Jack Reacher | Blu-ray & DVD (Paramount)

Jack Reacher Blu-ray & DVD (Paramount)

Jack Reacher Blu-ray & DVD (Paramount)

RELEASE DATE: May 7, 2013

Paramount presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Jack Reacher, directed by Christopher McQuarrie (The Way of the Gun). A homicide investigator (Tom Cruise) digs deeper into a case involving a trained military sniper who shot five random victims. Also starring Rosamund Pike, Richard Jenkins, Werner Herzog, David Oyelowo and Robert Duvall. Watch the trailer.

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

Details on the ‘Enter the Dragon’ 40th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition Blu-ray

"Enter the Dragon" 40th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition Blu-ray

"Enter the Dragon" 40th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition Blu-ray

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the Bruce Lee classic Enter the Dragon. To celebrate, Warner Bros. is putting out a 40th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition on June 11th (click here to pre-order). If you’re wondering what kind of supplemental material you can expect, here’s a sneak peak:

New Featurette – No Way As Way: Judging from the title, this new feature can be one of the following: 1) A documentary centering on Bruce Lee’s philosophy 2) A documentary along the lines of I Am Bruce Lee (interviews with famous people who were influenced by Lee) or a new “making of” featurette. Whatever it is, let’s cross our fingers that it’s something fresh and new.

New Featurette – The Return to Han’s Island: Personally, this is the one I’m most curious about. It’s always nice to see a “now and then” of filming locations in classic movies. But then again, The Return to Han’s Island can mean anything. For all we know, it could be an Enter the Dragon retrospective.

New Featurette – Wing Chun: The Art that Introduced Kung Fu to Bruce Lee: With the popularity of Ip Man, this new featurette should come as no surprise. After all, Lee’s time with the Wing Chun Grandmaster was an important milestone in his life.

New Goodies: Looks like the new edition comes with a number of photos, a sticker (?), diagrams and/or maps that are packaged in some kind of fancy envelope. Very cool, if you’re into these kinds of things.

Commentary by producer Paul Heller: Huge disappointment. Instead of recycling Paul Heller’s dull commentary, I would have rather seen an insightful one by Bey Logan or even one of the film’s co-stars like John Saxon or Jim Kelly. Heck, I’ll even take a commentary by one of the film’s extras over Heller’s snooze fest.

More recycled features from previous Blu-ray and DVD editions: Here are more recycled features from the current Blu-ray edition: Interview Gallery featuring Lee’s wife, Linda Lee Caldwell; Vintage pieces; Backyard Workout with Bruce Lee; Curse of the Dragon (1993 documentary); Location: Hong Kong with Enter the Dragon; Blood and Steel: The Making of Enter the Dragon; Personal Profile Bruce Lee: In His Own Words; Five trailers; and Seven TV spots. Good stuff, but we’ve seen it all before.

Don’t go throwing away your old Blu-ray, DVD or VHS copy just yet. John Little’s 2001 documentary A Warrior’s Journey (featuring Game of Death footage) seems to be missing from this release. Additionally, the original theatrical cut of the film, which hasn’t seen the light of day since VHS, is still absent. Also, there’s no word if this new edition is an all-new remaster or not (if they don’t mention it, we doubt it).

If you’re a Bruce Lee library completist, this is good news. If you’re looking for something new, this so-called “40th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition” is not so ultimate. But hey, things can change between now and the street date, so don’t lose all hope. In the meantime, you can pre-order it from Amazon.com.

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Expect plenty of grrl power in Korean action/comedy ‘The Huntresses’

"The Huntresses" Korean Teaser Poster

Korean actresses Ha Ji-won, Kang Ye-won and Son Ga-in take the spotlight for a new action/comedy called The Huntresses. In the film, the ladies star as a trio of bounty hunters during the Joseon Dynasty and they’re as beautiful as they are deadly.

Although the lead character is on a quest to avenge her father’s death, the trailer shows that the movie isn’t all swordplay and bloodletting. The filmmakers are tossing in plenty of humor as well, including some cross-dressing. The Huntresses arrives in Korean theaters this May 2013. Thanks to Twitch Film for the heads-up.

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Blu-ray and DVD Releases for 3/05/13

Muay Thai Warrior Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Muay Thai Warrior Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Welcome to March! It’s a light week to kick things off but perhaps we can all find something to enjoy. 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 3/05/13:

ASIAN CINEMA

Muay Thai Warrior (Blu-ray/DVD) – a samuria warrior is nursed back to health in a small Thai village where he learns the ways of Muay Thai fighting. This 2010 Thai martial arts film arrives from distributor Well Go USA

MARTIAL ARTS

Rage of Honor/American Ninja /Revenge of Ninja (DVD) – MGM offers a triple threat of 80′s ninja movie action, featuring some of your favorite action stars of the decade: namely, Sho Kosugi and Michael Dudikoff

FOREIGN

The Intouchables (Blu-ray/DVD) – an ex-con is hired to take care of an eccentric French aristocrat and finds his life turned upside down in this charming 2011 French film. Based on a true story

The Great Spy Chase (Blu-ray/DVD) – Olive Films presents this 1964 spy romp, in which several spy agencies vie for a collection of weapons stockpiled in the castle of a now deceased arms dealer

Heleno (DVD) – this 2011 Portugese-langauge film follows the story of Brazilian soccer star Heleno de Freitas, who lead a decadent life in the 1940’s

Off White Lies (DVD) – this 2011 Hebrew-language is a coming of age story about the relationship of a young girl and her father

MAINSTREAM

Red Dawn (Blu-ray/DVD) – the 2012 remake of the popular 80’s film. This time around, Chris Pine and his high school buddies rise up against an invading North Korean force

Wreck-It Ralph (Blu-ray/DVD) – Disney’s 2012 CG-animated smash hit about a video game baddie who decides he’s tired of being the bad guy

Interview With a Hitman (Blu-ray/DVD) – Luke Goss of “Blade 2” and “Hellboy II” fame headlines this action/thriller about a hitman caught up in a criminal power struggle

The Marine 3: Homefront (Blu-ray/DVD) – WWE continues their popular franchise going with a 2013 direct-to-video sequel starring Mike “The Miz” Mizanin

Ultramarines: Warhammer (Blu-ray/DVD) – a 2010 R-rated, CG-animated movie about the popular tabletop RPG, featuring the voices of Terence Stamp and John Hurt

A Dark Truth (DVD) – Andy Garcia and Forest Whitaker star in this direct-to-video political thriller about protecting natural resources in Ecuador

True Grit/Hondo Double Feature (Blu-ray/DVD) – it’s the 2010 remake of “True Grit” paired up with John Wayne’s 1953 Western

NEW TO BLU-RAY

Schindler’s List: 20th Anniversary Limited Edition (Blu-ray/DVD) – Steven Spielberg’s landmark 1994 film about the Holocaust arrives on the Blu-ray format

Westworld (Blu-ray) – Michael Crichton directs this 1973 adaptation of his famous novel about a different kind of theme park that has a malfunction

HORROR

Nightmare on Elm Street Collection (Blu-ray) – enjoy all 7 of the original “Nightmare on Elm Street” films, together on Blu-ray for only $44.99

The Bay (Blu-ray/DVD) – “Men in Black” director Barry Levinson tries his hand at the ‘found footage’ horror genre with this 2012 film about parasites in the water

Posted in News |

Ninja III: The Domination | Blu-ray & DVD (Shout! Factory)

"Ninja III: The Domination" Blu-ray Cover

"Ninja III: The Domination" Blu-ray Cover

RELEASE DATE: June 11, 2013

Shout! Factory presents the Blu-ray & DVD for 1984’s Ninja III: The Domination, directed by Sam Firstenberg (Revenge of the Ninja). An evil ninja (David Chung) attempts to avenge his death from beyond the grave, by possessing an innocent woman’s body (Lucinda Dickey). Now, it’s up to Yamada (Sho Kosugi) to stop the evil. Watch the trailer.

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

The Howling: Collector’s Edition | Blu-ray & DVD (Shout! Factory)

"The Howling" Blu-ray Cover

"The Howling" Blu-ray Cover

RELEASE DATE: June 18, 2013

Shout! Factory presents the Blu-ray & DVD for 1981’s The Howling: Collector’s Edition, directed by Joe Dante (Gremlins). After a bizarre and near fatal encounter with a serial killer, a newswoman is sent to a rehabilitation center whose inhabitants may not be what they seem. Watch the trailer.

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

This Girl Is Bad-Ass!! | Blu-ray & DVD (Magnolia Pictures)

This Girl Is Bad-Ass!! Blu-ray & DVD (Magnolia Pictures)

This Girl Is Bad-Ass!! Blu-ray & DVD (Magnolia Pictures)

RELEASE DATE: May 21, 2013

Magnolia Pictures presents the Blu-ray & DVD for This Girl Is Bad-Ass!! Jija Yanin (Chocolate, Raging Phoenix) takes her skills to the next level as a girl whose life turns upside-down when she is hired as a bike messenger to transport smuggled goods to a group of ruthless gangsters. Watch the trailer.

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

Shout! Factory unleashes ‘Ninja III: The Domination’ and ‘The Howling’ to Blu-ray in June!

"Ninja III: The Domination" Blu-ray Cover

"Ninja III: The Domination" Blu-ray Cover

Shout! Factory has added two more titles to their Scream Factory tag: 1984’s Ninja III: The Domination, directed by Sam Firstenberg (Revenge of the Ninja) and 1981’s The Howling (click here to see cover art), directed by Joe Dante (Gremlins).

If you’re wondering why Ninja III: The Domination is on the horror-thriller label, it’s because the movie is essentially “Revenge of the Ninja meets The Exorcist” (see our review). Ninja III: The Domination is the 3rd title of The Cannon Group’s unrelated trilogy of ninja films (Enter the Ninja and Revenge of the Ninja were the first two), all of which feature Sho Kosugi (Ninja Assassin) playing a completely different character.

Look for the Ninja III: The Domination and The Howling in June 2013 (pre-order now). Until then, check back with cityonfire.com for updates regarding special features.

Posted in News |

The director of ‘Bangkok Adrenaline’ unleashes a ‘Dragonwolf’

"Dragonwolf" Promotional Poster

Raimond Huber, the director of Bangkok Adrenaline and Kill ‘Em All, is back with a new action-packed martial arts film. What happens when a beautiful but deadly woman comes between two friends who happen to be highly trained assassins? You’ll find out in the Dragonwolf, which stars Kazu Patrick Tang.

Tang is a Thailand-based martial artist and actor who may look familiar – he played the romantic lead opposite Jeeja Yanin in Raging Phoenix and had a smaller role in Bangkok Knockout. 2013 should be a big year for Kazu Patrick Tang as he also has an appearance in Tom Yum Goong 2 as one of Tony Jaa’s many opponents. In the meantime, check out the trailer for Dragonwolf and stay tuned for further details on this project.

Posted in News |

The Last Stand | Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

The Last Stand Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

The Last Stand Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

RELEASE DATE: May 21, 2013

Lionsgate presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Kim Jee-Woon’s (I Saw The Devil) The Last Stand, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Forest Whitaker and Johnny Knoxville. Features include: Making of; Cornfield Chaos; The Dinkum; Firearm and Historic Weaponry Museum; Actor-Cam Anarchy; and Deleted & Alternate Scenes. Watch the trailer.

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

Quentin Tarantino’s Rolling Thunder Presents: Mighty Peking Man, Detroit 9000 & Switchblade Sisters | DVD (Lionsgate)

Rolling Thunder Presents: Mighty Peking Man, Detroit 9000 & Switchblade Sisters DVD (Lionsgate)

Rolling Thunder Presents: Mighty Peking Man, Detroit 9000 & Switchblade Sisters DVD (Lionsgate)

RELEASE DATE: April 4, 2013

Lionsgate presents the DVD for Quentin Tarantino’s Rolling Thunder Triple Feature. This grindhouse treat features the 1977 Shaw Brother’s classic Mighty Peking Man (trailer), 1973’s Detroit 9000 (trailer) and 1975’s Switchblade Sisters (trailer). Could this mean that The Beyond, Chungking Express and Sonatine are the next triple feature? Our fingers are crossed.

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

Mad Max: Complete Blu-ray Trilogy (Warner)

"Mad Max Trilogy" Blu-ray Cover

"Mad Max Trilogy" Blu-ray Cover

RELEASE DATE: June 4, 2013

Warner Bros. presents the Blu-ray set (packaged in a tin) for the Mad Max: Complete Trilogy, which features 1979’s Mad Max (trailer), 1981’s Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (trailer) and 1985’s Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (trailer), which is presented in Blu-ray for the first time. Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (click here) and Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (click here) are also available individually.

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

Mad Max: The Road Warrior | Blu-ray (Warner)

Mad Max: The Road Warrior Blu-ray (Warner)

Mad Max: The Road Warrior Blu-ray (Warner)

RELEASE DATE: June 4, 2013

Warner Bros. presents the Blu-ray for 1981’s Mad Max: The Road Warrior (aka Mad Max 2, The Road Warrior), directed by George Miller. In the post-apocalyptic Australian wasteland, a cynical drifter (Mel Gibson) agrees to help a small, gasoline rich, community escape a band of bandits. Watch the trailer. Also available in the new Mad Max Trilogy Blu-ray set.

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

Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome | Blu-ray (Warner)

Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome Blu-ray (Warner)

Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome Blu-ray (Warner)

RELEASE DATE: June 4, 2013

Warner Bros. presents the Blu-ray for 1985′s Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome (aka Mad Max 3), directed by George Miller. A drifter (Mel Gibson) is rescued by a tribe of children when he is banished from a desert town and sent into the desert to die by the desert town’s evil queen (Tina Turner). Available for the first time on Blu-ray. Watch the trailer. Also available in the new Mad Max Trilogy Blu-ray set.

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

It’s a good day for Gerard Butler to die hard in ‘Olympus Has Fallen’

"Olympus Has Fallen" Theatrical Poster

Olympus Has Fallen (aka White House Taken) is an upcoming action film directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) and starring Gerard Butler (Machine Gun Preacher), who plays a United States Secret Service agent who must stop Korean terrorists from taking over the White House and holding the President of the United States hostage. Also starring Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman, Angela Bassett, Dylan McDermott, Melissa Leo, Rick Yune, Ashley Judd and Robert Forster.

Note: Don’t confuse Olympus Has Fallen with Roland Emmerich’s similarly themed White House Down, which will be released June 28th, 2013. Olympus Has Fallen is scheduled to be released in theaters on March 22, 2013.

Updates: Watch the first trailer. We need to free John McTiernan right now! | Yahoo has a featurette on the film for your viewing pleasure.

BREAKING NEWS: Enjoy a new poster and TV spot for the action film.

Posted in News |