Blu-ray and DVD Releases for 2/14/12

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Z Ravas
Three Outlaw Samurai Blu-ray & DVD (Criterion)

Three Outlaw Samurai Blu-ray & DVD (Criterion)

This Tuesday happens to be Valentine’s Day. What better way to celebrate than with a Criterion samurai film or a Jeff Speakman flick on Blu-ray, right? Here are your Asian and genre movie releases for the week of 2/14/12:

ASIAN CINEMA

Three Outlaw Samurai (Blu-ray/DVD) – the Criterion Collection presents director Hideo Gosha’s 1964 samurai film in hi-definition

Sword of Desperation (DVD) – AnimEigo offers this 2010 samurai film, which garnered 6 nominations at the 2011 Japanese Academy Awards, including Best Actor and Best Cinematography

Ocean Heaven (Blu-ray/DVD) – Well Go USA presents a different kind of Jet Li movie, as the acclaimed martial artist stretches his acting chops in this 2010 drama about a widower and his autistic son

My Kingdom (DVD) – a 2011 Hong Kong film set in the opera scene of 1920’s Shanghai, featuring action choreography by Sammo Hung

Yakuza Hunters: Final Death Ride Battle (DVD) – Tokyo Shock offers more fun with the Yakuza Hunters in this 2010 flick, featuring the duo of deadly ladies who live for the thrill of killing Yakuza

IMPORT ASIAN

Life Without Principle (Blu-ray/DVD) – Johnnie To’s 2011 film about the growing financial crisis in Hong Kong stars Lau Ching Wan, Richie Ren, and Denise Ho. Available on Region A Blu-ray for $23. 72 or Region 3 DVD for $11.54 at DDDHouse. Releases on February 16th

GP506 (Blu-ray/DVD) – also known as “The Guard Post,” this 2008 supernatural military thriller arrives from the Korean director of “R-Point.” Available on Region A Blu-ray for $16.03 or Region 3 PAL DVD for $12.56 at DDDHouse. Releases on February 16th

FOREIGN CINEMA

Elite Squad: The Enemy Within (Blu-ray/DVD) – the 2010 sequel to the 2007 Brazilian smash hit, about the police’s most elite unit who battle vicious drug lords for control of Rio’s slums

VIPs (DVD) – a 2010 Portuguese-language film based on the true story of a teenage con man who could impersonate anyone…except himself

Debt (DVD) – the 2007 Israeli picture that inspired the recent Hollywood remake “The Debt” starring Sam Worthington and Helen Mirren

Mozart’s Sister (Blu-ray/DVD) – a 2010 French film that is honestly all about the titular character

Tales From the Golden Age (DVD) – a 2009 Romanian film comprised of short stories detailing life under a Communist regime

Summer Holiday (DVD) – a 2008 Romanian slice-of-life film about a family who finds their relationships strained when they go on a seaside vacation

La Hora Cero AKA The Zero Hour (DVD) – a 2009 Spanish language film about a tattooed hitman who takes a hospital hostage

MARTIAL ARTS

The Perfect Weapon (Blu-ray/DVD) – at long last! Jeff Speakman’s classic 1991 action flick arrives in hi-definition. If you’re a fan of 90’s martial arts movies, you won’t want to miss this

The Assailant (DVD) – the Brazilian martial art of Capoeira gets its long deserved time in the spotlight with this 2009 action movie

CULT

Nude Nuns With Big Guns (Blu-ray/DVD) – it’s not what you think. Or maybe it is? This 2010 direct-to-video grindhouse-style flick features a nun wielding a big gun on the cover

Modus Operandi (Blu-ray/DVD) – this low-budget exploitation flick probably needs to be seen to be believed. Featuring appearances by Danny Trejo and Sasha Grey

Burning Moon (DVD) – this 1997 cult film is purported to be one of the goriest splatter flicks of all time

MAINSTREAM

The Rum Diary (Blu-ray/DVD) – Johnny Depp once again portrays the mad writer Hunter S. Thompson in this 2011 film

Take Shelter (Blu-ray/DVD) – soon general audiences will know him as General Zod but you’ll probably want to catch Michael Shannon first in this critically acclaimed 2011 film, about a man who becomes obsessed with building a storm shelter for his family

Tiny Furniture (Blu-ray/DVD) – the Criterion Collection offers this 2010 feature from writer/director/star Lena Dunham, who got her start making YouTube videos. This quiet indie drama explores post-collegiate malaise

CLASSICS

All Quiet on the Western Front (Blu-ray) – the classic 1930 film about the desolation of war, set in the trenches of World War I, now on Blu-ray

The Man in the Iron Mask (DVD) – the 1939 adaptation of the famous novel by “Three Musketeers” author Alexandre Dumas

Carve Her Name With Pride (DVD) – a 1958 film about the French Resistance during World War II

Last of the Mohicans (DVD) – a 1920 silent film adaptation of James Fenimore Cooper’s novel

HORROR

Paranormal Activity 3 (Blu-ray/DVD) – more ‘found footage’ demonic shenanigans, now on home formats

Friday the 13th the Ultimate Collection (DVD) – the upside to this 8-disc collection is that you get all of the “Friday the 13th” movies for only $35. The downside is that it’s not Blu-ray

The Dead (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 2010 zombie film was called “the best zombie movie” of that year by Ain’t It Cool News

Human Centipede II: Full Sequence (Blu-ray/DVD) – does the Blu-ray at least come with a barf bag? IFC offers the unrated director’s cut of Tom Six’s 2011 exercise in torture and cruelty

My Pure Joy (DVD) – this obscure, low-budget 2011 horror film about a deranged teenager supposedly features references to Takashi Miike and the current New Wave of French horror

The Devil’s Rock (DVD) – this 2011 horror film is set during World War II and hails from the peaceful land of New Zealand

Swinger’s Massacre (DVD) – Apprehensive Films offers this 1975 slasher flick that is limited to a pressing of just 500 units

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 |

Melancholia Blu-ray & DVD (Magnolia)

Posted on February 12, 2012 by JJ Bona
Melancholia Blu-ray & DVD (Magnolia)

Melancholia Blu-ray & DVD (Magnolia)

RELEASE DATE: March 13, 2012

Magnolia presents Lars von Trier’s 2011 sci-fi/drama movie, Melancholia. Two sisters find their already strained relationship challenged as a mysterious new planet threatens to collide with the Earth. Melancholia stars Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kiefer Sutherland and Alexander Skarsgard. Check out the trailer.

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

Flash Point (2007) Review

Posted on February 11, 2012 by Z Ravas
"Flash Point" Korean Theatrical Poster

“Flash Point” Korean Theatrical Poster

Director: Wilson Yip
Cast: Donnie Yen, Louis Koo, Collin Chou, Ray Lui, Xing Yu, Fan Bing Bing, Kent Cheng, Xu Qing, Ben Lam, Ha Ping, Ai Wai, Tony Ho Wah Chiu, Timmy Hung Tin Ming, Helena Law, John Salvitti, Kenji Tanigaki, Austin Wai
Running Time: 85 min.

By HKFanatic

Even as a huge fan of Donnie Yen, I wouldn’t try to argue that “Flash Point” is a great ‘film’ in the traditional sense. It suffers from uneven pacing, Louis Koo’s acting (or lack thereof), and a scene in which Donnie Yen gloats shirtless on the beach just because, well, he’s a perfect human specimen and that’s what he does. And yet I have watched “Flash Point” at least three times now. Why? Because it features some of the best and most hard-hitting action scenes of the past twelve years. Donnie Yen’s fight choreography is an exciting blend of MMA-style takedowns with traditional Chinese martial arts. The final bout between Donnie Yen and Collin Chou, which extends for over eight minutes long, is, simply put, a fight for the ages.

“Flash Point” is ostensibly a prequel to Donnie Yen and Wilson Yip’s 2005 collaboration “Kill Zone” (AKA “Sha Po Lang’); however, knowledge of that film is hardly a perquisite to enjoying or understanding “Flash Point’s” story. All you need to know is that is that Donnie Yen is a hard-boiled cop who will do whatever it takes to catch the bad guys. With “Kill Zone,” Donnie and Wilson managed to take the wrestling and submission techniques made popular by MMA events and incorporate those into traditional Hong Kong fight scenes. In “Flash Point,” they push this signature style to the next level. This is truly an action-thriller that has it all: blistering one-on-one combat, bloody gunplay, and even a brief chase scene with elements of parkour.

Unbeknownst to most fans, Wilson Yip is something like the Wong Kar-Wai of action movies. Donnie Yen revealed in an extensive English-language interview for “Flash Point” that Wilson likes to play his films ‘by ear’ – in other words, the script is not written in stone. Actors may arrive on the set and deviate from the screenplay, ‘riffing’ on what they want do in an action or dialogue scene. This creates some contention for Donnie, who is fond of the Hollywood way of filmmaking, and yet also seems to be one of the reasons why these two men work so well together. There’s no denying that the plot in “Flash Point” does not feel entirely thought out. Scenes seem to follow each other without a clear idea of what the story is about. Is Louis Koo the protagonist or is Donnie? The audience can’t really decide and neither, it seems, can the filmmakers.

As a result, the majority of the action in “Flash Point” – also known as the reason why most people are watching it – is crammed into the last thirty minutes. The third act is an orgy of violence, including a scene in which Donnie Yen wields a sniper rifle that’s almost as big as he is, that should satisfy any action junkie. However, getting to that point can be about as enthralling as a trip to the dentist. Louis Koo chain-smokes his way through the movie, occasionally waking up and realizing he’s supposed to act – to which he responds by yelling. Actress Fan Bing Bing, normally luminous, is photographed in an unflattering way in the rather thankless role of Koo’s love interest. Only the bad guys – played by Collin Chou, Xing Yu, and Ray Lui – seem to be having any fun with their parts, and it’s their colorful performances that help keep “Flash Point” entertaining during its more slow-paced moments.

Then again, once Donnie Yen and Collin Chou finally come face to face and get ready to throwdown…all your quibbles or criticisms of the film will fly out the window. What follows is one of the most bone-crunching, jaw-dropping, bloody-up-your-nose fight scenes in over a decade. Both Donnie and Collin put their all into this fight, and their stunt work and choreography has yet to be topped or even equaled in most of martial arts cinema. My hat is off to Donnie and his entire stunt crew, and to Wilson Yip for knowing how to expertly capture all the action onscreen. There’s no shakycam or quick cut editing here – camera work is fluid and, although you’ll notice the occasional stuntman stand-in on repeated viewings, everything looks painfully real.

Chances are the first “Ip Man” will remain the definitive collaboration for Donnie Yen and Wilson Yip. I’m willing to bet that “Ip Man” was also the first subtitled martial arts film that many casual American moviegoers had seen since “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” If you have any friends or co-workers who were bowled over by “Ip Man” and are looking for their next Donnie Yen fix, “Flash Point” is the direction to point them in. As for die-hard action buffs and martial arts lifers like us, “Flash Point” deserves a place on our shelf. The good news is that Well Go USA’s new blu-ray looks and sounds great as well, warranting an upgrade even if you already have the Dragon Dynasty DVD. It may not be the most polished Hong Kong thriller out there but the Donnie Yen vs. Collin Chou battle alone certifies “Flash Point” as a must see for fight fans.

HKFanatic’s Rating: 7.5/10

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

Young, Violent, Dangerous DVD (Raro Video)

Posted on February 11, 2012 by JJ Bona
Young, Violent, Dangerous DVD (Raro Video)

Young, Violent, Dangerous DVD (Raro Video)

RELEASE DATE: March 13, 2012

Raro Video is back with another Italian crime flick. This time, 1976’s Young, Violent, Dangerous (aka Liberi Armati Pericolosi), starring the legendary Tomas Milian. The plot revolves around a Dirty Harry-type detective (Thomas Milian) who is up against a trio of psychotic teenagers who go on a crime and killing spree. Check out the opening scene on youtube.

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

‘Beat ‘Em Up’ promises ‘Bruce Lee’s Game of Death for the UFC Generation’

Posted on February 11, 2012 by JJ Bona
'Beat 'Em Up' Teaser Poster

'Beat 'Em Up' Teaser Poster

Beat ‘Em Up is an upcoming martial arts feature starring and directed by Peter Hallett (The Silencer, Death List). The film, openly billed as “Bruce Lee’s Game of Death for the UFC Generation,” features action from the stunt team behind Batman Begins, Blade II and The Golden Compass.

Beat ‘Em Up has a surprising cast that includes Richard Grannon (Real Outlaws) Antonio Fargas (Starsky And Hutch) Joe Estevez (Apocalypse Now) Danny-John Jules (Blade 2) Richard Ng (Jackie Chan’s Miracles, Winners And Sinners) and Bobby Ball (Mount Pleasant). Release date TBA.

Check out the teaser trailer!

Posted in News |

Norwegian Wood DVD (New Video Group)

Posted on February 11, 2012 by JJ Bona
"Norwegian Wood" International Theatrical Poster

"Norwegian Wood" International Theatrical Poster

RELEASE DATE: May 15, 2012

Norwegian Wood is a 2010 Japanese film directed by Vietnamese filmmaker Tran Anh Hung (“The Scent of Green Papaya”), based on the novel by internationally acclaimed author Haruki Murakami. The film is the story of Toru, who grows close to his deceased best friend’s former lover. Norwegian Wood stars Kenichi Matsuyama, Rinko Kikuchi and Kiko Mizuhara. Take a wild guess at what song is featured in the film’s soundtrack? Check out the trailer.

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

Golden Harvest’s Raymond Chow speaks in a rare interview

Posted on February 11, 2012 by JJ Bona
Bruce Lee and Raymond Chow on the set of "Enter the Dragon"

Bruce Lee and Raymond Chow on the set of "Enter the Dragon"

Raymond Chow is the prime mover of Golden Harvest Studios, which he founded in 1970 with Leonard Ho. Some of the biggest names of Hong Kong cinema were launched (and still are associated) by the studio: Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao, John Woo and Jet Li – just to name a few.

Twitch recently posted a 20-minute video interview, which was conducted on March 21st, 2011, during the celebration of his Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2011 Asian Film Awards. Check out the the interview here.

Posted in News |

After the Banquet DVD (Pathfinder Home Entertainment)

Posted on February 10, 2012 by JJ Bona
After the Banquet DVD (Pathfinder Home Entertainment)

After the Banquet DVD (Pathfinder Home Entertainment)

RELEASE DATE: April 17, 2012

Pathfinder Home Entertainment presents Kim Yun-Cheol’s 2009 Korean film, After the Banquet. Not having seen each other for years, a group of college friends gather for a wedding. However, they are surprised to find a strange woman crashing wedding, creating a tense atmosphere of curiosity. After the Banquet stars Shin Sung-Woo, Ye Ji-Won, Bae Soo-Bin and Ko Ah-Sung. Check out the trailer.

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

Relation of Face, Mind and Love DVD (Pathfinder Home Entertainment)

Posted on February 10, 2012 by JJ Bona
Relation of Face, Mind and Love DVD (Pathfinder Home Entertainment)

Relation of Face, Mind and Love DVD (Pathfinder Home Entertainment)

RELEASE DATE: April 17, 2012

Pathfinder Home Entertainment presents Jang-soo Lee’s 2010 Korean film, Relation of Face, Mind and Love. Talented architect Tae-pung Kang (Kang Ji-Hwan) becomes involved in a car accident. Because of the accident, he develops a visual impairment that makes him see unattractive people as attractive. Shallow Hal, anyone? Relation of Face, Mind and Love stars Kang Ji-Hwan, Lee Ji-A, Hwang Jung-Eum and Jeon Su-Kyeong. Check out the trailer.

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

From the director of supernatural military thriller ‘R-Point’ comes ‘GP506’ on Import Blu-ray and DVD

Posted on February 10, 2012 by Z Ravas

"GP506" Korean Theatrical Poster

Back in 2004, the supernatural military thriller R-Point was a hit at both the Korean domestic box office and in the States as part of Tartan’s beloved “Asia Extreme” DVD line. Now the director of that film, Su-chang Kong, is back with a new tale of terror, GP506 (also known as The Guard Post).

On February 13, this 2008 film will arrive on Region A blu-ray for only $16.03 at trusted retailer DDD House. Region A blu-rays will play on American players. Alternately, you can grab the Region 3 DVD for $12.56 but make sure you have an import player for that.

When all of the soldiers at an outpost along the Korean Demilitarized Zone are found brutally murdered except for one survivor who has mysterious slipped into a coma, a military investigator (Chun Ho Jin) is sent in. But the last thing he expected to find was a zombie virus…

Check out the spooky and atmospheric trailer here.

Posted in Asian Import Titles, News |

This movie could be a ‘Turning Point’ in your life – ‘Turning Point 2’ on Import Blu-ray and DVD

Posted on February 10, 2012 by Z Ravas

"Turning Point 2" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Since retiring from the film business, the Shaw Brothers have transformed into a successful television production studio known as TVB. One of their biggest hits was a series called Lives of Omission starring Michael Tse. That show was actually a spin-off of another franchise – confused yet? – but the link between all of them was the popularity of Michael Tse’s character, known as Laughing Gor. This character, a tough undercover cop out to take on the Triads, was popular enough to earn his own feature film with 2009’s Turning Point.

Now last year’s sequel, Turning Point 2, is ready to hit Hong Kong blu-ray and DVD on February 23. Your friends at DDDHouse have the All-Region blu-ray for only $17.31 and the Region 3 DVD for $13.85. This movie was second only to Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol at the Hong Kong box office back in January.

Even if you’re not familiar with the Laughing Gor character, the trailer promises plenty of action and intrigue, and the cast features some impressive acting talent in Francis Ng, Chapman To, Bosco Wong, Kara Hui, Kate Tsui and Janice Man. To learn more about the film’s plot and the TV series Lives of Omission, you might want to check out this link.

Posted in Asian Import Titles, News |

If we’re lucky, Yuen Woo-Ping may lead ‘The Order of the Seven’

Posted on February 10, 2012 by JJ Bona
Yuen Woon-ping

Yuen Woon-ping

THE MOVIE: Commercial director Michael Gracey is helming an East-meets-West take on Snow White and the Seven Dwarves for Disney, titled The Order of the Seven. Saoirse Ronan (Hanna, The Lovely Bones) stars as Snow White but this adaptation of the story will place more of an emphasis on the seven “dwarves,” who are now full-bodied warriors. The film has been in development since 2002 but is slated for release sometime in 2013. Cityonfire.com readers will be most interested to hear that Yuen Woo-Ping has been circling the project as a fight choreographer.

Updates: The Hollywood Reporter lists Scott Rudin and Andrew Gunn as producers. On board as executive producer is Gunn Films’ Ann Marie Sanderlin, along with Anthony Wong and Dede Nickerson. One of the Toy Story 3 writers did a polish on the script.

BREAKING NEWS: The Hollywood Reporter says that the seven male characters won’t be vertically challenged. The premise has also now been updated accordingly:

In this iteration, the seven are a 19th century-set disparate band of international warriors belonging to a centuries-old order who have lost their way. They meet with an Englishwoman (Ronan) who is being chased by an ancient evil, and she proves to be the catalyst for their redemption.

The film will still be set in China but have fighters from America and Russia, each with their own “unique fighting style.” More info at IndieWire.

Posted in News |

Live-action ‘Space Adventure Cobra’ in the works

Posted on February 10, 2012 by JJ Bona
"Cobra" Teaser Poster

"Cobra" Teaser Poster

THE MOVIE: Alexandre Aja, director of The Hills Have Eyes remake and Piranha 3-D, is positioned to helm a live-action adaptation of Space Adventure Cobra, the popular anime from Osamu Dezaki (director on shows like Astro Boy and Lupin the 3rd). A tentative release date for 2017 is set.

Updates: Dark Horizons notes the film is slowly moving full steam ahead, as it’s found a partner to co-finance its estimated $100 million budget. While you’re waiting for further news, Hulu is streaming the dubbed version of the anime movie for your pleasure. Thanks to Anime News Network for the tip.

BREAKING NEWS: Here’s a look at what could be the new teaser poster. Thanks to @castuka for the link.

Posted in News |

Cityonfire.com to promote Asian Import Blu-ray and DVDs through DDDHouse.com

Posted on February 9, 2012 by JJ Bona
DDDHouse.com: Asian Import DVD, Blu-rays, Hardware and More.

DDDHouse.com: Asian Import DVD, Blu-rays, Hardware and More.

Cityonfire.com is proud to announce we are now promoting new and upcoming Asian Import Blu-ray and DVDs through DDDHouse, a well-established online retail company operating out of Hong Kong. After countless orders placed, DDDHouse has become our choice for the latest Asian Import Blu-rays & DVD titles. Not only do they carry a wide variety of movies (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, etc) that are not yet available in the U.S., but their prices are substantially lower than their competition.

In addition, their customer service has been friendly and personable – something that’s rare in this industry, especially when dealing with overseas retailers. Even though they’re based out of Hong Kong, their turnaround time and shipping rates are very impressive. If you haven’t already, we hope that you will give DDDHouse a try. Tell them Cityonfire.com sent you…

And check back here for details on their latest releases. We promise to keep you in tune with the hottest titles that are not yet available here in America!

Posted in News |

Watch the Nazis take over in ‘Iron Sky’

Posted on February 9, 2012 by JJ Bona
"Iron Sky" International Theatrical Poster

"Iron Sky" International Theatrical Poster

Iron Sky, a Finland/Germany/Australia co-production, revolves around how the Nazis set up a secret base on the moon back in 1945; now it’s 2018 and they’re going to continue where Hitler left off.

Directed by Timo Vuorensola (“Star Wreck V: Lost Contact”), lead singer of the Finnish black metal industrial noise band Alymysto. Iron Sky was screened at the Berlin International Film Festival in February. It opens officially in Germany, Finland and the UK on April 5th 2012.

Check out the trailer here.

Posted in News |
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