Bad Girls Behind Bars Collection: 2-Disc Limited Special | DVD (Blue Underground)

Bad Girls Behind Bars Collection: 2-Disc Limited Special | DVD (Blue Underground)

Bad Girls Behind Bars Collection: 2-Disc Limited Special | DVD (Blue Underground)

RELEASE DATE: July 30, 2013

Blue Underground presents the DVD for the Bad Girls Behind Bars 2-Disc Collection, which consists of five sexy and sleazy women-in-prison filth fests – totally uncut and uncensored: 1982’s Amazon Jail, 1980’s Bare Behind Bars, 1969’s 99 Women, 1981’s Sadomania and 1975’s Women Behind Bars.

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

R.I.P. Lau Kar-leung: Actor, Director and Choreographer

"Drunken Master III" Chinese Theatrical Poster

"Drunken Master III" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Hong Kong media outlets are reporting the death of filmmaker and actor Lau Kar-leung (also known as Liu Chia-liang) at the age of 75. More details should emerge in the following days but this is truly a tragic loss. Lau Kar-leung has left behind a considerable body of work, including some of the finest martial arts movies of all time.

He is perhaps most famous for directing and starring opposite Jackie Chan in the 1994 classic Drunken Master 2, but Kar-leung was also a veteran of the Shaw Brothers system.

During his impressive tenure with the Shaw Brothers studio, he helmed a string a bonafide martial arts classics – including The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, Legendary Weapons of China, My Young Auntie, and what is perhaps his masterpiece, Eight Diagram Pole Fighter.

Most of these films are available on DVD in North America, so this week may be a good time to rewatch one or several of his movies and remember the iconic filmmaker. Our condolences go out to Lau Kar-leung’s family and friends.

Posted in News |

Mulan: Rise of a Warrior | Blu-ray & DVD (Funimation)

Mulan: Rise of a Warrior | Blu-ray & DVD (Funimation)

Mulan: Rise of a Warrior | Blu-ray & DVD (Funimation)

RELEASE DATE: September 3, 2013

Funimation presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Mulan: Rise of a Warrior (aka Mulan), directed by Jingle Ma. Mulan, a young girl from a military family without a male heir, disguises herself as a male soldier rather than expose her aging father to the horrors of the battlefield. As the invading armies close in, her remarkable courage and insight elevate her to the position of a true leader. Starring Vicky Zhao Wei, Chen Kun, Hu Jun, Jaycee Chan, Xu Jiao and Nicky Lee. Watch the trailer.

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

Liam Neeson will display his particular set of skills once again in ‘Taken 3’

"Taken 2" Theatrical Poster

"Taken 2" Theatrical Poster

What would you do for $20 million? If you’re Liam Neeson, you’d sign the dotted line to reprise the role that turned you into a middle-aged action star. That’s right: Liam Neeson has officially negotiated to return as security specialist and family man Bryan Mills in Taken 3. The disappointing news? It looks like a done deal that Taken 2 director Olivier Megaton will be returning to helm the third installment.

Despite making a truckload of money, fan reaction to Taken 2 was decidedly lukewarm; as a filmmaker, Olivier Megaton clearly lacks the finesse and flair for action that original Taken director Pierre Morel possesses (don’t forget, Morel also directed the cult favorite District B13). Stay tuned for more news on Taken 3 in the months to come.

Posted in News |

Will ‘The Wrath of Vajra’ usher in the next big martial arts star?

"The Wrath of Vajra" Chinese Promotional Poster

Law Ching Cheong is currently busy directing an increasingly over-budget remake of The Iceman Cometh with Donnie Yen, but his previous film is finally about to see the light of day. Titled The Wrath of Vajra, this high-concept martial arts movie is intended to serve as the first starring vehicle for Yu Xing.

Xing is a Shaolin monk turned actor who has already been seen in supporting roles in a number of movies so far, including Flash Point, Shaolin, and Kung Fu Hustle.

Law Ching Cheong has praised Yu Xing has ‘the next big thing’ in Chinese martial arts. You can watch the trailer for The Wrath of Vajra now. In the film, Yu Xing plays a top Chinese martial artist who sets his sights on a Japanese death cult after they abduct innocent Chinese children and train them to be assassins.

Judging by the trailer, the filmmakers have been influenced by the Ong-Bak sequels in terms of the slow-motion action photography and a willingness to feature comic book-like villains.

Update: Distributor Media Asia has snagged the international rights to The Wrath of Vajra. CEO Jeffrey Soong says the film “harks back to the old days when one take meant 20 minutes of fighting, not one scene with 200 cuts.” Here here! Film Combat Syndicate has a plot synopsis and word that Peng Zhang (Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World) provided the action choreography. We’re still waiting to hear a release date, however.

BREAKING NEWS: Check out the second trailer for the film, which is said to be something of a horror/kung fu hybrid.

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With the help of some wire work, Tiger Chen is ‘Kung Fu Man’

"Kung Fu Man" Chinese Theatrical Poster

2013 might just end up being known as ‘the year of Tiger Chen.’ Not only is the Yuen Woo-ping protege making his leading man debut in Keanu Reeves’ Man of Tai Chi, but the trailer has surfaced for yet another martial arts film starring Chen. This time around, Tiger Chen will star as the titular Kung Fu Man in an English/Chinese co-production. This film has more of a family vibe, with Tiger Chen protecting a young orphan boy who is convinced Chen is a super hero, but the trailer also features plenty of fight sequences.

What else does the trailer feature? Plenty of wire-work, something that has gone out of fashion with martial arts fans in the last six years or so. Tiger Chen appears to legitimately have skills but, in an age that has seen the likes of Donnie Yen and Tony Jaa do incredible things without the aid of wires, he may have to go out of his way to prove himself to audiences.

What’s your take on the trailer for Kung Fu Man?

Posted in News |

Full-length trailer for the live-action ‘Gatchaman’ AKA ‘Battle of the Planets’ movie!

"Gatchaman" Japanese Theatrical Poster

"Gatchaman" Japanese Theatrical Poster

For a generation of kids who grew up in the early 80’s, much of their favorite Saturday morning fare was – unbeknownst to them – anime that had been dubbed and re-edited from Japan. Thus, Japan’s Macross became Robotech and Beast King GoLion became Voltron.

Along those same lines, the long-running Japanese anime Gatchaman was introduced to American audiences as Battle of the Planets. The show followed a group of super-powered young people (who may or may not be cyborgs) tasked with protecting the Earth from the villainous aliens of Spectra.

Now, Japan is preparing to unleash a live-action movie based on the series and it looks to boast some spectacular production values.

A teaser trailer was released today but it’s definitely a ‘tease,’ offering only some voice-over and a glimpse of the hero’s costumes. Twitch assures us that a talented team has been assembled to work on the film, including visual FX from the team behind Returner and the live-action Space Battleship Yamato movie. Stay tuned to Cityonfire.com for further updates on this ambitious project.

Update: Don’t miss the full-length trailer, online now!

Posted in News |

Kim Ki-Duk’s ‘Pieta’ debuts on Blu-ray and DVD on July 23rd

Pieta Blu-ray & DVD (Drafthouse Films)

Pieta Blu-ray & DVD (Drafthouse Films)

Pieta, the acclaimed film from the celebrated and controversial Korean director Kim Ki-Duk (Bad Guy, 3-Iron), debuts on Blu-ray™ and DVD July 23rd from Drafthouse Films. An international box-office hit, Pieta has garnered numerous awards, including Best Picture trophies from 2012 Venice Film Festival, 2012 Blue Dragon Awards, 2013 Fantasporto Festival, and the 2012 Satellite Awards, and Best Director nods at the 2012 Dubai International Film Festival and a Jury Award at the South Korea’s 2012 Grand Bell Awards.

Lee Jung-jin (Wonderful Radio) stars as a loan shark forced to reconsider his violent lifestyle after the arrival of a mysterious woman claiming to be his long-lost mother. The mother is played by Cho Min-soo, who, in her film debut, won Best Actress awards at the 2012 Asia Pacific Screen Awards and South Korea’s Grand Bell Awards in 2012, as well as Favorite Actress at the 2012 Asian Film Awards.

Bonus Materials Include: Audio Commentary with Director Kim Ki-duk, Cho Min-soo and Lee Jung-jin; “God, Have Mercy On Us” Featurette – Interviews with Kim Ki-duk, Cho Min-soo and Lee Jung-jin; Winning the Golden Lion at the 69th Venice Film Festival; Behind the Scenes Featurettes; Filmography of Kim Ki-duk; 16-Page Booklet

Cityonfire.com received the above press release from Drafthouse Films/MPRM Communications.

Posted in News |

Empire State | Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

Empire State | Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

Empire State | Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

RELEASE DATE: September 3, 2013

Lionsgate presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Empire State, directed Dito Montiel (The Son of No One). Cityonfire welcomes Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson into the world of  ‘straight to DVD!’ Empire State is a drama centered on two childhood friends who plan to rob an armored car depository, and the NYPD officer who stands in their way. Also starring Liam Hemsworth and Emma Roberts. Watch the trailer.

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

V/H/S/2 | Blu-ray & DVD (Magnolia Pictures)

"V/H/S/2" Theatrical Poster

"V/H/S/2" Theatrical Poster

RELEASE DATE: September 24, 2013

Magnolia Pictures presents the Blu-ray & DVD for V/H/S/2, the sequel to V/H/S. Ready for a new batch of ‘found footage’-style horror tales from various indie directors? One of the filmmakers is Gareth Evans (Merantau, The Raid), who co-directed a segment with Indonesian horror filmmaker Timo Tjahjanto. Other segments directed by Simon Barrett (You’re Next), Jason Eisener (Hobo with a Shotgun), Gregg Hale (Say Yes Quickly), Eduardo Sánchez (Lovely Molly) and Adam Wingard (A Horrible Way to Die). Watch the trailer.

Pre-order V/H/S/2 today or watch it now on Amazon Instant Video.

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

Sam Raimi-produced ‘Poltergeist’ remake shoots this fall

"Poltergeist" Japanese Theatrical Poster

"Poltergeist" Japanese Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: THR reports that Evil Dead’s Sam Raimi – along with Nathan Kahane, Roy Lee, and Robert Tapert – will produce a remake of 1982’s Poltergeist. The script is being written by Rabbit Hole’s David Lindsay-Abraire. Raimi will not be directing, but will play a crucial role in finding a filmmaker for the project.

Poltergeist’s on-screen credit lists Texas Chainsaw Massacres’s Tobe Hooper, but many believe that Steven Spielberg was in full control. Due to a clause in his contract while still working on E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial simultaneously, Spielberg could not make another film, hence giving Hooper director credit.

Updates: According to Fearnet.com, Rise of the Guardians screenwriter David Lindsay-Abaire will pen the script. | According to The Playlist, there’s a possibility that Sam Raimi might be directing the remake. This is coming from writer David Lindsay-Abaire himself. | So much for Sam Raimi directing. Collider reports that Gil Kenan (Monster House, City of Ember) will be directing the reboot.

BREAKING NEWS: EW reports that production is scheduled to begin this fall.

Posted in News |

The Robotech saga continues with ‘Love Live Alive’ – new trailer!

"Robotech: 2-Movie Collection" DVD Cover

"Robotech: 2-Movie Collection" DVD Cover

The Robotech saga continues as the celebrated characters that gained world-wide popularity in the original series return in an exciting new adventure debuting as part of the Robotech: 2-Movie Collection. Arriving on DVD July 23 from Lionsgate Home Entertainment, under license from A+E Networks Consumer Products™, the Robotech: 2-Movie Collection DVD set includes the never-before-seen feature Love Live Alive as well as the timeless Robotech hit The Shadow Chronicles.

The Robotech chronicle continues with the unveiling of the all-new anime adventure Love Live Alive. Taking place during and after the events of Robotech: The New Generation (available in Robotech: The Complete Series from Lionsgate Home Entertainment), this thrilling installment in the Robotech saga follows the adventures of Lieutenant Lance “Lancer” Belmont as he recounts his journey from before his first encounter with Scott Bernard to the aftermath following Admiral Rick Hunter’s expedition to liberate the Earth from the mysterious Invid race. Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles continues the epic battle as Scott Bernard must once again face his tragic past as he joins the returning Robotech Expedition against new mechanized adversaries known as the Haydonites.

Robotech maintains its place as one of the most popular anime properties ever, the center of a massive media empire that includes comic books, toys and a major motion picture currently in development. Voted one of the “Top 50 Sci-Fi Properties of All Time” by IGN.com, Robotech remains a fan favorite. Pre-order today!

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES: (subject to change): Love Live Alive, Pre-production Gallery, The Shadow Chronicles, “Birth of a Sequel” featurette, Score Music Video, “Anime Selects” podcast coverage, “!Pon Anime” podcast interview, Robotech 3000 demo reel, Robotech 3000 motion capture sequences, Deleted scenes with optional commentary, Outtakes, Animatics with optional commentary, Trailers and Image Galleries.

BREAKING NEWS: Watch the newly released trailer.

Cityonfire.com received the above press release from Lionsgate and bhimpact.com.

Posted in News |

The eye of the tiger is no match for ‘The Tiger Mask’

"The Tiger Mask" Teaser Poster

"The Tiger Mask" Teaser Poster

The Tiger Mask is an upcoming live-action adapation of a Japanese manga series of the same name by Ikki Kajiwara. The series first appeared in the late 60s and by the early 70s, The Tiger Mask made its way onto TV, courtesy of Toei Animation.

According to Film Combat Syndicate, The Tiger Mask follows a highly feared and viciously skilled heel wrestler who changes his tune and chooses to become a symbol of heroism after a young boy approaches him and expresses that he wanted to be just as villainous as he was in the ring.

The Tiger Mask is directed by Ken Ochiai (Memory Sculptor) and stars Eiji Wentz, Natsuna and Sho Aikiwa. The film will premier at the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal this July, then will have a theatrical run in November 2013. Until then, check out the teaser trailer.

Posted in News |

Gonin (1995) Review

"Gonin" Japanese Theatrical Poster

“Gonin” Japanese Theatrical Poster

AKA: The Five
Director: Takashi Ishii
Cast: Koichi Sato, Masahiro Motoki, Jinpachi Nezu, Kippei Shiina, Naoto Takenaka
Running Time: 109 min.

By Equinox21

In 1995, stylish director, Takashi Ishii, brought us a great crime/yakuza piece called Gonin (The Five). It revolved around a disco owner convincing 4 other guys to go along with him in a planned heist of the local Yakuza thugs for over 100 million yen (something like $1,000,000 in cold, hard cash). The heist is successful, however, the Yakuza, obviously perturbed at the theft, send out 2 hit men (one of which is played by Beat Takeshi) to kill The Five.

This movie has a lot going for it. One thing that I loved was the delusions of many of the characters at various points throughout the movie. Whether it comes in the form of hallucinations or simply outright insanity, it makes this a far from normal gangster/theft/revenge movie. The style is yet another thing to behold; Lots of cutting quickly between coinciding events (and back and forth, and back again) and the simply out of this world characters. For example, there’s a guy who dresses as a flaming homosexual in order to attract rich men whom he can turn around and black-mail. In that persona, he’s quite over the top, yet, when he’s in his normal clothes, he acts quite normal (if a bit excitable). I can’t say this is the most stylish film I’ve ever seen, nor can I say that I was really blown away by it for the first third to a half, but it did end up being quite enjoyable.

I’m sure this is on every fan of Yakuza films’ list of to see movies, as well it should be. It’s a great addition to the genre. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, nor does it mock itself too greatly. It’s got the right mix of style, substance, seriousness and insanity.

Equinox21’s Rating: 8/10

Posted in Japanese, News, Reviews | Tagged , |

Andy Lau admits his new spy movie ‘Switch’ isn’t very good

"Switch" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Filming has begun on Hong Kong superstar Andy Lau’s latest action blockbuster, Switch. This is a highly anticipated Mandarin-language film to be shot in Dubai, the same location as Tom Cruise’s now famous hotel-climbing stunt in Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, on a budget of about $20 million US dollars.

The producers are keen on recouping their investment so Switch will be later be dubbed in English and Arabic languages when released in those territories. Much like Tom Cruise’s latest blockbuster, this film will place an emphasis on spectacle: get ready for expensive cars and boats, over the top stunts, and a gorgeous view of Dubai. Switch is directed by Sun Jianjun and stars Andy Lau, Chiling Lin, and Jingchu Zhang.

As far as the plot is concerned, the story appears to revolve around the famous painting ‘Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains’ and will feature Andy Lau as a James Bond-like character. This is the first Chinese film to be shot internationally and select Hollywood talent will be working on the movie as well. A release date of October 1st is anticipated.

Updates: Film Business Asia reports that Andy Lau has recently been busy shooting the film. The budget is set at about $18 million. It’s likely that Media Asia Group will be looking to sell international rights to the film soon.

The first trailer for Switch has premiered at Cannes 2012. | Here’s a new teaser trailer, courtesy of Far East Films. The movie is looking action-packed! | Check out a new trailer for Switch. And don’t forget the first official poster is here, courtesy of Chinese Films. The film opens in China on November 2nd.

The film’s release in China has been postponed indefinitely. Apparently the soundtrack producer has come down with a “sudden disease” and is now hospitalized. This is actually the second lengthy post-production delay for Switch, as the film’s release was previously prolonged so it could be converted to 3D.

After a long delay, which included issues with the Chinese censors and the movie’s soundtrack, Switch will be hitting theaters soon. Here’s a new teaser trailer to celebrate. JayneStars has more info on the film. Director Jay Sun says: “…the movie is packed with action which includes suspenseful spy wars and a little love story thrown in.”

Why settle for James Bond when you could have Andy Lau? Check out the latest trailer for Switch. And don’t miss this snazzy new poster.

BREAKING NEWS: During a recent press conference for his upcoming thriller Blind Detective with director Johnnie To, star Andy Lau admitted that his spy movie Switch isn’t very good. The film has been received poorly by the public. Says Lau: “I sometimes think too highly of myself and tend to believe that whatever script have I have my hands on would end up being good.”

Posted in News |