Chinese Odyssey 1 & 2 DVD (Dragon Dynasty)
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.
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.
"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.
Death Valley Blu-ray & DVD (Shout! Factory)
RELEASE DATE: December 11, 2012
Shout! Factory presents the Blu-ray & DVD for 1982’s Death Valley. A divorced mother, her young son (Peter Billingsley) and her new boyfriend set out on a road trip through Death Valley and run afoul of a local serial killer. Think The Hills Have Eyes meets A Christmas Story. =D Watch the trailer.
"They Live" Scream Factory™ DVD Cover
Cityonfire.com has received the following press release on July 30, 2012 from Shout! Factory: The truth is more than meets the eye. You’ve been listening to their speeches and watching them on TV. They influence our decisions without us knowing it. Think again and the choice is yours!
On November 6, 2012, Scream Factory™ presents John Carpenter’s politically-charged science fiction thriller They Live Collector’s Edition Blu-ray and DVD. Featuring anamorphic widescreen presentation of this cult classic movie, this special collector’s edition home entertainment release of They Live boasts a bounty of special bonus content, a collectible cover featuring newly rendered retro-style artwork, a reversible wrap with original theatrical key art and much more! They Live Collector’s Edition Blu-ray has a suggested retail price of $29.93 and $16.50 for the DVD. Fans and collector’s can pre-order now at ShoutFactory.com and Amazon.com.
*Production now underway for extensive and insightful bonus features that include all-new interviews, an audio commentary and archival material. Shout! Factory will announce in-depth bonus features and additional news in next couple months.
Horror master John Carpenter (Halloween, The Thing) directs this heart-pounding thriller in which aliens are systematically gaining control of the Earth by masquerading as humans and lulling the public into submission. Humanity’s last chance lies with a lone drifter who stumbles upon a harrowing discovery — a unique pair of sunglasses that reveals the terrifying and deadly truth.
Avid John Carpenter fans, movie enthusiasts and collectors please take note: Order this collector’s edition Blu-ray or DVD directly from ShoutFactory.com and receive an exclusive 18”x24” poster featuring the newly commissioned artwork! Less than 500 have been made, so these are only available while supplies last.
Update: EXTENSIVE BONUS FEATURES:
– Audio Commentary with Writer/Director John Carpenter and Actor Roddy Piper
– Independent Thoughts – An interview with Writer/Director John Carpenter
– Man vs. Aliens – An interview with Actor Keith David
– Woman of Mystery – An interview with Actress Meg Foster
– Watch, Look, Listen: The Sights & Sounds of “They Live”
– 2012 Cast Reunion Q&A with Roddy Piper, Keith David, and Meg Foster.
– Original EPK: The Making of “They Live”
– Never-Before-Seen Footage from the Commercials created for the film.
– Original Theatrical Trailer
– TV Spots & Still Gallery
“White Vengeance” International Theatrical Poster
Director: Daniel Lee
Cast: Leon Lai Ming, Zhang Han Yu, Anthony Wong Chau Sang, Jordan Chan Siu Chun, Crystal Liu Yi Fei, Fang Shao Feng, Andy On Chi Kit, Jia Qing, Wu Ma, Chen Kuan Tai, Chan Chi Fai, Ding Hai Feng, Du Yiheng, Xu Xiang Dong
Running Time: 135 min.
By HKFanatic
Director Daniel Lee has long seemed to struggle to find his identity as a filmmaker in the wake of his breakout 1996 hit “Black Mask.” After that movie, he produced the tournament fight flick “Star Runner” (AKA “The Kumite”) and the English/Cantonese crossover of “Dragon Squad,” both of which received lukewarm reviews. Since then he’s found a niche making historical epics like “Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon” and “14 Blades,” but something feels missing.
His latest movie, “White Vengeance,” follows in the footsteps of films like “Hero” and “Red Cliff” by mixing real-life figures with fantastical action scenes, but it doesn’t come anywhere close to the heights of those genre standouts. Despite decent performances from familiar Hong Kong faces like Leon Lai and Anthony Wong, “White Vengeance” suffers from sluggish pacing and poor action directing. All of this makes me wonder if the visually kinetic and comic book-like flair of “Black Mask” wasn’t the result of producer Tsui Hark playing a more ‘hands on’ role.
Dusty and drab, “White Vengeance” feels bogged down by its own self-importance. The story zeroes in on the events of the Hongmen Banquet, a major event in Chinese history, and then tries to examine the conflict from all sides. In a time of uncertainty, two great military men are vying for the position of Emperor – but they couldn’t be more different. Leon Lai’s General strives for equality and fairness for the people, while Shaofeng Feng’s character seems more driven by personal interests. First impressions aren’t always the most accurate, however, and as they say ‘absolutely power corrupts absolutely.’ The viewer will have their perception of these characters flipped more than once over the course of the film’s 135 minute runtime.
“White Vengeance” features solid acting turns from regulars like Jordan Chan and Andy On, but it’s Hanyu Zhang and Anthony Wong that steal the show as two competing military strategists. Their conflict is illustrated visually halfway through the film with an intense game of chess that actually sees Zhang coughing up blood(!) as he plays. Sure, a game of chess fought with Chi-like powers is a bit over the top – but it provides a much needed boost of energy during the film’s lagging middle portion.
The real issue here is that audiences, even on this side of the globe, are becoming overly familiar with the Chinese historical genre – and “White Vengeance” doesn’t bring anything particularly new to the table. The art of military strategy was already depicted wonderfully in movies like “Red Cliff” and “The Lost Bladesmen,” which benefitted from dazzling action choreography to boot. Daniel Lee must have had difficulty getting enough camera coverage for the battle sequences, as he instead relies on a familiar hail of computer-generated arrows to sell the scale of the conflicts. After you’ve seen the best the genre has to offer, it’s hard to go back to shakycam and limp fight scenes in a movie like “White Vengeance.”
Devout followers of Chinese history or the actors involved should find plenty to enjoy in “White Vengeance.” But if you’re starting to feel you’ve seen everything this genre has to offer, “White Vengeance” won’t change your mind. Here’s hoping that Daniel Lee stops looking to the history books for inspiration and is able to channel the manic energy and flair of “Black Mask” into his next project.
HKFanatic’s Rating: 5.5/10
"The Fortune Tellers" Theatrical Poster
The esteemed Todd Rigney of Beyond Hollywood has your first look at director Sin Jeong-won’s (Chawz) new supernatural thriller, The Fortune Tellers. In this movie, bespectacled cutie Kang Ye-won heads to a remote village where a grand exorcism is about to take place. Unfortunately, the evil spirit proves too powerful to be contained and now Kang Ye-won must team up with the shamans who have gathered in the village to put a stop to things.
Chawz was a bit overly long but it did a great job balancing comedy, pathos, and wild creature sequences so we should expect great things from The Fortune Tellers. From these pictures, it certainly looks like it’ll be a lot of fun. The film opens in South Korea later this year. We’ll hit you up with a trailer as soon as one is available.
Update: Seems like it’s been ages since we reported on this film, which is now going by the moniker Ghost Sweepers, but you can check out the teaser trailer online. Just be warned that it doesn’t seem to show any footage from the movie itself.
BREAKING NEWS: Enjoy a new full-length trailer and several posters for this promising supernatural action/comedy. Thanks to 24 Frames Per Second for the scoop
Five Senses of Eros DVD (Asian Media Rights)
RELEASE DATE: October 23, 2012
Asian Media Rights presents the DVD for Five Senses of Eros. This anthology explores aspects of passion, love and sex, including a young man’s feelings about a one-night stand, and the determination of an older actress to get her director’s interest. Directed by Hyuk Byun, Yu Yeong-sik, Min Kyu-dong, Oh Ki-hwan and Jin-ho Heo. Check out the trailer.
“Dreadnaught” Theatrical Poster
Director: Yuen Woo Ping
Producer: Raymond Chow
Cast: Yuen Biao, Leung Kar Yan, Kwan Tak Hing, Yuen Shun Yee, Philip Ko, Lily Li, Tong Jing, Fan Mei Sheng, Fung Hak On, Brandy Yuen, Cheung Chok Chow
Running Time: 90 min.
By Joe909
Dreadnaught is considered one of the “New Wave” HK movies that upped the bar for martial arts films, and Hong Kong cinema in general. Sure. But what most people don’t tell you is that this is one of those movies that’s loaded with Cantonese humor, tons of slapstick, and precious few martial arts fights.
My friend used to have a documentary on HK movies, and we always thought the Dreadnaught scenes looked the coolest. Of course, the documentary compilers only showed the action scenes from the film, such as Yuen Biao’s final confrontation with the masked killer. This lead us to believe that Dreadnaught would be an action tour-de-force. It was a movie I’d always intended to check out, but never got to until the other month, when I saw it at a local HK rental store.
My wife loved it, and cracked up throughout the comedy scenes. She speaks Cantonese, so she got the jokes, whereas I had to rely on the sub par subtitles (another reason why Cantonese humor just goes over the heads of most Western viewers). Meanwhile, I couldn’t bear the movie. I mean, they had Wong Fei Hong, a masked killer, Yuen Biao, with Yuen Woo-Ping behind the camera, and all they could come up with were a few action scenes and a lot of corny humor.
Even the masked killer doesn’t do much kung-fu. Mostly he just freaks out when he hears Yuen Biao’s bells ring, or he attacks hapless innocents. Biao himself doesn’t know kung-fu, or at least he thinks he doesn’t, until he realizes in the end that the Eagle Claw technique he’s been using to do laundry is more than useful in a fight.
A lot of reviewers like to go on about the fight between Wong Fei Hong and the Demon Tailor, who tries to murder Wong while sizing him for a new outfit. The only thing I took from this mediocre scene was how obviously the elderly WFH actor was doubled throughout the fight.
Film-wise, the movie looks great, and obviously had a large budget. Both the on-screen and off-screen talent are excellent, but the movie as a whole just didn’t do a thing for me. “New wave,” schmoo-wave. You’re telling me this is better than Super Ninjas?!
Joe909’s Rating: 4/10
Miami Connection Blu-ray & DVD (Image)
RELEASE DATE: December 11, 2012
Image Entertainment presents the Blu-ray and DVD for 1987’s Miami Connection. Directed by Grandmaster Y.K. Kim, the film tells the story of fearless synth rock band Dragon Sound as they embark on a roundhouse wreck-wave of crime-crushing justice in the streets of Orlando. Check out the trailer.
The Day He Arrives DVD (Cinema Guild)
RELEASE DATE: November 6, 2012
Cinema Guild presents the DVD for The Day He Arrives. Directed by Hong Sang-soo (A Tale of Cinema), The Day He Arrives is a delightful meditation on relationships, filmmaking, and the unknowable forces that govern our lives. Starring Yoo Jun-sang and Kim Sang-joong. Check out the trailer.
Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li Blu-ray (Fox)
RELEASE DATE: October 16, 2012
Fox presents the Blu-ray (which has been long out-of-print) for Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li. Based on the popular video game series, this martial arts adventure explores the origins of the Street Fighter universe through Chun-Li (Kristen Kreuk), who avenges her father’s death at the hands of Bison (Neil McDonough). Check out the trailer.
Legendary Amazons Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)
Cityonfire.com has received the following press release from Well Go USA:
Based on the epic 1972 martial arts classic The 14 Amazons, renowned actor and producer Jackie Chan and director Frankie Chan’s (A Warrior’s Tragedy 2) remake, Legendary Amazons, debuts on Blu-ray & DVD on October 16th from Well Go USA Entertainment.
Cecilia Cheung (Shaolin Soccer), Cheng Pei-Pei (Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon) and Liu Ziaoqing (Plastic Flowers) star as widowed wives who must lead the other widows into battle when the last of a long line of Song generals are killed. Richie Ren (Life Without Principle, Accident) also stars as Yang Zongbao, the last of the Song generals to fall.
Bonus materials include a behind-the-scenes featurette and a new, optional English dub. Legendary Amazons has a runtime of approximately 108 minutes and is not rated.
“A GENRE BREAKTHROUGH.” – Movie-Exclusive.com
“IMPRESSIVE” – BeyondHollywood.com
Synopsis: Yang Zongbao is the last man standing in the Yang clan, a family of generals who have dedicated their lives to defending the Song Dynasty from foreign invaders. He apparently dies in battle tragically when the treacherous Imperial Tutor Pan refuses to send reinforcements to aid him. Yang Zongbao’s widowed wife Mu Guiying leads the other widows of the Yang clan into battle to continue the legacy of their husbands.
Quick Blu-ray & DVD (Shout! Factory)
September is upon us. The first week is a little bare but there’s still plenty of Asian releases to go around, whether you’re looking for the modern day action of “Quick” or the old-school stylings of “White Vengeance.” So let’s get at it. Here are your Blu-ray and DVD releases for the week of 9/4/12:
ASIAN CINEMA
Quick (Blu-ray/DVD) – the 2011 Korean action blockbuster races onto Blu-ray and DVD from Shout! Factory. Be sure to check out our review
Sacrifice (DVD) – this 2011 Chinese historical epic arrives from the acclaimed director of “Farewell My Concubine”
White Vengeance (Blu-ray/DVD) – Well Go USA delivers this 2011 Chinese-language historical epic from the director of “Black Mask,” and starring Leon Lai and Anthony Wong
FOREIGN CINEMA
Umberto D. (Blu-ray/DVD) – the Criterion Collection delivers this 1952 classic of the Italian Neo-Realism movement
Lisztomania (DVD) – director Ken Russell’s 1975 follow-up to The Who’s “Tommy”
The Pinochet Case (DVD) – a 2001 Spanish-language dramatic retelling of General Augusto Pinochet’s trial for crimes against humanity
MAINSTREAM
Safe (Blu-ray/DVD) – Jason Statham does what he does best, kick people and punch heads, in this underrated 2012 action-thriller
MegaForce (DVD) – HensTooth video presents this 1982 cult classic about a team of rapidly deployed, futuristic soldiers fighting an evil dictator – it’s like a live-action adaptation of the G.I. Joe cartoon before there even was a cartoon!
For the Love of Money (DVD) – Edward Furlong, Paul Sorvino, and James Caan headline this 2012 direct-to-video drama about a former gangster looking to go straight
Amsterdam Heavy (DVD) – Michael Madsen co-stars in this 2011 direct-to-video look at the gritty underworld of Amsterdam
Ca$h: The Root of All Evil (Director’s Cut) (DVD) – Chris Hemsworth and Sean Bean co-star in this 2010 direct-to-video psychological thriller
RE-ISSUES
Resident Evil Set (Blu-ray) – in advance of the upcoming “Resident Evil: Retribution 3D,” you can own the previous four “Resident Evil” films together in a Blu-ray set
NEW TO BLU-RAY
Arachnophobia (Blu-ray) – the 1990 horror-comedy favorite crawls onto hi-definition formats this week
Child’s Play (Blu-ray) – the 1972 thriller co-starring James Mason and directed by the great Sidney Lumet (“Dog Day Afternoon”)
CLASSICS
The Dark Mirror (Blu-ray) – Olivia De Havilland plays twin sisters in this noir-ish 1946 psychological tale
Pursued (Blu-ray/DVD) – one of Robert Mitchum’s first film was this gripping and introspective 1947 Western
Secret Beyond the Door (Blu-ray) – director Fritz Lang’s 1947 atmospheric film noir
HORROR
Piranha 3DD (Blu-ray/DVD) – just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, this 2012 sequel strikes
Re-Animator (Blu-ray/DVD) – the 1985 horror cult classic comes to hi-def courtesy of Image Entertainment. You’ll never look at H.P. Lovecraft the same way again
Sleepwalkers (Blu-ray) – with cameos by Stephen King and Clive Barker, and a starring role for “Twin Peaks” beauty Madchen Amick, this 1992 horror flick is a slice of early 90’s nostalgia
Mother’s Day (Blu-ray/DVD) – the 1980 Troma flick that recently spawned a remake is now arriving in hi-def
It Came From Outer Space (DVD) – Universal celebrates the 100th anniversary of their studio with this 1953 sci-fi/horror flick
Classic Monsters Spotlight Collection (DVD) – featuring The Mummy (1932) / The Wolf Man (1941) / The Invisible Man (1933) / Phantom of the Opera (1943)
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!
“Quick” Korean Theatrical Poster
Director: Jo Beom-goo
Writer: Park Su-jin
Producer: Lee Sang-yong, Yun Je-gyun
Cast: Lee Min-ki, Kang Ye-won, Kim In-kwon, Ko Chang-seok, Ju Jin-mo, Xu Fan, Yoon Je-kyoon
Running Time: 115 min.
By HKFanatic
2011’s “Quick” has frequently been billed as a Korean take on “The Fast and the Furious.” Truth be told, it’s more of a contemporary update on “Speed” – with Korean biker gangs thrown in for good measure – but genre-savvy viewers will notice scenes and sequences taken from various other Hollywood movies. Blink and you’ll miss a shot from “Die Hard With a Vengeance,” “Final Destination 2,” or “The Matrix Reloaded.”
All this scene-stealing could have easily made “Quick” feel like one big cinematic pastiche, but it’s to the filmmakers credit that the lack of originality doesn’t hold “Quick” back. It helps that the movie doesn’t take itself seriously at all. For all its explosions and high speed collisions, “Quick” is more of a broad comedy. Not every joke hits the mark but it’s obvious that the script is trying to entertain at all times.
In the film, a motorbike courier has his life turned upside down when he realizes today’s special delivery is a remotely armed bomb. Soon he’s forced to team up with an ex-girlfriend – now a singer in an all-girl Korean pop group – and race around Seoul at the orders of a madman, who communicates via headset in a menacing voice that sounds an awful lot like the killer from the “Saw” movies. This set-up soon gives way to frantic highway chases; Keystone cops trying to stop our duo; and a whole lot of bombs going off throughout Seoul.
Rather than try to build dramatic tension, most of “Quick” is played for laughs. Even in the midst of a reckless pursuit between our heroes and the police, the movie stops for a plate of noodles to fall in slow motion on an incompetent cop’s face. Of course, the comedic tone does hinder the movie at times: most of the dialogue is screamed rather than spoken, and our mop-topped protagonist seems to have as little regard for human life as the screenwriters. By the end of the movie, don’t be surprised if you feel more sympathy for the villain than our supposed hero.
The key to enjoying “Quick” is to not overthink it. An ending credits gag reel, not unlike those found at the end of Jackie Chan’s movies, reveals that more than one stuntman (and woman) was harmed in the making of the film. It’s a dangerous line of work for what frequently amounts to little more than inconsequential entertainment – but the least we can do is to kick back and enjoy their efforts. “Quick” takes off when the actors get out of the way and let the stunt people do their thing.
HKFanatic’s Rating: 7/10
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