"The Sorcerer and the White Snake" American Poster

The Ching Siu Tung (Duel to the Death) directed The Sorcerer and the White Snake will open on September 29th, 2011 in Hong Kong and the Mainland for the National Day slot.

This martial arts fantasy stars Eva Huang and Charlene Choi as the White Snake and Green Snake, respectively – characters previously brought to life in Tsui Hark’s cult classic Green Snake. Ching Siu Tung’s film also stars Jet Li, and promises to feature plenty of computer-generated effects and wuxia-style battles. Read the full story or watch the trailer.

Update: Better later than never, right? Magnet Releasing has decided to bring The Sorcerer and the White Snake to American shores. Expect a January 3rd release via Video on Demand and a limited theatrical run on February 8th, 2013. Here’s a poster for the US market and you can check out the trailer, courtesy of Apple Quicktime.

BREAKING NEWS: The film is available today via iTunes and other On Demand services. Check out a new Featurette from Apple Quicktime.

"The Host" Korean Theatrical Poster

In today’s most shocking bit of news, it appears that a sequel to director Bong Joon-ho’s Korean monster movie The Host has long been in development. Even stranger still, it remains unclear just who is directing the movie. Bong Joon-ho is off working on his first English-language production Snowpiercer, so perhaps the sequel duties were handed off to a special FX artist or second unit director from the first film.

We’ll let you know as soon as we know – in the meantime, check out the first clip from the movie, which features plenty of monster-induced carnage and Korean children in peril. Twitch Film reports that the computer effects in The Host 2 are being handled by the same company responsible for Return to Base, a movie that made a strong impression with its nearly photo-realistic CG.

A Special FX reel from Macrograph features some new footage from The Host 2 at around the 3:04 mark. Thanks to Twitch Film.

BREAKING NEWS: At last, Twitch has some more concrete details on the sequel to The Host. It seems that The Host 2 monster footage which made its way online some weeks ago is actually a few years old. While a sequel to The Host is in development, the script was only recently completed by filmmaker Im Pil-sung (Hansel & Gretel, Doomsday Book). Park Myung-chun will be making his debut in the director’s chair but don’t get too excited yet; The Host 2 won’t be ready for release until Summer 2014.

The Yellow Sea Blu-ray (Panorama Distributions)

It’s the end of one year and the beginning of another – you know what the means: time for Top Ten lists. But rather than pick our favorite movies of 2012, we thought we’d do something a little bit different.

So Cityonfire.com has compiled our list of favorite Asian films released on Blu-ray and DVD in 2012. That’s right: it doesn’t matter what year the movie was made, just that it saw a release on Blu-ray or DVD last year.

10. Outlaw Brothers (October/Dragon Dynasty) – kudos to Dragon Dynasty for keeping the dream of early 90’s Hong Kong action movies alive. This 1990 effort from director/star Frankie Chan may not be the best martial arts movie ever made, in fact it’s downright offensive at times, but the blistering fight choreography is sure to please fans of titles like Yes Madam and In the Line of Duty IV

9. The Unjust (December/Pathfinder Entertainment) – this 2010 Korean action/thriller was available via Netflix streaming more than a year ago, but those who’ve seen it can attest that The Unjust deserved a standard retail release. Playing out like a Korean take on Infernal Affairs, this brutal cops-and-crooks tale is another assured effort from director Ryu Seung-wan (City of Violence, No Blood No Tears)

8. Gantz II: Perfect Answer (January/New People Entertainment) – one of the biggest, most special FX-heavy action blockbusters released in 2012 wasn’t out of Hollywood. It was the second part of Shinsuke Sato’s live-action adaptation of the popular Gantz manga and anime. A jaw-dropping fight sequence on a speeding subway train remains one of the year’s best action setpieces, even though Perfect Answer hit Japanese theaters in 2011

7. Life Without Principle (May/Indomina) – the always dependable Johnnie To returns with a drama about the high-stakes world of Hong Kong finance, set shortly before the global economic crisis. Lau Ching Wan and Denise Ho deliver stellar performances, and the film serves as proof that Hong Kong cinema can be perfectly thrilling without any action sequences

6. Outrage (January/Magnet Releasing) – speaking of dependable: when Takeshi ‘Beat’ Kitano sets his mind to directing a Japanese gangster film, there’s almost no one who can top him. This 2010 feature finally arrived on North American shores last year and Magnet’s Blu-ray release endures as one of the most violent and satisfying Yakuza films in recent memory

5. Guilty of Romance (June/CN Entertainment Ltd) – this 2011 effort from Suicide Club director Sion Sono is likely too controversial and un-commercial for American distributors to touch at the moment, but Hong Kong-based distributor CN Entertainment Ltd. released a Region Blu-ray last year with a gorgeous transfer. Those who delight in the extreme side of Asian cinema will want to seek out this offbeat, transgressive film about a Japanese housewife who travels down the proverbial rabbit hole

4. Painted Skin: The Resurrection (November/Well Go USA) – the most successful Chinese film of all time might prove baffling to most Western audiences, but give yourself over to the visual delights of Painted Skin 2 and chances are you’ll find yourself swept up by this candy-colored fantasy of fox demons and the men who love them 

3. The Raid: Redemption (August/Sony) – a film that needs no introduction to Cityonfire.com readers. Writer/director Gareth Evans and his leading man Iko Uwais set a new global standard for bone-crunching fight choreography and bloody gunplay with their landmark Indonesian action film. Make no mistake about it, 2012 was the year of The Raid

2. Motorway (August/Mega Star) – although Lionsgate is planning to release Hong Kong action/thriller Motorway on DVD this March, hardcore Asian film buffs might want to spring for Mega Star’s Region A Blu-ray. This visually stunning movie, which almost has more car chases than dialogue, deserves the hi-definition treatment. We may be a long ways from the Golden Age of Hong Kong cinema but Motorway is a reminder that – when they want to, at least – the country can still do action better than anybody

1. The Yellow Sea (November/Panorama Distributions) – 20th Century Fox released their cut of The Yellow Sea on DVD back in February, but viewers complained it was trimmed for violence and other mature content. Fans who avoided this release and waited patiently were eventually rewarded by the Region A Hong Kong Blu-ray from Panorama Distributions, which features The Yellow Sea in all its uncut glory. This 2010 film from the writer/director of The Chaser has lost none of its bite in the intervening years: The Yellow Sea is as punishing and bloody as Korean revenge cinema gets

Here’s to a great 2013! Now what were your favorite Asian movies released on Blu-ray and DVD in 2012?

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

Director Nopporn Watin’s martial arts action epic Muay Thai Warrior (aka Yamada: The Samurai of Ayothaya) debuts on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital March 5th from Well Go USA Entertainment.

Betrayed and left for dead, a young Japanese samurai finds a new home in Siam and soon faces his greatest battle against the elite warriors he once regarded as brothers. Based on actual events from the 17th century’s Ayutthaya period, Muay Thai Warrior combines lush visuals with a cast of Olympic athletes to provide viewers some of the most stunning and realistic Muay Thai techniques ever filmed for the big screen. The cast includes Seigi Ozeki (The Odd Couple), Sorapong Chatree (Ong Bak 2 & 3), Winai Kraibutr (Bangkok Revenge), and newcomers Kanokkorn Jaicheun, Thanawut Ketsaro and Buakhao Paw Pramuk.

Synopsis: Betrayed and left for dead by treacherous Japanese forces, ruthless samurai Yamada Nagamasa (Seigi Ozeki) is rescued to a remote Thai village and nursed back to health among the acolytes in the monastery. Working tirelessly to master the art of Muay Boran (Thai boxing), fearless and brutal Yamada is selected to become a royal bodyguard to King Naresuan The Great. His greatest challenge comes on the day he’s forced to fight back against the elite Japanese warriors who left him behind.

“GORGEOUS SCENERY AND BRUTAL THAI FIGHTING SKILL” – Paragraph Film Reviews

Muay Thai Warrior has a runtime of approximately 102 minutes and is not rated. Watch the trailer.

Cityonfire.com received the above press release from Well Go USA.

Looper Blu-ray & DVD (Sony)

Happy Holidays and New Year from your friends at Cityonfire.com. This week sees several staggered releases since “Looper” arrives on 12/31, but some titles are coming out between the 28th and the 1st. Hopefully that’s not too confusing! 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 1/01/12:

ACTION AND SCI-FI

Looper (Blu-ray/DVD) – Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis headline director Rian Johnson’s (“Brick”) mind-bending 2012 science-fiction/action film

FOREIGN CINEMA

Putin’s Kiss (DVD) – this 2012 Russian-language coming of age film tells the story of an idealistic college student who discovers there may be more to Vladimir Putin’s administration than meets the eye

MAINSTREAM

Cosmopolis (Blu-ray/DVD) – David Cronenberg’s latest feature is a 2012 adaptation of Don DeLillo’s novel of the same, starring ‘It boy’ Robert Pattinson

Mass Effect: Paragon Lost (Blu-ray/DVD) – an animated prequel to the popular video game “Mass Effect,” this 2012 film features animation from the acclaimed Production I.G. (the anime sequence from “Kill Bill: Volume 1”)

Trouble With Bliss (DVD) – Michael C. Hall of “Dexter” fame headlines this 2011 indie drama that serves as a middle-aged ‘coming of age’ tale

CULT

Overtime (Blu-ray/DVD) – Al Snow and John Wells star in this 2013 ‘zombies-meets-aliens’ anything-goes action romp

The Room (Blu-ray) – the epitome of ‘so bad it’s good,’ writer/director/star Tommy Wiseau’s 2003 magnum opus is released in hi-def

War of the Dead (Blu-ray/DVD) – it’s Allied soldiers versus the undead in this 2011 ‘zombies in World War II’ feature

CLASSICS

The Black Pirate (DVD) – a 1926 silent adventure film starring Douglas Fairbanks, a matinee idol known for his turns as Zorro and Robin Hood

HORROR

The Thompsons (Blu-ray/DVD) – a well-to-do family runs afoul of a vampire clan in this 2012 feature billed as ‘Twilight meets Tarantino’

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!

The Assassins Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Well Go USA continues to prep The Assassins for a January 8th, 2013 release on Blu-ray and DVD. Now you can check out the official US trailer for the movie. This historical epic should appeal to fans of titles like White Vengeance and other Three Kingdoms-era pictures.

In the film, Hong Kong movie legend Chow Yun Fat stars as the Prime Minister of the Han Dynasty, Cao Cao. His military prowess is known far and wide, even inspiring fear in the Emperor of China. Cao Cao believes it’s only a matter of time until his enemies move against him…but his would-be assassins are even closer than he realizes.

"The Tower" Korean Theatrical Poster

CJ Entertainment is thrilled to announce the North American release of The Tower on 1/11/13!

Already stirring up intense interest in Korea where it opens as the holiday blockbuster offering for this Christmas, The Tower features a star-studded ensemble cast including Sul Kyung-gu (No Mercy, Haeundale), Son Ye-jin (A Moment to Remember, Spellbound) and Kim Sang-kyung (Memories of Murder).

Interwoven dramatic storylines, heartfelt acting, and show-stopping pyrotechnics make The Tower a bold new addition to the disaster action movie genre.

Synopsis

Christmas Eve – at Tower Sky – the ultra-luxurious landmark building complex, a “White Christmas” party is held to dazzle its equally high-end tenants and VIP guests. Dae-ho (KIM Sang-kyung), the manager of the building and single father, is forced to cancel plans with his daughter Hana (CHO Mina) to work the event. His Christmas is saved when Yoon-hee (SON Ye-jin), the food mall manager with a secret crush on Dae-ho, offers to babysit Hana during theparty. Meanwhile, Young-ki (SUL Kyung-gu) the legendary fire chief of Yoido Station has finally promised his first holiday date night to his long suffering wife.

The party is in full swing with the spectacular sight of two helicopters flying overhead just to spray snow on the partygoers and make everything perfect. When unthinkable disaster strikes, Dae-ho and Young-ki must summon all their strength and courage to save the lives of thousands but at what cost to themselves and their loved ones?

Theatrical Listings

The Tower is now playing in the Los Angeles area. The film is coming to Las Vegas, San Diego, Seattle, Dallas, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, New York, New Jersey, and Honolulu on 1/11/2013. Check here for theatrical listings.

Cityonfire.com received the above press release courtesy of CJ Entertainment

"Police Story" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Shout! Factory has announced the release of 6 Jackie Chan films in 2013. In addition, they have secured rights to distribute all of Bruce Lee’s films, with the obvious exception of Warner’s Enter the Dragon. There are currently no official details on which titles and formats will be released, but definitely check back with us for the latest updates.

So far, Shout! Factory has the January 15th release of the Crime Story and Protector Double Feature, which includes Jackie Chan’s Hong Kong cut of the Protector (Blu-ray version only); as well as the American-made Bruce Lee documentary I Am Bruce Lee.

As far as other Asian titles, Shout! Factory will most likely continue their association with South Korea’s CJ Entertainment, as they did with the action packed Sector 7 and Quick.

Updates: Amazon.com now has pre-orders up for the following Bruce Lee Double Features on DVD: The Big Boss & Fist of Fury and Way of the Dragon & Game of Death; as well as a link for the Jackie Chan Beginnings Double Feature, which contains Killer Meteors & New Fist of Fury. Please check back for updates regarding extra features, languages and cover art.

Current message board rumors indicate Shout! Factory is likely planning a Bruce Lee Blu-ray box set for release in July 2013. It’s expected that the four films featured in the DVD Double Features will be collected in this set.

Police Story 1 and Police Story 2 are now available on Blu-ray & DVD (pre-order link). They are both set to hit retailers in April 16, 2013.

BREAKING NEWS: Shout! Factory now has pre-order links up for the Jackie Chan Double Feature: Battle Creek Brawl and City Hunter Blu-ray & DVD. Also, Shout! Factory’s Bruce Lee Blu-ray Box Set is here.

"Going By the Book" Korean Theatrical Poster

Film distributor 5 Points Pictures is pleased to announce the two-disc, special-edition DVD release of Going By the Book will be available on April 16, 2013.

Writer, director and producer Jang Jin (Guns and Talks, Righteous Ties) and actor Jung Jae-young (Moss, Righteous Ties) reteam for this South Korean bank-heist comedy, which is helmed by first-time director Ra Hee-chan (Mr. Idol) and features supporting performances by Son Byung-ho (The Good, The Bad, The Weird, May 18), Lee Young-eun (Doomsday Book, To the Beautiful You TV), and more.

Going by the Book is based upon the Japanese film “Bang!” (a.k.a. “Asobi no Jikan wa Owaranai”), with an adapted screenplay by Jang Jin and Lee Gyu-bok. It was produced by Film It Suda and is presented by CJ Entertainment.

SYNOPSIS

It’s Cops vs. Cops (pretending to be robbers)!

Sam-po is a small town with a major problem. Its banks are increasingly targeted by armed robbers, and local law enforcement’s efforts to address the issue have been nonexistent. Incoming police chief LEE Seung-woo (Son Byung-ho, The Good, The Bad, The Weird) initiates an ambitious plan to send a message to the criminals and win the confidence of the townspeople. Every member of his force will participate in a “Bank Robbery Simulation” – unscripted training involving bank personnel and customers, plus a lone cop playing the role of the crook. And the new chief thinks he knows the right man for the job…

By-the-book patrolman Jung Do-man (Jung Jae-young, Moss) is dismayed to find he has been personally selected for this role. But when the dedicated officer is told to “do his best,” what was meant to be a simple role-playing exercise quickly spirals into a nationally televised event!

Includes the feature film plus more than an hour and 45 minutes of video extras, all with on/off English subtitles!

DISC SPECS

5 Points Pictures’ release of Going By the Book will feature an upgraded English translation of the film, plus more than an hour and 45 minutes of translated and subtitled video extras from the South Korean limited-edition releases.

Visit www.5pointspictures.com for more information about Going By the Book, to sign up for 5 Points Pictures’ newsletter and press release lists, or to inquire about retail opportunities.

Cityonfire.com received the above press release courtesy of 5 Points Pictures