Repo Man Blu-ray & DVD (Criterion Collection)

Repo Man Blu-ray & DVD (Criterion Collection)

Repo Man Blu-ray & DVD (Criterion Collection)

RELEASE DATE: April 16, 2013

Criterion Collection presents the Blu-ray & DVD for 1984’s Repo Man, directed by Alex Cox. This cult sci-fi comedy is about a weathered repo man (Harry Dean Stanton) who takes a nihilistic middle-class punk (Emilio Estevez) under his wing. The job becomes more than what they bargained for when they get involved in reclaiming a mysterious Chevy Malibu with a hefty reward attached to it. Watch the trailer.

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

Michael Shannon is a cold-blooded killer in ‘The Iceman’

"The Iceman" Theatrical Poster

"The Iceman" Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: The Ice Man is the true story of Richard Kuklinski, loving husband, devoted father, ruthless killer. He is believed to have killed 100 people between 1964 and 1986.

The Iceman is directed by Danika’s Ariel Vromen. It stars Michael Shannon, Winona Ryder, James Franco, Ray Liotta, Chris Evans, David Schwimmer, Stephen Dorff and Robert Davi.

Updates: New teaser poster. The official trailer is here.

BREAKING NEWS: Enjoy the newest trailer.

Posted in News |

Gate of Hell Blu-ray & DVD (Criterion Collection)

Gate of Hell Blu-ray & DVD (Criterion Collection)

Gate of Hell Blu-ray & DVD (Criterion Collection)

RELEASE DATE: April 9, 2013

Criterion Collection presents the Blu-ray & DVD for 1953’s Gate of Hell, directed by Teinosuke Kinugasa. A winner of Academy Awards for best foreign-language film and best costume design, Gate of Hell is a visually sumptuous, psychologically penetrating work from Teinosuke Kinugasa. In the midst of epic, violent intrigue in twelfth-century Japan, an imperial warrior falls for a lady-in-waiting; even after he discovers she is married, he goes to extreme lengths to win her love.

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

Eclipse Series 38: Masaki Kobayashi Against the System DVD Set (Criterion Collection)

Eclipse Series 38: Masaki Kobayashi Against the System DVD Set (Criterion Collection)

Eclipse Series 38: Masaki Kobayashi Against the System DVD Set (Criterion Collection)

RELEASE DATE: April 16, 2013

Criterion Collection presents the DVD set for Eclipse Series 38: Masaki Kobayashi Against the System, which includes The Thick-Walled Room, I Will Buy You, Black River and The Inheritance. One of the most important filmmakers to emerge from Japan’s cinematic golden age, Masaki Kobayashi is best remembered today for his 1959 epic The Human Condition, but that is just one of the blistering films he made in a career dedicated to criticizing his country’s rigid social and political orders.

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

Blu-ray and DVD Releases for 1/15/13

Jackie Chan Double Feature: Crime Story & The Protector Blu-ray & DVD (Shout! Factory)

Jackie Chan Double Feature: Crime Story & The Protector Blu-ray & DVD (Shout! Factory)

A Jackie Chan Double Feature…a Bruce Lee documentary…and low-budget kung fu. It’s a good week to be a fan of Asian cinema! If you’re interested in any of the following 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 1/15/13:

ASIAN CINEMA

Jackie Chan: Crime Story/The Protector (Blu-ray/DVD) – it’s a Jackie Chan Double Feature from Shout! Factory, featuring Kirk Wong’s “Crime Story” (1993) and the American film “The Protector” (1985). Please note, only the Blu-ray version contains Jackie Chan’s Hong Kong cut of “The Protector” and it is in Standard Definition

I Am Bruce Lee (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 2012 documentary released by Shout! Factory speaks to popular athletes and martial artists about the one, the only, the legend that is Bruce Lee

China Heavyweight (DVD) – this riveting 2012 documentary explores China’s changing economic landscape as a former heavyweight champion canvasses the Chinese countryside for potential fighters to train

Shaolin Deadly Kicks/Chase Step By Step (DVD) – Screen Magic Films presents two obscure 1974 kung fu films on one disc. It’s 177 minutes of Wu Tang-style action, though we cannot vouch for the image quality of these releases

Shaolin Temple/Four Robbers (DVD) – more low-budget kung fu action from Screen Magic Films

FOREIGN

Farewell My Queen (Blu-ray/DVD) – Diane Kruger (“Inglourious Basterds”) and Lea Seydoux (“Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol”) star in this 2012 French-language costume drama about Maria Antoinette

The Tin Drum (Blu-ray/DVD) – the Criterion Collection presents this controversial 1979 German-language film about a 3 year-old boy who wills himself not to grow older in protest of the Nazis

17 Girls (DVD) – in this 2011 French-language film, seventeen teenage girls living in a small town become pregnant at the same time, baffling the community (and their boyfriends)

MAINSTREAM

Taken 2 (Blu-ray/DVD) – first they took his daughter, now they’ve taken his wife. Big mistake. Liam Neeson is back to make the bad guys pay in the 2012 sequel to the popular Luc Besson-produced original film

To Rome With Love (Blu-ray/DVD) – Woody Allen follows up “Midnight in Paris” with this 2012 romantic comedy set in Rome

Branded (Blu-ray/DVD) – what if all the advertising we see around us was part of an “Inception”-style physic conspiracy? Find out in this 2012 action/thriller

About Cherry (Blu-ray/DVD) – James Franco co-stars in this 2012 indie drama about an innocent small town girl who becomes pulled into the world of adult films

Allegiance (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 2012 military drama looks at a National Guard unit who is called to serve in Iraq circa 2004 and the decision one soldier faces when his friend goes AWOL

Love Me (Blu-ray/DVD) – in this 2012 thriller, a teenage girl discovers that her charismatic new boyfriend might be involved in a missing persons case

Counterpunch (DVD) – a promising young boxer looks to redeem himself after a stint in prison. This 2012 drama co-stars Steven Bauer (“Scarface”) and “Machete’s” Danny Trejo

NEW TO BLU-RAY

Wake in Fright (Blu-ray/DVD) – this obscure but acclaimed 1971 Australian thriller stars Donald Pleasance as a man who enters a world of moral degradation after becoming stranded in a backwoods Australian town

The Man Who Knew Too Much (Blu-ray/DVD) – Alfred Hitchcock would later remake this film as the more well-known version starring Jimmy Stewart, but Criterion Collection presents the 1934 original starring Pete Lorre, now in hi-def

Sleeper (Blu-ray) – Woody Allen’s 1973 comedy set in the far future, now on Blu-ray

Hannah & Her Sisters (Blu-ray) – the 1986 comedy from Woody Allen, considered by many to be one of his best films

CLASSICS

Gentlemen’s Agreement (Blu-ray) – in order to expose anti-Semitism, Gregory Peck’s journalist character poses as a Jew in this 1947 effort from Elia Kazan (“On the Waterfront”)

Wild River (Blu-ray) – Montgomery Clift stars in this 1960 film from acclaimed director Elia Kazan (“East of Eden”)

CULT

Black Cobra/The Big Fight (DVD) – Screen Magic Films presents two action movies on one disc, including Fred ‘The Hammer’ Williamson in 1987’s “Black Cobra,” an Italian-blaxploitation take on Stallone’s “Cobra”

HORROR

The Possession (Blu-ray/DVD) – Sam Raimi produces this 2012 possession-and-exorcism flick that performed surprisingly well at the box office

Lightning Bug (Blu-ray) – this 2004 coming-of-age film follows a teen who longs to become a make-up artist for horror movies but who first must overcome small town prejudices

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 |

Double Feature: When a Stranger Calls & Happy Birthday to Me Blu-ray (Mill Creek)

Double Feature: When a Stranger Calls & Happy Birthday to Me Blu-ray (Mill Creek)

Double Feature: When a Stranger Calls & Happy Birthday to Me Blu-ray (Mill Creek)

RELEASE DATE: March 26, 2013

Mill Creek Entertainment presents the Blu-ray for When a Stranger Calls & Happy Birthday to Me Double Feature. in 1979’s When a Stranger Calls (Trailer), a psychopathic killer terrorizes a babysitter, then returns seven years later to menace her again. 1981’s Happy Birthday to Me (Trailer) is a cult classic among fans of the slasher genre, with its bizarre murder methods and twisted climactic revelation.

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

Drive-In Double Feature: Savage Water & Death By Invitation DVD (Vinegar Syndrome)

Drive-In Double Feature: Savage Water & Death By Invitation DVD (Vinegar Syndrome)

Drive-In Double Feature: Savage Water & Death By Invitation DVD (Vinegar Syndrome)

RELEASE DATE: March 12, 2013

Vinegar Syndrome presents Drive-In Collection: Savage Water & Death By Invitation on DVD. 1979’s Savage Water is regional horror filmmaking at its most bare-bones, Paul Kener’s Utah lensed proto-giallo is a schizoid blend of big budget home movie and ultra cheap sleaze. 1971’s Death By Invitation is one of producer Leonard Kirtman’s odd ventures into horror psychedelic filmmaking. Watch the trailers.

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

Cold Prey II DVD (Shout! Factory)

Cold Prey II DVD (Shout! Factory)

Cold Prey II DVD (Shout! Factory)

RELEASE DATE: April 23, 2013

Shout! Factory presents the DVD for the Swedish horror flick Cold Prey II. The original Cold Prey is definitely a genre favorite. In the sequel, the survivor from the first film wakes up in the hospital. As she walks through the dark corridors, she thinks she is left alone. But the nightmare isn’t over yet. Watch the trailer.

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

An Assassin DVD (Asian Media Rights)

An Assassin DVD (Asian Media Rights)

An Assassin DVD (Asian Media Rights)

RELEASE DATE: April 23, 2013

Asian Media Rights presents the DVD for An Assassin (aka Assassin). An assassin named Ryo Hanaki leaves the criminal life behind, but things catch up with him after he helps an attractive high school girl named Rio. An Assassin is director Go Ohara’s (Geisha vs Ninjas) first venture into “The new school of Japanese Noir.” Starring Ryoma Baba, Yuki Kubota, Sayuri Iwata, Kohei Otomo and George Takahashi. Watch the trailer.

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

Nightmare on Elm Street Blu-ray Collection (Warner)

Nightmare on Elm Street Blu-ray Collection (Warner)

Nightmare on Elm Street Blu-ray Collection (Warner)

RELEASE DATE: March 5, 2013

Warners presents the Blu-ray for the Nightmare on Elm Street Collection, which includes A Nightmare on Elm Street, Freddy’s Revenge, Dream Warriors, The Dream Master, The Dream Child, Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare and Wes Craven’s New Nightmare. This 7 film/5 disc set features a DTS-HD Master Audio track and a number of special features on the 5th disc.

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

Disaster never looked so good as in ‘The Tower’ – North American trailer

"The Tower" Korean Theatrical Poster

I don’t know about you but here at Cityonfire.com we love a good disaster movie. From The Towering Inferno to The Poseidon Adventure, there’s nothing like seeing a bevy of celebrities forced to fight against the elements. I mean, that has to be the reason we paid good money to see 2012 in theaters, right?

Well, the booming Korean film industry is taking another stab at the genre, no doubt following on the success of 2009’s Tidal Wave. Their latest disaster epic, The Tower 3D, arrives from Kim Ji-hun, the director of Section 7. You’ll recall that movie was about a group of oil riggers beleaguered by a computer-generated sea monster. While Sector 7 failed to endear itself to critics, it cleaned up at the box office and went on to become the highest-grossing Korean movie in China.

Now Kim Ji-hun is back with a movie that looks to take a liberal influence from The Towering Inferno. Disaster strikes during a ‘White Christmas’ party at a luxurious high-rise building when the two helicopters sprinkling fake snow crash into each other. Rescue workers must race against time to get everybody out before it all goes up in flames. In 3D!

Beyond Hollywood has the full scoop, including pictures and a promo reel from the studio, CJ Entertainment. Expect The Tower 3D in Korean theaters sometime this year. The first teaser trailer is here, as well as the poster!

The new full-length trailer is now online for your viewing pleasure! Enjoy some impressive new posters for The Tower. Thanks to 24 Frames Per Second.

BREAKING NEWS: Apple has the North American trailer for The Tower available in glorious Quicktime. The film opens in limited release this weekend. Check this website for theatrical listings.

Posted in News |

Fairy in a Cage Blu-ray & DVD (Impulse Pictures)

Fairy in a Cage Blu-ray & DVD (Impulse Pictures)

Fairy in a Cage Blu-ray & DVD (Impulse Pictures)

RELEASE DATE: March 12, 2013

Impulse Pictures is proud to present the Blu-ray & DVD for 1977’s Fairy in a Cage, directed by Koyu Ohara. Fairy in a Cage is one of the most controversial films of 1970’s Japanese cinema, in a brand-new high-definition transfer taken from the original 35mm camera negative.

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

Female Teacher: In Front of the Students DVD (Impulse Pictures)

Female Teacher: In Front of the Students DVD (Impulse Pictures)

Female Teacher: In Front of the Students DVD (Impulse Pictures)

RELEASE DATE: March 12, 2013

Impulse Pictures presents the DVD for 1982’s Female Teacher: In Front of the Students, directed by Yasurou Uegaki. With shocking scenes of torture and violence, including a shower assault that clocks in at almost four minutes, Female Teacher: In Front of the Students is one of the more unforgiving and jaw-dropping films in Impulse Pictures Nikkatsu Erotic Films Collection.

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

Spielberg terminates ‘Robopocalypse’ (for now)

Daniel H. Wilson's "Robopocalypse"

Daniel H. Wilson's "Robopocalypse"

Thor’s Chris Hemsworth is being handpicked by Steven Spielberg to star in Robopocalypse, a sci-fi story set in the aftermath of a robot uprising, based on the critically acclaimed novel of the same name by Daniel H. Wilson.

The novel’s description is as follows: When the Robot War ignites, humankind will be both decimated and, possibly, for the first time in history, united. Robopocalypse is a brilliantly conceived action-filled epic, a terrifying story with heart-stopping implications for the real technology all around us…and an entertaining and engaging thriller unlike anything else written in years.

Looks like Cyberdyne has finally met its match! We’ll be sure to keep you posted on any updates regarding Spielberg’s Robopocalypse, so stay tuned!

Updates: THR reports that Robopocalypse has been postponed indefinitely. Spielberg spokesman Marvin Levy says the project is “too important and the script is not ready, and it’s too expensive to produce. It’s back to the drawing board to see what is possible.”

Posted in News |

Assassins, The (2012) Review

"The Assassins" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“The Assassins” Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Zhao Linshan
Cast: Chow Yun Fat, Crystal Liu Yi Fei, Tamaki Hiroshi, Alec Su You Peng, Annie Yi Neng Jing, Ni Dahong, Yan Ni, Wu Xiu Bo, Yao Lu, Nie Yuan, Roy Cheung Yiu Yeung, Law Kar Ying, Tong Chun Chung, Ken Tong Chun Yip
Running Time: 107 min.

By HKFanatic

While Chow Yun-fat never really left the world of acting, it’s fair to say he’s been making a ‘comeback’ to Chinese filmmaking after the debacle that was 2009’s “Dragonball: Evolution.” That film may have represented the lowpoint of Chow’s career in Hollywood, but he’s been bouncing back with roles in movies like “Confucius” and “Let the Bullets Fly.” The upcoming gangster epic “The Last Tycoon” is probably his most anticipated by fans, and it’s been receiving positive advance reviews from venues like the Hollywood Reporter; but before we get to see what Wong Jing has cooked up for us with that film, the 2012 historical epic “The Assassins” is here with a North American release from Well Go USA.

This film from first-time director Linshan Zhao casts Chow Yun-fat in the lead role of Cao Cao, a powerful military leader during the Three Kingdoms period. The goal was clearly to provide a more three-dimensional portrayal of this feared man, who sought to unite China through bloodshed. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, after all – and placing a talented actor such as Chow Yun-fat in the role also helps add some nuance to a character that could have easily been just a war monger.

The issue with these kinds of costume epics, with rulers engaging in backstabbing and infidelities, is that they tend to achieve a certain level of Shakespearean gravitas or else feel like a soap opera. Unfortunately, “The Assassins” falls into the later category. Most of the film’s runtime consists of Cao Cao’s own court and various political affiliations plotting against him while Cao Cao himself mourns his lot in life. Chow Yun-fat is as good as you’d expect him to be, but the actors that support him are rarely able to rise above the screenplay’s histrionics.

When the action sequences do come, they feel fantastical and out of place compared to the palace drama of the rest of the film. An early assassination attempt features ninja-like attackers running across a net of ropes like it’s the trapeze in a circus of death. In another film, this sequence might be an action highlight – but the choreography isn’t terribly exciting and the almost manga-like spectacle clashes with the realism of the movie as a whole.

It should be noted that Chow Yun-fat’s “Let the Bullets Fly” co-star Jiang Wen managed to deliver a complex portrayal of Cao Cao in the midst of an all-out action movie (Donnie Yen’s “The Last Bladesman“). Meanwhile, Chow Yun-fat himself was a highlight in Zhang Yimou’s lavish costume epic “The Curse of the Golden Flower” back in 2006, which was successful at blending high drama with wire-assisted action. Both those films proved more entertaining than “The Assassins,” which comes across as a bit too dour and sloppily directed in comparison. Die-hard fans of Chow Yun-fat can likely round the score for this film up but “The Assassins” doesn’t have what it takes to stand out in a crowded genre. It looks like John Woo’s “Red Cliff” will remain the definitive Three Kingdoms saga for awhile longer.

HKFanatic’s Rating: 5.5/10

Posted in Chinese, Reviews | Tagged , , |