"The Dark Knight Blu-ray Trilogy" Set
Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray set for Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Trilogy, starring Christian Bale. The set includes 2005’s Batman Begins, 2008’s The Dark Knight and 2012’s The Dark Knight Rises. For about $6 a movie, plus 2 discs of extras and a book, this is one heck of a deal.
"Tokarev" Theatrical Poster
THE MOVIE: Tokarev is an action-thriller directed by spanish filmmaker Paco Cabezas (Neon Flesh) and written by Jim Agnew (Wesley Snipes’ Game of Death) and Sean Keller (Giallo). Cage plays a reformed criminal who comes home to find that his daughter has been kidnapped by the Russian mob, so he rounds up his old crew and seeks his own brand of justice.
If Tokarev sounds like déjà vu, you’re on the right track. Last year, Cage starred in Simon West’s Stolen, where he also played a former thief who frantically searches for his missing daughter.
Updates: The first trailer has been released.
Cityonfire.com had the privilege of interviewing Gareth Evans, the writer and director of 2009’s Merantau, 2011’s The Raid and the highly anticipated The Raid 2: Berandal, which is due for release in 2014.
In this Q&A session, we decided to ask him questions ranging from: What his favorite martial arts film of all time is; Who he would love to work with; His thoughts on directing a Die Hard flick and a lot more! You’ll be surprised with his answers. Enjoy!
“Police Story” Chinese Theatrical Poster
If you had the chance to work with any action star, who would you choose?
That’s an easy one, Jackie Chan. Simple reason being that he’s the reason I fell in love with the genre. Every weekend I’d search for a film I hadn’t seen of his in the video store and he did so much to popularize the genre by putting his neck on the line film after film. I get sick to the pit of my stomach every time we shoot a stunt sequence, there’s something unnerving about making someone risk their health for the sake of a 2 second “wow”. These guys earn every ounce of respect from the crew so for Jackie to have done that time and time again purely for his love of cinema, I can’t think of anyone else who comes even close.
You’re interviewed in Shout! Factory’s Bruce Lee Collection, where you state that Fist of Fury is your favorite Bruce Lee film. What’s your favorite Jackie Chan film?
Police Story. The relentlessness of the fight scenes, the landmark opening and closing scenes. The film has become iconic, and rightly so.
“Knock-Off” Theatrical Poster
Do you prefer the films of Steven Seagal or Jean-Claude Van Damme? Why?
Van Damme all the way – for me a better fighter and also has proven himself to have quite the acting chops. He’s a risk taker and that’s something that fascinates me.
Sylvester Stallone said he wants to top your film The Raid. What do you think of his comment? Do you think he/they will succeed?
Note to reader: Stallone’s actual tweet, regarding The Expendables 3: “We believe we can do better than the The Raid, which was an excellent film… Raising the bar…”)
I prefer to focus on the fact that he praised the film and by singling it out as something he wants to compete with is a major compliment to what we achieved with so little. Sure it’s possible they will succeed, likewise we’re setting out to top the first film with The Raid 2 – and watching the edit, I think we have. None of this is nor should be a competition between filmmakers – when I go out and watch an action movie I hope it’s well made, entertaining and also inspiring to give us ideas on how we can improve our own game. I wish them and anyone else out there making an action film every success, I know personally how f–king hard it is to make these films. So yeah, it’s all good spirited.
If you were approached to direct the next installment of a film like Die Hard, would you take the job? If so, what would you do with John McClane?
I don’t really have an interest in joining a franchise that’s already had so much of its visual landscape pre-designed. I’ve no idea really what I could do new with the character. I’ve not seen the latest film yet (when I’m in production so many films slip by that I try to catch up once normality resumes) but I always felt that the natural progression for his character was already done in The Last Boy Scout. That was as close to a spiritual sequel as Die Hard could have hoped for.
“Wild Bunch” Japanese Theatrical Poster
Can you name three movies that have have influenced you the most?
The Wild Bunch – Peckinpah invented action cinema, the editing style, cinematography, fluidity – everything I’ve stolen has been from him.
Hard Boiled – Taking Peckinpah as a leaping off point Woo crafted one of the best action films ever made. What I’ve always loved and have tried to incorporate into my films is the calm brief interludes within an action sequence – something to interrupt the choas. Give it a sense of gravitas and rhythm.
Armour of God – the showdown against the monks is a work of genius. This was the moment I realized why I loved Jackie’s work. If you look outside of the stunt work and the choreography and just listen to the timing of the blocks and the hits – it’s like listening to music. Whenever we work on designing a fight now I’m always listening out for that music, the time signature of the scene. Those blocks and hits become percussion – almost a part of the films score.
“Fearless” Theatrical Poster
Best martial arts of film of recent times?
Fearless is a beautiful piece of work that manages to bring great character depth to a classically told story. I’d argue it’s Jet’s finest film (Fist of Legend coming in close behind).
Best martial arts film of all time?
Police Story – for the sheer sense of wonder I had when I first saw it as a child all the way up til now.
What do you think of some of the current martial arts/action stars: Donnie Yen, Tony Jaa and Scott Adkins?
Donnie has been incredibly prolific with the new wave of his success and he’s capitalized on it in a smart way. What his team did on Flashpoint and SPL was refreshing and took the genre in an interesting new path. To follow that up with Ip Man (a career defining role) was just a stroke of genius. I’d love to see him work with Wilson Yip more – they seem to compliment each other perfectly whenever they collaborate.
“Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning” Japanese DVD Cover
Tony Jaa is a phenomenal talent. Ong Bak was a major announcement to the industry and to audiences that the martial arts genre was back. Of course there’s been a fair amount of mud thrown around regarding the situation between artist and production company but that’s not for us to know nor is it in any way something that takes anything away from his all round talents. With the right script, the right role and please God no elephants.
Scott Adkins I’ve had the pleasure of meeting on a few occasions. He’s ridiculously talented with an all round skillset that combines fight techniques with athleticism and acrobatics. I’m looking for the right project, once I do I would love to work with him on something.
Thanks again to Gareth Evans, who took the time to answer these questions, despite his chaotic schedule. His latest film The Raid 2: Berandal, hits theaters in March of 2014.
Killing American Style: Special Edition | DVD (Cinema Epoch)
RELEASE DATE: March 25, 2014
Cinema Epoch presents the DVD for 1990’s Killing American Style: Special Edition, directed by Amir Shervan (Samurai Cop). Looking for some cheesy action? This 1990s exploitation film will deliver. It stars Harold Diamond (stick fighter from Rambo III), Jim Brown (Three the Hard Way) and Robert Z’Dar (Maniac Cop). Watch the trailer.
Saving General Yang | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)
Cityonfire.com and Well Go USA are giving away 3 Blu-ray copies of Saving General Yang to three lucky Cityonfire visitors. To enter, simply add a comment and list three items you’re hoping to receive for Christmas (be realistic!). 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 Saving General Yang will be officially released on December 10, 2013. We will announce the 3 lucky winners on December 10th and ship out the prizes immediately.
CONTEST DISCLAIMER: You must enter by December 9th 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 Edwin, Brandon A. and David. You have all been notified via email.
Battle of the Damned | Blu-ray & DVD | (Anchor Bay)
RELEASE DATE: February 18, 2014
Anchor Bay presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Battle of the Damned (aka Battle Hazard), starring Dolph Lundgren and directed by Christopher Hatton (Robotropolis). Following a deadly viral outbreak, private military soldier Max Gatling (Lundgren) leads a handful of survivors and a ragtag band of robots against an army of the infected. Also starring Melanie Zanetti and Matt Doran. Watch the trailer.
"Android Cop" Promotional Poster
RELEASE DATE: February 4, 2014
Asylum presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Android Cop, starring Michael Jai White (Mortal Kombat: Legacy). In this action-packed thriller, a cop (Michael Jai White) and his robotic partner enter the Zone, a forbidden city inhabited by a diseased stricken populace. Together, they discover the real reason everyone is sick, and attempt to stop the illness. Also starring Charles S. Dutton (Alien 3) and Kadeem Hardison (1997’s Drive). Watch the trailer.
"Raze" Theatrical Poster
THE MOVIE: Josh C. Waller’s Raze, a horror/action film, focuses on two abducted women & 50 other women who are forced to fight each other using their bare hands. The film stars Zoe Bell (Death Proof, Kill Bill), Rachel Nichols (G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra), Sherilyn Fenn (Fist of the Warrior) Rosario Dawson (Death Proof) and Tracie Thoms (Death Proof).
“We have a truly original thriller with some amazing female star power, and we feel it will elevate the next chapter in genre filmmaking. This is a unique horror story that moviegoers will thoroughly enjoy watching in theaters while gripping onto their seats” said Cinipix CEO Todd Slater.
Updates: Teaser trailer. | Red Band trailer. | According to Film Combat Syndicate, Raze will finally release in theaters and on video-on-demand January 10, 2014. | New trailer, plus a new clip.
BREAKING NEWS: Check out the new poster, courtesy of The Playlist.
"Underground" Theatrical Poster
Pre-production has started on Knockout, an action film that will serve as producer Larry D. Webster’s (Fast & Furious 7) directorial debut. Ross W. Clarkson, who is known for his camera work on films such as Ringo Lam’s The Victim and Isaac Florentine’s Ninja 2: Shadow of a Tear, will be handling the cinematography.
Knockout stars rising martial arts sensation Zara Phythianwill (Furor: Rage of the Innocent, Underground) with Mischa Barton (The O.C.) and Tom Sizemore (Natural Born Killers) co-starring. The legendary Cynthia Rothrock (No Retreat, No Surrender 2) is also rumored to have a role.
Knockout’s plot, which is written by Ben Trebilcook (Die Hard 6 aka Die Hardest), is as follows: A young woman (Phythian), distraught from witnessing the murder of her parents as a child, develops her own unique martial art by playing video games. It’s because of this she suddenly finds herself embroiled in the world of underground fighting.
Knockout has a release date set for 2015, so we should hear more about it as we step into 2014. Stay tuned!
"The Suspect" Korean Theatrical Poster
In the tradition of action-packed thrillers such as The Bourne Identity and The Man From Nowhere comes a new, high-octane Korean film titled The Suspect. Directed by Won Shin-yun (Seven Days, A Bloody Aria), this movie follows a North Korean secret agent who is betrayed by his government. On a mission of revenge, he heads to the South and cuts a warpath through deadly assassins and rival agents, all the while trying to unravel the conspiracy he’s found himself in the middle of.
A promo video is online now and promises plenty of bone-crunching fight scenes and wild car stunts. Fans of movies like The Yellow Sea and The Berlin File will certainly want to keep an eye on The Suspect. If the filmmakers can deliver the goods on this promo video, action buffs should be in for one hell of a treat when the movie hits theaters this Christmas in Korea.
Updates: Watch the latest trailer. – Thanks to Film Combat Syndicate
Why stand in line when the best deals are a click away? Amazon’s Black Friday Deals are not just limited to movies; excellent Black Friday prices on everything from books to video games and electronics will be discounted to the max.
Keep checking back on this link so you don’t let any of the deals slip through the cracks. Deals come and go within hours, so be sure to check out the times and dates for current and upcoming offers. And of course, by clicking through our Amazon links, you’ll be sponsoring cityonfire.com. We appreciate your support!
"Enemies Closer" Theatrical Poster
THE MOVIE: Jean-Claude Van Damme is reteaming with his former Time Cop and Sudden Death director Peter Hyams for a new project. That film is Enemies Closer and it’s slated for a release sometime in 2013. The movie is described as more of an action-thriller than a martial arts flick. Tom Everett Scott and Orlando Jones co-star alongside Van Damme.
IMDB lists the plot as thus: Deep within a forest on the US-Canadian border, two sworn enemies must work together to escape a ruthless drug cartel hell-bent on retrieving a drug shipment which went missing there.
Updates: First trailer is up. | Although there’s no mention of a DVD/Blu-ray or theatrical release in the states, Enemies Closer will be released in Germany on October 30, 2013. | Generic French poster. | Second trailer. | According to CraveOnline, Enemies Closer premieres in theaters and VOD on January 24, 2014. Also check out the official new poster.
BREAKING NEWS: Yahoo has the newest trailer. – Thanks to Film Combat Syndicate
"Ring of Fire" Theatrical Poster
In an interview with MASBTV, martial arts star Don “The Dragon” Wilson (Ring of Fire, The Whole World at Our Feet) announced that he’s looking into doing a historic martial arts movie after receiving a script from writer/producer James West (A Different World, 2013’s Heart of the Dragon).
West previously wrote a part for Wilson in a 1997 episode of Moesha, where Wilson made a guest appearance playing himself. Since then, the two have kept in contact and remained friends.
Here’s what Wilson told MASBTV: “He just sent me a script that’s kind of a period piece. Something that I’ve never done. It’s a few hundred years in the past. And you know, Jackie Chan, Jet Li… they all do those historic Chinese martial arts movies. And I’ve never done one, so I think this may be the first one. So, we’re gonna talk about getting that film made. It’ll be my first period piece.”
Stay tuned for updates on this project, as well as Wilson’s other upcoming films: The Scorpion King 4: The Lost Throne, an untitled movie with Cynthia Rothrock, White Tiger, The Whole World at Our Feet and hopefully, The B-Team.
The Last Stand Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)
Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Kim Jee-Woon’s (I Saw The Devil) The Last Stand, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Forest Whitaker and Johnny Knoxville. Okay, Kim Jee-Woon directing Schwarzenegger in an action movie? To some people this is a dream come true. To others: they don’t know what they’re missing.
"NInja 2: Shadow of a Tear" Poster
THE MOVIE: In Ninja 2: Shadow of a Tear, Scott Adkins (Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning) returns as Casey Bowman, a Ninjitsu master out to avenge the death of his wife in director Isaac Florentine’s follow-up to his 2009 film Ninja. The film also stars Vithaya Pansringarm, Kane Kosugi, Tim Man, Ron Smoorenburg, Charlie Ruedpokanon, Mika Hijii, Erika Nagamine and Shun Sugata.
In the past, Adkins revealed via Twitter that – ironically enough – the movie that his fans most want to see made, Undisputed IV, has been the most difficult to find financing for. The producers behind 2009’s Ninja have always been eager to develop a sequel.
This is despite the fact that the movie is not particularly well-regarded among martial arts buffs. For example: the film maintains a not-so-impressive 5.3/10 rating on IMDB in comparison to Undisputed III‘s healthy 7.3 rating.
Update: Photo of Adkins in Ninja 2. | According to Adkin’s Facebook page, Ninja 2 has an official title: Ninja: Shadow of a Tear. | The film will be premiering at this year’s Fantastic Fest, with director Isaac Florentine and producer Frank De Martini in attendance. | Amazon.com has the Blu-ray and DVD cover, as well as a pre-order date for December 31, 2013. | First trailer.
BREAKING NEWS: Your friends at Beyond Hollywood have a new trailer, which is a similar, shorter version of the last trailer. This movie looks to be another Undisputed III-style triumph for both Scott Adkins and director Isaac Florentine!
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