Jackie Chan’s ‘CZ12’ skydives over a volcano to land on Import Blu-ray and DVD

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Z Ravas

"CZ12" Chinese DVD Cover Art

It’s fair to say that for Hong Kong action buffs living in the West, Jackie Chan’s CZ12 (AKA Chinese Zodiac) has been one of the most anticipated films of the year. While the film broke opening day box office records in China back in December, North American fans have been waiting patiently for a release date.

Last we heard, CZ12 would be in theaters over here sometime during Summer 2013. But in case you don’t feel like waiting that long, you’re in luck.

CZ12 hits Chinese Blu-ray and DVD on March 7th, 2013. Trusted retailer DDDHouse is offering the film on Region A Blu-ray (3D+2D) for $27.18. Since the disc is Region A, it should play on any North American Blu-ray player.

Additionally, there’s the 2-disc DVD edition for only $14.49, but be advised that the disc is coded Region 3 so it will require an import DVD player to play.

Posted in Asian Import Titles, News |

The director of ‘The Unjust’ is back with the action-packed ‘The Berlin File’

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Z Ravas

"The Berlin File" Korean Theatrical Poster

Film Business Asia offers news that Ryoo Seung-wan, the director of hard-hitting Korean action/dramas like No Blood, No Tears and The Unjust, is heading to Berlin next month to begin production on his latest movie.

This new film, recently retitled The Berlin File, begins shooting in Germany on May 1st and has a budget of $9 million. Ryoo Seung-wan and crew will film for two weeks in Berlin before heading back to South Korea for the rest of the production. Although The Berlin File is an entirely Korean-financed project, German co-production and services will be provided by Film Base, the company that recently co-produced the Bollywood action blockbuster Don 2.

The premise behind The Berlin File involves a secret agent who is framed for a crime he did not commit, and who must also protect the lives of his wife and unborn child.

Despite the action-heavy premise, Ryoo Seung-wan says the focus is more on the human drama.

Update: Trust us, you won’t want to miss the jaw-dropping, action-packed first trailer! Twitch has Trailer #2 as well as some Character Spotlight trailers and a Behind the Scenes video.

The Berlin File is loaded and ready to hit select North American theaters on February 15th, 2013. This website should be updated with theater locations very soon. In the meantime, here’s quote from director Ryoo Seung-wan: “It’s said that during the Cold War, 6 out of 10 people walking the streets of Berlin were spies. Although that crushing period has passed, I sense that tragic history still hanging in the air. I wanted to tell a story about human beings who are defined by dangerous secrets bigger than their own lives.”

BREAKING NEWS: Check out a second full-length trailer for the film online now.

Posted in News |

Blu-ray and DVD Releases for 2/12/13

Posted on February 10, 2013 by Z Ravas
"The Thieves" Blu-ray Cover

"The Thieves" Blu-ray Cover

There are plenty of films to cover this week, so let’s get started. 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 release dates for the week of 2/12/13:

ASIAN CINEMA

The Thieves (Blu-ray/DVD) – one of the most successful Korean films of all time, this heist thriller in the “Ocean’s 11” vein stars Gianna Jun (“My Sassy Girl”) and Kim Yoon-seok (“The Chaser”)

Dangerous Liaisons (Blu-ray/DVD) – this adaptation of the famous French novel is a Korean/Chinese co-production, featuring Hong Kong starlets Zhang Ziyi and Cecilia Cheung alongside Korean sensation Dong-gun Jang (“My Way”)

Croczilla (DVD) – Barbie Hsu (“Reign of Assassins”) stars in this 2012 Chinese creature feature, also known as “Million Dollar Crocodile.” Be advised that Screen Media Films’ release of this film is [dubbed] in English

Sleepy Eyes of Death: Collector’s Set 3 (DVD) – AnimEigo presents the next 4-disc volume in this cult favorite 60’s samurai film series

Planet of Snail (DVD) – this acclaimed 2011 Korean documentary follows a famous poet who can no longer see or hear

Chanbara Beauty: Movie Vortex (DVD) – Tokyo Shock presents the 2009 entry in this popular series about bikini-clad zombie-slaying gals, which is based on a video game

FOREIGN

The Kid With a Bike (Blu-ray/DVD) – the Criterion Collection presents this 2011 French-language effort from festival favorites the Dardenne Brothers, an unsentimental story about a young orphan looking for someone to care for him

Black’s Game (DVD) – explore the dark underworld of Iceland’s drug trade in this 2012 action/thriller

Teddy Bear (DVD) – a 2012 Danish drama about a hulking but shy bodybuilder in search of true love

MAINSTREAM

Skyfall (Blu-ray/DVD) – the 2012 box office smash following 007 James Bond arrives on home formats

The Man With the Iron Fists (Blu-ray/DVD) – rapper turned actor RZA directs and stars in this 2012 homage to old-school kung fu movies

Silent Hill: Revelation (Blu-ray/DVD) – the 2012 sequel to the horror film series based on the Playstation video game

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 2012 teen drama adapts the popular young adult novel to the big screen

Robot & Frank (Blu-ray/DVD) – Frank Langella (“Superman Returns”) headlines this quirky sci-fi comedy about an older man and his service robot

The Resistance (DVD) – this 2011 martial arts action film is set during the Japanese occupation of China during World War II, but was shot in English by the director of “The Last Kung Fu Monk”

NEW TO BLU-RAY

Several James Bond movies previously only available in the 007 Blu-ray box set are being released as standalone Blu-ray discs this week. The titles include: You Only Live Twice (1967), On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969), Diamonds Are Forever (1971), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), Octopussy (1983), The Living Daylights (1987), Goldeneye (1995), and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)

HORROR

Die Screaming, Marianne: Remastered Edition (Blu-ray/DVD) – Redemption Films presents this 1971 swingin’ horror flick, the first such genre effort from British exploitation director Pete Walker

House of Whipchord: Remastered Edition (Blu-ray/DVD) – Redemption presents a hi-def release for Pete Walker’s acclaimed 1974 cult horror film about a secret torture chamber where ‘immoral women’ are punished

Schizo: Remastered Edition (Blu-ray/DVD) – Pete Walker’s 1976 effort is on Blu-ray and DVD, courtesy of Redemption Films. This film is a British attempt at the ‘giallo’ style of horror

The Comeback: Remastered Edition (Blu-ray/DVD) – a washed-up American singer moves into a secluded house in the English countryside. All manner of supernatural mayhem ensues in this 1978 chiller from director Pete Walker

Euro-Sleaze Collection (DVD) – Severin Films presents 278 minutes of the sleaziest Eurohorror films for only $30. The 3-disc set includes: “The Sister of Ursula,” “The Sinful Dwarf,” and “Hanna D: The Girl From Vondel Park”

Rise of the Zombies (Blu-ray/DVD) – Machete himself, Danny Trejo, headlines this 2012 zombie flick set in San Francisco

Smiley (DVD) – the internet urban legend of a serial killer named ‘Smiley’ comes to life in this 2012 horror flick

Dracula vs. Frankenstein (DVD) – the titular monsters square off in this 1971 horror film, although reviews warn the cover art is the best part of the movie

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!

Posted in News |

Which side will you be on in the ‘Library Wars’?

Posted on February 10, 2013 by Z Ravas

"Library Wars" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Preposterous but interesting – such is the premise for Library Wars, the new film from the acclaimed director of the live-action Gantz films and Princess Blade. This Japanese-language movie is based on a popular novel that ended up spawning a manga and anime series.

Taking a page from Ray Bradbury’s classic novel Fahrenheit 451, the movie is set in the near future in which Japan’s government organizes an armed military unit who are allowed to find and destroy any offensive publications. A rogue group known as the Library Force rises up to stop them in the name of free speech and creative expression. The teaser trailer for Sato Shinsuke’s Library Wars is online now.

Update: Here’s the new full-length trailer!

Posted in News |

Shout! Factory acquires French action thriller ‘Dead Shadows’

Posted on February 9, 2013 by JJ Bona
"Dead Shadows" Theatrical Poster

"Dead Shadows" Theatrical Poster

Shout! Factory secured extensive rights to David Cholewa’s French horror action thriller Dead Shadows. “This highly entertaining feature is a perfect addition to our ever-growing horror and world cinema library; and we look forward to present this film to movie fans and reach new audiences through a variety of distribution platforms,” stated Shout! Factory’s founders in a joint statement.

David Cholewa’s first feature film Dead Shadows (trailer) tells the story about a young man, whose parents were brutally killed 11 years ago, on the same day that the comet of Haley could be seen from earth. Tonight, a new comet is going to appear and everyone in his building are getting ready to celebrate the event. Little do they know, they’re in for some terrifying surprises.

Posted in News |

Ninja the Mission Force Riffs: Ninja Empire | DVD (Dark Maze Studios)

Posted on February 8, 2013 by JJ Bona
Ninja the Mission Force Riffs: Ninja Empire DVD (Dark Maze Studios)

Ninja the Mission Force Riffs: Ninja Empire DVD (Dark Maze Studios)

RELEASE DATE: February 8, 2013

Dark Maze Studios, the creators of the Telly Award-winning series Ninja the Mission Force, are back! This time, they riff the cheesy cut-and-paste flick Ninja Empire in a new DVD called Ninja the Mission Force Riffs: Ninja Empire.

You can watch the Godrey Ho film with or without the riffing commentary, PLUS you get the season 2 premiere of Ninja the Mission Force over a month before it’s available anywhere else.

Check out the trailer and order a copy today through Dark Maze Studios.

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

Captain America | Blu-ray (Shout! Factory)

Posted on February 7, 2013 by JJ Bona
Captain America Blu-ray (Shout! Factory)

Captain America Blu-ray (Shout! Factory)

RELEASE DATE: May 21, 2013

Shout! Factory presents the Blu-ray for 1990’s Captain America, directed by Albert Pyun (Cyborg). Frozen in the ice for decades, Captain America (Matt Salinger) is freed to battle against arch-criminal, The Red Skull (Scott Paulin). Also starring Ronny Cox and Ned Beatty. The MGM DVD is currently available. Watch the trailer.

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

The Name of the Game is Kill | DVD (VCI Entertainment)

Posted on February 7, 2013 by JJ Bona
The Name of the Game is Kill DVD (VCI Entertainment)

The Name of the Game is Kill DVD (VCI Entertainment)

RELEASE DATE: April 30, 2013

VCI Entertainment presents the DVD for 1968’s The Name of the Game is Kill, a cult-shocker that stars Jack Lord (Hawaii Five-O, Dr. No), Tisha Sterling and Collin Wilcox Paxton. A family offers a traveling stranger hospitality, but the stranger doesn’t realize exactly what they have in store for him. Watch the trailer. “Contains moments of Bava-like Brilliance!” – Joe Dante, Director of Gremlins

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

South Shaolin Master, The (1984) Review

Posted on February 7, 2013 by JJ Bona
"The South Shaolin Master" DVD Cover

“The South Shaolin Master” DVD Cover

AKA: Red Dragons Of Shaolin
Director: Siao Lung
Cast: Yau Gin Gwok, Li Yan-Long, Zhong Xiao-Zhen, Suen Gen-Fa, Xu Xue-Yi, Dong Li, Li Zhong-Ru, Pan Wei-Xing, Ku Guo-Xing, Xu Qi-Cheng

By Reefer

The absolute best thing about being a movie fanatic is being surprised, caught off guard by something unexpectedly brilliant. Something you dug out of the bargain bin at your local movie store. Something you thought would be a simple time-waster and not something that you would immediately jump onto the computer to write about – Well, The South Shaolin Master has become that kind of film for me.

With a largely unknown cast, wonderful fight choreography, and some very nice photography, The South Shaolin Master exceeded all my expectations. It’s somewhat of a shame that this film really hasn’t achieved much notoriety in this respect.

The story begins as a rebel fighter, with skillful kung fu, comes to the aid of an opera troupe being assaulted by Manchu government thugs. The rebel was in town to deliver funds to colleagues. Unfortunately tricked and injured by other Manchus at the drop, the rebel is taken in by the opera troupe, his identity unknown to some its members. Personal vendettas and political maneuverings abound as the opera troupe and the rebel eventually go to war against the government forces.

Many of the fight scenes are wonderfully electric, full screen duels, filmed with an economy of cuts and camera tricks. These action sequences are the epitome of the way fight scenes should be filmed. If is no surprise that members of the Yuen clan choreographed this film.

The fights feature weapons of all kinds: fists, swords, spears, etc. My favorite of all the weapons used is the metal dart with a rope attached (I don’t know the correct name for the weapon). I saw this weapon used last, in a poorly-staged way, in Jackie Chan’s Shanghai Noon, involving a horse shoe and a rope instead. Nonetheless, it is brilliantly staged here. Other notable scenes feature the three or four women in the opera troupe immersed in a deadly group sword fight. Each girl dresses in a certain solid color like pink, green, and yellow, laughably reminding me of my daughter’s favorite cartoon, The Powerpuff Girls.

This being a larger budget Mainland production, the viewer is also treated to some beautiful landscapes serving as the backdrop to most of the action, as well as some very large scale sets.

In fear of over-hyping this film, let me get to the very major flaw of this film. Character development. Unfortunately, the story unfolds as if none of the characters existed before this film. They are mostly without pasts or any emotional baggage that doesn’t originate within these 95 minutes. Bottom line: These are not well-drawn characters. Consequently, the potential for any changing attitudes or meaningful revelations about one’s lot in life gets lost in all the marvelous punching and kicking action.

I understand that, ultimately, these might be small criticisms for the action genre, but it is also the element that is keeping this film from receiving a score of ten from me. At the same time, the acting is pretty straightforward standard fare. The heroes are likable. The bad guys deserve the beating they get. Justice is served. And another movie fanatic is very satisfied.

I almost regret raving this film up so much because it means that other fans won’t have the opportunity the react to this film in a similar way. So, please, check it out. Sit back. And watch kung fu the way it was meant to be filmed.

Reefer’s Rating: 8.5/10

Posted in All, Chinese, News, Reviews | Tagged , |

Kunoichi: Lady Ninja (1998) Review

Posted on February 7, 2013 by JJ Bona
"Kunoichi: Lady Ninja" Theatrical Poster

“Kunoichi: Lady Ninja” Theatrical Poster

Director: Hitoshi Ozawa
Cast: Hitoshi Ozawa, Yuko Moriyama, Tomomi Kuribayashi, Kazuki Takeda, Yoshio Shima, Tomoroo Taguchi, Takekazu Shigehisa, Hidehiko Ishikura
Running Time: 105 min.

By Numskull

‘Ninja Magic: Energy Ball!’ A blazing, luminous sphere is conjured out of thin air by one of the Seven Beasts of Katoh, and with a murderous glint in his eyes, he directs it towards the imperiled Hori girls with deadly speed and accuracy!

“But wait! What’s this? It looks like the lovely Okei’s dormant ninja powers have chosen a most opportune moment to awaken!

“‘Ninja Magic: Returning Echo!’ Okei sits up and spreads the pair of sleek legs that her ninja costume, unconcerned with authenticity or practicality, leaves so accommodatingly exposed. As squiggly purple lines clearly intended to represent an irresistible electromagnetic pull or some shit materialize in the air, the villain’s deadly orb is drawn to the source of this new energy! Yes, the Energy Ball is clearly outclassed by the Returning Echo magic emanating from… from… uh… Okei’s… um… well… you know… her… ah… THERE.

“In goes the energy ball, and the brave young ninja’s body becomes host to an orange-sized bulge that threatens to rip her flesh asunder! Driven by forces beyond mortal ken, it makes its way up through her abdomen, her chest, her neck, and finally into her very head itself! OH NO!!! Will Okei’s efforts all be in vain? Will the battlefield become strewn with fragments of her skull, scalp, and brain? Will shiny white stuff burst forth from the head so soon after the meeting of ball and vagina?

“Oh, heavens be praised! The valiant Okei spews the Energy Ball forth from her mouth and sends it hurtling towards her foe, whereupon it explodes in a blinding burst of righteous ninja destruction! The Beast of Katoh dies a horrible death, his carcass falling back to the earth in bloody, smoking chunks! A rousing victory for the Hori forces! Hurrah!!!”

And so forth.

This may sound like grand entertainment. And it is, sort of. The problem is that there isn’t enough of it. Kunoichi: Lady Ninja (the 7th and last film in the Kunoichi series; knowledge of the other six may help but is not required) takes itself too seriously, inserting FX-heavy action scenes like the one described above in between laborious plot and character development scenes, resulting in a ride so uneven it would make even Wong Jing say “Wow, that’s really uneven.” I know this is a jaded Westerner speaking, but it seems to me that if you’re going to do stuff as “out there” as magnetic vaginas and electrocuting nipples, you might as well just go all out and cast off any pretense of seriousness.

This wouldn’t be such a big deal if the story was involving, but seven ninja girls getting into all sorts of trouble until their hitherto unfamiliar magical powers decide to spring to life just didn’t do much for me. I am reminded of another manga adaptation: Riki-Oh, The Story of Ricky, which coasts through an hour and a half or so on its shock value and little else. This is a film best left ignored.

Numskull’s Rating: 5/10

Posted in All, Japanese, News, Ninja, Reviews | Tagged |

Hammer Horror 3-Film DVD Set (Millennium Media Services)

Posted on February 7, 2013 by JJ Bona
"Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires" Japanese Theatrical Poster

"Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires" Japanese Theatrical Poster

RELEASE DATE: April 2, 2013

Millennium Media Services presents the DVD for the Hammer Horror 3-Film Set, which contains 1966’s Dracula: Prince of Darkness (trailer), 1967’s Frankenstein Created Woman (trailer) and Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires (trailer), which is the Hammer and Shaw Brothers Studio mash-up, co-directed by the legendary Chang Cheh with David Chiang co-starring alongside with Peter Cushing.

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

Cityonfire and Well Go USA are giving away 5 Blu-ray copies of ‘The Thieves’ – WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

Posted on February 7, 2013 by JJ Bona
"The Thieves" Blu-ray Cover

"The Thieves" Blu-ray Cover

Cityonfire.com and Well Go USA are giving away 5 Blu-ray copies of The Thieves (read our review) to five lucky Cityonfire visitors. To enter, simply add a comment to this post telling us what your favorite heist film is, along with a brief explanation of why it’s your favorite. We will be selecting five winners at random. Be sure to include your email address in the appropriate field so we can contact you for your home address. Also, please ‘Like Us’ on cityonfire.com’s Facebook by clicking here.

The Blu-ray & DVD for Well Go USA’s The Thieves will officially be released on February 12th. We will announce the 5 lucky winners on February 8th and ship out the prizes immediately. Enter now!

CONTEST DISCLAIMER: Contest is now closed. You must enter by February 5th 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.

WINNERS: Congratulations to Bryan, Patrick Chan, Spirit31, Alan Tan and Keith. We will contact you shortly via e-mail for your mailing address. Thanks to everyone for participating. Please keep an eye out for future contests.

Posted in News | Tagged |

The Town That Dreaded Sundown | Blu-ray & DVD (Shout! Factory)

Posted on February 6, 2013 by JJ Bona
The Town That Dreaded Sundown Blu-ray & DVD (Shout! Factory)

The Town That Dreaded Sundown Blu-ray & DVD (Shout! Factory)

RELEASE DATE: May 21, 2013

Shout! Factory presents the Blu-ray & DVD for 1976’s The Town That Dreaded Sundown, directed by Charles B. Pierce. A Texas Ranger hunts for a hooded serial killer terrorizing the residents of a small town, set in 1946 Arkansas. Loosely based on a true story. Pierce’s rare cult movie classic The Evictors will also be included with this title. Watch the trailer.

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

Crimewave | Blu-ray & DVD (Shout! Factory)

Posted on February 6, 2013 by JJ Bona
Crimewave Blu-ray & DVD (Shout! Factory)

Crimewave Blu-ray & DVD (Shout! Factory)

RELEASE DATE: May 14, 2013

Shout! Factory presents the Blu-ray & DVD for 1985’s Crimewave, directed by Sam Raimi (The Evil Dead). Crimewave revolves around a pair of whacked-out cartoon-like exterminator/hitmen who kill the owner of a burglar-alarm company, and stalk the partner who hired them, his wife, and a nerd framed for the murder, who tells the story in flashback from the electric chair. Watch the trailer.

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

The Burning | Blu-ray & DVD (Shout! Factory)

Posted on February 6, 2013 by JJ Bona
The Burning Blu-ray & DVD (Shout! Factory)

The Burning Blu-ray & DVD (Shout! Factory)

RELEASE DATE: May 21, 2013

Shout! Factory presents the Blu-ray & DVD for 1981’s The Burning, directed by Tony Maylam (Split Second). A former summer camp caretaker, horribly burned from a prank gone wrong, lurks around an upstate New York summer camp bent on killing the teenagers responsible for his disfigurement. Watch the trailer.

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