Chow Yun-fat, Eric Roberts and Ringo Starr to star in the action comedy ‘RockLand’?

"A Better Tomorrow" Japanese DVD Cover

"A Better Tomorrow" Japanese DVD Cover

According to imdb.com, pre-production has started on RockLand, which will star Chow Yun-fat (A Better Tomorrow), Ringo Starr (of The Beatles) and Eric Roberts (Best of the Best). RockLand marks the feature debut of Valeri Davidiouk; oddly enough, Davidiouk has four films in pre-production mode, including another one called Rockland Boulevard, which has a completely different plot and cast.

Anyways, here’s the official plot to RockLand: Two friends, a fighter and a wrestler, take on a lunatic crime lord, in order to save a young girl, and protect the professional fighting industry from organized crime.

We’ll have more information about RockLand as it becomes available. Personally, I think this whole project should be taken with a grain of salt. But hey, you’ll never know.

Posted in News |

Deal on Fire! 007: Daniel Craig 3-Disc Collection | Blu-ray | Only $19.99 – Expires soon!

"007: Daniel Craig Collection" Blu-ray Cover

"007: Daniel Craig Collection" Blu-ray Cover

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray set for the 007: Daniel Craig 3-Disc Collection, which contains 2006’s Casino Royale, 2008’s Quantum of Solace and 2012’s Skyfall. A great deal for about $6 buck a movie. And don’t forget that there are a lot more James Bond titles to choose from for $9.49 each. Click here to view those titles.

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Luc Besson-produced ‘Intersections’ gets released as ‘Collision’

"Collision" DVD Cover

"Collision" DVD Cover

Like most film distribution companies, Lionsgate is no stranger to re-titling imported movies to fit the North American market (earlier this year, they released Coweb under the title Ninja Masters). They’re latest re-title is the Luc Besson-produced, French action-thriller Intersections, which they’re now calling Collision.

Collision is directed by David Marconi (The Harvest), who is best known for writing 1998’s Enemy of the State and 2007’s Live Free or Die Hard. The film stars Roschdi Zem, Jaimie Alexander and Frank Grillo.

Here’s the official plot: On their honeymoon in Morocco, Scott and Taylor Dolan set off on a day trip through the Sahara. When something goes terribly wrong, the couple find themselves stranded in the middle of the remote desert with no way home. Soon, lies and betrayals are revealed, and they discover that nothing happens by chance.

Lionsgate is releasing the Blu-ray & DVD for Collision on January 28, 2014. A newly edited Lionsgate trailer should hit youtube at any day, until then, here’s the original international trailer.

Posted in News |

Filipinos break bad in Alfonso Torre’s ‘Kabisera’

"Kabisera" Promotional Poster

"Kabisera" Promotional Poster

A few months ago, we posted about Erik Matti’s acclaimed Filipino thriller, On The Job, which was recently picked up by Well Go USA for North American distribution. Now, there’s another buzzworthy Filipino film titled Kabisera, and it’s on the verge of making its mark at the Cinema One Originals Film Festival 2013.

Directed by Borgy Torre (aka Alfonso Torre), Kabisera (the tagalog word for “capitol”) is about a man who is drawn into the world of drug trafficking in the Philippines. Kabisera stars Joel Torre (On The Job), Arthur Acuña, Ketchup Eusebio and Bernard Palanca.

No word on a North American release, but here’s the trailer. We’ll keep you updated. – Thanks to DiP!

Posted in News |

Deal on Fire! Undisputed III: Redemption | Blu-ray | Only $7.99 – Expires soon!

"Undisputed III: Redemption" Blu-ray Cover

"Undisputed III: Redemption" Blu-ray Cover

T0day’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Undisputed III: Redemption, directed by Isaac Florentine (Ninja 2: Shadow of a Tear) and starring Scott Adkins (Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning). Boyka (Adkins) is back. This time he is fighting in the first ever inter-prison tournament with one knee. Also starring Mykel Shannon Jenkins, Mark Ivanir, Hristo Shopov and Marko Zaror.

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

The ‘Nunchucku’ guy is back as a ‘Kung Fu Fighter’

"Kung Fu Fighter" Chinese Theatrical Poster

"Kung Fu Fighter" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Thanks to Film Combat Syndicate, we have new information regarding Tanxing Chen’s (the actor also known as Dragon Chen or Chen Star) latest film, Kung Fu Fighter, which will be released in China on November 15, 2013. If you don’t recall who Tanxing Chen is, last year, we posted a story about his previous film, Nunchucku.

The plot for Kung Fu Fighter involves a character named Cheng (Tanxing Chen), who accidentally kills his “competition” during a martial arts movie audition. After serving 7 years in prison for manslaughter, Cheng changes his identity and starts a new life. Because of his kung fu abilities, Cheng gets another chance at success. However, he’ll have to overcome some rough obstacles in the process.

We’ll have more information on Kung Fu Fighter as it comes. Until then, head over to FCS for a trailer and a featurette.

Posted in News |

Deal on Fire! James Bond Titles | Blu-ray | Only $9.49 – Expires soon!

"Diamonds Are Forever" Blu-ray Cover

"Diamonds Are Forever" Blu-ray Cover

Today’s Deal on Fire are individual James Bond Blu-ray titles for only $9.49 each! This deal includes some of the best of Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan. And of course, that underrated title that starred that “other fella,” George Lazenby. 1967’s You Only Live Twice, 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, 1971’s Diamonds Are Forever, 1977’s The Spy Who Loved Me, 1983’s Octopussy, 1985’s A View To A Kill, 1987’s The Living Daylights, 1995’s Goldeneye and 1997’s Tomorrow Never Dies. Click here for the specially priced list. Hurry, this offer definitely won’t last long!

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Cityonfire and Well Go USA are giving away 3 Blu-ray copies of ‘Ip Man: The Final Fight’ – WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

Ip Man: The Final Fight | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Ip Man: The Final Fight | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Cityonfire.com and Well Go USA are giving away 3 Blu-ray copies of Ip Man: The Final Fight to three lucky Cityonfire visitors. To enter, simply add a comment and list 3 of your favorite fight scenes of all time (from any movie), along with a brief explanation of why they’re your favorite. We will be selecting three winners 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 Ip Man: The Final Fight will be officially released on November 12, 2013. We will announce the 3 lucky winners on November 12th and ship out the prizes immediately.

CONTEST DISCLAIMER: You must enter by November 11th to qualify. Also, because Well Go USA holds the film’s U.S. rights, only U.S. residents may enter the contest. We sincerely apologize to our non-U.S. visitors. Contest is subject to change without notice.

WINNERS: Congratulations to Matthew A., Nick and Shaun W. You have all been notified via email.

Posted in News | Tagged |

Deal on Fire! Get the Gringo | Blu-ray | Only $8.99 – Expires soon!

"Get the Gringo" Blu-ray Cover

"Get the Gringo" Blu-ray Cover

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Get the Gringo (aka How I Spent My Summer Vacation). A career criminal (Mel Gibson) is placed in a tough prison where he learns to survive with the help of a young boy. Get the Gringo is supposedly the “unofficial” sequel to 1999’s Payback; and just like Payback (the original, not the director’s cut), Get the Gringo is an underrated gem that I highly recommend.

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Jet Li’s ‘Badges of Fury’ explodes onto Blu-ray & DVD on January 7

Badges of Fury | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Badges of Fury | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

International action superstar Jet Li (Hero) teams up for a third time with Zhang Wen (The Guillotines) as bickering cops out to catch a prolific serial killer in the action-comedy Badges of Fury, debuting on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital January 7th from Well Go USA Entertainment.

The tongue-in-cheek spoof on kung fu cops from first time director Tsz Ming Wong, with action choreography by Corey Yuen (Shaolin), also stars Shishi Liu (Sad Fairy Tale), Michelle Chen (Ripples of Desire), Yan Liu (Laugh and Cry Forbidden) and Aaron Shang (Let the Bullets Fly).

Synopsis: When a series of eerie murders erupt across Hong Kong, two troublemaking cops are assigned to the case. Young maverick Wang (Zhang Wen) is a reckless risk-taker, and grizzled vet Huang (Jet Li) is fed up with cleaning up his rookie’s messes. After discovering all the victims were former boyfriends of aspiring starlet Liu (Shishi Liu), the detectives (one now posing as her lover) are caught in a deadly game to lure out the killer.

Features: Languages: Mandarin (original) English (dubbed) | Bonus Features Include: Four-part “Making of” Documentary, The Guys, The Girls, Wen Zhang Action Scene, Funny Stuff, “Behind-the-Scenes” Featurette, Trailer | Badges of Fury has a runtime of approximately 98 minutes and is not rated. Click here to pre-order!

Cityonfire.com received the above press release from Well Go USA and MPRM Communications.

Posted in News |

Madame Sin | DVD (Shout! Factory)

Madame Sin | DVD (Shout! Factory)

Madame Sin | DVD (Shout! Factory)

RELEASE DATE: January 28, 2014

Shout! Factory presents the DVD for 1972’s Madame Sin. If you ever wondered what it would be like to see Robert Wagner (Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story) as a James Bond-type character, here’s your chance. Madame Sin is about a CIA agent (Wagner) who is used as a pawn in an insane woman’s (Bette Davis) plan to steal a Polaris submarine. Watch the trailer.

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

Brosnan and Wilson face Thailand violence in ‘The Coup’

"Die Another Day" Japanese Theatrical Poster

"Die Another Day" Japanese Theatrical Poster

THR reports that The Coup, which stars Pierce Brosnan (Die Another Day), Owen Wilson (Shanghai Knights) and Lake Bell (I’m Good), has begun shooting in Thailand. The action-thriller is written and directed by John Erick Dowdle (Quarantine, Devil) and produced by David Lancaster (Only God Forgives).

Here’s the plot, according to imdb: In their new overseas home, an American family (headed by Wilson) soon finds themselves caught in the middle of a coup (a sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government), and they frantically look for a safe escape in an environment where foreigners are being immediately executed.

Stay tuned for more updates about this project.

Posted in News |

Nightmare City | Blu-ray & DVD (Raro Video USA)

Nightmare City | Blu-ray & DVD (Raro Video USA)

Nightmare City | Blu-ray & DVD (Raro Video USA)

RELEASE DATE: December 31, 2013

Raro Video USA presents the Blu-ray & DVD for 1980’s Nightmare City (aka Incubo sulla città contaminata), directed by Umberto Lenzi (Gang War in Milan). An airplane exposed to radiation lands, and blood drinking zombies emerge armed with knives, guns and teeth! They go on a rampage slicing, dicing, and biting their way across the Italian countryside. Starring Hugo Stiglitz, Laura Trotter and Maria Rosaria Omaggio. Watch the trailer.

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

Thief | Blu-ray & DVD (Criterion Collection)

Thief | Blu-ray & DVD (Criterion Collection)

Thief | Blu-ray & DVD (Criterion Collection)

RELEASE DATE: January 14, 2014

Criterion Collection presents the Blu-ray & DVD for 1981’s Thief, directed by Michael Mann (Heat) and starring James Caan (The Godfather). Becoming closer to his dream of leading a normal life, a professional safecracker (Caan) agrees to do a job for the mafia, who have other plans for him. Featuring music by Tangerine Dream.  Also starring Tuesday Weld, Robert Prosky, Willie Nelson, James Belushi and Dennis Farina. Watch the trailer.

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

Bruce Lee: In Pursuit of the Dragon (2009) Review

Bruce Lee: A Warrior's Journey & Pursuit of the Dragon | DVD (MVD Entertainment)

Bruce Lee: A Warrior’s Journey & Pursuit of the Dragon | DVD (MVD Entertainment)

Director: John Little
Writer: John Little
Cast: John Little, Bruce Lee, Malisa Longo, Jon T. Benn, Anders Nelsson, Riccardo Billi, Chaplin Chang
Running Time: 90 minutes

By Jeff Bona

If you’re a die hard Bruce Lee fanatic and you’re sick and tired of all the countless Bruce Lee documentaries that contain the same footage, usual interview clips and a bunch of other “talking heads,” then John Little’s In Pursuit of the Dragon is a film you don’t want to miss. It may not have any new or rare visuals of Bruce, but it does contain fascinating content that most fans will find both unique and educational.

The majority of Bruce Lee documentaries are decent, but once you get past the essential ones (Bruce Lee: The Legend, Death by Misadventure and A Warrior’s Journey come to mind), the rest aren’t worth your valuable time. Using the recent I Am Bruce Lee documentary as an example: Do we really care what Mickey Rourke thinks of Bruce’s abilities? So Kobe Bryant practices Jeet Kune Do, and? Should we really give a sh*t that an electro house musician was influenced by Bruce? Don’t get me wrong, these guys are talented, but they don’t belong in a Bruce Lee documentary. An interview with Gene LeBell or Danny Inosanto makes total sense, but Al Bundy? Come on. They might as well interview me.

So what makes Little’s In Pursuit of the Dragon so refreshing and different? In a nutshell, Little and a film crew travel to key locations where Bruce Lee’s four completed films were shot: Thailand (The Big Boss), Macao (Fist of Fury), Rome (Way of the Dragon) and Hong Kong (Enter the Dragon). To a casual Bruce Lee fan, seeing these locations may not seem like a big deal, but to an avid fanatic who has watched Lee’s films countless times, it’s a wondrous experience.

Using footage from the actual movies to coincide with the “what the locations look like today” is simply magical. The outcome is comparable to seeing what The Beatles’ Cavern Club looks like today; or even the actual location where John F. Kennedy was assassinated (not to sound crude or anything).

In addition to the then and now-location footage, Little provides interesting insights and commentary (i.e. what goes on in the The Big Boss “mansion” today). He even interviews obscure cast members, such as the bank teller and the Italian beauty from Way of the Dragon. Also, the current “real” manager of the The Big Boss’ ice factory provides a few anecdotes.

In Pursuit of the Dragon has been available in the UK for a few years, but it was recently released on DVD for the first time in the U.S. It’s currently available as a double feature along with Little’s other Bruce Lee documentary A Warrior’s Journey (read our review).

The bottom line: In Pursuit of the Dragon is a breath of fresh air. It made me want to cash out my savings account, get on a plane and head to Thailand so I can visit The Big Boss’ mansion. If there’s one negative thing to say about it, it’s the lack of then and now-location footage for Bruce’s final film, Game of Death. Other than that, I can’t recommend this film enough!

Check out the then and now screen shots below (If you think they’re cool, wait ’til you see them in motion):

Jeff Bona‘s Rating: 8/10

The ferryboat in the opening of "The Big Boss"

The entrance of the ice factory.

The wooden beam in the center of the ice factory still stands.

Amazingly, the sign Bruce runs under remains. I'm sure it'll end up on ebay one day.

The tree still stands strong.

The interior of "The Big Boss" mansion almost looks identical.

John Little takes us to where no "The Big Boss" fan has gone before.

Other than needing a serious dust job, not much has changed.

The grand staircase to "The Big Boss" mansion.

I bet these goons have some interesting stories, especially the guy with the yellow shirt.

The gate entrance to the "The Big Boss" mansion.

The location where Tony Liu failed at winning Maria Yi's heart.

Just add water.

"No Chinese or dogs allowed" in Macau. The rest of "Fist of Fury" was shot in Golden Harvest studios.

The airport in "Way of the Dragon" has changed, but a hint of 1972 remains.

Riccardo Billi played the bank teller in "Way of the Dragon"

The beautiful Malisa Longo. Interestingly enough, she married Riccardo Billi after the two met on the set of "Way of the Dragon"

Bruce and Nora Miao taking a stroll in Rome.

The location where Bruce and Roy Chiao exchange words in "Enter the Dragon" remains the same.

If only Bolo and his henchmen were there to catch the graffiti artist.

Read our review for Tracking the Dragon, which is essentially an updated version of this documentary.

Posted in Asian Related, Chinese, Documentary, News, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , |