"No Mercy" Korean Theatrical Poster

This week features a host of familiar Asian horror titles being re-released on DVD by Palisades Tartan with all new cover art and, in some cases, all new titles. In addition, Blue Underground is repackaging several great Italian genre films in affordable DVD sets. Here are your Blu-ray and DVD releases for the week of 7/31/12:

ASIAN CINEMA

No Mercy (DVD) – CJ Entertainment brings this taut 2010 Korean serial killer thriller to North America

Hindsight (DVD) – Song Kang-ho (“Thirst”) tries to leave behind a life of crime in this 2011 Korean thriller

Ghosts of War (DVD) – Palisades Tartan offers a re-release of the 2004 Korean film “R-Point.” Yep, despite new packaging and a new title, it is the same film. This supernatural military tale unfolds during the Vietnam War

Dorm (DVD) – Palisades Tartan also re-releases this 2006 Thai horror film set in a boys’ boarding school

Phone (DVD) – this 2002 Korean horror film about a mysterious phone call and a series of deaths is re-released on DVD by Palisades Tartan

The Maid (DVD) – Palisades Tartan brings this 2006 Chinese-language horror film to DVD once again with new cover art

Devil’s Feast (DVD) – in this unrated 2007 Japanese sexploitation film, a young newsreporter finds herself caught between the biggest scoop of her life and a deadly sex cult

FOREIGN CINEMA

Le Havre (Blu-ray/DVD) – the Criterion Collection brings this 2011 French-language film from acclaimed director Aki Kaurismäki to hi-def. The story follows a young African refugee who becomes a shoeshine boy in the French harbor city of Le Havre

La Grande Illusion (Blu-ray) – director Jean Renoir’s classic 1937 anti-war film comes to Blu-ray courtesy of the Criterion Collection

Waves of Lust (DVD) – this 1975 Italian exploitation spin on Polanski’s “Knife in the Water” was helmed by infamous “Cannibal Holocaust” director Ruggero Deodato

Lula, Son of Brazil (DVD) – this 2009 Portugese-language film is a moving account of the early life of Brazil’s most revered president

Facts of Murder (DVD) – Mya Communications brings this 1959 Italian crime film to DVD with an original Italian audio track

The Light Thief (DVD) – this 2010 film from the country of Kyrgyzstan is a heartfelt parable of good and evil

Soul of Sand (Pairon Talle) (DVD) – in this 2010 Indian film, a young couple is besieged by their evil landlord

The Hunter (DVD) – not to be confused with the recent Willem Dafoe film of the same name, this 2010 Farsi-language film follows a man’s slow breakdown from reality and confrontation with local police after his wife and daughter go missing

MAINSTREAM

Total Recall: Mind-Bending Edition (Blu-ray) – Paul Verhoeven’s classic 1990 sci-fi film receives another Blu-ray release, this time with a brand new hi-def transfer supervised by the director himself

Hijacked (Blu-ray/DVD) – “The Expendables 2” star Randy Couture stars in this 2012 direct-to-video action thriller about a plane hijacking

Fortress (Blu-ray/DVD) – a low-budget 2012 film about aerial battles during World War II

4.3.2.1 (Blu-ray/DVD) – when four friends encounter some deadly thieves, their lives are changed forever in this 2010 film from the UK

Zyzzyx Road (DVD) – Katherine Heigl and Tim Sizemore star in this 2006 independent thriller

Sand Sharks (DVD) – in this 2011 low-budget creature feature starring Hulk Hogan’s daughter, there are sharks…under the sand!

Nazi Invasion – Team Europe (Blu-ray) – it’s ‘Team America’ meets ‘Inglorious Basterds’ with this 2010 tale of the Nazi invasion of England – told with puppets

Firstborn (Blu-ray/DVD) – Peter Weller (“Robocop”) butts heads with his new girlfriend’s son in this 1984 British thriller

RE-RELEASES

Midnight Movies Vol 1: Horror Triple Feature (A Blade in the Dark/Macabre/Shock) (DVD) – Blue Underground presents three Italian horror films from the 70’s and 80’s, two directed by Lamberto Bava and one directed by his father, the legendary Mario Bava

Midnight Movies Vol 2: Western Triple Feature (Companeros/Four of the Apocalypse/Run Man Run) (DVD) – Blue Underground brings you a selection of 70’s Italian spaghetti Westerns in this 3-film DVD pack

Midnight Movies Vol 3: Action Triple Feature (Big Racket/Heroin Busters/Street Law) (DVD) – three of the best 70’s Italian crime films of all time are brought together in one DVD package, courtesy of Blue Underground. If you like tough guys with big guns and attitudes to match, you won’t want to miss these flicks

Midnight Movies Vol 4: Thriller Triple Feature (Bloodstained Shadow/Short Night of Glass Dolls/Who Saw Her Die) (DVD) – more bloody 70’s Italian horror fun, from the good folks at Blue Underground

CLASSICS

River of No Return (Blu-ray) – two icons of Hollywood, Robert Mitchum and Marilyn Monroe, headline this 1954 Western

HORROR

Detention (Blu-ray/DVD) – this critically-praised 2011 horror film from the director of “Torque” finally makes its way to home formats

ATM (Blu-ray/DVD) – the 2012 horror/thriller about three friends held captive inside an ATM

The Faculty (Blu-ray) – Robert Rodriguez’s 1999 flick about a group of genre-savvy teens fighting off an alien invasion is now in hi-def

Whisperer in the Darkness (Blu-ray/DVD) – a 2011 adaptation of the H.P. Lovecraft story, filmed in a black-and-white 1930’s noir style

The Bunny Game (Blu-ray/DVD) – whispered and rumored about online, this 2010 horror shocker finally makes its way to an unrated retail release

The Haunting of Whaley House (Blu-ray/DVD) – a low-budget 2012 horror film about a haunted house

Dead Season (DVD) – this low-budget 2011 zombie film shuffles its way onto DVD

Interested in any of these movies? If so, we hope that you’ll consider ordering from ouraffiliate to help support this site. Thank you!

"The Silent War" Chinese Theatrical Poster

The first trailer for a new Chinese-language espionage film The Silent War is now online. The movie was previously revealed under the title Windseekers but this new moniker seems more appropriate, as it appears the plot of the movie utilizes Morse Code quite a bit.

The Silent War features two big name stars in Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Zhou Xun, who previously exhibited romantic chemistry in The Great Magician. This time around Tony Leung portrays a blind secret agent, working alongside Zhou Xun in 1951 to help Mainland China foil its enemies.

The Silent War arrives from directors Alan Mak and Felix Wong, who are no strangers to blockbuster entertainment – the duo previously directed Infernal Affairs II and The Lost Bladesman, arguably two of the best Chinese-language films of the past 10 years.

Also enjoy some still images and a more detailed write-up at Chinese Films. The Silent War is set for a release in China later this year.

Update: Scope out two new posters and some stills from this hotly anticipated film. A brand new trailer, courtesy of Chinese Films. Here are some lovely new stills of actress Zhou Xun in the film. Some new posters over at Chinese Films.

BREAKING NEWS: What has been dubbed the final poster for the film is now online.

"Sleeping Dogs" Box Art

We don’t typically cover video games here at Cityonfire.com but publisher Square-Enix has gone out of their way to hire some high-profile Asian talent as voice actors in their new game, titled Sleeping Dogs.

In this open world action title, you play as an undercover cop working to rid the streets of Hong Kong of organized crime. Naturally, this involves going deep undercover in the Triad.

Fans of Asian cinema can look forward to hearing several familiar voices among the cast. In the lead role is Korean actor Will Yun Yee, who previously starred in Hollywood films like Die Another Day and the upcoming Total Recall remake.

Also keep your ears peeled for Edison Chen (Infernal Affairs II); James Hong (Big Trouble in Little China); Tzi Ma (Rush Hour); Parry Shen (Better Luck Tomorrow); Steph Song (War); Terence Yin (New Police Story); and Jerry Ying (The Girl From the Naked Eye).

Sleeping Dogs hits retail on August 14th, 2012 for the Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. Click here to order.

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

Cityonfire.com has received the following press release from Well Go USA:

“… fans of Iguchi and Nishimura’s brand of madness will be delighted … ” – Ard Vijn, Twitch Film

“… a triumph of popcorn-crunching entertainment. ” – Matthew Sorrento, Film Threat

Part Motorcycle, Part Karate Expert, ALL ROBOT!

KARATE-ROBO ZABORGAR

The Exciting, Over-the-Top Action-Comedy
From Sushi Typhoon and Director Noboru Iguchi
Debuts on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital September 11^th

Bonus Materials Include Go, ZABORGAR, Go! Short Films

Director Noboru Iguchi and Special Effects Director Yoshihiro Nishimura, creators of Mutant Girls Squad, reunite for the cyborg-filled action-packed comedy-thriller Karate-Robo Zaborgar debuting on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital September 11^th from Well Go USA Entertainment. The film stars Itsuji Itato (Tokyo Gore Police) as a secret-police officer who teams up with his super robot “Zaborgar” to battle all manner of mechanized super weapons in their quest for justice. The film also stars Asami (Mutant Girls Squad) as a rampaging school-girl robot and Akira Emoto (Ichi) as the leader of the sinister Sigma organization who plans to unleash a giant, transforming robot weapon to wreak havoc upon the unsuspecting world.

Synopsis:

Following the death of his scientist father, secret police officer Yutaka Daimon (Itsuji Itao) inherits a mighty robot warrior named “Zaborgar.” With its array of super weapons, expertise in karate and its ability to transform into a motorcycle, Zaborgar assists Daimon in his fight against the Sigma, the nefarious crime organization responsible for his father’s death.

Bonus Features Include:
–  Go, ZABORGAR Go! Short Films
–  Sushi Typhoon Trailers

Karate-Robo Zaborgar has a runtime of approximately 114 minutes and is not rated.

"East is Red" Chinese DVD Cover

Brigitte Lin was one of the most charismatic and screen-dominating presences of 80’s and 90’s Hong Kong cinema, with star-making turns in films like The Bride With White Hair and New Dragon Gate Inn. And like many actresses of that era, she chose to retire in her prime, marrying wealthy and disappearing from the acting game.

However, it appears that internationally acclaimed director Zhang Yimou, of Hero and House of Flying Daggers fame, has successfully managed to woo Brigitte Lin out of retirement.

His latest film, Dragon’s Kisses, will carry a budget of around $15 million US dollars and feature Chinese talent alongside Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie. The plot is rumored to involve time travel but, for the time being, it’s safe to say that Hong Kong movie buffs are most excited about Brigitte Lin’s return to the big screen.

Liam Hemsworth in "The Expendables 2"

Chinese Films has the scoop on a new Hollywood independent film called Paranoia, which – perhaps in a sign of things to come – is funded by Chinese company E Stars Entertainment and the Indian-owned Reliance Entertainment. The techno-thriller boasts a high-profile cast that includes Liam Hemsworth (The Expendables 2), Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones & the Crystal Skull), Amber Heard (The Ward), Julian McMahon (Fantastic Four), Josh Holloway (TV’s Lost), and Richard Dreyfuss (Jaws).

The budget sits at $40 million and follows Liam Hemsworth’s character as a tech-whiz who discovers a dangerous secret and gets in over his head. Sitting in the director’s chair is Robert Luketic, who previously helmed 21 and Legally Blonde. Production on Paranoia actually started today.

My Way Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

What do you know, it’s another great week of releases for fans of Asian cinema. So without any fuss, let’s get started. Here are your Blu-ray and DVD releases for the week of 7/24/12:

ASIAN CINEMA

My Way (Blu-ray/DVD) – distributor Well Go USA brings this 2011 sprawling, big-budget World War II movie to America. From the director of Korean blockbusters such as “Shiri” and “Tae Guk Gi”

Iris: The Movie (DVD) – the loyalty of two friends in the Special Forces is tested when a woman comes between them. This 2012 Korean action thriller stars Byung-hun Lee of “I Saw the Devil”

Kunoichi (DVD) – High Kick Girl herself, Rina Takeda, stars in this low-budget 2011 Japanese action movie about female ninjas. From the director of “Alien vs. Ninja”

Heartbeat (DVD) – this 2012 Korean film is a pulse-pounding thriller about a woman trying desperately to secure a heart transplant for her daughter

Crippled Masters 2 & Crippled Masters 3 – Double Disc Set (DVD) – Apprehensive Films presents kung fu exploitation flicks “The Crippled Masters 2” and “The Crippled Masters 3” together on DVD

The Black House (DVD) – Tokyo Shock re-releases this 2007 Korean horror movie as a Tokyo Shock Classic

The Suicide Song (DVD) – Tokyo Shock also re-releases this 2007 Japanese horror movie about a cursed song. Starring Ryuhei Matsuda (“Nightmare Detective,” “Taboo”)

Red Eye (DVD) – not to be confused with the Wes Craven movie, this 2005 Korean horror movie brings the terror to a train. Also releasing as a Tokyo Shock Classic

Jiro Dreams of Sushi (Blu-ray/DVD) – the 2011 documentary about Jiro Ono, a man many consider to be the greatest sushi chef alive

FOREIGN CINEMA

Footnote (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 2011 Israeli character study was one of last year’s nominees for Best Foreign Picture

La Ardilla Roja (The Red Squirrel) (DVD) – the director of “Lovers of the Arctic Circle” spins this 1993 tale of a suicidal young man who convinces an amnesiac woman that she’s in love with him

Shanghai (DVD) – this 2012 Bollywood movie weaves a complex tale of political corruption and intrigue set in a bustling Indian city

Berlin Nights: The Grand Delusion (The Edwin Brienen Collection) – the controversial 2003 German film about a group of Amsterdam artists who try to set up a live show only for everything to go wrong

MAINSTREAM

Girl From the Naked Eye (DVD) – martial arts sensation Jason Yee stars in this 2012 action-thriller that’s “Sin City” with a dash of “Oldboy”

Meeting Evil (DVD) – Samuel L. Jackson and Luke Wilson star in this 2012 psychological thriller that skipped theaters

Brake (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 2012 thriller shows what happens when Secret Service agent Stephen Dorff gets locked in the back of a car

Treasure Island (Blu-ray/DVD) – a 2012 TV mini-series adapting the classic pirate novel and starring Eddie Izzard, Elijah Wood, and Donald Sutherland

The Deep Blue Sea (Blu-ray/DVD) – Rachel Weisz and Tom Hiddleston star in this 2012 drama about a married woman who falls for a younger man

On the Inside (Blu-ray/DVD) – a 2011 prison drama starring Nick Stahl and Olivia Wilde

NEW TO BLU-RAY

Mystery Men (Blu-ray) – the underrated 1999 superhero send-up starring Ben Stiller and William H. Macy comes to hi-def

The Island of Dr. Moreau (Unrated Director’s Cut) – Val Kilmer and Marlon Brando headline this much-maligned 1996 version of H.G. Wells’ classic novel. Perhaps the director’s cut will shed light on things?

Metropolitan (Blu-ray) – the 1990 debut of director Whit Stillman (“Last Days of Disco”) receives the hi-def treatment courtesy of the Criterion Collection

Last Days of Disco (Blu-ray) – Criterion also offers this 1998 film from director Whit Stillman, starring Kate Beckinsale and Chloe Sevigny

ANIMATED

Superman vs. the Elite (Two Disc Special Edition) (DVD) – Superman must decide to uphold his principles as he faces off against an immoral superteam in this 2012 animated film

Golgo 13: The Professional (DVD) – this 1983 feature-length anime is the third film based off the “Golgo 13” manga and one of the first anime to incorporate CG elements

Armitage: Movie Collection – Armitage III (Classic) – Funimation re-releases the out-of-print 1995 anime feature film “Armitage III,” although it’s disappointing to learn the picture and audio haven’t been touched up at all

CLASSICS

Jungle Drums of Africa (DVD) – a 1953 black-and-white Republic serial depicting the dangers of the jungle

Kino Classics Presents: They Made Me a Fugitive (aka I Became a Criminal) – a 1947 noir thriller starring Trevor Howard

HORROR

The Monitor (DVD) – Noomi Rapace (“Prometheus,” “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”) stars in this 2011 horror film about a woman who begins hearing strange noises over her child’s baby monitor

Silent House (Blu-ray/DVD) – Elizabeth Olson headlines this 2011 horror remake that presents itself as filmed in one continuous shot

Dracula vs. Frankenstein (Blu-ray/DVD) – the 1971 horror film, remastered for Blu-ray

The Hearse / Blood of Dracula’s Castle (DVD) – two old-school horror flicks from the Katrina’s Nightmare Theater imprint

The Day After Halloween (DVD) – back in the day, the title of this horror cheapie tricked audiences into thinking it was related to John Carpenter’s classic “Halloween.” It’s actually a 1979 movie also called “Snap-Shot”

The Corridor (DVD) – IFC releases this 2011 film about a male bonding camping trip that goes horribly wrong when five men discover…something…in the woods

Bathory: Countess of Blood (DVD) – this 2012 horror film traces the life of Elizabeth Bathory, the famous countess who bathed in the blood of virgins to maintain her youthful looks

I Spit on Your Grave (Blu-ray) – get the original 1978 exploitation film and the more slick 2010 remake on one Blu-ray

Butterfly (DVD) – a 2012 indie horror film about an over-zealous fan who kills people for real to impress her favorite horror director

Interested in any of these movies? If so, we hope that you’ll consider ordering from ouraffiliate to help support this site. Thank you!

"The Tall Man" Theatrical Poster

French director Pascal Laugier made a big impression on horror fans worldwide with his 2008 effort Martyrs. The boundary-pushing film took the ‘torture porn’ genre to new heights – or was it new lows? – but actually managed to transcend its Hostel-like trappings thanks to a metaphysical spin on the story.

Along with Inside, there’s no denying that Martyrs remains one of the key films of the New French Extremity, the batch of contemporary French films that are single-handedly reviving the tired horror genre.

Now Pascal Laugier is making his American-language debut with a Jessica Biel-starring vehicle. The French trailer is online but thankfully for us English speakers it’s only subtitled in French.

The story follows Jessica Biel as she travels to a small American town and investigates the urban myth surrounding The Tall Man, a dark figure who snatches children like some monster out of a fairy tale.

Based on the trailer, it’s difficult to tell if Laugier has been able to keep his distinct vision intact in the transition to American shores – or if The Tall Man will end up like any number of failed, generic scary movies starring actresses like Jessica Biel or Sarah Michelle Geller. Expect the movie in limited theatrical release this August 31st, 2012.

Update: The official U.S. trailer is now online!