Westworld Blu-ray (Warner)
RELEASE DATE: March 5, 2013
Warner presents the Blu-ray for 1973’s Westworld, written and directed by Michael Crichton (Jurassic Park). A robot malfunction creates havoc and terror for unsuspecting vacationers at a futuristic, adult-themed amusement park. Starring Yul Brynner, Richard Benjamin and James Brolin. Also coming to Blu-ray is Futureworld. Watch the trailer.
"Doomsday Book" Korean Theatrical Poster
Internationally-renowned Directors Kim Ji-woon (I Saw the Devil, The Good, The Bad, the Weird) and Yim Pil-sung (Hansel & Gretel) present three interpretations on an apocalyptic theme in the anthology film Doomsday Book, debuting on Blu-ray & DVD December 11th from Well Go USA Entertainment.
In the first film, director Yim Pil-Sung opens with Brave New World, starring Ryoo Seung-bum (The Servant) as a young man trying to survive in a world infected by biological toxins. The centerpiece of the film, Heavily Creature, directed by Kim Ji-woon, stars Kim Kang-woo (A Better Tomorrow), Kim Gyu-ri (Portrait of a Beauty) and Park Hae-il (War of the Arrows) as citizens of Seoul who must deal with the innovations of the high-tech modern world where a religion-practicing robot achieves enlightenment and must escape the evil manufacturer who wants to destroy it.
Director Yim Pil-Sung closes the film with Happy Birthday, starring newcomer Song Sae-byoek, Jin Ji-hee (Hansel & Gretel) and Bae Doo-na (Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance). Elementary school student Park Min-seo (Jin Ji-hee) accidentally order a mysterious package off the internet that puts Earth and all its inhabitants at risk of extinction.
Doomsday Book was named “Best International Film” at the 2012 Fant-Asia Film Festival.
“A well-crafted Korean anthology …” – Ronnie Scheib, Variety
Doomsday Book has a runtime of approximately 114 minutes and is unrated.
Cityonfire.com has received the above press release courtesy of Well Go USA.
“Kung Fu Hustle” Japanese DVD Cover
Director: Stephen Chow
Cast: Stephen Chow, Yuen Wah, Yuen Qiu, Leung Siu Lung, Huang Sheng Yi, Chan Kwok Kwan, Lam Tze Chung, Tung Chi Hwa, Chiu Chi Ling, Xing Yu
Running Time: 99 min.
By Peach
“Kung Fu Hustle” is Stephen Chow’s violent, computer effects-driven, wacky dedication to corny kung fu flicks of the 1970s. The film’s main attraction is the candy while everything else takes a back seat.
That’s not to say “Kung Fu Hustle” is totally brainless. It has touches of thoughtful, comedic moments that can only come from a comic genius like Chow. The film’s direction, design and soundtrack are tightly produced and the action scenes are some of the most creative I’ve seen in a long time.
The slick chorographed work of Yuen Woo Ping is enhanced with CG, making most of the fight scenes exaggerated and surreal. Some of the film’s in your face violence caught me off guard. I knew the film was R-rated, but I didn’t expect to see as much blood as I did. Somehow, the defined violence complimented the rest of the film’s wackiness.
The characters in “Kung Fu Hustle” are colorful with over-the-top attributes and skills (think Saturday morning cartoons). Pay attention to some of the kung fu masters as a couple of them are players from old Hong Kong flicks. Even Bruce Lee fanatics will smile when they catch a few obvious references to their star.
If you can deal with a below average story line, you’ll certainly enjoy “Kung Fu Hustle.” The film definitely sucked me in. And while I’d occasionally grow a little bored, before I knew it, some nice visuals would kick in and I’d find myself entertained again.
Depending on what you’re expecting, “Kung Fu Hustle” may or may not be for you. It wouldn’t hurt for you to see it at least once.
Peach’s Rating: 8/10
By Equinox21
I’m not sure if it’s the mood I was in when I watched it, my expectations for this film or the film itself, but, I was fairly let down by Kung Fu Hustle. Not that I didn’t enjoy it, I just didn’t see anything special in it. Besides, I’ve seen it all before.
Sing is a 2-bit, lower than small-time thug. He wants to be part of the Axe Gang, the most feared gang around. The only people that don’t fear the Axe Gang are the residents of Pig Sty Alley. They have, in their midst, a number of kung fu masters who protect the building complex from the gang and their various hired killers. That is, until they meet the Beast, the number one killer in the world. How will they ever defeat him?
I won’t spoil any of the story, even though it’s pretty easy to guess. The special effects are really what make this movie work. There are a few parts that really had me in awe (and understanding why this movie too so long to be released). But other than that, I really didn’t think there was much to it. I’d seen a similar story in Arahan (the Korean film, which itself reminded me a lot of Shaolin Soccer), and I enjoyed that one more. The comedy in Arahan also worked much better. I just didn’t find Kung Fu Hustle very funny at all. Thankfully, the fighting and special effects partially made up for the lack of comedy and original story ideas, but it still wasn’t enough for me.
I think everyone will see Kung Fu Hustle, simply because everyone loved Shaolin Soccer so much. That’s great, and I want to see Steven Chow release more films like he’s been doing. I just don’t think this was his best, or even close to it. But, overall it was still enjoyable.
Equinox21’s Rating: 6/10
"Berserk: The Golden Age Arc 1 - The Egg of the King" Blu-ray
In the aftermath of Black Friday…it seems distributors are not looking to release much, as the only Asian-related products this week are anime. “Men in Black III” and “Lawless” are likely to move a few units, though. If you’re interested in any of these titles, you can support the site by ordering through our affiliate. We appreciate it!
ASIAN CINEMA
Berserk: The Golden Age Arc I – The Egg of the King (Blu-ray/DVD) – this Japanese anime is a reboot of the popular “Berserk” series, which was based on a violent manga and even inspired a video game
Serial Experiments Lain: The Complete Series (Blu-ray + DVD combo) – the groundbreaking late 90’s anime series about life in the digital age gets a box set
MAINSTREAM
Men in Black III (Blu-ray/DVD) – Will Smith travels back in time for one last go round as an alien-fighting secret agent in this 2012 summer blockbuster
Lawless (Blu-ray/DVD) – Shia LeBeouf and Tom Hardy play two bootleggin’ brothers in this 2012 crime drama set during the Prohibition era
The Day (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 2012 films offers a gritty post-apocalyptic adventure starring Shawn Ashmore of “X-Men” fame
Paranorman (Blu-ray/DVD) – the 2012 stop-motion animated family movie from the director of “Coraline”
40 Days & Nights (Blu-ray/DVD) – Asylum Entertainment presents what appears to be their riff on Roland Emmerich’s “2012” with this disaster flick
Cartel War (DVD) – this 2010 low-budget crime/thriller follows a group of undercover cops looking to dismantle a drug cartel from the inside
Stash House (IMPORT Blu-ray) – if you’re so inclined, Amazon is offering the Region 2 Blu-ray of “Stash House” at an import price. This 2012 action/thriller stars Dolph Lundgren of “Rocky IV” fame
INDIE
Burning Man (DVD) – IFC presents this 2011 drama about a man (Matthew Goode) whose anger issues threaten his family life
REISSUES
Men in Black/Men in Black 2/Men in Black 3 Giftset (Blu-ray) – receive all three films in the “Men in Black” series, alongside an alien worm figurine
HORROR
The Apparition (Blu-ray/DVD) – Ashley Greene (“Twilight”) is haunted by a, well, apparition in this 2012 supernatural thriller
Rites of Spring (DVD) – in this 2011 chiller from IFC films, a group of kidnappers holed up in the woods are hunted by a mysterious entity
6 Degrees of Hell (Blu-ray/DVD) – Corey Feldman headlines this 2012 horror film as a paranormal investigator researching a haunted house
Experiment: Who’s Watching You (DVD) – a series of home-set drug tests go horribly wrong in this 2012 horror 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!
Skyfall Blu-ray & DVD (Sony Pictures)
RELEASE DATE: February 12, 2013
Sony Pictures presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Sam Mendes’ Skyfall. Bond’s (Daniel Craig) loyalty to M (Judi Dench) is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost. Also starring Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris and Bérénice Marlohe.
The Matrix, The Dark Knight and Iron Man Blu-rays for only $3.96 each? DVD sets for Sons of Anarchy: Season Three for $9.96? These are just a few of the awesome deals you can get online during Amazon’s Black Friday Deals Event.
Amazon’s Black Friday Deals are not just limited to movies; excellent Black Friday prices on everything from books to video games and electronics will be discounted to the max.
Keep checking back on this Calendar so you don’t let any of the deals slip through the cracks. Deals come and go within hours, so be sure to check out the times and dates for current and upcoming offers!
Croczilla DVD aka Million Dollar Crocodile (Screen Media Films)
RELEASE DATE: February 12, 2013
Screen Media Films presents the DVD for Li Sheng Lin’s Croczilla (aka Million Dollar Crocodile), starring Barbie Hse, Tao Guo and Lam Suet. A 36 foot crocodile goes on the rampage in Beijing after being moved from a peaceful Crocodile Farm and onto the menu of a local gangster. Watch the trailer.
“The Thieves” Korean Theatrical Poster
Director: Choi Dong-hun
Producer: Ahn Soo-hyun
Cast: Yun-seok Kim, Lee Jung-jae, Kim Hye-soo, Jun Ji-Hyun, Simon Yam, Angelica Lee, Derek Tsang
Running Time: 136 min.
By HKFanatic
The easy marketing spin for “The Thieves” was to label the film as Korea’s answer to “Ocean’s Eleven.” I suppose that means we can add the movie to the list of other Korean blockbusters, like “Quick” or “Sector 7,” that feel slightly derivative of Hollywood works but are perfectly serviceable pieces of pop entertainment in their own right. The good news is that “The Thieves” is actually superior to those aforementioned films. Filled with glamour and style to spare, the case could be made that “The Thieves” is much more than serviceable.
Directed by Dong-Hoon Choi (“Tazza: The High Rollers”), the film follows a group of highly talented thieves with pop culture-based nicknames like Popeye and Pepsi. While laying low from their most recent gig, a former associate emerges from hiding to offer them the heist of a lifetime. The team decides the gig is too good to pass up and they soon find themselves traveling all over Asia, from Seoul to Hong Kong and Macau, on the hunt for a precious diamond. Along the way they must try to get along with a group of Chinese thieves, including veteran Hong Kong actor Simon Yam, and avoid the wrath of the diamond’s owner – a vicious crime lord.
Populated by some of the biggest stars in South Korea, including Jung-Jae Lee (“The Housemaid”) and Yun-seok Kim (star of Cityonfire.com favorite “The Chaser“), the film is moved along at a brisk pace thanks to the actors’ charm and a globe-hopping screenplay. Consequently, “The Thieves” doesn’t feel nearly as long as its daunting 135 minute runtime.
Asian cinema buffs should get a thrill out of the Pan-Asian feel of the movie – it’s not often we get to see Korean actors performing alongside famous Cantonese-speaking stars like Simon Yam or Angelica Lee (“Re-Cycle”). The only real downside is that this means the movie requires subtitles for Korean-speaking audiences, besides the requisite subs for us English speakers. At times the action onscreen can become a bit obscured by all the white text.
Aside from a few “Ghost Protocol“-style aerial stunts during the middle of the movie, “The Thieves” is not exactly what one would call an action movie. That said, a large part of the film’s final act is devoted to an extended setpiece in a Korean apartment building. This action sequence feels like the tenement shootout from Tsui Hark’s “Time and Tide” crossed with the opening parkour chase from “Casino Royale” – derivative, yes, but completely exhilarating at the same time. That’s a statement that could be applied to the movie as a whole. “The Thieves” is an inconsequential but consummately crafted blockbuster. It’s not much of a gamble to suggest that fans of Korean cinema will enjoy the ride.
HKFanatic’s Rating: 7.5/10
A Man Vanishes 4-Disc DVD Set (Icarus Films)
RELEASE DATE: December 11, 2012
Icarus Films presents the DVD for Shohei Imamura’s A Man Vanishes. This film follows the case of a businessman who has suddenly vanished. Radical in scope, technique and aesthetic, A Man Vanishes has a stunning sequence that explodes any stable sense of fiction and reality. Also includes 5 documentaries by Imamura. Watch the trailer.
Django Unleashed: Western Movie Collection Triple Feature DVD (Boot Hill)
RELEASE DATE: December 11, 2012
Boot Hill presents the DVD for the Django Unleashed: Western Movie Collection. This set – which was obviously produced to cash-in on Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained – contains Giuseppe Colizzi’s Boot Hill (trailer), Romolo Guerrieri’s Johnny Yuma and Mario Siciliano’s Sartana vs. Trinity.
Dredd 3D Blu-ray + Blu-ray 3D & DVD (Lionsgate)
RELEASE DATE: January 8, 2013
Lionsgate presents the 3D Blu-ray + Blu-ray 3D & DVD for Dredd. The ultimate Judge Dredd (Karl Urban) is tasked with ridding the city of its latest scourge -a dangerous drug and the sadistic prostitute turned drug pusher who is using it to take over the city.
"Helpless" Korean Theatrical Poster
This Thanksgiving week, the turkeys may be stuffed but the Blu-ray and DVD releases are slim pickings. Still, there should be plenty for film buffs to enjoy, from “The Expendables 2” to the Korean mystery “Helpless.” 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 11/20/12:
ASIAN CINEMA
Helpless (DVD) – this rain-soaked 2012 Korean mystery is based on a novel by the Japanese author known as the ‘Queen of Crime’
Eclipse Series 37: When Horror Came to Shochiku (The X from Outer Space; Goke, Body Snatcher from Hell; The Living Skeleton; Genocide) (DVD) – the Criterion Collection presents this 4-disc DVD set of late 60’s Japanese sci-fi oddities
Beijing Punk (DVD) – this 2010 documentary focuses on the burgeoning punk rock music scene in Communist China
Big Tits Zombie (DVD) – four exotic dancers unwittingly unleash an army of the dead in this 2010 Japanese splatterflick
My Heart Beats (DVD) – in this steamy 2009 Korean film, a repressed English professor dives deeper into the world of her private fantasies
MAINSTREAM
The Expendables 2 (Blu-ray/DVD) – Sly Stallone and his rowdy gang of mercenaries are back for a second helping of violence and mayhem in this 2012 action sequel from “Con Air” director Simon West
Heaven’s Gate (Blu-ray/DVD) – the Criterion Collection offers Michael Cimino’s controversial 1980 Western, which bankrupted United Artists but has since gone on to be viewed as an American classic
Tarantino XX 8-Film Collection (Blu-ray) – eight feature films either directed by Quentin Tarantino (“Pulp Fiction,” “Reservoir Dogs,” etc.) or penned by him (“True Romance”) are collected in this Blu-ray set
American Warships (Blu-ray/DVD) – in a first for Asylum Entertainment, many critics have been calling this “Battleship” knock-off superior to its Hollywood source material. Starring Mario Van Peebles and Carl Weathers, this week the film comes to 1-disc DVD and Blu-ray
Battle B-Boy (DVD) – this 2012 low-budget indie film is apparently about an underground competition that involves a mix of dancing and combat
Survival Games (DVD) – in this 2012 action/thriller, a group of campers are besieged by some angry mobsters who think something valuable has been stolen from them
ANIMATION
Grave of the Fireflies (Blu-ray) – this 1988 feature-length anime concerning the human suffering involved in World War II has been heralded as a classic of Japanese animation
CLASSICS
Ramrod (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 1947 Hollywood Western starring Joel McCrea and Veronica Lake has been classified by many film scholars as a ‘Frontier film noir’
Black Magic (DVD) – Orson Welles stars as a legendary hypnotist in this lavish 1949 period piece
The Trap (Blu-ray/DVD) – a 1959 color film noir starring Richard Widmark and Lee J. Cobb
HORROR
The Pete Walker Collection (House of Whipcord, Die Screaming Marianne, The Comeback, Schizo) (Blu-ray) – Redemption Films presents this 4-disc Blu-ray set of horror films from English director Peter Walker, who frequently combined horror with sexploitation
Schizo: Remastered Edition (DVD) – Redemption Films offers Peter Walker’s 1976 atmospheric chiller “Schizo” as a stand-alone Remastered DVD
Puppet Master II (DVD) – the cult horror series continues with a direct-to-video 1991 sequel
Puppet Master III: Toulon’s Revenge (Blu-ray) – the cult series continues with the Remastered version of this sequel, also released in 1991
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!
Jackie Chan Double Feature: Crime Story & The Protector Blu-ray & DVD (Shout! Factory)
Brace yourself for twice the action and twice the adrenaline rush with an action-packed double feature starring world renowned martial arts sensation Jackie Chan! On January 15, 2013, Shout! Factory will release Crime Story/The Protector Double Feature deluxe Blu-ray™ and DVD. This highly anticipated home entertainment collection contains insightful bonus features including deleted scenes, filmmaker interviews, trailers, behind-the-scenes featurette and more!
The deluxe Blu-ray edition contains a special bonus of Jackie Chan’s cut of The Protector, with additional scenes directed by Chan (in Cantonese with English subtitles – standard definition). This home entertainment release is a must-have for fans, collectors and movie enthusiasts, own two of popular Jackie Chan cult hits on Blu-ray at an attractive price of $19.93 SRP. The double feature DVD has a suggested retail price of $12.99.
Special Features for the Blu-ray Edition: For Crime Story: Interview with director Kirk Wong, deleted scenes and theatrical trailers. For The Protector: From New York to Hong Kong – Interview with director James Glickenhaus, Behind-the-scenes featurette, theatrical trailers and the Jackie Chan Cut of The Protector with additional scenes directed by Chan (In Cantonese with English Subtitles – Standard Definition)
Special Features for the DVD Edition: For Crime Story: Deleted scenes and theatrical trailers. For The Protector: From New York to Hong Kong – Interview with director James Glickenhaus and theatrical trailers.
Sansho the Bailiff Blu-ray (Criterion Collection)
RELEASE DATE: February 26, 2012
Criterion presents the Blu-ray for Kenji Mizoguchi’s Sansho the Bailiff. When an idealistic governor disobeys the reigning feudal lord, he is cast into exile, his wife and children left to fend for themselves and eventually separated by vicious slave traders. This classic Japanese story became one of cinema’s greatest masterpieces, a monumental, empathetic expression of human resilience in the face of evil. Watch the trailer.
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