All Night Horror Marathon | DVD (Shout! Factory)
RELEASE DATE: August 20, 2013
Shout! Factory presents the DVD for the All Night Horror Marathon 2-disc DVD set, which includes 1980’s Schizoid (trailer), 1992’s The Vagrant (trailer), 1980’s The Godsend (clip) and 1987’s The Outing aka The Lamp (trailer). It’s like going back in time, and walking into the ‘horror section’ of your favorite video rental store!
"Dungeons & Dragons" Theatrical Poster
Decades since its creation, Dungeons & Dragons remains one of the most beloved fantasy properties in the world, spanning every medium from tabletop RPG to novels and video games. Despite its stellar reputation among fans, the brand has never been able to make a successful transition to the big screen.
2000’s Dungeons & Dragons movie was a dud of colossal proportions – even respected names like Jeremy Irons and, uh, Marlon Wayans couldn’t save it from being labeled one of the worst flicks of the new millennium.
Regardless, the Dungeons & Dragons name still carries enough goodwill that Warner Brothers is rolling the die once again, in the hopes of turning D&D into a fantasy movie for the ages. The studio has secured a screenplay from writer David Johnson (TV’s The Walking Dead, Wrath of the Titans); now all Warner needs is a filmmaker with a vision.
“CZ12” Chinese Theatrical Poster
Director: Jackie Chan
Cast: Jackie Chan, Kwon Sang-woo, Liao Fan, Yao Xing Tong, Zhang Lan Xin, Laura Weissbecker, Ken Lo, Oliver Platt, Shu Qi, Daniel Wu, Kazu Patrick Tang
Running Time: 123 min.
By HKFanatic
Shortly into the second act of Jackie Chan’s new film CZ12, one of the movie’s many hapless English-speaking characters tells Jackie and his team “You guys are amazing!” as they launch yet another one of their gadgets into the sky. Jackie shakes his head modestly, smiles and says, “No, technology is amazing.” This statement neatly sums up CZ12 as a whole, as an aging Jackie Chan increasingly relies on wirework and computer effects to perform the kind of stunts he could do in his sleep as a young man.
Can you blame him? The actor is a bonafide global icon who’s spent decades breaking bones and risking death to please his millions of fans over the world. The time for Jackie to pass the torch was probably back in 2005 with New Police Story, a graceful swansong for both the series and Jackie Chan the action star. And yet Jackie persists – while he claims CZ12 will likely be his last globetrotting blockbuster, he also says Rush Hour 4 is still in the cards.
You have to wonder what keeps Jackie going. If he’s anything like his character in CZ12,the answer might be money. The last we saw of Jackie’s character ‘Asian Condor,’ he was keeping gold out of the Nazis’ hands in 1991’s Armour of God II: Operation Condor. In the intervening years it appears Condor has, well, sold out. The treasure hunter will steal any work of art or relic for the highest bidder; as the film opens, he’s currently selling his services to a multinational corporation who want 12 ancient statues representing the animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Condor agrees thanks to the promise of millions of Euros and, thus, the adventure begins. The Condor character has always been Jackie’s way of riffing on the Indiana Jones persona, but you don’t need to have seen very many movies to guess that Condor’s character arc in this film will involve his character waking up from being such a materialistic bastard.
Except that CZ12 isn’t too concerned with anything resembling a character arc. Condor and his team travel around the world, risking life and limb for these statues, but there are no personal stakes to the story since Condor is only after Euros and the screenplay treats human relationships as extraneous soap opera details to occupy the downtime in-between action setpieces. A slap to the face from a young archaeology student seems to awaken some shred of dignity in Condor and sets him on a path to fight against his former employers. The thing is, the viewer doesn’t really buy that Jackie’s character has had a change of heart; he’s just punching and kicking a different set of people now.
CZ12 is weighed down with a lot of historical babble about how foreign powers like the British and French ransacked the Chinese empire back in the early 20th century. Although Condor’s character explicitly states that we can’t judge the actions of our ancestors using our civilized modern ideology, it’s as though Jackie the filmmaker doesn’t agree with him. For one, all of the college age characters in this film walk around with a huge chip on their shoulder, like the Second Opium War was a current regional conflict being covered by CNN and not something that happened over 100 years ago.
The overall message is that Chinese artifacts should be returned to their rightful owners and preserved for their historical value; which is all well and good, but the multi-national focus means you practically need Rosetta Stone to follow the dialogue in this movie. You’ve got characters speaking Mandarin, French, English, and often switching between them on the fly. Unless you happen to be multi-lingual, the subtitle track is going to get a workout.
As with any Jackie Chan movie, fans know that the plot routinely takes a backseat to the fight scenes. For many, CZ12‘s biggest sin will be the fact that there isn’t much action. The stunts and combat that are here are pretty outstanding stuff, especially considering Jackie’s age. He still scampers around and exchanges fists and kicks with the best of him. However, the best action beats in CZ12 are crammed obnoxiously into the final thirty minutes. It’s a buffet of action by the time Jackie arrives at the bad guys’ secret hideout, but until then you might grow restless waiting for Jackie to throw a punch.
A trek through the jungle with Jackie and his cohorts takes up the entire second act of the movie but proves fruitless, descending into sub-Kingdom of the Crystal Skull antics. The sets look studio-constructed and the characters appear to be in zero danger, despite the presence of automatic gunfire and an angry swarm of bees. The most excitement to be had is the rollerblade chase that opens the film and the aforementioned closing surplus of action, including a great tussle between JC and a character named The Vulture (played by French/Moroccan Taekwondo expert Alaa Saif). And as most folks are probably aware of by now, the final setpiece involves Jackie skydiving above a live volcano. It’s a fun sequence, even if most of it was brought to life via green screen effects.
CZ12 is a rough exterior you have to peel back, past layer after layer of grating characters and sequences that fail to advance the plot, to get to the fulfilling part: a 30-minute spectacle that will remind you why you love Jackie Chan movies, yes, even the ones where Jackie can’t move quite as fast as he used to. CZ12 proves that, even at age 59, Jackie’s still got more fight in him than most. At the end of the day, the film is likely too much of a mess to appeal to anyone but his most die-hard fans, but for those fans it should be an enjoyable romp with enough flashes of greatness to recall the good old days.
HKFanatic’s Rating: 7/10
X-Ray & Schizoid Double Feature | Blu-ray & DVD (Shout! Factory)
RELEASE DATE: August 2013
Shout! Factory presents the Blu-ray & DVD for X-Ray (aka Hospital Massacre) & Schizoid (aka Murder by Mail). 1982’s X-Ray is about a beautiful woman who is stalked by a maniac out to avenge a childhood Valentine’s Day humiliation. 1980’s Schizoid is a cult-slasher that stars Klaus Kinski (The Great Silence), Donna Wilkes (Jaws 2) and Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future).
Assassin's Blade Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)
Welcome to the month of May. Let’s get cracking. If you’re interested in any of these titles, you can support the site by ordering through our affiliate. We appreciate it!
Here are your Blu-ray and DVD releases for the week of 5/7/13:
ASIAN CINEMA
The Assassin’s Blade (Blu-ray/DVD) – distributor Well Go USA presents this 2008 Chinese fantasy/romance – a sort of “Romeo & Juliet” with swords!
Bunohan: Return to Murder (DVD) – it’s a blend of Thai kickboxing with arthouse drama in this innovative 2011 Malaysian film
Dragon Lord (Blu-ray) – while it’s appearing on Blu-ray in its dubbed and slightly edited form, this 1982 effort from Jackie Chan is still one of the best martial arts movies of its era. Only $5.99 from Echo Bridge
FOREIGN
Id: A (DVD) – Shout! Factory releases this 2011 Danish thriller about a woman who wakes up with no memory, a duffel bag full of money – and a stalker on her trail
The Rabbi’s Cat (Blu-ray/DVD) – the popular graphic novel of the same name is brought to stunning life in this 2011 animated French-language film
The Condemned (DVD) – this 2012 creepy chiller about a mansion with hidden secrets arrives from Puerto Rico
MAINSTREAM
Jack Reacher (Blu-ray/DVD) – Tom Cruise tries to do his best “Dirty Harry” routine in this gritty 2012 thriller set in Pittsburgh
Upstream Color (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 2013 sci-fi film is the latest mind-bending feature from the writer/director behind 2004 cult favorite “Primer”
Mark 2: Redemption (Blu-ray/DVD) – martial arts icon Gary Daniels (“City Hunter,” “Bloodmoon”) co-stars in this 2013 apocalyptic thriller with a Biblical theme
NEW TO BLU-RAY
Band of Outsiders (Blu-ray) – the Criterion Collection offers this beloved 1964 effort from French New Wave director Jean-Luc Godard in hi-def for the first time. A must-see for fans of the director
The Great Escape (Blu-ray) – an all-star cast, including Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, and James Garner, headlines this 1963 classic about prisoners escape from a WWII prison camp
Saboteur (Blu-ray) – from the master of suspense himself, Alfred Hitchcock, comes this 1942 thriller. Now in hi-def
Shadow of a Doubt (Blu-ray) – the inimitable Joseph Cotton stars in this 1943 thriller from Alfred Hitchcock, considered one of Hitch’s own personal favorites
Fortress (Blu-ray) – Echo Bridge releases this 1992 Christopher Lambert vehicle in hi-def for only $5.99. From the director of “Re-Animator”!
One Hour Photo (Blu-ray) – Robin Williams headlines this creepy 2002 thriller receiving a belated hi-def release
Grifters (Blu-ray) – John Cusack stars in this 1990 action/comedy, co-starring Anjelica Huston
Gamer 3D (Blu-ray) – the 2009 action movie from the filmmakers behind “Crank” and “Crank 2” is unleashed on Blu-ray once again, this time in 3D
Best of the Best: Without Warning (Blu-ray) – also known as “Best of the Best 4,” underrated action star Phillip Ree directs and stars in this explosive action flick
Bounty Hunters 2: Hardball (Blu-ray) – the “American Ninja” Michael Dudikoff is back in this 1997 action B-movie
COMPILATIONS
Face/Off (Blu-ray Steelbook) – a host of beloved films are available this week in new Blu-ray Steelbook editions, including John Woo’s 1997 action masterpiece. Also look for “Batman,” “Batman Returns,” “Gladiator,” “Heat,” and more
Comic Books 5 Film Set (Blu-ray/DVD) – Miramax and Lionsgate team up for this Blu-ray set containing “Conan the Barbarian” (Jason Momoa version), “The Spirit,” “Kick-Ass,” “The Punisher” (Thomas Jane), and “The Crow”
3 Mega-Monster Movies (Blu-ray) – Echo Bridge presents this 3-film collection of marginally related ‘monster movies,’ including the excellent “Godzilla vs. Biolante” alongside “Monster” and “Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus”
CULT
The Dungeon Of Harrow + Death By Invitation (DVD) – the latest double feature release from the cult and drive-in movie purveyors at Vinegar Syndrome
HORROR
Mama (Blu-ray/DVD) – produced by Guillmero Del Toro (“Pacific Rim”) and starring Jessica Chastain (“Zero Dark Thirty”), this horror flick was an early 2013 hit
Hellraiser VII: Deader (Blu-ray) – the 2005 installment in the popular “Hellraiser” series, now in hi-def from Echo Bridge
Teaching Mrs. Tingle (Blu-ray) – “Scream” writer Kevin Williamson took to the director’s chair for this 1997 horror/comedy set in high school. Featuring Helen Mirren as the teacher from hell
Return Of The Vampire/Revenge Of Frankenstein/Mr Sardonicus/Brotherhood Of Satan (DVD) – a low-budget release compiling these 4 separate horror movies
Interested in any of these movies? If so, we hope that you’ll consider ordering from our affiliate to help support this site. Thank you!
Kickin' It Shaolin Style: 12 Movie Set | DVD (Mill Creek Entertainment)
RELEASE DATE: July 16, 2013
Mill Creek Entertainment presents the DVD for the Kickin’ It Shaolin Style: 12 Movie Set, which includes: Dynamite Shaolin Heroes, Shaolin Invincible Guys, The Cavalier, 18 Shaolin Riders, Stranger from Shaolin, Shaolin Kung Fu, Fist From Shaolin, Shaolin Brothers, Rebel of Shaolin, Shaolin Death Squad, Shaolin Super Dragon and The Magnificent. Star highlights: Lo Lieh, Chiu Chen, Kwan Wong, Carter Wong, John Cheung and Sing Chen.
Flying Fists of Kung Fu: 12 Movie Set | DVD (Mill Creek Entertainment)
RELEASE DATE: July 16, 2013
Mill Creek Entertainment presents the DVD for the Flying Fists of Kung Fu: 12 Movie Set, which includes: 7 Steps of Kung Fu, Ninja Fists of Fire, 18 Fatal Strikes, 5 Pattern Dragon Claws, Crane Fighter, Wu Tang Magic Kick, Tiger At The Top, Tai Chi Shadow Boxing, Drunken Tai Chi, Crazy Horse, Intelligent Monkey, Phantom Kung Fu and Mantis Under Falcon’s Claws. Star highlights: Tien-chi, Chiu Chen, Wei Tung, Dragon Lee, John Liu, Donnie Yen and Chang Yee.
The Black Kung Fu Experience | DVD (PBS)
RELEASE DATE: June 11, 2013
PBS presents the DVD for The Black Kung Fu Experience. Meet kung fu’s black pioneers and heroes who fluorished at the junction of African American and Asian cultures. The Black Kung Fu Experience traces the rise of black kung fu in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s. Featuring interviews with Ron Van Clief, Tayari Casel, Dennis Brown, Donald Hamby and many more. Watch the trailer.
The Long Hair of Death | Blu-ray & DVD (Raro Video USA)
RELEASE DATE: Fall 2013
Raro Video USA presents the Blu-ray & DVD for 1964’s The Long Hair of Death (aka I lunghi capelli della morte), directed by Antonio Margheriti (Cannibal Apocalypse). The film follows a wrongfully executed witch who returns from the dead to get bloody revenge on the ones responsible for condemning her. Starring Barbara Steele, George Ardisson and Halina Zalewska.
Stay tuned for pre-order information.
"Robotech: 2-Movie Collection" DVD Cover
RELEASE DATE: July 23, 2013
Lionsgate presents the DVD for Robotech: Beyond the New Generation. This 2-disc set includes two feature-length movies: Shadow Chronicles and the brand new, never-before-seen Love Live Alive, which takes place shortly after the events of Robotech: The New Generation. In addition, you get a great collection of extra features. Click here for details.
Detective Dee & True Legend Double Feature | Blu-ray (Indomina)
RELEASE DATE: June 17, 2013
Indomina presents the Blu-ray Double Feature for Detective Dee & True Legend. Tsui Hark’s epic mystery film Detective Dee stars Andy Lau, Carina Lau, Li Bingbing and Tony Leung Ka-fai; Yuen Woo-ping’s True Legend stars Vincent Zhao, Jay Chou, Michelle Yeoh, Andy On, David Carradine, Cung Le and Gordon Liu. Specially priced and together for the first time!
"Aftershock" International Poster
THE MOVIE: Written and directed by Nicolás López, Aftershock takes place in Chile, where a group of friends are partying in an underground nightclub when a massive earthquake hits. Little do they know, the earthquake is just the beginning of their nightmare.
Aftershock stars Cabin Fever’s Eli Roth (also serves as producer and co-writer), Andrea Osvárt, Ariel Levy, Nicolas Martinez, Lorenza Izzo, Natasha Yarovenko and a cameo from Selena Gomez. Aftershock is López’s first English language film. The movie will hit theaters in 2013.
Updates: Enjoy the first clip. | The trailer is now available!
BREAKING NEWS: There’s a bloody new Red Band trailer for your viewing pleasure.
Flying Swords of Dragon Gate & True Legend Double Feature | DVD (Indomina)
RELEASE DATE: June 17, 2013
Indomina presents the DVD Double Feature for Flying Swords of Dragon Gate & True Legend. Tsui Hark’s Flying Swords of Dragon Gate stars Jet Li, Zhou Xun and Chen Kun; Yuen Woo-ping’s True Legend stars Vincent Zhao, Jay Chou, Michelle Yeoh, Andy On, David Carradine, Cung Le and Gordon Liu. Specially priced and together for the first time!
Q: The Winged Serpent | Blu-ray (Shout! Factory)
RELEASE DATE: August 2013
Shout! Factory presents the Blu-ray for 1982’s Q: The Winged Serpent, directed by Larry Cohen (The Stuff). The film follows a winged Aztec serpent that escapes from its Manhattan skyscraper lair and perpetrates a series of bizarre slayings. Q: The Winged Serpent stars Michael Moriarty, David Carradine, Candy Clark, Richard Roundtree, Mary Louise Weller and Malachy McCourt. Watch the trailer.
Night Train | DVD (Pathfinder Home Entertainment)
RELEASE DATE: June 25, 2013
Pathfinder Home Entertainment presents the DVD for Diao Yi’nan’s Night Train. Wu works as a prison guard that kills prisoners on death row. One day, she starts a romance with a stranger named Li Yun. What she doesn’t know is Li is the husband of one of the prisoners she killed. Night Train is a gripping tale of love and revenge, an official selection at the Cannes Film Festival.
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