Talk to the Dead | DVD (Pathfinder Entertainment)

Talk to the Dead | DVD (Pathfinder Entertainment)

Talk to the Dead | DVD (Pathfinder Entertainment)

RELEASE DATE: October 7, 2014

Pathfinder Entertainment presents the DVD for for Norio Tsuruta’s Talk to the Dead. From the Producer of The Ring, The Grudge and Dark Waters comes a dark tale of tragedy revolving around Yuri and her troubled family. But it when Yuri discovers a mysterious mobile app that is rumored to enable its user to talk to the dead, things get deadly! What VHS tapes did for The Ring, mobile apps will do for Talk to the Dead! The film stars Kazuki Kato, Ayaka Komatsu and Chihiro Ohtsuka. Watch the trailer.

Pre-order Talk to the Dead from Amazon.com today!

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

Cult | DVD (Pathfinder Entertainment)

Cult | DVD (Pathfinder Entertainment)

Cult | DVD (Pathfinder Entertainment)

RELEASE DATE: October 7, 2014

Pathfinder Entertainment presents the DVD for Koji Shiraishi’s Cult. From the producer of The Ring, The Grudge and Dark Water, comes the chilling tale of pop idols who play themselves as they appear on a paranormal television show to investigate the exorcism of the Kaneda family. The supernatural events in the Kaneda household are recorded by the documentary team. A mysterious shaman seems to be the only hope of salvation not only for the family, but for the investigators as well. Cult stars Yaeko Kiyose, Ryosuke Miura, Mari Iriki, Yu Abiru and Mayuko Iwasa. Watch the trailer.

Pre-order Cult from Amazon.com today!

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

M. Bison to be introduced in ‘Street Fighter: World Warrior’

"Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist" Japanese Poster

"Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist" Japanese Poster

Film Combat Syndicate (via Variety) reports that Joey Ansah (Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist) is returning to write and direct Street Fighter: World Warrior (aka Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist: Season 2), which continues where the 12-episode series left off.

“The scale of World Warrior is much larger, picking up where Assassin’s Fist left off… The Shadaloo criminal cartel will be introduced, led by the extremely dangerous M. Bison, which will naturally lead into the World Warrior tournament.” Ansah said. It’s also mentioned that Guile, Chun-li and Sagat will have significant roles.

Expect Street Fighter: World Warrior late 2015 or early 2016. Until then, the Blu-ray & DVD for Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist hits on October 28th.

Posted in News |

Travelers: Dimension Police | DVD (Pathfinder Entertainment)

Travelers: Dimension Police | DVD (Pathfinder Home Entertainment)

Travelers: Dimension Police | DVD (Pathfinder Home Entertainment)

RELEASE DATE: November 18, 2014

Pathfinder presents the DVD for Koichi Sakamoto’s Travelers: Dimension Police. From the director of Power Rangers, comes a sexy, aunthentic action movie, no questions asked. Actress/singer Nao Nagasawa, and actress/model Ayumi Kinoshita, star in a story of a beautiful female cop working for an interdimensional police force. She serendipitously crosses paths with her former partner-turned-enemy. They are forced to confront each other and their past, while investigating an multidimensional terrorist agency. Watch the trailer.

Pre-order Travelers: Dimension Police from Amazon.com today!

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

When Taekwondo strikes the ‘High School of Zombie’!

"The Kick" International Poster

"The Kick" International Poster

Love it or hate it, the zombie genre won’t die. Just recently, an Evil Dead series and a Last of Us film adaptation have been announced. Maggie and Life After Beth are just around the corner; and let’s not forget about World War Z II, which is in development. Of course, the film industry’s zombie fascination doesn’t stop at Hollywood…

In addition to Kim Seok-jung’s upcoming Zombie School, there’s another Korean zombie flick coming out in the similarly titled High School of Zombie. Korean Taekwondo Champion, Tae-Mi (The Kick) leads the cast as an ass-kickin’ school girl who puts the smack down on the undead.

Don’t miss the film’s trailer. – Thanks to Paul Bramhall

Posted in News |

The Crone | DVD (Pathfinder Home Entertainment)

The Crone | DVD (Pathfinder Home Entertainment)

The Crone | DVD (Pathfinder Home Entertainment)

RELEASE DATE: November 18, 2014

Pathfinder Home Entertainment presents the DVD for Eisuke Naito’s The Crone. From the Producer of The Ring, The Grudge and Dark Water comes the macabre tale of three paranormal TV show hostesses Ayane, Nanami and Mayuko. These three girls are put to the test of ultimate fear when they challenge each other to visit an abandoned nursing home in the mountains. Determined to defeat each other, the girls stubbornly remain in the chilling location no matter what happens.

The Crone stars Honoka Miki, Akiko Hoshino and Shiori Kitayama. Watch the trailer.

Pre-order The Crone from Amazon.com today!

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

Cityonfire.com’s ‘Dragonwolf’ Blu-ray Giveaway! – WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

Dragonwolf | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Dragonwolf | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Cityonfire.com and Well Go USA are giving away 3 Blu-ray copies of Patrick Kazu Tang’s Dragonwolf to three lucky Cityonfire visitors.

To enter, simply add a comment to this post with your answer to the following question: In your opinion, what’s the most overrated martial arts movie of all time? Please explain. We will be selecting a winner at random. Be sure to include your email address in the appropriate field so we can contact you for your home address. Additionally, you must ‘Like Us‘ on cityonfire.com’s Facebook by clicking here.

The Blu-ray & DVD for Dragonwolf will be officially released on July 29, 2014, so we will announce the 3 winners on this date and ship out the prizes immediately.

CONTEST DISCLAIMER: You must enter by July 28, 2014 to qualify. U.S. residents only please. We sincerely apologize to our non-U.S. visitors. Winners must respond with their mailing address within 48 hours, otherwise you will automatically be disqualified. No exceptions. Contest is subject to change without notice.

WINNERS: Ben, Chad H., and Bill N. You have been notified via email!

Posted in News | Tagged |

Robotech: The Classic Collection Vol. 1 | DVD (Lionsgate)

Robotech: The Classic Collection Vol. 1 | DVD (Lionsgate)

Robotech: The Classic Collection Vol. 1 | DVD (Lionsgate)

RELEASE DATE: September 23, 2014

Lionsgate presents the DVD for the Robotech: The Classic Collection Vol. 1, a 4-disc set that includes Episodes 1-18.

Robotech is widely acclaimed as a ground breaking series that changed the course of anime. Experience the power of the Robotech/Macross saga as never before with 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.

Pre-order The Robotech: The Classic Collection Vol. 1 from Amazon.com today!

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

Lady General Hua Mulan (1964) Review

"Lady General Hua Mulan" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“Lady General Hua Mulan” Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Griffin Yueh Feng
Producer: Run Run Shaw
Cast: Ivy Ling Po, Chin Han, Chen Yan Yan, Cheung Kwong Chiu, Yeung Chi Hing, Wu Ma, Lee Kwan, Kok Lee Yan, Cheng Miu, Feng Yi, Han Ying Chieh
Running Time: 106 min.

By JJ Hatfield

When the Mongols banded together with other nomadic tribes, they invaded China, beginning with the outlying border towns. The edict went out from the Emperor, reaching every family in the land, to send forth one male – of fighting age – to protect the country from the marauding hordes. Master Hua intended to honor the call to duty; however, he was no longer a young man fit for battle. Concerned for his safety, his daughter, Mu-lan, convinces Master Hua that he need not sacrifice himself in order to uphold the family honor.

The story of Hua Mu-lan (or Mulan) – which originated as a brief poem from the 6th century Northern Wei Dynasty – was so stirring, it not only survived, but grew in length over generations; it was eventually written as a full book by the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

The story of Mu-lan is an old and cherished one for the Chinese, but many people will recognize the name from the animated Disney film version or from one of the numerous other movies, plays, operas and books.

Lady General Hua Mu-lan smoothly melds traditional Huangmei Opera with the cinematic touch of the Shaw Brothers Studio. Huangmei Opera was developed in the mid-1800’s, in the tea-producing, Huangmei region of China. Initially created of folk songs, people would sing while collecting and preparing tea. The operas became incredibly popular, not only around Huangmei, but across China and beyond.

A 24-year-old Ivy Ling Po touched a nation when she starred in the The Love Eterne (1963), a film that helped bring Huangmei Opera to the big screen. Her brilliant performance in that film led to the title role in Lady General Hua Mu-lan.

Ling Po’s film career began at the age of 12, but even as a very young child, she was immersed in Huangmei Opera. Known for her beautiful voice and acting ability, she often dubbed the songs for other actresses in films and operas.

Ling Po has an incredible gift of connecting with audiences, and Lady General Hua Mu-lan is no exception. Her expressive face, fluid movements and fighting skills are superb. She demonstrates an excellent stage presence and is amazingly adept at portraying both male and female roles. Make no mistake, Lady General Hua Mu-lan suceeds because of Ling Po, which explains why she received the Best Actress award for her powerful role.

Yueh Feng (The Bells of Death) directed and co-wrote the lively script for Lady General Hua Mu-lan. He is quite experienced in the genre, directing for the Shaw Brothers for over a dozen years, and the Great Wall Company, before that.

As with many of the earlier Shaw movies involving war, there are numerous action choreographers, but none are specifically credited (Hong Kong Cinemagic lists Han Ying Chieh as one of them). It appears that in some of the big battle scenes, the actors/fighters on the periphery were not given much direction on what they were supposed to be doing. The lack of experience, or care, in lensing some of the scenes, is frustrating.

In China- and other countries in southeast Asia – it has been only in recent times that women were able to act in theater or operas. Lady General Hua Mu-lan is one of a very few Chinese stories that even suggests gender equity, which was extremely rare, especially in literature that has survived the ages. Although women in China have always fought to defend their family or land, never has a woman, posing as a male, risen to the rank of general.

Even if you think you know the story of Mu-lan, you haven’t experienced it like this before. This is a wonderful historic version, and as far as I am concerned, the best at portraying all of the primary characters, especially the title character.

Lady General Hua Mu-lan is more intense and darker than modern remakes, especially the wretched, mixed up mess of Disney’s cutesy cartoon, Mulan. The Disney version was a huge commercial success (it sold lots of dolls, DVDs, CDs, backpacks, school supplies and…), but it bears no resemblance to the original story, other than in name. This version is far superior and stays true to the original adventure of Mu-lan.

Lady General Hua Mu-lan is an excellent film that everyone will enjoy.

JJ Hatfield’s Rating: 9/10

Posted in Chinese, Reviews, Shaw Brothers | Tagged , , , , |

Deal on Fire! Space Battleship Yamato | Blu-ray | Only $9.96 – Expires soon!

Space Battleship Yamato | Blu-ray & DVD (Funimation)

Space Battleship Yamato | Blu-ray & DVD (Funimation)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Takashi Yamazaki’s Space Battleship Yamato, a live adaptation of the Space Battleship Yamato anime TV series by Yoshinobu Nishizaki.

The crew of the space battleship Yamato set out on a journey to the planet Iscandar to acquire a device that can heal the ravaged Earth. Starring Takuya Kimura, Meisa Kuroki, Toshirō Yanagiba, Naoto Ogata and Hiroyuki Ikeuchi.

Space Battleship Yamato debuted at number 1 on the Japanese box-office, ousting Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Watch the trailer.

Order Space Battleship Yamato from Amazon.com today!

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Zoë Bell is ‘Expendable’ in the new ‘Mercenaries’ trailer!

Mercenaries | Blu-ray & DVD (The Asylum)

Mercenaries | Blu-ray & DVD (The Asylum)

From Christopher Douglas-Olen Ray, the director of straight-to-video oddities such as 2-Headed Shark Attack and Mega Shark vs Crocosaurus, comes an action flick called Mercenaries (aka Prison Raid).

Judging from its cast, Prison Raid might be the first incarnation of the “female Expendables” flicks (see: Gina Carano’s take, as well as The ExpendaBelles).

In Mercenaries, a diplomatic official is captured and imprisoned while touring a war zone, so a team of elite female commandoes is assembled to infiltrate a women’s prison for a daring rescue.

Mercenaries stars Kristanna Loken (Terminator 3: Rise of the Machine), Vivica A. Fox (Kill Bill Vol. 1), Zoë Bell (Death Proof), Nicole Bilderback (Sideliners), Brigitte Nielsen (Red Sonja) and Cynthia Rothrock (Raging Thunder).

Mercenaries has a DVD and Blu-ray release date set for October 14, 2014 (available for pre-order), so a trailer should be hitting soon. Until then, here’s a couple of production photos from the film. Judging from that photo alone, looks like it’s riding off the success of Kill Bill.

BREAKING NEWS: Watch the trailer, courtesy of Film Combat Syndicate.

Posted in News |

The ‘One-Armed Swordsman’ himself returns with a lot of ‘Soul’

"Soul" Chinese Theatrical Poster

"Soul" Chinese Theatrical Poster

DDDhouse.com now has the festival favorite, Soul, for pre-order on DVD. This bone-chilling, psychological thriller runs along the same vein as Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining and Ringo Lam’s The Victim, with an art house-style execution by director Chung Mong-hong (The Fourth Portrait).

Old school Hong Kong cinema fans will welcome the inclusion of Shaw Brothers veteran, Jimmy Wang Yu (One Armed Swordsman, The Man Called Tiger). Although the Wang Yu has been active in a string of recent titles – including Tai Chi 0, Let’s Go and Wu XiaSoul showcases the legend in a different light. The film also stars Joseph Chang, Tsai Ming-liang and Leon Dai. Don’t miss the trailer!

Keep in mind that the DVD version is Region 3 coded, so you will need a multi-region DVD player to view the movie.

Posted in News |

First trailer for Kane Kosugi’s ‘Tekken: Kazuya’s Revenge’!

"Tekken: Kazuya’s Revenge" International Teaser Poster

"Tekken: Kazuya’s Revenge" International Teaser Poster

THE MOVIE: Kane Kosugi (Choy Lee Fut, Ninja 2: Shadow of a Tear) stars in Tekken: Kazuya’s Revenge (aka Tekken: A Man Called X), a prequel to 2010’s Tekken. Joining Kosugi is Kelly Wenham (Dying Light), Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa (Tekken), Gary Daniels (Skin Traffik), Biljana Misic (Zigosana), Charlotte Kirk (Non-Stop) and Ron Smoorenburg (Who Am I?).

The director of Tekken: Kazuya’s Revenge is currently unknown. There are numerous references that suggest Wych Kaosayananda (Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever) as the director; yet word on the streets is Kaosayananda served as director of photography.

Kosugi is known for 2002’s Muscle Heat (aka Blood Heat), but he’s perhaps best known to North American audiences for being the son of Sho Kosugi, who had a string of successful ninja films for The Cannon Group, including 1983’s Revenge of the Ninja and 1984’s Ninja III: The Domination. Tekken: Kazuya’s Revenge will be Kosugi’s first lead role in a Hollywood feature.

Updates: There were false reports that the then-titled A Man Called X was NOT a Tekken movie; as it turns out, it was a Tekken movie all along. Producers were forced to plant some backpedaling after the movie was prematurely revealed on the internet.

Tekken: Kazuya’s Revenge is coming to Blu-ray and DVD on August 12, 2014. You can pre-order the title at Amazon.com. | First clip!

BREAKING NEWS: Watch the first trailer, courtesy of KFC.

Posted in News |

Evil Feed | DVD (Screen Media)

Evil Feed | DVD (Screen Media)

Evil Feed | DVD (Screen Media)

RELEASE DATE: 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! Watch the trailer.

Starring Terry Chen, Laci J Mailey, Alain Chanoine, Alyson Bath, Derek Gilroy, Bishop Brigante, Curtis Lum, Sebastian Gacki, David Milchard, Carrie Genzel and Johnson Phan.

Pre-order Evil Feed from Amazon.com today!

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

Brosnan is pretty much 007 in the new ‘November Man’ trailer

"The November Man" Theatrical Poster

"The November Man" Theatrical Poster

If you want Pierce Brosnan to be back as James Bond, here’s the closest you’ll get: Brosnan (Goldeneye) is teaming up with Olga Kurylenko (Quantum of Solace) for an action-thriller titled November Man, directed by Roger Donaldson (The Bank Job, Species). The film also stars Luke Bracey (G.I. Joe: Retaliation).

Sure, it may not feature shaken Martinis or artillery-equipped Aston Martins, but with two former Bond stars, it’s hard not to think about Brosnan as the famous super spy.

In November Man, an ex-CIA operative (Brosnan) is brought back in on a very personal mission and finds himself pitted against his former pupil in a deadly game involving high level CIA officials and the Russian president-elect. Based on the novel of the same name by Bill Granger, and written for the screen by Michael Finch (Predators) and Karl Gajdusek (Oblivion). Check out the first promotional image from the film.

November Man is expected to be released on November 13, 2014. | Watch the trailer! | New poster has been released. Welcome back , Brosnan!

BREAKING NEWS: Watch the latest trailer.

Posted in News |