Bedevilled Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)
RELEASE DATE: October 9, 2012
Well Go USA presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Jang Cheol-Soo’s Bedevilled (aka Be Devil). When her pleas for help are ignored and cause her daughter’s death, a woman seeks revenge on the person she blames. Check out the trailer to this critically-acclaimed movie from South Korea!
They Live Blu-ray & DVD (Shout! Factory)
RELEASE DATE: November 6, 2012
Shout! Factory presents the Blu-ray & DVD for John Carpenter’s They Live: Special Edtion, a politically-charged science fiction thriller. You’ve been listening to their speeches and watching them on TV. They influence our decisions without us knowing it. Starring Roddy Piper, Keith David and Meg Foster. Check out the trailer.
Wong Kar-Wai Double Feature Blu-ray Set: Fallen Angels & Happy Together (Kino)
RELEASE DATE: September 25, 2012
Kino presents the Wong Kar-Wai Double Feature Blu-ray set, which includes Fallen Angels and Happy Together. Both feature some of the biggest names in Asian cinema, including Leon Lai Ming, Michelle Reis, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Leslie Cheung and Tony Leung. Enjoy the visually unique, highly stylised, emotionally resonant work of Wong Kar-Wai.
"Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale" Theatrical Poster
Director: Wei Te-Sheng
Writer: Wei Te-Sheng
Producer: John Woo, Jimmy Huang
Cast: Umin Boya, Masanobu Ando, Landy Wen, Irene Luo, Vivian Hsu, Chi-Wei Cheng, Lin Ching-Tai, Da-Ching
Running Time: 144 min. (Part 1); 132 min. (Part 2); 150 min. (single version)
By HKFanatic
“Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale” arrives from director Te Sheng-Wei and producer John Woo. The film is officially the most expensive Taiwanese production of all time and has been released overseas in both an International Cut that runs 4 and 1/2 hours long, and an abridged version that clocks in at 154 minutes.
For the purposes of our review, Cityonfire.com was provided with the abridged cut but distributor Well Go USA is making the International Cut available to US audiences on both Blu-ray and DVD. Due to its edited nature, the shortened cut can at times feel chaotic, which is not helped by the film’s choppy editing and general lack of establishing shots. Die-hard film buffs will likely want to hold out for the International Cut in order to get the full story.
“Seediq Bale” dramatizes the events of the Wushe Incident of 1930, which was the last major uprising against Japanese colonial forces in Taiwan. The film follows several aborigines tribes living in the mountains of central Taiwan during the time the Japanese invaded and took over. The Seediqs aren’t exactly presented as a peaceful, nature-loving people – in fact, they view the beheading of one’s enemies as a means to ensure passage into the afterlife – but, after initial skirmishes, they manage to co-exist with the Japanese colonists for about 25 years.
After this time, the continued Japanese occupation threatens to destroy the Seediq’s hunting grounds and their way of life via rampant deforestation. Thus, the various Seediq clans prepare for a bold attack against their oppressors. The viewer gets the impression that this last ditch assault is also meant to ensure the honor of the younger Seediq members since they have not yet been tested in battle.
The Japanese have spent the last decade being demonized in many Asian films due to their war-mongering past, and “Warriors of the Rainbow” continues the trend of portraying the Japanese as cartoon-like bad guys (with only a few exceptions). That said, it will likely be difficult for most viewers to identify with the Seediq tribe since they engage in the wanton slaughter of women and children as well.
There are no black and white heroes here, with carnage and slaughter on both sides of the conflict. The film ultimately makes humanity seem like a futile effort. While many viewers may find the moral murkiness a refreshing change of pace – and true to history – I must admit the violence became somewhat numbing after 150 minutes of almost nonstop beheadings and mass suicides.
The filmmakers earn points for being historically accurate on several accounts, such as the Japanese’s controversial decision to use gas bombs (breaking a then-current Treaty). But while it trades in many of the same stylistic motifs as movies like “Last of the Mohicans” and “Apocalyptico” – copious slow motion for moments of bloodshed and high drama – it fails to give viewers a character to identify with. Altogether, “Seediq Bale” is a handsomely mounted but depressing affair, confirming all over again that the 20th Century’s legacy was written in blood.
HKFanatic’s Rating: 6/10
"Dark Blue" Theatrical Poster
Cinema Blend reports that Fast Five’s Justin Lin has been tapped by Universal to direct L.A. Riots, which Ron Howard and Brian Grazer are producing through their Imagine Entertainment. Originally Spike Lee was attached to the project, possibly due to his memorable riot sequence in 1989’s Do The Right Thing.
The movie will be based on the events of 1992 were a series of riots and looting occurred over six days in the Los Angeles metropolitan area in California. The riots started after the acquittal of four Los Angeles Police Department officers accused in the videotaped-beating of motorist Rodney King.
The last time the subject of the L.A. Riots were put into film was in Ron Shelton’s 2002 film, Dark Blue, which starred Kurt Russell. There was also a 1997 made-for-cable movie called Riot, which starred Luke Perry, Dante Basco and Mako.
Ninja the Mission Force: First Season DVD (Dark Maze Studios)
RELEASE DATE: August 7, 2012
Dark Maze Studios presents the DVD for Ninja the Mission Force: The Complete First Season. This new series pays homage to the wacky ninja films of director Godfrey Ho.
Bonus features include: Christmas Special Episode, 2 commentary tracks for all 10 episodes (creators Ed Glaser and Meagan Rachelle; actors Ed Glaser and Brad Jones), Telly Award Special, First Look: Ninja the Mission Force, Trailer, Interview with Andy Chworowsky (former Godfrey Ho actor).
Check out the hilarious, must-see trailer and order a copy today through Dark Maze Studios.
Triad Wars aka Fatal Move DVD (Lionsgate)
RELEASE DATE: October 9, 2012
Lionsgate presents the DVD for Dennis Law’s Triad Wars (aka Fatal Move or Duo Shuai). In the midst of a violent gang war one powerful triad leader is faced with losing a grip on his power. Fatal Move (see our review) stars Sammo Hung, Simon Yam, Danny Lee and Wu Jing. Check out the trailer.
"The Kick" Korean Theatrical Poster
Fans of fight flicks know that whatever director Prachya Pinkaew (Ong-bak, Chocolate) touches is typically full of bone-crunching martial arts goodness.
In 2011’s The Kick, Pinkaew teamed up with his Chocolate star JeeJa Yanin to tell the story of a Korean family of Tae Kwon Do experts who move to Thailand and become mixed up in all sorts of trouble. Naturally, a ton of jaw-dropping fight scenes and stunts ensue.
2011’s The Kick is arriving on Import Blu-ray and DVD from your friends at DDDHouse this August 7th, 2012. You can snag the Region A Blu-ray for just $19.23 or the Region 3 DVD for $12.05. Be advised that A Region A Blu-ray will play on any American Blu-ray device but you’ll need an Import player to play a Region 3 DVD.
The Kick is a movie we’ve been anxiously awaiting here at Cityonfire.com. Check out our past coverage here, including links to the trailer. And stay tuned for our review!
Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)
Summer days, they happen so fast. Don’t let August pass you by without checking out this Tuesday’s new movies on Blu-ray and DVD. Here are your Asian and genre movie releases for the week of 8/7/12:
ASIAN CINEMA
Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale (Blu-ray/DVD) – the 150 minute cut of the 2011 Taiwanese epic, produced by John Woo. The brave Seediq tribe fends off the imperial Japanese army in this film based on historical incident
Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale – 4 1/2 hour International Version (Blu-ray/DVD) – Well Go USA is also bringing the full version of the “Seediq Bale” saga to Blu-ray and DVD
Yamada: Way of the Samurai (IMPORT Blu-ray) – Amazon is offering an IMPORT Blu-ray of this film starting August 13th. This 2010 Thai historical action film is also known under the title “The Samurai of Ayothaya”
Legendary Amazons (IMPORT Blu-ray) – Well Go USA will be bringing this film to North America with a Region 1 release in a few short months. If you can’t wait, Amazon is offering an IMPORT Blu-ray of the 2011 Hong Kong historical action flick on August 13th
FOREIGN CINEMA
Sebastiane: Remastered Edition (Blu-ray) – director Derek Jarman’s 1976 film, considered a landmark in gay cinema, now in hi-def
The Tempest: Remastered Edition (Blu-ray) – Derek Jarman’s 1979 visually stunning adaptation of the famous Shakespeare play
Foreign Letters (DVD) – this 2012 Hebrew-language movie focuses on the bond between a young Israeli immigrant and a Vietnamese boy
MAINSTREAM
Heroes and Demons (DVD) – I’ve never even heard of this 2011 thriller but it has a cast that any producer would kill for circa now: Chris Hemsworth, Andrew Garfield, Kirsten Dunst, and Tom Hardy
Steve Niles’ Remains (Blu-ray/DVD) – a 2011 post-apocalyptic tale based on a graphic novel by “30 Days of Night” creator Steve Niles
The Liquidator (DVD) – Vinnie Jones stars in this 2011 direct-to-video international thriller
Born 2 Race (Blu-ray/DVD) – some people are just born to race as you’ll find out in this 2011 direct-to-video racing thriller
The Crow (DVD) – Lionsgate re-issues the classic 1994 film starring Brandon Lee on a low-priced DVD
NEW TO BLU-RAY
Grosse Pointe Blank: 15th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray) – John Cusack stars in this 1997 action-comedy about a hitman attending his high school reunion
High Fidelity (Blu-ray) – more Cusack for your money with this 2000 comedy set in a record store
Clue: The Movie (Blu-ray) – the 1985 cult classic based on the board game comes to hi-def
Adventures in Babysitting: 25th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray) – Elizabeth Shue headlines this beloved 1987 comedy, now in hi-def
Full Metal Jacket 25th Anniversary (Blu-ray) – Stanley Kubrick’s 1987 Vietnam War classic returns to Blu-ray with an Anniversary edition
Bound (Blu-ray/DVD) – before the Wachowskis made it big with “The Matrix,” they wrote and directed this lesbian-tinged 1996 crime thriller
Spaceballs (25th Anniversary Edition) (Blu-ray) – Mel Brooks’ 1987 send-up of all things “Star Wars” comes to Blu-ray
The Incredible Mr. Limpet (Blu-ray) – Don Knotts headlines this 1964 blend of animation and live-action
INDIE
Blue Like Jazz (Blu-ray/DVD) – a young man struggling with his Christian faith flees to the most immoral college he can find in this 2012 indie film
CLASSICS
Rio Grande (Blu-ray) – the famous 1950 Western starring John Wayne, now in dazzling hi-def
The Long Memory (DVD) – John Mills stars in the 1953 crime thriller from the Rank Collection
Highly Dangerous (DVD) – the Rank Collection presents this 1950 noir film on DVD
The Seekers AKA Land of Fury (DVD) – the Rank Collection also releases this 1954 film set in New Zealand during the 1820’s
HORROR
The Boogens (Blu-ray/DVD) – a 1981 horror film about a monster who escapes from a mine to terrorize a small town
Mr. Hush (Blu-ray/DVD) – a small town serves as the backdrop for a battle between good and evil in this 2010 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!
I, Robot Blu-ray + Blu-ray 3D Combo (Fox)
RELEASE DATE: October 23, 2012
Fox presents the Blu-ray + Blu-ray 3D for Alex Proyas’ I, Robot. In the year 2035, technology and robots are a trusted part of everyday life. But that trust is broken when a scientist (James Cromwell) is found dead and a cynical detective (Will Smith) believes that an advanced robot may be responsible. Check out the trailer.
Kung Fu Bob's artwork oozes with great detail
Introducing Kung Fu Bob, an artist who has been drawing ever since he could hold a crayon. In the beginning, he started illustrating animals, comic book heroes, monsters and a variety of robots. He never went to an art school (let’s face it, great artists are born with it). He works with a variety of mediums including pencil, charcoal, water color, acrylic, sculpture, silk-screening, color pencil, markers, etc.
Kung Fu Bob recently started a blog that features his martial arts movie artwork, which includes framable prints of Donnie Yen (Ip Man), Choi Min-sik (Old Boy), Hwang Jang Lee (Hitman in the Hand of Buddha), Sonny China (The Street Fighter), Jim Kelly (Black Belt Jones), Tomisaburo Wakayama (Lone Wolf and Cub), Shaw Brothers icons (The Venoms) and much more.
Cityonfire hopes you’ll take the time and browse around Kung Fu Bob’s blog. You might find something for that perfect-someone’s room, office or playroom. The prints make a definite one-of-kind gift for a martial arts movie fanatic.
Dark Star: Thermostellar Edition Blu-ray (VCI Entertainment)
RELEASE DATE: October 2, 2012
VCI Entertainment presents the Blu-ray for John Carpenter’s Dark Star: Thermostellar Edition. In the far reaches of space, a small crew, 20 years into their solitary mission, find things beginning to go hilariously wrong. Packed with a crap load of extra features, this version guarantees to satisfy! Check out the trailer. HKFanatic’s favorite film!
Red Dawn Blu-ray (MGM)
RELEASE DATE: October 9, 2012
MGM presents the Blu-ray for John Milius’ Red Dawn. When Communist paratroopers descend on a high school football field in Colorado, a group of the school’s students wages an all-out guerrilla war to save their town – and their country! Starring Patrick Swayze, Charlie Sheen, Harry Dean Stanton, C. Thomas Howell, Powers Boothe, Lea Thompson and Jennifer Grey. Check out the trailer.
"Soar Into the Sun" Korean Theatrical Poster
You remember Rain, don’t you? He’s the Korean singing and acting sensation who crossed over into American cinema with roles in the Wachowski Brothers’ big screen Speed Racer (2008) and the bloody good guilty pleasure Ninja Assassin (2009). Well, he’s back in his native country and ready to hop into the cockpit of a sleek fighter jet for the summer blockbuster Soar Into the Sun.
A teaser trailer is online here. The production values look sky high – no pun intended – and the teaser promises plenty of intense aerial action, even if it doesn’t offer much hint of a plot.
If that’s whet your appetite, head on over here for the poster and a glimpse of Rain in his pilot gear. Soar Into the Sun arrives in Korean theaters this August 2012.
Update: In a move that seems designed only to confuse audiences, the film has alternately been promoted as Soar Into the Sun (see: the new poster) and Return to Base. But it’s looking likely that the official title is Return to Base, seeing as how that’s the name stamped all over the latest trailer. You’ll find plenty of new stills at that link as well.
BREAKING NEWS: A new trailer is online with English subs. Hooray!
“Magnificent Warriors” Theatrical Poster
Director: David Chung Chi-Man
Cast: Michelle Yeoh, Richard Ng, Derek Yee Tung Sing, Lowell Lo, Koon Ting, Cindy Lau Chin Dai, Tetsuya Matsui, Hwang Jang Lee, Chang Yi, Lo Meng, Ku Feng
Running Time: 89 min.
By Numskull
Very ’80s action flick that substitutes quantity for quality. There’s not much about it that could rightly be described as “magnificent” but that’s OK… this is a rainy day, nowhere to go, hour-and-a-half-to-kill-and-nobody-to-kill-it-with kind of movie, and a pretty good one at that.
Michelle Yeoh plays a WWII-era heroic lead role and brandishes a whip… so of course she’s gonna be stuck with a “female Indiana Jones” label. Really, the whip is pretty much where the similarities end. No lost arks or temples of doom to be found here. There’s a city under Japanese control and Michelle is sent to help a Chinese secret agent bail out the leader, who opposes Japan. His bubble-headed sweetie and a wandering gambler (Richard Ng, the perpetual comic relief guy) get involved along the way.
The action here isn’t extraordinary, but there’s a good amount of it and it gets the job done quite well. The parts that try to be funny do so with little success, but they aren’t permitted to go on for too long while asses remain to be kicked. Two scenes… an airplane chase and an aborted execution… are too lengthy for their own good, but there’s not much else to complain about, unless you demand that every HK movie be totally fresh, totally innovative, totally off-the-page. Magnificent Warriors is perfectly enjoyable as long as you accept it for what it is.
Numskull’s Rating: 7/10
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