Bruce Lee documentary featuring ‘Enter the Dragon’ locations by Bey Logan

"Enter the Dragon" Chinese Theatrical Poster

"Enter the Dragon" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Hong Kong film expert Bey Logan recently posted a video (for the now defunct UK TV channel, CNX) which features a ‘location guide’ to accompany a screening of Enter the Dragon, as well as a mini Bruce Lee documentary with lots of interesting information. Logan also gives his take on Lee’s passing (conjecture as you may, as he states). Watch it now on youtube.com.

While you’re at it, please be sure and visit Bey Logan’s own reeleast.com. Not only does his website have cool articles, but it also has an online store where you can get genuine promotional items from classic Hong Kong films, including movies, books, flyers, posters, lobby cards, T-shirts and much more.

Posted in News |

Blu-ray and DVD Releases for 7/17/12

"Finding Mr. Destiny" (5 Points Pictures)

It’s a light week for Asian cinema but any Tuesday that sees the release of vintage Chuck Norris and Steven Seagal movies in hi-def can’t be all bad, right? So let’s get cracking. Here are your Blu-ray and DVD releases for the week of 7/17/12:

ASIAN CINEMA

Finding Mr. Destiny (DVD) – 5 Points Pictures presents this winsome 2010 Korean romantic comedy about one woman’s quest to reunite with her first love

Jackie Chan’s Project A (Blu-ray) – Echo Bridge offers the Miramax cut and dubbed version of Jackie Chan’s 1983 action classic, co-starring Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao

Operation Condor (Blu-ray) – you can also snag the Miramax cut/dubbed version of Jackie Chan’s 1991 sequel to “Armour of God”

Protect the Boss (DVD) – the 2011 Korean TV drama following quirky office romance comes to North America with a 6-disc DVD set

FOREIGN CINEMA

Extraterrestrial (DVD) – a man wakes up in a beautiful woman’s bed – just as aliens are invading the earth in this quirky 2011 Spanish-language sci-fi comedy

The Turin Horse (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 2012 Hungarian-language film from master filmmaker Bela Tarr examines the philosophy of Nietzsche through the life of a peasant farmer

The Fairy (Blu-ray/DVD) – this charming 2010 French comedy follows a hotel clerk who falls in love with a wish-granting fairy

MAINSTREAM

Lockout (Blu-ray/DVD) – produced by Luc Besson, this 2012 sci-fi action movie starring Guy Pearce as a Han Solo-esque tough guy arrives on home formats

Get the Gringo (Blu-ray/DVD) – Mel Gibson finds trouble South of the Border in this gritty 2012 action flick

Intruders (Blu-ray/DVD) – Clive Owen stars in this disturbing 2012 horror film from the director of “28 Weeks Later”

4:44 Last Days on Earth (Blu-ray/DVD) – controversial filmmaker Abel Ferarra (“Bad Lieutenant”) directors Willem Dafoe in this apocalyptic tale of Earth’s last days

Here (DVD) – Ben Forster stars in this 2012 independent film about a brief but intense romance set against the backdrop of Armenia

Down by Law (Blu-ray/DVD) – the Criterion Collection offers iconoclast director Jim Jarmusch’s 1986 black-and-white indie film co-starring Tom Waits

Deserters (Blu-ray/DVD) – Tom Hardy co-stars as a member of the French Foreign Legion in a new director’s cut of this 2011 thriller

Assassination (DVD) – action icon Charles Bronson stars as a Secret Service agent out to protect First Lady Jill Ireland in this 1987 flick

NEW TO BLU-RAY

Mean Streets (Blu-ray) – starring Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese’s classic 1973 picture comes to hi-def

Hard to Kill (Blu-ray) – fresh out of a coma and out for revenge, Steven Seagal takes no prisoners in this fan favorite 1990 action movie, now in hi-def

Lone Wolf Mcquade (Blu-ray) – arguably Norris’ finest hour, Chuck Norris and David Carradine square off in this 1983 action movie classic – on Blu-ray for the first time

Code of Silence (Blu-ray) – Chuck Norris and his robotic police pal take out the trash on the streets of Chicago in this 1985 action movie from the director of “The Fugitive” and “Under Siege”

Cellular (Blu-ray) – before he became Captain America, Chris Evans starred in this fun 2004 genre flick from the director of “Final Destination 2.” Also featuring Jason Statham as the bad guy

Next of Kin (Blu-ray) – Patrick Swayze and Liam Neeson raise hell as backwoods brothers out to protect their own in this overlooked 1989 action movie

The Butterfly Effect Director’s & Theatrical Cut (Blu-ray) – this mind-bending, time-traveling 2004 sci-fi movie starring Ashton Kutcher has maintained a cult following over the years

A Perfect Murder (Blu-ray) – before he was Aragorn, Viggo Mortenson stole Michael Douglas’ wife in this 1998 thriller

Just Cause (Blu-ray) – Sean Connery and Laurence Fishburne headline this 1995 legal thriller

Murder in the First (Blu-ray) – Christian Slater, Kevin Bacon, and Gary Oldman star in this 1995 film about a young attorney defending a petty criminal accused of murder in the first degree

RE-ISSUES

Spider-Man Trilogy (IMPORT Blu-ray) – Amazon is offering Sam Raimi’s 00’s “Spider-Man” films together in a UK Blu-ray set for $44.99. Be advised these discs are Region B and will not play on standard American Blu-ray players

CLASSICS

Singin’ in the Rain 60th Anniversary (Blu-ray) – the classic 1952 musical starring Gene Kelly receives a 60th Anniversary Blu-ray release

Camelot (Blu-ray) – Richard Harris stars as King Arthur in the 1967 film adaptation of the medieval musical

First a Girl (DVD) – the 1935 black and white musical, on DVD from VCI Entertainment

The Way Ahead (DVD) – actor David Niven headlines this 1944 World War II classic

HORROR

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (Blu-ray) – director Don Siegel’s (“Dirty Harry”) 1956 paranoid sci-fi classic is now in hi-definition

The Blood Beast Terror (Remastered Edition) (Blu-ray/DVD) – the 1968 Hammer horror film starring Peter Cushing comes to Blu-ray. Cushing investigates a blood-sucking giant moth that can take the form of a beautiful woman!

Burke & Hare (Remastered Edition) (Blu-ray/DVD) – history’s most infamous body-snatching duo are brought to life in this 1972 Hammer horror film

Hellraiser VI: Hellseeker (Blu-ray) – those nasty Cenobites just won’t stop in this 2002 direct-to-video entry in Clive Barker’s “Hellraiser” series

Darkness (Blu-ray) – Anne Paquin stars in this 2002 horror film from Spanish director Jaume Balagueró (the “REC” series)

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 |

Van Damme, Lundgren and Adkins seen together at Walmart

After Dark Action at Walmart for $7.98

After Dark Action at Walmart for $7.98

After Dark Films’ new action film franchise are getting a Walmart exclusive release. The new label, entitled After Dark Action, combines the talents of Joel Silver, Dark Castle Home Entertainment and Courtney Solomon’s After Dark Films for a series of high quality, high-octane action pictures featuring top international stars.

All five After Dark Action films (Dragon Eyes, Philly Kid, Transit, El Gringo and Stash House) have been available on Amazon Instant Video and On Demand, but now you can get DVD copies at Walmart.com starting July 24th for $7.98 a pop.

Posted in News |

Lone Wolf & Cub Complete Blu-ray Set (Animeigo)

Lone Wolf & Cub Complete Blu-ray Set (Animeigo)

Lone Wolf & Cub Complete Blu-ray Set (Animeigo)

RELEASE DATE: September 25, 2012

Animeigo present the Blu-ray edition of the complete Lone Wolf and Cub Saga – unedited, uncut, and remastered on HD from new prints, in its original Japanese language with English subtitles. The Set includes: Sword of VengeanceBaby Cart at the River StyxBaby Cart to HadesBaby Cart in PerilBaby Cart in the Land of Demons and White Heaven in Hell.

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

Election 2 | aka Triad Election (2006) Review

"Election 2" French Theatrical Poster

“Election 2” French Theatrical Poster

Director: Johnnie To
Cast: Louis Koo, Simon Yam, Nick Cheung, Gordon Lam, Lam Suet, Wong Tin Lam, Yau Yung, Eddie Cheung, Mark Cheng, Andy On, Cheung Wing Cheung
Running Time: 92 min.

By HKFanatic

As much as I’ve disparaged Louis Koo’s acting in movies like “Triple Tap” and “Accident,” no one can take his performance in “Election 2” away from him. With this film, Koo found the role he was born to play – the well-dressed Triad playboy turned legitimate businessman, who is consistently in over his head in the dog-eat-dog worlds of organized crime and capitalism (and the movie will make you wonder which one is worse).

Picking up where the first “Election” left off, it is now the end of Simon Yam’s two year reign as Chairman of his Triad. Although Yam’s tenure brought success to many, it seems that Simon’s own earnings were eclipsed by Louis Koo’s bootleg DVD business. In a world where money is the ultimate sign of power and respect, this ensures that most of the Triad brothers want Louis to be the next Chairman. There’s just one problem – well, two problems: Louis doesn’t want to run for the position and Simon Yam will kill anyone that gets in the way of his second term. As much as he aspires to be a respectable businessman, Koo soon realizes that ‘every time he thinks he’s out, they pull him back in.’

From there, the story dovetails into “The Godfather”-esque levels of criminal scheming and machinations. There’s great pleasure to be had in watching several factions of the same Triad gang competing against each other, their plans intersecting and backfiring as Louis Koo manages to stay one step ahead of the competition. The centerpiece of the film is a daring rescue attempt staged in the broad daylight by Koo and his men, featuring a coffin on wheels and a bunch of giant knives. And yes, the “Election” films are more than a little reminiscent of “The Godfather” saga in many respects, but here each installment comes in under 100 minutes and director Johnnie To provides a distinctly Eastern take on the material.

In the hands of a gifted filmmaker like Johnnie To, who has spent more than a decade examining the lives of men in and around organized crime, the material is shaped into masterpiece. It’s difficult to imagine a better visual image to convey Louis Koo’s psychological state than the aerial shot To gives us about midway through the film: the camera looking down at the bloody dog pens and the long shadow cast by Koo. As good as the first “Election” was, the sequel improves upon it in every way. Both films are best viewed close together since “Election 2” truly builds on the relationships of the first installment.

With the sequel, Johnnie To delivers more action, more intrigue, and Louis Koo steps up to the plate to deliver the best performance of his career. It’s true that the Hong Kong film industry has frequently struggled to find its identity post-1997, but “Election 1 & 2” stand out as two of the best movies produced in HK during the past 12 years. To anyone developing a list of required viewing for Asian cinema, the “Election” saga surely deserves a place on it.

HKFanatic’s Rating: 8.5/10

Posted in Chinese, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , |

David Cronenberg’s ‘Cosmopolis’ – New trailer

"Cosmopolis" Theatrical Poster

"Cosmopolis" Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: Last month, the first glimpse of David Cronenberg’s film Cosmopolis hit the web. Everything about the teaser – the music, the logo font, and the flashes of grotesque violence – bring to mind vintage Cronenberg, i.e. transgressive films like Videodrome and ExistenZ. This time around, though, the director is finding his inspiration in the work of acclaimed author Don DeLillo (White Noise, Underworld) and he’s bringing along Twilight ‘It’ boy Robert Pattinson.

Upon hearing that Cronenberg was working with Robert Pattinson, film fans really didn’t know what to expect. However, it’s likely that this teaser will put fears to rest. It looks like Cronenberg is taking us on a wild ride into the unknown once more. Cosmopolis does not yet have a US release date but it arrives in France this May.

Updates: There is now a clip on youtube. Also, if you haven’t checked out the trailer, what are you waiting for?

BREAKING NEWS: Check out the newest U.S. trailer.

Posted in News |

‘Street Fighter’ fans will get a kick out of this 25th Anniversary Collector’s Set

Street Fighter 25th Anniversary Blu-ray & Game Collector's Set (Capcom)

Street Fighter 25th Anniversary Blu-ray & Game Collector's Set (Capcom)

We usually don’t do a lot of coverage for Anime or video game-type items, but since we’re a fan of Capcom’s Street Fighter game series, we decided to spread the word about this special collector’s set.

Commemorating 25 years of one of the most popular videogame franchises of all time, the Street Fighter 25th Anniversary Collector’s Set is a must-have for Street Fighter aficionados.

Created as a celebration and tribute to its fans, the limited edition set is individually numbered and jam-packed with Street Fighter games, video, art, music, and exclusive collectibles. The items are housed in a specially created chest complete with a certificate of authenticity. Click here to pre-order for Xbox 360 or PS3. Also, be sure and check out the trailer.

Features:

Experience Past and Present Street Fighter Games: Gamers get a snapshot of Street Fighter with four critically-acclaimed games that represent important chapters in Street Fighter history.

Light-up Ryu Statue: Standing 8 inches tall, the highly detailed Ryu statue features the iconic character in mid- Shoryuken with flames that light up from below.

Blu-Ray Video Set: The exclusive Blu-Ray two-disc set includes a documentary that highlights the profound influence the franchise has had on fans – and vice versa – throughout the years.

Soundtrack: 11 discs worth of Street Fighter music spanning the past 25 years. Two of the discs include remixes and fan-created music inspired by past Street Fighter games.

Art Book: The 64-page art book pays tribute to Street Fighter fans from all over the world and includes fan pieces submitted by professional and aspiring artists alike.

Click here to pre-order for Xbox 360 or PS3.

Posted in News |

This summer, North America is about to get a little ‘Deranged’

"Deranged" Korean Theatrical Poster

Cityonfire.com has received the following press release:

CJ Entertainment brings the highly anticipated science fiction thriller Deranged to North America on July 27, 2012. Upon its release in South Korea, Deranged quickly beat out Hollywood blockbuster The Amazing Spider-Man in the box office and sold more than 1.3 million tickets in 4 days.

There must be something in the water.

Just before dawn, skeletal bodies surface on the Han River in Seoul, Korea.  More bodies are discovered all over the nation. The cause of death is determined to be a mutated parasite worm that brainwashes its hosts, ultimately making them jump into bodies of water and to their death within days of infection.

As the number of victims rapidly increase, the government sets up an Emergency Response Task Force and puts all infected citizens into quarantine.  Meanwhile, pharmaceutical company salesman Jae-hyeok realizes that his family is infected, and becomes desperate to find the cure.   In his frantic search to save his family, he uncovers a frightening conspiracy behind the epidemic.

About Director Park Jung-woo

An accomplished screenwriter himself, PARK Jung-woo has established himself with acclaimed films such as Attack the Gas StationKick the MoonLast Present, and Jail Breakers. Seeing the story of Deranged as a metaphorical mirror into our own society, Park portrays the catastrophe with horrifying realism, promising the audience a disaster film unlike any other.

Deranged is scheduled to release in select cities across North America, including Los Angeles, Seattle, Dallas, Chicago, New York, and Toronto.

For more information, please visit: www.derangedmovie2012.com

Theater List – Releasing on July 27, 2012

Los Angeles – CGV Cinemas
San Jose – AMC Cupertino **Pending
Seattle – AMC Alderwood
Dallas – AMC Grapevine Mills
Chicago – AMC Showplace Niles
Atlanta – AMC Colonial
D.C. – AMC Hoffman
Philadelphia – AMC 309
New York – AMC Ridgefield Park
New York – AMC Bay Terrace **Pending
Vancouver – Cineplex
Toronto – AMC Yonge & Dundas
Honolulu – Consolidated Pearlridge

Posted in News |

Lady Ninja Kasumi: Collection 1: 3-Disc DVD Set (Tokyo Shock)

Lady Ninja Kasumi: Collection 1: 3-Disc DVD Set (Tokyo Shock)

Lady Ninja Kasumi: Collection 1: 3-Disc DVD Set (Tokyo Shock)

RELEASE DATE: September 25, 2012

Tokyo Shock presents the Lady Ninja Kasumi: Collection 1 3-Disc DVD set. When both parents of Kasumi and her little brother are killed, a powerful warlord adopts the children. Soon after, Kasumi joins the Kuniochi (lady ninja) in order to protect her brother and defend her new family.

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

Breathless DVD (Cinema Asia Releasing)

Breathless DVD (Cinema Asia Releasing)

Breathless DVD (Cinema Asia Releasing)

RELEASE DATE: August 21, 2012

Cinema Asia Releasing presents the DVD for Breathless. A loan shark finds himself striking a friendship with a troubled schoolgirl, Yeon Hee, as he faces his own troubled past with his abusive father. Breathless won the Grand Prize at the 2009 Tokyo Filmex. Actress Emma Watson named the movie as her favorite. Check out the trailer.

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

Len Wiseman’s ‘Total Recall’ remake – new poster!

"Total Recall" Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: Len Wiseman, director of the most contentious Die Hard sequel (Live Free or Die Hard), has his remake of Paul Verhoeven’s 1990 film Total Recall. The original starred Arnold Schwarzenegger; this time around Colin Farrell headlines a cast that includes Kate Beckinsale, Bryan Cranston, and Jessica Biel. In theaters on August 3, 2012.

Updates: ComicBookMovie via Collider has a blurb from Beckinsale on how her Lori distinguishes itself from the Sharon Stone take. CBM has word from Len Wiseman that we’ll probably see the first trailer for the film in March. CBM also has a more detailed plot synopsis here. IMDB finally has a picture from the film and a plot summary.

AICN has the teaser for the trailer. Also, hop on over to Beyond Hollywood for the first poster for the movie.

The first full-length trailer is now online! The Playlist has posted new images of Colin Farrell, Jessica Biel & Kate Beckinsale. The Playlist has the newest trailer!

BREAKING NEWS: A new poster for the film, courtesy of AICN.

Posted in News |

Murderer DVD (Cinema Asia Releasing)

Murderer DVD (Cinema Asia Releasing)

Murderer DVD (Cinema Asia Releasing)

RELEASE DATE: August 21, 2012

Cinema Asia Releasing presents the DVD for Murderer. Ling Kwong (Aaron Kwok) is a Chief Inspector of police who is on the look out for a ruthless killer. The only problem is all the evidence he finds points to himself! Check out the trailer.

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

Female Teacher: Dirty Afternoon DVD (Impulse Pictures)

Female Teacher: Dirty Afternoon DVD (Impulse Pictures)

Female Teacher: Dirty Afternoon DVD (Impulse Pictures)

RELEASE DATE: September 11, 2012

Impulse Pictures presents the DVD for Female Teacher: Dirty Afternoon. There were at least a dozen Nikkatsu films made with the “Female Teacher” banner, each pitting a plethora of young cuties against their more mature and experienced classroom rivals. Female Teacher: Dirty Afternoon is one of the best, and most controversial, of this series of films.

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

Help Kickstart a new supernatural-themed martial arts web series

"Clandestine: Follow the Path"

Thousand Pounds Action Company are the creators of over 20 popular martial arts shorts, which are viewable on their YouTube page. Thanks to their intense fight choreography, fluid camerawork, and subtle special effects, their videos have earned them over 13 million views online.

Just check out this video game-inspired Street Fighter x Tekken video for a taste of what Thousands Pounds is capable of.

Now Thousand Pounds is turning to the popular crowd-funding website Kickstarter to ask their fans for help. Donate and you can help them realize an original supernatural-themed martial arts web series called Clandestine: Follow the Path.

The show will feature trained martial artists in the lead roles and tell the story of a young woman who wakes up one day to realize she’s at the center of a war between several mystical, super-powered warrior clans. Thousand Pounds Action Company already has 397 backers with more than 20 days to reach their goal so there’s a fair chance we’ll be seeing Clandestine in our future. There are rewards involved for backers who commit to donating $5 or more.

Thanks to regular Cityonfire.com reader TheBigLenano for bringing Clandestine to our attention!

Posted in News |

Hindsight DVD (CJ Entertainment)

"Hindsight" Korean Theatrical Poster

"Hindsight" Korean Theatrical Poster

RELEASE DATE: July 31, 2012

CJ Entertainment presents the DVD for Hindsight. Directed by Lee Hyeon-Seung (Il Mare) and starring Song Kang-ho (The Good, The Bad, The Weird) and Shin Se-kyung (Five Senses of Eros), Hindsight is about a gangster who now wants to live a quiet life while hoping to run a restaurant of his own. She turns out to be a little more than someone who can marinate some Korean BBQ. Check out the trailer here.

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