

(Speaking in Korean): Thank you so much!

HJL: (Speaking in English) You’re welcome, good job!

With that, the interview came to a close. While the questions might have been over, seemingly invigorated by all the kung-fu movie talk, Hwang took the time to bust out a few classic kung fu stances, and for a moment we were transported into a real life old-school kung fu movie, as he preceded each pose by announcing “Tiger!”, “Snake!”, “Crane!”.  Of course in the movies, Hwang was almost always defeated in some unlikely manner by the underdog hero, but today, he got to stand his ground, and I left the room with nothing but respect for someone who is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable faces in the world of kung fu cinema.

Bonus: Best of the Rest!
The best questions from an audience Q&A on 14th September

* HJL answered all of the questions in English

Audience member: How do you condition your legs?

HJL: You know my legs are just normal, there’s nothing special about them. When I train I always use my hips, use the circular motion (HJL starts to sway his hips not entirely unlike a hula dancer!), the hips is where the power comes from. Then I kick like this (busts out a side kick), and like this (busts out a front kick – audience goes crazy), it’s all coming from the hips.

Hwang Jang Lee gives it to Cynthia Rothrock in "No Retreat, No Surrender II: Raging Thunder"

Hwang Jang Lee gives it to Cynthia Rothrock in “No Retreat, No Surrender II: Raging Thunder”

Audience member: You’re a master of Taekwondo, but how did you learn all of the other kung-fu styles that you use in the movies?

HJL: You know they’d just show me on the set, so this is how you do Eagle Claw (breaks out an Eagle Claw pose, audience goes crazy), this is how you do Snake Fist (breaks out a Snake Fist pose, audience goes crazy), so yeah, this is how I learnt, just make them up.

Audience member: You were in quite a few of the Bruceploitation movies, are you still in contact with any of the people you worked with on these movies?

HJL: Yeah, you know Bruce Le? We made a few movies together in Europe. Actually he called me just last month, he asked if I want to be in a new movie with him. I said, sure, let’s see.

Audience member: Obviously you learnt a very real form of Taekwondo, but what’s your opinion of Olympic Taekwondo?

Paul Bramhall and Hwang Jang Lee.

Paul Bramhall and Hwang Jang Lee.

HJL: You know this is very different, Taekwondo, you know, it’s for killing people. (Audience laughs, before quickly realizing he’s being deadly serious) Taekwondo in the Olympics, it’s a sport, you know, it’s not a martial arts, so I don’t really like this style. For me Taekwondo is a martial art.

Special thanks to Jiyeon Kim who was on translation duties, and went the extra mile by taking the time to acquire Hwang’s business card for me!  Next time I’m in Korea, I know who I’ll be texting!

Posted in Interviews, News |

Wachowskis’ ‘Jupiter Ascending’ gets a new trailer!

"Jupiter Ascending" Theatrical Poster

“Jupiter Ascending” Theatrical Poster

The Wachowskis, the sibling filmmakers responsible for The Matrix trilogy and the live-action Speed Racer film, are back with a new blockbuster!

Jupiter Ascending is a science-fiction action/epic starring Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis. Kunis’ character believes she is just a lowly janitor on Earth but, in fact, her DNA holds grand secrets to the universe – as long as Tatum’s space soldier can keep her from falling into enemy hands.

Jupiter Ascending is actually the Wachowskis pop sci-fi take on the Snow White fairy tale, but don’t take our word for it.

Updates: The visually stunning first trailer is online now for your viewing pleasure. | New Japanese trailer. | Newest trailer. | International trailer. | According to Variety, Jupiter Ascending is being delayed. Its original July 18 2014 release date as been pushed to February 6, 2015. According to the report, the Wachowskis needed more time to complete over 2,000 special effects shots.

BREAKING NEWS: Watch the new trailer.

Posted in News |

Gamera 11-Film Collection | Blu-ray (Mill Creek Entertainment)

"Gamera 11-Film Collection" Blu-ray Box

"Gamera 11-Film Collection" Blu-ray Box

RELEASE DATE: November 11, 2014

Experience The Gamera Collection on Blu-ray from Mill Creek Entertainment. This boxed set includes the follow titles:

Gamera: The Giant Monster (1965), Gamera vs. Barugon (1966), Gamera vs. Gyaos (1967), Gamera vs. Viras (1968), Gamera vs. Guiron (1969), Gamera vs. Jiger (1970), Gamera vs. Zigra (1971), Gamera: Super Monster (1980), Gamera: Guardian of the Universe (1995), Gamera 2: Attack of Legion (1996) and Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris (1999)

Pre-order The Gamera 11-Film Collection from Amazon.com today!

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

As The Lights Go Out | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

"As The Lights Go Out" Blu-ray Cover

"As The Lights Go Out" Blu-ray Cover

RELEASE DATE: November 18, 2014

Well Go USA presents the Blu-ray & DVD for As The Lights Go Out, an action-packed suspense drama written and directed by by Derek Kwok (Gallants).

As The Lights Go Out stars Nicholas Tse (The Stool Pigeon), Shawn Yue (Legend of the Fist), Simon Yam (Iceman 3D), Hu Jun (Firestorm), William Chan (Triad), Bai Bing (The Viral Factor), Andy On (Special ID) and a cameo by the legendary Jackie Chan (CZ12). Don’t miss the original trailer.

Pre-order As The Lights Go Out from Amazon.com today!

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

Hong Kong Legend Yuen Biao returns in ‘Sifu vs. Vampire’

"Sifu vs. Vampire" Chinese Theatrical Poster

"Sifu vs. Vampire" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Looks like Sammo Hung and Jackie Chan are not the only Little Fortunes staying busy these days…

Hong Kong Cinema Legend Yuen Biao (Knockabout) is teaming up with Phillip Ng (Once Upon A Time in Shanghai) in Sifu vs. Vampire (aka La Tele De Vampire), an upcoming action/comedy/horror flick directed by Daniel Chan.

Sifu vs. Vampire also stars Ronald Cheng (The Four), Kelvin Kwan (Doomsday Party), Michelle Hu (Once Upon A Time in Shanghai), Bella Law and Kitty Jiang.

Sifu vs. Vampire releases domestically on October 16th. Don’t miss the trailer! – Thanks to Film Combat Syndicate

Posted in News |

Avenging Force | Blu-ray (Kino Lorber)

Avenging Force | Blu-ray (Kino Lorber)

Avenging Force | Blu-ray (Kino Lorber)

RELEASE DATE: December 9, 2014

Kino Lorber presents the Blu-ray for 1986’s Avenging Force (aka Night Hunter), directed by Sam Firstenberg (Revenge of the Ninja) and starring Michael Dudikoff (American Ninja). Not many people are aware of this tidbit, but in this Cannon cult classic, Dudikoff portrays Matt Hunter, a character previously played by Chuck Norris in 1985’s Invasion U.S.A. So, Jack Ryan, eat your heart out!

This newly remastered Blu-ray for Avenging Force will feature Audio commentary by Dudikoff and Firstenberg, plus interviews and the original theatrical trailer.

Pre-order Avenging Force from Amazon.com today!

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

Revenge is sightless in the Vietnamese actioner ‘Blind Fury’

"Blind Fury" Vietnamese Theatrical Poster

"Blind Fury" Vietnamese Theatrical Poster

If you were disappointed with Once Upon A Time In Vietnam, and you’re still waiting for another Vietnamese action flick that’s up to Rebel or Clash-standards, then you might want to take notice of Blind Fury (aka Hiep Si Mu), a new film directed by Luu Huynh (In the Name of Love).

Just like the 1989 Rutger Hauer movie of the same name – as well as Zatoichi, Blades of Blood, The Book of Eli, and IchiBlind Fury is a revenge tale where the protagonist is a blind assassin (portrayed by actress Ngoc Thanh Tam).

Blind Fury opens in Vietnam on September 26, 2014. We’ll keep you posted for a possible North American release date. For now, watch the trailer, thanks to Film Combat Syndicate.

Posted in News |

Kite | Blu-ray & DVD (Anchor Bay)

Kite | Blu-ray & DVD (Anchor Bay)

Kite | Blu-ray & DVD (Anchor Bay)

RELEASE DATE: December 2, 2014

Anchor Bay presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Kite. When her cop father is killed, a young woman tracks the murder with the apparent help of his ex-partner. Kite is said to have more “modern” approach to the material (based on the Anime by Yasuomi Umetsu), using our current economic problems as a backdrop for the story.

Ralph Ziman’s (Gangster’s Paradise: JerusalemaKite stars India Eisley, Callan McAuliffe, Cleo Rinkwest, Samuel L. Jackson and Russel Savadier.Watch the trailer.

Pre-order Kite from Amazon.com today.

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

Hickey & Boggs | Blu-ray & DVD (Kino Video)

"Hickey & Boggs" Japanese Theatrical Poster

"Hickey & Boggs" Japanese Theatrical Poster

RELEASE DATE: December 2, 2014

Kino Video presents the Blu-ray & DVD for 1972’s Hickey & Boggs, written by Walter Hill (The Warriors). I Spy stars, Bill Cosby and Robert Culp (who also directed), are united again in this modern film noir about two detectives investigating a kidnapping and running into a gang of vicious criminals responsible for a string of murders.

Also stars James Woods (The Onion Field), Michael Moriarty (Q), Vincent Gardenia (Death Wish), Bill Hickman (Bullitt) and Ed Lauter (Breakheart Pass). Watch the trailer.

Pre-order Hickey & Boggs from Amazon.com today!

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

Don’t get bitten by a pig in Kim Seok-jung’s ‘Zombie School’

"Zombie School" Korean Theatrical Poster

"Zombie School" Korean Theatrical Poster

With upcoming titles like Maggie, Life After Beth and a possible World War Z sequel, the zombie genre is alive and well. Now, a South Korean zombie flick is on the verge of being released… George Romero, move over! Get ready for Kim Seok-Jung’s Zombie School!

Here’s the plot: Jung-sik (Baek Seo-bin) is a troublemaker and a bully, so he’s transferred to reformatory school, located on a lonely island where diseased pigs are buried alive. But when one of the pigs escapes a pit and rage fully attacks the teachers, the school becomes a zombie union! Now, Jung-sik and his friends have to survive or become zombies themselves!

Update: Better late than never… here’s the trailerZombie School will get a domestic release on September 25, 2014.

Posted in News |