Deal on Fire! Sorcerer and the White Snake | Blu-ray | Only $9.91 – Expires soon!

"Sorcerer and the White Snake" Blu-ray Cover

"Sorcerer and the White Snake" Blu-ray Cover

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for The Sorcerer and the White Snake, directed by the legendary Ching Siu-tung (Duel to the Death) and starring martial arts superstar Jet Li (Flying Swords of Dragon Gate).

The story centers around a man who falls in love with a 1000 year old white snake disguised as a woman. Discovering the white snake’s true identity, the sorcerer goes to battle believing that in so doing, he is restoring balance and order between man and the supernatural.

Order Sorcerer and the White Snake from Amazon.com today!

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

4 Film Favorites: Blades & Battles | Blu-ray (Warner)

4 Film Favorites: Blades & Battles | Blu-ray (Warner)

4 Film Favorites: Blades & Battles | Blu-ray (Warner)

RELEASE DATE: October 28, 2014

Warner presents the Blu-ray set for the 4 Film Favorites: Blades & Battles Collection. This 4 disc set includes 1995’s Mortal Kombat, 1997’s Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, 2011’s Mortal Kombat: Legacy and 1997’s Spawn.

The above films feature the following stars: Michael Jai White, Matt Mullins, Darren Shahlavi, Robin Shou, Christopher Lambert, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, John Leguizamo and Martin Sheen.

Pre-order 4 Film Favorites: Blades & Battles from Amazon.com today!

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

Exclusive North American trailer for ‘Friend 2: The Legacy’

Friend 2: The Legacy | DVD (Inception Media)

Friend 2: The Legacy | DVD (Inception Media)

Filmmaker Kwak Kyung-taek, the acclaimed director of the original Friend, is back with Friend 2 (aka Chingu 2), a South Korean crime/drama about three generations of gangsters.

Friend 2 begins 17 years after the events of the first movie. Yoo Oh-Sung (Champion) reprises his role as Joon-seok, who has just been released from prison. He now faces a world that is unfamiliar to him as the leader of a criminal organization.

Friend 2 also stars Joo Jin-mo (A Better Tomorrow) and Kim Woo-bin (Runway Cop). Watch the Korean trailer.

Updates: Watch our exclusive North American trailer for CJ Entertainment’s Friend 2 DVD release, which will be available to purchase on September 16th, so pre-order today!

Posted in News |

September delivers Yen, Lau, Leone, Sakaguchi, Walker, Mothra, Godzilla, Gangsters, Psychos and more!

Warrior Princess | aka Queen Ahno | DVD (Lionsgate)

Warrior Princess | aka Queen Ahno | DVD (Lionsgate)

It’s the tail end of the summer and it’s time to cool off and catch up on some must-see movies! So, get ready for the latest roll of new Blu-ray & DVD releases handpicked by cityonfire.com!

For the month of September, we have an amazing list of action, sci fi, gangster, cult, horror, martial arts, kaiju flicks, Asian shoot ’em ups and even one of the most important Anime series of all time!

If you’re interested in purchasing any of the titles, we’re hoping you’ll click on our Amazon.com links to show your support towards cityonfire.com.

14 Blades: September 2, 2014

Anchor Bay presents the Blu-ray and DVD for 2010’s 14 Blades, starring Donnie Yen and directed by Daniel Lee (White Vengeance). 14 Blades is a kung fu thriller set during the Ming Dynasty and centered on a secret service agent (Yen) in the emperor’s court who is betrayed and then hunted by his colleagues.

Baby Blues: September 2, 2014

Well Go USA presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Baby Blues, directed by Leong Po Chih (Hong Kong 1941). When a young couple moves into a home, they find a doll that changes their lives forever (and not in a good way). Originally released in 3D during its 2013 theatrical release, Baby Blues is bound to please The Ring and The Conjuring fans.

Space Raiders: September 2, 2014

Scorpion Releasing presents the DVD for 1983’s Space Raiders, directed by Howard R. Cohen (Deathstalker IV: Match of Titans). If you need something to hold you down while waiting for Star Wars: Episode VII, I have two words for you: Space Raiders! This entertaining cult/sci fi flick features recycled footage, special effects from music from 1980’s Battle Beyond the Stars. Hey, at least they were being resourceful, right?

Tomio: September 9, 2014

Tokyo Shock presents the DVD for 2011’s Tomio, a Japanese horror film directed by Junji Ito (writer of Uzumaki). Based on Ito’s manga franchise, Tomie, Yuki Furukawa plays a young man named Tomio who visits a fortune teller with his girlfriend. While there, he meets a sexy and mysterious older woman (Aya Kiguchi) who clouds his mind. Tomio features creature effects and make up supervised by Yoshihiro Nishimura (Tokyo Gore Police).

Brick Mansions: September 9, 2014

Fox presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Brick Mansions, a remake Pierre Morel’s Parkour-based action film District B13 (aka Banlieue 13). It stars the late Paul Walker, RZA and Parkour co-founder David Belle (who is reprising District 13 role), and like the original, the plot is as follows: An undercover cop tries to take down a ruthless crime lord with access to a a neutron bomb by infiltrating his gang.

Horror Mansion: The Blind: September 9, 2014

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).

Mothra Triple Feature: September 9, 2014

Sony presents the Blu-ray for the Mothra Triple Feature. In 1996’s Rebirth of Mothra, the three-headed Desghidorah begins to destroy Japan, so Mothra leaves her island paradise to help save it. In 1997’s Rebirth of Mothra II, two young kids unleash a giant sea creature. Mothra’s keepers, the tiny twins Moll and Lora, quickly rouse the gentle giant in order to combat this latest threat to peace. In 1998’s Rebirth of Mothra III, King Ghidorah returns to destroy the Earth. Now it’s up to Mothra to stop it!

Godzilla Double Feature: September 9, 2014

Sony presents the Blu-ray for the Godzilla Double Feature, featuring 2002’s Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla and 2001’s Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack. In Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla: After the appearance of a new Godzilla, the government builds a robotic Godzilla from the bones of the original monster that attacked in 1954. In Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack, three ancient guardian beasts awaken to protect Japan against Godzilla.

Godzilla 2000 –  US & Japanese Cuts: September 9, 2014

Sony presents the Blu-ray for 1999’s Godzilla 2000, which features both the 99 minute U.S. version 99 minutes, and the 107 minute Japanese version! The action heats up when a UFO reveals itself as a massive alien monster with awesome destructive powers. The alien monster heads straight for the behemoth Godzilla who’s just crushed the entire city for the battle of the millennium. But Godzilla’s furious heat beam may not be enough to destroy the death-dealing alien, and the future of humankind is in jeopardy.

Friend 2: The Legacy: September 16, 2014

Inception Media presents the DVD for Friend 2: The Legacy. Directed by Kwak Kyung-taek, Friend 2 (aka Chingu 2) is an upcoming South Korean film about three generations of gangsters, starring Yu Oh-seong (Friend), Joo Jin-mo (A Better Tomorrow) and Kim Woo-bin (Runway Cop). It’s the sequel to the 2001 box-office hit Friend, which was also directed by Kwak Kyung-taek.

Evil Feed: September 16, 2014

Screen Media presents the DVD for Kimani Ray Smith’s Evil Feed. A group of young martial artists infiltrate an underground pit fighting ring where the loser is chopped up and served in a Chinese restaurant called The Long Pig… two men enter, one course leaves! If you tap out, you’re take out!

Texas Chain Saw Massacre – 40th Anniversary Edition: September 16, 2014

MPI Media Group presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Tobe Hooper’s 1974 cult horror film Texas Chain Saw Massacre. In this new 40th Anniversary Edition, the classic film has undergone a new 4K restoration by NOLO Digital Film.

Warrior Princess: September 16, 2014

Lionsgate presents the DVD for Shuudertsetseg Baatarsuren’s Warrior Princess (aka Queen Ahno), Mongolia’s highest-grossing film to date! In a time when honor was everything, discover how one woman’s (Otgonjargal Davaasuren) sacrifice inspired the courage of a nation’s army in their fight for freedom! Based on the true story of Queen Ahno of Mongolia, who gave her life to save her husband and sons in battle.

Godzilla (2014): September 16, 2014

Warner presents the Blu-ray + Blu-ray 3D & DVD for 2014’s Godzilla. In this sci-fi action epic, Godzilla returns to its roots as one of the world’s most recognized monsters. Directed by Gareth Edwards and featuring an all-star international cast, this spectacular adventure pits Godzilla against malevolent creatures that, bolstered by humanity’s scientific arrogance, threaten our very existence.

Firestorm: September 23, 2014

Well Go USA presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Firestorm, starring Andy Lau. This high-octane action/thriller is set in modern day Hong Kong. It follows Lau as a senior police inspector out to bring a vicious gang of thieves to justice.

Found: September 23, 2014

Xlrator presents the DVD for Scott Schirmer’s Found. Marty is the ideal fifth grader. He gets good grades, listens to his teachers, and doesn’t start trouble in class. But a darkness is beginning to fall over his life. Classmates won’t stop picking on him, his parents don’t understand him, and now Marty must grapple with a terrible secret that threatens to destroy life as he knows it — his big brother is a serial killer!  Found is known of its gore and disturbing subject matter. Nevertheless, it’s critically acclaimed for being a work of cinematic art!

Game of Assassins: September 23, 2014

Lionsgate presents the DVD for Matt Eskandari’s Game of Assassins (aka The Gauntlet). A group of misfits find themselves trapped in what they believe to be an underground incinerator, and come together in the hope of discovering a way out. But they quickly realize that to get out alive, they’ll each be tested in ways that are specific to their past – ways that will leave their future changed forever. Game of Assassins stars Dustin Nguyen (Once Upon a Time in Vietnam), Bai Ling (The Crow), Jaime Ray Newman and Warren Kole.

Danger Dolls: September 23, 2014

Millennium Entertainment presents the DVD for Danger Dolls, directed by Shusuke Kaneko, creator of the 1990s Gamera series, the manga-inspired Death Note films and Godzilla, Mothra & King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack, which many consider to be the best entry in the entire Godzilla film series. Danger Dolls follows a quartet of cute idol singers who moonlight as butt-kicking action heroines.

Robotech: The Classic Collection Vol. 1: September 23, 2014

Lionsgate presents the DVD for the Robotech: The Classic Collection Vol. 1, a 4-disc set that includes Episodes 1-18. This action-filled collection that contains the landmark 1985 television broadcast version – along with the original and uncut episodes from the Japanese series The Super Dimension Fortress Macross.

Samurai Cop: September 30, 2014

Cinema Epoch presents the Blu-ray for 1991’s Samurai Cop. Detective Frank Washington (Mark Frazer) and Joe Marshall (Matt Hannon) team up to take on the Yakuza in this 1991 cult classic. Directed by the late Amir Shervan (Killing American Style), Samurai Cop found a whole new audience during its midnight theatrical circuit and film festival re-release.

Krull: September 30, 2014

Mill Creek Entertainment presents the Blu-ray for 1983’s Krull, directed by Peter Yates (Bullitt). This British-American, fantasy-science fiction film follows a prince and a fellowship of companions who set out to rescue his bride from a fortress of alien invaders who have arrived on their home planet. When I was a kid, I used to think this movie was about an oversized ninja star!

Osaka Badass: September 30, 2014

Pathfinder Home Entertainment presents the DVD for Takahiro Ishihara’s Osaka Badass (aka Snake of Violence). This crime-filled epic revolves around three troubled youth and their intense history with the Yakuza. Elitsi calls Osaka Badass “A higher class of cinema.” Osaka Badass stars Tak Sakaguchi (Versus), Takashi Nishina, Kanade Matsuzaki, Takaya Yamaki, Arata Yamanaka and Nanako Kodama.

Osaka Violence: September 30, 2014

Pathfinder Home Entertainment presents the DVD for Takahiro Ishihara’s Osaka Violence. After witnessing a gang murder, 12 year old Masashi asks his father what he’d do if he were killed by a Yakuza. Exact vengeance his father promptly replies. The next day, in an unfortunate turn of fate, Masashi’s father is hospitalized with serious injuries, leaving Masashi on his own. Osaka Violence stars Ryosuke Kimura, Shouji Oomiya, Yuusuke Mizuno, Taro Saba and Hisashi Ueno.

Stunt Squad: September 30, 2014

Raro Video USA presents the Blu-ray & DVD for 1977’s Stunt Squad, directed by Domenico Paolella (Hercules and the Tyrants of Babylon). Also known as Elimination Force or La polizia è sconfitta, this poliziottesco film stars Marcel Bozzuffi, Vittorio Mezzogiorno, Riccardo Salvino and Claudia Giannotti. The character of Mezzogiorno is described as “perhaps the most gruesome and ruthless villain of the Italian crime cinema.”

American Muscle: September 30, 2014

Well Go USA presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Rafvi Dhar’s American Muscle. Falcon (Nick Principe) did 10 years of hard time in prison, now he’s got 24 hours to get revenge on every person who sent him there. It isn’t exactly a post-apocalyptic flick, but judging from the trailer, it has enough road action, sex and brutal violence to keep up us pre-occupied until Mad Max: Fury Road finally gets released.

Once Upon a Time in America: Extended Director’s Cut: September 30, 2014

Warner presents the Blu-ray & DVD combo for 1984’s Once Upon a Time in America: Extended Director’s Cut, directed by Sergio Leone (Dollars Trilogy). The Extended Director’s Cut (251 minutes) contains the Extended Director’s Cut, the 1984 theatrical edition, Digital HD with UltraViolet, plus the 32-page book with rare photos and chronicles of the movie’s production,

Looking for new import releases?
If you’re looking for a new import release, please visit DDDhouse.com. The trusted retailer carries new and upcoming releases that are not yet available in North America, such as Donnie Yen’s Iceman and Louis Koo’s Z Storm.

Posted in News |

14 Blades (2010) Review

"14 Blades" Japanese Theatrical Poster

“14 Blades” Japanese Theatrical Poster

Director: Daniel Lee
Writer: Abe Kwong, Daniel Lee
Cast: Donnie Yen, Vicky Zhao Wei, Wu Chun, Qi Yu Wu, Kate Tsui, Chen Kuan Tai, Wu Ma, Sammo Hung, Xu Xiang Dong, Chen Zhi Hui, An Ruiyun, Ding Xiao Lung, Fung Hak On, Lam Chi Tai, Damian Lau, Law Kar Ying
Running Time: 114 min.

By Kyle Warner

Donnie Yen’s 14 Blades was first released internationally back in 2010. The film took its time making its way to the US, finally debuting here in 2014. Was it worth the wait? Well… no. But it’s not without its charms, however familiar they may be.

Taking place during the time of the Ming Dynasty, the film focuses on the Jinyiwei, the military police/super assassins who served the Emperor. As depicted in the film, the Jinyiwei were made up almost entirely of orphans, and were trained from an early age in ways of combat and assassination. Stripped of their names and their humanity, the new inductees were trained until there was nothing left but obedient killing machines. The story begins when the Jinyiwei leader Qinglong (Donnie Yen) is tasked with assassinating an official and retrieving a sacred treasure in his possession… but not all is at it seems. The mission is a lie, just the first part of a detailed conspiracy to overthrow the Emperor. During his mission, Qinglong learns that the sacred treasure is in fact the Emperor’s Seal. Before he can figure out what it all means, the Seal is stolen, Qinglong’s men are slaughtered, and he is made to look like a traitor and a thief.

The beginning of the film is shot on dark sets with drab colors and oppressive shadows. It’s like kung fu noir and I found it to be an interesting choice of style. However, when Qinglong goes on the run, he escapes to sunny desert locales and the entire visual scheme of the film changes. The film’s visual style is cut in two and it’s the first sign of writer/director Daniel Lee’s uncertainty about what to do with the movie he’s making.

Some have criticized the film’s overuse of CGI and wirework in its fight scenes—as is their right—however, I believe that the use of technology fits with the kind of film Lee was trying to make here. Reading the description, it sounds like just another historical action movie, but I’m almost convinced that 14 Blades was trying to be a Ming Dynasty superhero epic. Donnie Yen’s hero runs around with a box of fourteen special blades, most of which pop out with a mechanical whir, like some kind of giant, automated Swiss Army knife. The film’s most prominent villain, Tuo Tuo (Kate Tsui), jumps around with a metal whip and some serious dreadlocks, always accompanied by the sound of rattlesnakes. Tuo Tuo also has the ability to disappear and reappear during fights (always losing one layer of clothing in the process). On top of that we also get Sammo Hung as a conniving Prince who walks around on crutches and peg legs, Chun Wu as a Jack Sparrow-like bandit of the desert, and some random assassin who jumps out of a coffin on the side of the road (played by an almost unrecognizable Chen Kuan Tai). Oh, and at one point Donnie Yen beats up a couple guys with a chicken dinner. It’s an odd little film, and I personally liked these moments of strangeness and all the colorful characters.

… So it’s a shame that Donnie Yen’s character is so flat by comparison. Yen plays the part of the stoic hero well, grimacing and glaring at all those who share a scene with him, but there’s simply not much to the role. Zhao Wei plays the female lead, a character who helps Qinglong in his quest, alternating back and forth between willing ally and unwilling hostage for most of the film’s runtime. Her primary role in the film is to constantly remind Qinglong that the world is in need of heroes—which is about as obvious as sitting down across from Bruce Wayne and talking about how much Gotham needs Batman. Still, despite a rather bland role, I think the film needed her. Zhao Wei effortlessly brings humor and warmth to the film almost singlehandedly, which helps in the moments when Donnie Yen is not kicking ass.

My main issue with the film is that the plot is so bland and features so many borrowed parts. The stolen Seal of the Emperor is about as dull a McGuffin that you could come up with, comparable only with the spy genre’s missing microfilm. And of course there’s also an evil eunuch in the film, because you always need one of those.

These borrowed ideas and uninspired plot twists wouldn’t matter so much if the colorful nature if the film had more depth to it. Sammo Hung with peg legs sounds like an interesting character, but he only has one scene of note. Chun Wu’s bandit leader is actually kind of fun, but he comes from out of nowhere. There is a scene where Yen and Wu meet for the first time, then fight, then end the scene by agreeing to help each other with a heist. Um, okay? Who is this guy and why do you trust him? Most puzzling of all are the 14 blades. It’s an interesting device with some cool weapons tucked away inside it, but we never really get a good look at the blades themselves. In the end, the device and its blades never amounted to much.

Watching Daniel Lee’s films, I can’t decide if he’s lacking talent as a writer, a director, or both. Lee’s 2011 film White Vengeance was well written and featured a few decent performances. However, the historical epic also featured awful action sequences, poor editing, and a dull visual style. 14 Blades feels like the opposite side of the coin, where the action is the best part of the film, and the writing is its weak point. Daniel Lee’s career has been marked by inconsistency and indecision about what kind of filmmaker he wants to be. This trend continues with 14 Blades.

Fellow contributor Paul Bramhall notes that 14 Blades is a remake of the Shaw Bros. film Secret Service of the Imperial Court (aka Police Pool of Blood). I have not seen the original, so I cannot comment on the differences in plot or quality between the 1984 film and Daniel Lee’s adaptation.

Donnie Yen is one of the busiest movie stars in the world. With a seemingly constant output of new films, some productions are bound to fall shorter than others. 14 Blades is not the next Ip Man, Dragon (aka Wu Xia), or Iceman… but I’d put it a notch higher than Special ID and The Legend of the Fist. I think in time, 14 Blades will be remembered more as a curiosity. It’s a film with unfulfilled potential and some half-baked ideas, but it’s not devoid of entertainment value. Watch it for the action and you might have an okay time.

Kyle Warner’s Rating: 5/10

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

International trailer for Nazi-killin’ tank flick ‘Fury’ with Brad Pitt

"Fury" Japanese Theatrical Poster

"Fury" Japanese Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: David Ayer – the award-winning writer/director of End of Watch and the upcoming Arnold Schwarzenegger flick Sabatoge, is back with another action-thriller, this time it’s tank vs. Nazi film called Fury, which he also wrote. The film stars Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, Jon Bernthal, Michael Peña, Jason Isaacs and Scott Eastwood. Fury is set to be released on November 14, 2014.

According to Deadline, Fury will take place in 1945 as the Nazi regime collapses and the five man crew of an American tank called Fury battles a desperate German army.

Ayer says he wants to “bring a fresh execution to the genre. What these men went through is worthy of a complex, honest portrayal. This will have incredible, visceral action and complex rich characters. I plan to bring tank combat to life in a way that lands with a modern audience.”

Updates: First promotional photo from Fury, featuring Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, Michael Pena and Jon Bernthal. | First footage of Fury, courtesy of IGN. | Film’s first poster. | Second trailer for Fury. | Second trailer.

BREAKING NEWS: Watch the new International trailer.

Posted in News |

Deal on Fire! Sword of the Assassin | Blu-ray | Only $9.99 – Expires soon!

"Sword of the Assassin" Blu-ray Cover

"Sword of the Assassin" Blu-ray Cover

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Sword of the Assassin (aka Blood Letter), written and directed by Vietnamese filmmaker Victor Vu. The film won a number of awards at the 2012 Golden Kite Awards (Vietnam’s equivalent to the Oscars, organized by the Vietnam Cinema Association). It also features fight scenes choreographed by Johnny Tri Nguyen (The Rebel).

Sword of the Assassin stars Huynh Dong, Midu, Van Trang, Khuong Ngoc and Khuong Ngoc.

Order Sword of the Assassin from Amazon.com today!

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Eric Tsang’s ‘Seven Assassins’ now available at DDDhouse!

"7 Assassins" Chinese Theatrical Poster

"7 Assassins" Chinese Theatrical Poster

DDDHouse.com now has 7 Assassins on Blu-ray & DVD. Keep in mind that the DVD version is Region 3 coded, so you will need a multi-region DVD player to view the movie. Fortunately, the Blu-ray version is coded for region A, so it’s good to go on your current North American Blu-ray hardware.

Directed by both Eric Tsang (who also stars) and Hung Yan Yan (action director), 7 Assassins features an all-star cast of old school action stars such as: Felix Wong, Ray Lui, Guo Tao, Kara Hu, Well Lee, Michael Wong, Fung Hak On, Waise Lee, Leung Kar Yan, Ken Lo, Mars, Jason Pai Piao, Ti Lung, Dick Wei, Simon Yam, Yu Rong Guang and many others!

Be sure to check out the trailer!

Posted in News |

Donnie Yen’s ‘Iceman’ chills on Blu-ray & DVD on November 11!

"Iceman" Blu-ray Cover

"Iceman" Blu-ray Cover

International martial arts icon Donnie Yen (Special ID) brings his trademark action to Iceman, debuting on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Nov. 11 from Well Go USA Entertainment. A remake of the 1989 film Iceman Cometh, Yen plays a Ming era warrior who, along with his three traitorous childhood friends, are accidentally buried and kept frozen in time. 400 years later, they are defrosted and continue their battle in modern times where they left off.

Directed by Law Wing Cheong (Punished), Iceman also stars Eva Huang (Kung Fu Hustle), Wang Baoqiang (Lost in Thailand), Simon Yam (The Thieves), Mark Wu (Due West: Our Sex Journey), Gregory Wong (Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen) and Yu Kang (Special ID). Bonus materials include the seven-part featurette “The Making of Iceman,” which takes an in-depth look at the filming of the rooftop sequence and the disco scene, as well as interviews with Donnie Yen, Wang Baoqiang and Eva Huand.

Pre-order the Blu-ray & DVD today! Also be sure to check out Well Go USA’s trailer. And don’t forget to read our review.

Posted in News |

Jean-Claude Van Damme and son to film ‘The Tower’?

"The Tower" Teaser Poster

“The Tower” Teaser Poster

Jean-Claude Van Damme and his son, Kris (Enemies Closer), are teaming up in an emotional MMA-type film titled The Tower, formerly known as Karate or The Pit Bull (see the original promotional poster).

The idea of Van Damme’s The Tower has been floating around since 2003, when it was once described as a metaphysical Game of Death-esque adventure, which revolved around Van Damme fighting his way up a tower, where opponents became more and more difficult to defeat with each passing floor.

Since then, the plot has drastically changed. According to Van Damme’s Facebook, The Tower is now “the story of a man who loses the feeling of fear, a man who will go from a new family as an adopted war machine and will have to face the ground door of Las Vegas (“Stage of the Warriors”), which will be a tournament to decide who will be the strongest fighter on earth!

According to the discussions at vandammefan.net, there’s a chance that Van Damme may be fighting his own son in the film’s finale. We’ll keep you updated as we hear more. Until then, Van Damme fans have Pound of Flesh and the long awaited Eagle Path (aka Full Love) to look forward to in 2015. Stay tuned!

Posted in News |

Cheng Pei Pei Double Feature: Kung Fu Girl & Whiplash | DVD (Shout! Factory)

Cheng Pei Pei Double Feature: Kung Fu Girl & Whiplash | DVD (Shout! Factory)

Cheng Pei Pei Double Feature: Kung Fu Girl & Whiplash | DVD (Shout! Factory)

RELEASE DATE: December 2, 2014

Shout! Factory presents the DVD for the Cheng Pei Pei Double Feature, which includes 1973’s Kung Fu Girl and 1974’s Whiplash.

Directed by Lo Wei (Fists of Fury) and Ding Sin Saai (Furious Slaughter), respectively, these two Golden Harvest classics feature Cheng Pei Pei, who would gain mainstream recognition for her role as Jade Fox in 2000’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Pre-order the Cheng Pei Pei Double Feature from Amazon.com today!

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

Legacy of Rage | DVD (Shout! Factory)

Legacy of Rage | DVD (Shout! Factory)

Legacy of Rage | DVD (Shout! Factory)

RELEASE DATE: December 2, 2014

Shout! Factory presents the DVD for 1986’s Legacy of Rage, a Hong Kong revenge flick starring the late Brandon Lee (The Crow) and directed by Ronny Yu (The Bride with White Hair), who will be providing an informative audio commentary track.

Legacy of Rage is more along the lines of a John Woo shoot ’em up, than a martial arts movie. Nonetheless, it was one heck of a debut for Brandon!

The film also stars Michael Wong (Knock-Off), Chan Wai-Man (Bruce Lee the Invincible), Regina Kent (A Better Tomorrow II), Bolo Yeung (Enter Three Dragons) and Mang Hoi (Heart of the Dragon).

Pre-order Legacy of Rage from Amazon.com today!

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

It’s war in the new trailer for Anthony Wong’s ‘Gangster Pay Day’

"Gangster Pay Day" Chinese Theatrical Poster

"Gangster Pay Day" Chinese Theatrical Poster

We have some great news for those of you who are in the mood for some good ol’ Hong Kong gangsterism. From director Lee Biu Cheung (Single Blog) comes a new flick titled Gangster Pay Day (aka Da Cha Fan), starring Anthony Wong (Beast Cops).

Judging from the trailer, Gangster Pay Day is a bleak, stylish and violent thriller; reminiscent of Johnny To’s late 90s Milkway crime films.

Gangster Pay Day also stars Wong You Nam (Gallants), Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin (Kung Fu Dunk), Chan Wai Man (Handcuff), Frankie Ng Chi Hung (Special ID) and Carrie Ng (Cheetah on Fire).

Watch the film’s trailer, courtesy of Film Smash.

Posted in News |

Penance aka Shokuzai | Blu-ray (Music Box Films)

Penance | Blu-ray (Music Box Films)

Penance | Blu-ray (Music Box Films)

RELEASE DATE: October 14, 2014

Music Box Films presents the Blu-ray for Season 1 of Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Penance (aka Shokuzai), an eerie, intense psychological thriller.

When a mysterious stranger approaches a group of young friends, one of them is kidnapped and brutally murdered. Wracked with grief, the victim’s unhinged mother (Kyoko Koizumi) demands that the shaken survivors identify the killer or face a penance of her choosing. Watch the trailer.

Pre-order Penance from Amazon.com today!

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

Asian horror awaits for those who take a trip down the ‘Manhole’

“Manhole” Theatrical Poster

Fans of Asian horror will likely want to keep an eye on the upcoming Korean film Manhole. The movie, which opens just in time for Halloween next month, follows a young woman on the track of the dangerous serial killer who has abducted her sister. The catch? This particularly deranged fellow uses sewer manholes as a convenient way to travel around the city and snatch his unsuspecting victims.

Far East Films has the teaser trailer for Manhole, while a new trailer appeared online today. Both previews suggests plenty of thrills for fans of the macabre. The atmospheric cinematography promises that the film will be no slouch in the production values department either. Stay tuned for more info as the movie nears release…!

Posted in News |