Kiyoshi Kurosawa to direct Tony Leung Chiu-Wai in ‘1905’

"Kairo" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Kiyoshi Kurosawa made a name for himself on the international scene with skin-crawling thrillers like Cure and Kairo (AKA Pulse). As of late, the director has branched out from the horror genre with the domestic drama Tokyo Sonata and the TV mini-series Penance.

Now word arrives that Kurosawa is looking to team up with acclaimed Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Chiu-Wai (In the Mood For Love, The Grandmasters) for an international project titled 1905.

In the film, Tony Leung will play a Chinese loan shark sent to Japan during 1905 to collect the debt of some anti-Manchu revolutionaries. While there, he interacts with the locals, which will include Japanese actresses Shota Matsuda and Atsuko Maeda.

Interestingly enough, the setting of Yokohama, Japan circia 1905 will be recreated in Taiwan, with about 90% of the film’s dialogue recorded in Chinese, which should pose an interesting challenge for Kurosawa.

Thanks to Twitch Film for the story. However, there is some rumor that Tony Leung’s involvement in the project has been put on hold due to rising tensions between Japan and China over the island dispute.

Posted in News |

‘Oldboy’ director Chan-wook Park to direct a bloody Mafia tale

"Oldboy" Japanese Theatrical Poster

"Oldboy" Japanese Theatrical Poster

News has hit the web that Korean director Chan-wook Park (Oldboy, Sympathy For Mr. Vengeance) is circling his next English-language project now that his Western debut Stoker is set for release in March of 2013. Park has set his sights on Corsica ’72, a screenplay with a strong pedigree.

The script arrives from Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, who have penned most of the Bond films of the past 12 years. The story even found itself on the 2009 Black List – Hollywood’s official list for the best unproduced scripts.

Corsica ’72 tells a tragic tale of two childhood friends growing up on the island of Corsica in the early 70’s. One of them falls in with the Mafia, the other settles down with his true love – but eventually fate puts them on course for a violent confrontation.

The film will be brought to the big screen by the same production company that delivered The Grey, this year’s survivalist thriller starring Liam Neeson.

Posted in News |

Blu-ray and DVD Releases for 9/18/12

Daimajin Triple Feature Blu-ray: Daimajin, Wrath of Daimajin, Return of Daimajin (Mill Creek Entertainment)

Daimajin Triple Feature Blu-ray: Daimajin, Wrath of Daimajin, Return of Daimajin (Mill Creek Entertainment)

Giant monsters attack! Indiana Jones on Blu-ray! No matter your filmic interests, there’s plenty to get excited about this week. So let’s get started, shall we? Here are your Blu-ray and DVD releases for the week of 9/18/12:

ASIAN CINEMA

Daimajin – Triple Feature Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray) – starting in 1966, the Daiei Motion Picture Co. released a series of films that combined elements of the giant monster movie with the period drama. This set offers three of those films: “Daimajin,” “Return of Daimajin,” “Daimajin Strikes Again”

Love Exposure (Blu-ray) – “Suicide Club” director Sion Sono’s ground-breaking 2008 magnum opus about love, religion, and upskirt photography is released in hi-def

Silenced (DVD) – this heartbreaking 2011 drama based on the true story of abuse at a school for the deaf was a success at the South Korean box office

Tazza: The High Rollers (DVD) – this 2006 Korean film follows a group of grifters involved in a high-stakes card game

FOREIGN CINEMA

The Devil, Probably (DVD) – director Robert Bresson’s landmark 1977 French film about disaffected youth living in modern Paris

Children of Paradise (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 1945 tragic French-language romance is brought to hi-def courtesy of the Criterion Collection

Chico & Rita (Blu-ray/DVD) – the Academy Award-nominated 2010 Spanish-language animated film about a pair of Cuban musicians seeking fame and fortune in the late 1940’s

Les visiteurs du soir (Blu-ray/DVD) – the Criterion Collection offers this 1942 fantasy film set in Medieval times from the French director of “Children of Paris”

Oslo, August 31st (DVD) – a recovering drug addict heads to Oslo for a job interview and tries to figure out where his life went wrong in this 2011 Norwegian drama

The Salt of Life (DVD) – a 2012 bittersweet Italian-language comedy about a middle-aged retiree seeking an extracurricular love affair

Police (DVD) – Gerard Depardieu stars as a burnt-out cop who might take his job a little too seriously in this 1985 French film

MAINSTREAM

Bait 3D (Blu-ray/DVD) – from executive producer Russel Mulcahy (director of “Highlander”) comes this 2012 Australian horror flick about a group of people trapped in a super market with a killer shark after a tsunami

Savage Streets (DVD) – Linda Blair (“The Exorcist”) has a ‘death wish’ against her friend’s attackers in this gritty 1984 exploitation flick

Detachment (DVD) – Adrian Brody stars as a beleaguered teacher in this 2011 drama from the director of “American History X”)

Encounter: Paradise Lost (Blu-ray/DVD) – martial arts icon Gary Daniels (“City Hunter,” “Bloodmoon”) co-stars in this faith-based family film about a drug dealer’s encounter with a man claiming to be Jesus Chris himself

Brawler (Blu-ray/DVD) – in this 2011 fight flick set in the world of underground combat, it’s brother against brother – to the death

NEW TO BLU-RAY

Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventures (Blu-ray) – at last, Indiana Jones comes to Blu-ray as all four Indy films are packed together in one set. Advanced reviews suggest the picture transfers are nothing short of revelatory

The Game (Blu-ray/DVD) – the Criterion Collection brings director David Fincher’s underrated “Twilight Zone”-esque 1997 thriller starring Michael Douglas to hi-def

Ed Wood (Blu-ray) – Tim Burton and Johnny Depp paired up for this acclaimed 1994 film about the dogged B-movie filmmaker

Judge Dredd (Blu-ray) – just in time for the upcoming 3D reboot, the 1995 iteration starring Sylvester Stallone arrives in hi-def

The Devil’s Advocate (Blu-ray) – Al Pacino and Keanu Reeves match wits (huh?) in this 1997 Satanic-themed thriller

Queen of the Damned (Blu-ray) – the 2002 vampire film that serves as a loose sequel to “Interview With the Vampire,” starring the late r&B singer Aliyah (“Romeo Must Die”)

Puppet Master III: Toulon’s Revenge (Blu-ray) – the 1991 entry in the cult horror series is remastered for Blu-ray

Night of the Demons (Blu-ray/DVD) – the 2009 remake of the Eighties cult classic, starring Edward Furlong (“Terminator 2”) and Shannon Elizabeth (“American Pie”)

CLASSICS

Macbeth (Blu-ray/DVD) – director/star Orson Welles brings Shakespeare’s play to life in this 1945 film

A Double Life (Blu-ray) – this Academy Award-winning 1947 film starring Ronald Colman is vintage Hollywood noir

The Most Dangerous Game (DVD) – a 1932 adaptation of the classic short story

HORROR

Cabin in the Woods (Blu-ray/DVD) – co-writer Joss Whedon delivers this 2012 clever send-up of the horror genre

The Victim (Blu-ray/DVD) – Michael Biehn (“The Terminator,” “Aliens”) directs and stars in this 2011 horror/thriller

Revenant (Blu-ray/DVD) – a 2009 horror-comedy that is said to mix “Kick-Ass” with “Night of the Living Dead”

Halloween II (Collector’s Edition) (Blu-ray/DVD) – Scream Factory, a new division of Shout! Factory, delivers the 1981 sequel to John Carpenter’s horror classic

Halloween III: Season of the Witch (Collector’s Edition) (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 1982 sequel is the only entry in the series to not feature Michael Meyers, which may explain why it’s developed a cult following

Black Sunday: Remastered Edition (Blu-ray/DVD) – director Mario Bava’s landmark 1960 Gothic horror film is presented in hi-definition, courtesy of Kino Films

Lisa and The Devil / The House of Exorcism: Remastered Edition (Blu-ray/DVD) – the 1973 chiller from director Mario Bavo, starring Telly Savalas (“On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”)

Hatchet For the Honeymoon: Remastered Edition (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 1970 Italian horror film is an unapologetic slasher from legendary director Mario Bava

Dracula Blows His Cool (DVD) – in this 1979 horror flick, a young man inherits Dracula’s castle and decides to turn it into a discotheque – but unbeknownst to him, Dracula is still living in the basement

Puppet Master (DVD) – the 1989 film that launched an entire horror series about killer puppets

Puppet Master II (DVD) – the vicious puppets are back in this 1991 direct-to-video sequel to “Puppet Master”

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 |

R2B: Return to Base (2012) Review

"R2B: Return to Base" Korean Theatrical Poster

"R2B: Return to Base" Korean Theatrical Poster

AKA: Back Eagle
Director: Kim Dong-Won
Writer: Ahn Sang-Hun, Kim Dong-Won
Producer: Jang Tae-Gon, Kim Dong-Won
Cast: Rain, Yu Jun-Sang, Shin Se-Kyung, Kim Sung-Soo, Lee Ha-Na, Lee Jong-Seok, Jeong Kyung-Ho, Baek Bong-Gi
Running Time: 113 min.

By HKFanatic

Western audiences will most likely recognize actor Rain from Hollywood movies like “Speed Racer” and “Ninja Assassin.” But in his native South Korea, Rain is a bonafied superstar thanks to his pop music and acting career. 2012’s “R2B: Return to Base” holds the distinction of being the last project Rain selected before beginning his mandatory 21 month military service. Fitting enough, “R2B” is a fist-pumping, patriotic action film designed to make South Korea’s military look as cool as humanly possible. Thanks to its big emotions and top-notch special effects, the movie should be an easy sell in foreign territories as well.

Like other recent Korean blockbusters such as “Tidal Wave” and “Sector 7,” this film spends its opening hour establishing characters and creating melodrama – with nary an action set-piece in sight. Some of these scenes feel like they only exist to pad the screentime, especially since a few of our supporting characters – like the bumbling mechanic duo – have absolutely no bearing on the third act of the movie. The story itself is essentially a Korean riff on “Top Gun” with Rain starring as a hotshot pilot whose, well, maverick tendencies see him kicked out of an air show unit and land in the Korean military.

Rain plays the kind of protagonist who’s so damn cocky and convinced of his skill that the screenwriters seem to have forgotten they needed to make him likable too. In fact, many of our peripheral characters – like a fresh-faced rookie who bonds with the Search & Rescue team, or the single dad who’s trying to be a good father as well as an air force pilot – are much more engaging and could have served as better main characters for “R2B.” Rain is certainly an actor with screen presence but his character, as written, is not very sympathetic.

But, of course, Rain’s rebellious pilot is skilled in the skies – and those skills will come in handy when a military coup late in the film leads to a rogue North Korean military jet firing its weapons in downtown Seoul. What follows is some of the most impressive aerial dog fights ever seen in a movie, with special effects that easily hold their own among Hollywood’s best. These are the moments of immense property damage and daring aerial maneuvers that were used to sell “R2B” in the film’s trailer – and they do not disappoint.

Sure, “Return to Base” isn’t the most original film around, as the screenplay feels populated by stock characters and sculpted from the Tom Cruise Eighties playbook. But the plot hits the right notes, the actors are charismatic, and the third act packs in enough action and collateral damage for several other movies. “R2B” is for fans of Rain – of course – but also for anyone who enjoys the slick, commercial side of Korean filmmaking.

HKFanatic’s Rating: 7/10

Posted in Korean, Reviews | Tagged , |

The Definitive Document of the Dead: Limited Edition Blu-ray & DVD (Synapse Films)

The Definitive Document of the Dead: Limited Edition Blu-ray & DVD (Synapse Films)

The Definitive Document of the Dead: Limited Edition Blu-ray & DVD (Synapse Films)

RELEASE DATE: November 13, 2012

Synapse Films presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Roy Frumkes’ The Definitive Document of the Dead: Limited Edition, an in-depth documentary about George A. Romero’s films, with a behind scenes look at Dawn of the Dead. The documentary features interviews George A. Romero, Tom Savini, Roy Frumkes, Richard Rubinstein and many more.

This release will be limited to 1500 units and sold exclusively via the label’s web site. Check out its original Japanese promotional video.

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

So Close (2002) Review

"So Close" Theatrical Poster

“So Close” Theatrical Poster

Director: Corey Yuen
Cast: Shu Qi, Vicky Zhao Wei, Karen Mok, Song Seung Heon, Ben Lam, Yasuaki Kurata, Deric Wan, Sek Sau, Jude Poyer, Ricardo Mamood, Michael Wei, Henry Fong, Gam Hing Yin, Wong So Bik, May Gwong Man Chun
Running Time: 111 min

By Reefer

During the preposterous opening of Cory Yuen’s action thriller, So Close, I thought I was going to be treated to a half-assed rehashing of the Charlie’s Angels movie from a few years back. After all, watching Shu Qui, dressed in a white designer outfit, sashay into a skyscraper, armed with only her wits, a pair of high heels, and some sunglasses, only to bust some Matrix-influenced moves and smirk confidently at the resulting chaos, instantly leads one to draw those parallels. Moreover, scattered throughout are enough bra and panty scenes, bath tub settings, and skimpy outfits to satisfy a legion of stalkers. Obviously, Corey did not want to ignore the most devout demographic.

But I am happy to report that So Close is better than that. Even though, it often sticks too closely to the ‘Hitman movie’ cookbook. You know, a regretful killer, a die hard cop. Two sides of the same coin stuff. Much of what unfolds could easily be misconstrued as a feminine version of John Woo’s The Killer. But those comparisons end when the film concentrates on Zhou Wen’s sister role. Her impressive portrayal as the impetuous, computer savvy sister serves as a counterpoint to Shu Qui’s relentless killer. Karen Mok is equally enthralling as the very butch forensics cop hot on their trail.

Unlike many other male-dominated action pics, all three female leads are well fleshed out characters. Cory Yuen seemed comfortable letting the women open up. Maybe that is the advantage of leading an estrogen-fueled production. There are many scenes that are clearly meant to be emotional. Some of those scenes work but some unfortunately do not. Most importantly, So Close seems to care as much about what’s going on in the characters’ lives and their motivations as it is in the employment of stunt doubles, setting up car chases, and unleashing fire power.

Hey, lets talk about the fire power, while we are at it. After establishing the level of reality that the film will fearlessly take on with the rather fanciful opening sequence, the film settles into a nice sustained level of mayhem. There are about three or four very large scale action set pieces, before the finale, that are quite thrilling, warranting several taps on the rewind/reverse button. The only thing not working for the action scenes is Shu Qui herself. As graceful as she appears, she fails to convince me of her character’s skills. When she throws a kick, she looks like a ballerina not Bruce Lee. When she points a gun, it might as well be a hair dryer because there doesn’t seem to be enough intensity behind it. These criticisms might be a little harsh, mind you, but she will ultimately be compared to some of the best actresses of the ‘Girls With Guns’ genre. Unfortunately, in those comparisons, she will come up pretty weak because of this. The other two actresses fair much better in this respect.

The grand finale is really something special. Featuring the blade work of none other than Yasuaki Kurata, this is a future fight classic, employing the best choreography I have seen in a long time. Makes me want to check out more of Kurata’s work. Ferocious, acrobatic, and intense, do not miss the end fight to this film. That is really all I can say about it without spoiling the fun.

Though The Transporter doesn’t support this theory, I think Corey Yuen has become more of a complete filmmaker, less prone to the excess of his cinematic past. Soon, he will no longer be known as the guy who choreographs Jet Li’s American films. Part of me would like to see him try something more psychological than physical next. Nonetheless, I am excited to see the next phase of his career.

Reefer’s Rating: 8/10

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

Painted Skin: The Resurrection Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Painted Skin: The Resurrection Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Painted Skin: The Resurrection Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

RELEASE DATE: November 13, 2012

Well Go USA presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Painted Skin: The Resurrection, directed by Wuershan of The Butcher, the Chef and the Swordsman fame. This 2012 Chinese action and fantasy film stars Chen Kun, Zhao Wei, Zhou Xun, Yang Mi, Feng Shaofeng, Fei Xiang and Chen Tingjia. Check out the trailer.

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

Silmido DVD (Pathfinder Home Entertainment)

Silmido DVD (Pathfinder Home Entertainment)

Silmido DVD (Pathfinder Home Entertainment)

RELEASE DATE: November 13, 2012

Pathfinder Home Entertainment presents the DVD for Silmido. Directed by Kang Woo-suk, Silmido is based on the 1968 true story of Unit 684 (a team of North Korean commandos infiltrated South Korea in a failed mission to assassinate President Park Chung-hee). Silmido was both a critical and financial success, and was the first film in South Korea to attract a box office audience of over 10 million viewers. Check out the trailer.

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

Gone in 60 Seconds (1974) Blu-ray & DVD (Anderson Merchandise)

Gone in 60 Seconds (1974) Blu-ray & DVD (Anderson Merchandise)

Gone in 60 Seconds (1974) Blu-ray & DVD (Anderson Merchandise)

RELEASE DATE: October 16, 2012

Anderson Merchandise presents the Blu-ray & DVD for 1974’s Gone in 60 Seconds. It defined the genre and became an instant classic among action movie fans. Buckle-up as master car thief Pace and Eleanor slams through 5 cities, cop after cop can’t touch them… wrecking over 93 cars in the spectacular 40 minute Chase-scene making their escape! Check out the trailer.

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

Fire With Fire Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

Fire With Fire Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

Fire With Fire Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

RELEASE DATE: November 6, 2012

Lionsgate presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Fire With Fire. A fireman takes an unexpected course of action when a man whom he’s been ordered to testify against, after being held up at a local convenience store, threatens him. Oh, boy. This new action movie stars Bruce Willis, Josh Duhamel, Rosario Dawson, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Vincent D’Onofrio. Check out the trailer.

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

Blu-ray and DVD Releases for 9/11/12

Karate-Robo Zaborgar Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Karate-Robo Zaborgar Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Here are your Blu-ray and DVD releases for the week of 9/11/12:

ASIAN CINEMA

Karate-Robo Zaborgar (Blu-ray/DVD) – the folks at Sushi Typhoon resurrect a Japanese 70’s superhero TV show for this wild 2011 homage, on home formats from Well Go USA

Hospitalite (DVD) – this 2010 Japanese domestic comedy-drama examines the lives of a tight-knit family who run a printing shop in downtown Tokyo

Curse M (DVD) – the beautiful wife of a hospital head might just be a dangerous succubus in this 2012 Japanese erotic horror flick

Red Eye (DVD) – the 2005 Korean horror film set on a train, and not to be confused with the Wes Craven movie of the same name, receives a second printing as a Tokyo Shock Classic

The Black House (DVD) – an insurance investigator is called in to inspect a haunted house in this 1999 Japanese horror flick, now re-released as a Tokyo Shock Classic

The Suicide Song (DVD) – Ryuhei Matsuda of “Nightmare Detective” fame stars in this 2007 Japanese horror movie about a song that causes its listeners to commit suicide. Also re-released as a Tokyo Shock Classic

Female Teacher: Dirty Afternoon (DVD) – it’s Japanese exploitation fun when a young teacher is blackmailed

Nympho Diver: G-String Festival (DVD) – the Japanese pinku excess continues with this entry in the obscure genre of Girl Diver films

FOREIGN CINEMA

Where Do We Go Now? (Blu-ray/DVD) – religious tension in a small Lebanese town threatens to boil over in this 2012 Arabic-language film

Elles (Blu-ray/DVD) – acclaimed actress Juliet Binoche stars as a journalist investigating the live of two young prostitutes in this 2011 French film

We Have a Pope (DVD) – a newly appointed pope refuses his calling in this 2011 Italian-language film

MAINSTREAM

Six Bullets (DVD) – Jean-Claude Van Damme’s latest direct-to-video action movie arrives on DVD courtesy of Sony. In the 2012 film, Van Damme is a mercenary on the case of a missing child

Snow White and the Huntsman (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 2012 Hollywood film is a visually imaginative retelling of the Snow White tale starring Charlize Theron and Chris Hemsworth

Cleanskin (Blu-ray/DVD) – in this 2012 action film, Sean Bean (“Goldeneye”) stars as a secret service agent out to dismantle terrorist cells in London

For Greater Glory (Blu-ray/DVD) – Andy Garcia and Peter O’Toole star in this 2012 Western detailing the events of the Mexico’s Cristero War, which targeted Catholics during the 1920’s

Flatland (DVD) – now here’s a bizarre release. A 22-episode sci-fi TV series starring Dennis Hopper and Francoise Yip (“Rumble in the Bronx”), filmed in Hong Kong in 2002, is brought to DVD as an 84-minute film

Bad Karma (DVD) – Ray Liotta stars as a career criminal trying to go straight in this 2011 crime thriller

CULT

Beyond the Black Rainbow (Blu-ray/DVD) – the critically-acclaimed dystopic sci-fi debut of Panos Cosmatos, the son of “Rambo: First Blood II” and “Tombstone” director George P. Cosmatos

NEW TO BLU-RAY

The Ring (Blu-ray) – the one J-horror remake that’s arguably superior to the original. Director Gore Verbinski directs Noami Watts to great effect in this beyond-creepy 2002 film, now in hi-def

Titanic (Blu-ray) – well, okay. Does James Cameron’s 1997 film really need any introduction?

Killer Klowns From Outer Space (Blu-ray) – the demented 1988 cult horror film arrives in hi-def

Jeepers Creepers (Blu-ray) – the oft-overlooked 2001 monster movie sees a belated Blu-ray release

Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (Blu-ray) – Tobe Hooper followed up his gritty, nihilistic 70’s horror classic with this over-the-top and cartoony 1986 take on the franchise. This underrated sequel arrives in hi-def

The Score (Blu-ray) – Edward Norton and Robert De Niro match wits in this 2001 crime caper, now in hi-def

Airplane! (Blu-ray) – the beloved 1980 disaster film spoof from director Jerry Zucker

The Firm (Blu-ray) – the successful 1993 John Grisham legal thriller starring Tom Cruise. Wanna place any bets that Tom has to run full bore at some point in the film?

RE-ISSUES

The Sapphire Collection (Blu-ray) – Braveheart, Gladiator, and Saving Private Ryan feature in this 3-film collection, conveniently priced at $34.27

Tim Burton: Collection (Blu-ray) – for only $41.99 you’ll receive: Pee Wee’s Big Adventure (1985) Beetlejuice (1988) Batman (1989) Batman Returns (1992) Mars Attacks! (1996) Corpse Bride (2005) Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

Men of War/Bravo Two Zero (Blu-ray) – two action films, one starring Dolph Lundgren, the other starring Sean Bean, are paired together on Blu-ray

Russell Mulcahy’s Tale of the Mummy / Beneath Loch Ness (Blu-ray) – two creature features, one directed by Russell Mulcahy of “Highlander” fame, are paired on Blu-ray together by Miramax

Classic Charles Bronson (DVD) – 9 hours of early Charles Bronson films and TV shows, including “Cold Sweat” and “Man With the Camera,” are together in this set of Pop Flix

The Prophecy/The Prophecy II: God’s Army (Blu-ray) – you won’t want to mess with Christopher Walken’s heavenly angel in this horror series

Wes Craven Presents: They/Cursed (Blu-ray) – two latter day Wes Craven films are brought together on Blu

The Hole/Venom (Blu-ray) – more low-budget horror paired together for a budget price. At least “The Hole” stars Keira Knightly and Thora Birch

Darkness/Below (Blu-ray) – “Darkness” stars Anna Paquin while “Below” arrives from the director of “Pitch Black”

Dracula 2000/Dracula II: Ascension (Blu-ray) – Wes Craven produced these two attempts to revive the Dracula mythos for modern times

The Horror Pack Triple Feature (Blu-ray) – two remakes of Asian horror films – “The Ring” and “The Uninvited” – are packed with the American horror movie “Case 39”

The Crow 2: City of Angels / The Crow: Wicked Prayer (Blu-ray) – due to demand from somebody, I’m sure, the much-maligned “The Crow” sequels are together on Blu

Paranormal Activity Trilogy Gift Set (Blu-ray) – the popular film series is re-issued together on Blu-ray for fans

HORROR

The Loved Ones (DVD) – this Australian horror flick has been praised by internet critics since its 2009 release. North America finally gets the chance to experience the movie this week

Hammer House of Horror – The Complete Series (DVD) – the good folks at Synapse Films release this beloved 1980 horror television series, featuring appearances by the likes of Pierce Brosnan and Peter Cushing

Rosewood Lane (Blu-ray/DVD) – Rose McGowan and Ray Wise co-star in this 2011 horror film about a deadly paperboy, from the director of “Jeepers Creepers”

Entrance (DVD) – this 2012 psychological thriller follows a young woman’s descent into crippling paranoia

Dark Night of the Scarecrow (Deluxe Collector’s Edition) (DVD) – special features abound in the collector’s edition of this 1981 cult favorite horror flick

Vile (DVD) – a 2011 riff on “Saw”-style torture, featuring an appearance by Maynard James Keenan of the band Tool

In the Devil’s Garden (DVD) – this 1971 British horror film is billed as a UK riff on the giallo formula

The Devil Inside (Blu-ray) – the critically panned 2012 found footage horror film receives a Blu-ray release

Appropriate Adult (DVD) – a 2011 psychological thriller based on the true story of a serial killer and the social worker tasked with sitting in on his interrogations

Dracula vs. Frankenstein (DVD) – a 1971 clash of the monsters. Please note the Blu-ray will be releasing on September 25th

Where Evil Lives (DVD) – a 1991 Troma slasher movie

Chillers (DVD) – a low-budget 1987 horror anthology film in the “Creepshow” vein from Troma

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 |

Outlaw Brothers DVD (Dragon Dynasty)

Outlaw Brothers DVD (Dragon Dynasty)

Outlaw Brothers DVD (Dragon Dynasty)

RELEASE DATE: October 30, 2012

Dragon Dynasty presents the DVD for 1990’s Outlaw Brothers, directed by – and starring – Frankie Chan (Legendary Amazons) with Mok Siu Cheung, Yukari Oshima and Michiko Nishiwaki. This action-packed film follows the exploits of two car thieves, and a butt-kicking female police officer who is on their trail. Check out the Hong Kong Legends trailer.

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

Chinese Odyssey Parts 1 & 2 DVD (Dragon Dynasty)

Chinese Odyssey 1 & 2 DVD (Dragon Dynasty)

Chinese Odyssey 1 & 2 DVD (Dragon Dynasty)

RELEASE DATE: October 9, 2012

Dragon Dynasty presents the DVD for A Chinese Odyssey 1 & 2. These pair of films star Stephen Chow, Karen Mok, Ng Man Tat, and Athena Chu. The first movie in the duology is A Chinese Odyssey Part One: Pandora’s Box and the second is A Chinese Odyssey Part Two: Cinderella. The films combine slapstick comedy, wuxia and a love story, and are loosely based on the Chinese classical novel Journey to the West. Check out some footage.

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

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

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

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

RELEASE DATE: December 11th, 2012

Shout! Factory presents the Blu-ray & DVD for 1980’s The Island. Based on the novel by Jaws author Peter Benchley, The Island is a terrifying (and really gory) high-seas adventure. An inquisitive British reporter (Michael Caine) sets out to investigate a series of mysterious ocean disappearances in the Caribbean, where more than 600 boats have apparently vanished during the course of three years. Watch the trailer.

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

Ridley Scott to collaborate with ‘Hero’ director Zhang Yimou?

"Hero" Japanese Theatrical Poster

"Hero" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Chinese Films offers word that acclaimed Hollywood director Ridley Scott (Alien, Blade Runner) might be teaming up with Hero and House of Flying Daggers mastermind Zhang Yimou for a new film. The project is based off the Chinese opera Qin Shi Huang, which Zhang Yimou served as stage director on and Ridley saw performed in New York in 2006.

The opera itself was inspired by the 1996 film The First Emperor, which was initially banned in China but eventually re-released into theaters eight months later.

Ridley Scott’s latest film, Prometheus, just opened in China a week ago. It’s thought that Ridley would ask Zhang Yimou to serve as producer on the Qin Shi Huang film while Ridley himself would direct.

Western media outlets aren’t picking up the story quite yet, though, so it’s perhaps all a bit speculative at the moment.

Posted in News |