88 Films reveals more titles for 2022: Mark Dacascos, Jackie Chan, Jimmy Wang Yu, Shaw Brothers and more!

The UK-based company (with certain titles now hitting the U.S.) has announced a load of New Blu-ray/4k releases. Details are coming in bits ‘n pieces, but here’s their full upcoming Asian/martial arts film release schedule (so far) for 2022.

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Half a Loaf of Kung Fu | Blu-ray (88 Films)

Half a Loaf of Kung Fu | Blu-ray (88 Films)

Half a Loaf of Kung Fu | Blu-ray (88 Films)

RELEASE DATE: May 15, 2022

Later this year, 88 Films will be releasing a Blu-ray (Region B) for Jackie Chan’s first ever “comedy” kung fu film, Half a Loaf of Kung Fu.

This 1978 oddity comes from director Chan Chi Hwa, who helmed Jackie’s Snake and Crane Arts of Shaolin (1978) and Shaolin Wooden Men (1976).

The film marks the first time Lo Wei’s production company let Jackie have creative control over a project. In fact, Lo Wei thought so highly of Jackie’s artistic vision that he refused to release the film (at least not until 1980, when Jackie was well on his way to become a megastar).

Critics and fans alike have bashed the film for its silliness, but nobody can deny that it’s clearly the work of someone who’s still honing his craft. And despite its flaws, there are some great fight sequences that can only come from Jackie Chan. Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! Air Strike | Blu-ray | Only $9.99 – Expires soon!

Air Strike | Blu-ray (Lionsgate)

Air Strike | Blu-ray (Lionsgate)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Air Strike, a Chinese-produced World War II film directed by Xiao Feng (Hushed Roar). The film is also known as Unbreakable Spirit and/or The Bombing.

Air Strike features an all-star, international cast that includes Bruce Willis (Last Man Standing), Nicholas Tse (The Viral Factor), Song Seung-Heon (A Better Tomorrow), William Chen (Triad), Liu Ye (Police Story 2013), Adrien Brody (Dragon Blade), Fan Bing Bing (The White Haired Witch of Lunar Kingdom) and Simon Yam (Cross). Additionally, Mel Gibson (Edge of Darkness) will be working behind the scenes as the film’s art director and executive producer.

According to Variety, the $65M movie, shot in 3D, is a dramatic recreation Continue reading

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White Force (1988) Review

"White Force" Film Artwork

“White Force” Film Artwork

Director: Eddie Romero
Cast: Sam J. Jones, Kimberley Pistone, Tim Hughes, Raul Aragon, Jaime Fabregas, Vic Diaz, Ruben Rustia, Ken Metcalfe, Mike Monty, Tsing Tong Tsai, Anthony Ogunsanya, Eric Romero, John Falch, Mauricio Go
Running Time: 90 min. 

By Paul Bramhall

The Philippines has always had a slightly different take on the action genre compared to its South East Asian counterparts. The western influence through being an American colony for almost 50 years, gaining independence in 1946, saw it become a haven for actors who didn’t quite make it in Hollywood, and all manner of directors – from A-list names like Francis Ford Coppola using it to double as Vietnam in Apocalypse Now, through to B-movie maestros like Edward D. Murphy leveraging the budget-friendly conditions to create masterpieces like Raw Force. Plenty of Filipino directors got in on the action as well, from the post-apocalyptic madness of Cirio H. Santiago (Equalizer 2000, Stryker), to the bullet riddled mayhem of Teddy Chiu (Ninja Warriors, Blood Ring). 

Another Filipino director synonymous with the B-movie was Eddie Romero. It wasn’t always that way though, with the young Romero directing his debut just one year after the Philippines gained independence, with 1947’s Ang kamay ng Diyos, made when he was just 23. It would be his latter work though that would define his legacy. The likes of the Blood Island Trilogy, made during 1968 – 1970 and starring frequent collaborator John Ashley, found Romero embracing the world of B-movie horror (although whether it was an intended embrace is up for debate), and would lead to trashy fun like Twilight People and Beyond Atlantis. Soon he was also directing blaxploitation and women in prison exploitation flicks like Black Mama White Mama and Savage Sisters, but by the time the 80’s rolled around he turned his focus once more to the dramatic fare that he was associated Continue reading

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Watch the New Trailer for Nino Brocka’s 1982 Tagalog cult thriller ‘Cain and Abel’ releasing in February

Cain and Abel | Blu-ray (Vinegar Syndrome)

Cain and Abel | Blu-ray (Vinegar Syndrome)

On February 22, 2022, Vinegar Syndrome/Kani Releasing is releasing the Blu-ray for Nino Brocka’s 1982 Tagalog thriller, Cain & Abel (aka Cain at Abel).

A limited edition embossed slipcover (designed by Tony Stella), limited to 1,500 units, will be available through Vinegar Syndrome.

Official details:

Named after Yasujiro Ozu’s custom-made, tatami-level, crab-like tripod, Kani is a new home video label dedicated to leveling the gaze and furthering the understanding of Asian cinema in North America. Focused on genre-defying films, Kani aims to expand the canon, bolster up-and-coming filmmakers and Continue reading

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More Vincent Zhao ‘n Mulan, another Raid and a big ass snake! Here’s what’s on Hi-YAH for the month of February!

Hi-YAH!, Well Go USA’s very own Asian/martial arts streaming channel has just announced their New Release line up for the month of February, which includes a New title added to Hi-YAH! every Friday. And don’t forget, you can try it out for FREE for 7-days!

Read on for the full list of New and Exclusive titles:

February 4 | Fearless Heroes S01 E11 – In Fearless Heroes, Vincent Zhao (God of War, Unity of Heroestakes the role of Huo Yuan Jia, the role Jet Li played in Fearless, in this new 2020 TV series. Huo Yuan Jia was a prominent martial artist in the late Qing dynasty who had lived fearlessly in servitude of his country and his people. See the life and times of this legendary character as he goes through his life’s most defining moments. The series also stars Continue reading

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New Blu-ray for Sam Peckinpah’s 1975 actioner ‘The Killer Elite’ starring James Caan and Robert Duvall coming in May

The Killer Elite | Blu-ray (Ronin Flix)

The Killer Elite | Blu-ray (Ronin Flix)

In May 10, 2022, Ronin Flix will be releasing a Special Edition Blu-ray for The Killer Elite, a 1975 thriller from legendary action director Sam Peckinpah (Straw Dogs, The Wild Bunch).

The film stars James Caan (The Godfather), Robert Duvall (The Godfather II), Arthur Hill (Harper), Bo Hopkins (Midnight Express), Mako (The Big Brawl), Burt Young (Rocky), Gig Young (Game of Death) and George Cheung (Rush Hour).

Friends George Hansen (Duvall) and Mike Locken (Caan) are hit men who do contract jobs for a company called Com-Teg, associated with the CIA. Bu, when George gets a better offer from the competition, he turns on Mike, breaking his elbow Continue reading

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Guns of Dragon (1993) Review

"Guns of Dragon" Theatrical Poster

“Guns of Dragon” Theatrical Poster

Director: Tony Leung Siu Hung
Cast: Ray Lui, Bill Lui Cho Hung, Mark Cheng, Patrick Lung Kong, Yvonne Yung Hung, Jackson Lau, John Sham, Tse Ning, Alex Fong, Henry Fong Ping
Running Time: 91 min.

By Paul Bramhall

During the early 90’s there was a spate of Hong Kong movies that were shot on location in either the US or Canada, perhaps an indication of directors assessing the feasibility of continuing to make movies overseas ahead of the 1997 handover back to China. 1990 gave us Joe Cheung’s Return Engagement, 1991 offered up Stephen Shin’s Black Cat, in 1992 Kirk Wong helmed Taking Manhattan, and in 1993 David Lai delivered Women on the Run.

Tony Leung Siu-Hung also jumped on the bandwagon in 1993, and headed over to New York to make Guns of Dragon. One of Hong Kong’s most celebrated fight choreographers, Siu-Hung stepped into the director’s chair for the first time in 1984 for the latter-day Shaw Brothers production (and still criminally unreleased on Blu-ray or DVD at the time of writing) Thunderclap. Despite being an entertaining slice of wuxia, all indicators looked like his foray into directing would be a one-off, and for the rest of the decade he’d stick to action choreography, lending his talents to genre classics like Angel. Notably he’d also take on fight choreography duties for the Seasonal Films US co-productions No Retreat, No Surrender 3: Blood Brothers and The King of Kickboxers, which perhaps Continue reading

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Bob Wall: August 2, 1939 – January 2022

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The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter | Blu-ray (Arrow Video)

The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter | Blu-ray (Arrow Video)

The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter | Blu-ray (Arrow Video)

RELEASE DATE: April 5, 2022

On April 5, 2022, Arrow Video will be releasing the Blu-ray for Lau Kar-leung’s 1983 classic The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter. They’ll also be releasing an Arrow Store U.S. Exclusive version of the film, featuring original Theatrical Artwork.

Official details:

After one of its lead actors (cherub-faced action icon Alexander Fu Sheng) unexpectedly died midway through production, master director Lau Kar-leung (The 36th Chamber of Shaolin) retooled his latest martial arts epic, The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter, as the ultimate action spectacular in tribute to the fallen star.

Loosely based upon the legendary Yang dynasty chronicled in Chinese folklore, the film starts as the family patriarch and all but two of his sons are brutally wiped out in a bloody battle. One surviving son (Fu Sheng) returns Continue reading

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Dreadnaught | Blu-ray (Eureka)

Dreadnaught | Blu-ray(Eureka)

Dreadnaught | Blu-ray(Eureka)

RELEASE DATE: April 25, 2022

On April 25, 2022, Eureka is releasing the Blu-ray (Region B) for the 1981 Yuen Woo-ping kung fu classic, Dreadnaught.

The film stars Yuen Biao (Knockabout), Leung Kar Yan (My Life’s on the Line), Kwan Tak Hing (The Skyhawk), Yuen Shun Yee (Dance of the Drunken Mantis), Philip Ko (Final Run) and Lily Li (Daggers 8).

Official details:

Directed by legendary action choreographer Yuen Woo-ping (The Matrix; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), Dreadnaught expertly blends majestic action sequences with superb physical comedy, courtesy of stars Yuen Biao, Bryan Leung Kar-yan, and Yuen Shun-yee. Continue reading

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Knockabout | Blu-ray (Eureka)

Knockabout | Blu-ray (Eureka)

Knockabout | Blu-ray (Eureka)

RELEASE DATE: April 25, 2022

On April 25, 2022, Eureka is releasing the Blu-ray (Region B) for the 1979 Sammo Hung kung fu classic, Knockabout. The film stars Yuen Biao (Circus Kids), Lau Kar Wing (Dirty Tiger, Crazy Frog), Sammo Hung (God of War) and Leung Kar Yan (The Victim).

Official details:

Another fast and furious kung fu comedy classic directed by Sammo Hung (The Millionaires’ Express), Knockabout features a cast of martial arts movie legends including Yuen Biao (The Prodigal Son), Bryan “Beardy” Leung Kar-yan (Warriors Two), and Lau Kar-wing (Odd Couple) alongside Hung himself.

Brothers Yipao (Yuen Biao) and Taipao (Leung Kar-yan) are a couple of down on their Continue reading

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Significant Differences Between Online and Offline Casinos

Gambling has been a significant aspect of human culture since the dawn of time when people gamble on different activities. For many years up to date, the face of gambling has drastically changed with people investing in the industry through casinos. Modern ages have seen the birth of gambling houses known as casinos, where people go to enjoy the practice of gambling. Casinos have the best features of gambling games that have attracted a large audience worldwide. However, with the introduction of the Internet into the industry, online casino platforms like CasinoPilotti have been created and attracted many people who prefer these platforms over real-life casinos. The following are some of the significant differences that can be seen between online and offline casinos.    

Security

When it comes to gambling, the use of money to deposit in the games together wins the withdrawals, especially if you succeed in making it necessary to consider safety as a primary concern. Both online and offline offer different levels of security for your money and personal information. For offline casinos, security guards and footage cameras ensure that there are no theft cases within the premises which is a different story when you are outside the premises. Offline casinos do not require much information about your banks or personal details. For online casinos, payment methods are usually done through secure online transactions where an online money transfer system must deposit and receive money from the platform. Online casinos require a few personal details, which are kept safe from other parties through encryption.

Games Offered

Visiting both online and ground casinos, it is evident that online casinos are superior in the number of games that players can play. In real-life casinos, games come at a standard number with a particular number of tables, slots and roulettes. Online casinos have various games with different varieties of card games, slots and tables. Also, offline casinos take a long time, probably months, to change the games, and they often change or bring in one or two new games. Online casinos ensure their games are regularly updated within short intervals of time. Real-life casinos have games with the same look and themes throughout the year. As for online gambling games, there are different themes and music to select on each game which enhances player experience.

Accessibility

A significant factor that most gamblers look at when considering either online or offline gambling platforms is the accessibility level of each casino. Real-life casinos are often situated in particular locations where accessibility to the casino is highly dependent on your position from the casino. Online gambling sites require a reliable Internet connection and a quality device to connect to the Internet to start playing these games. Also, offline platforms are usually closed on special occasions like a pandemic lockdown or a terrorist attack. Online platforms are reliable since you can access them at your home or workplace and play the game at any time of the day or night.

Deposits and Money Withdrawals

Wagering your money in an offline casino is different compared to wagering in an online platform giving people a suitable option depending on their preferences. When it comes to real-life casinos, wagering requires you to deposit a certain amount of money to receive an equal value of tokens or chips, which will be used to play different games. In case you feel the need to withdraw your money in a real casino, you can quickly receive your cash in an instant. Online platforms provide a complicated system of depositing and withdrawing cash. The process requires you to select a third-party option of payment. The process has a quick and straightforward deposit feature but a complicated withdrawing process.

Providers

Online and offline casinos can be considered game providers for the different gamblers who enjoy gambling games. Looking at real ground casinos, there are few casinos in a particular region. For this reason, offline casino game providers are less in the industry to satisfy all gamers’ demands. As for online casinos, many game providers provide players with new and updated games, causing saturation in the industry. Creating games for online casinos is easy, cheaper, and quicker than creating games for offline casinos. Online games require coding to complete, while games played at offline casinos require raw materials and an industry utilizing immense power to create them.

Gameplay Experiences

Playing a gambling game is not just about wagering and hoping to win huge returns. It is also about the quality of the experience. Offline casinos are characterized by significant traffic with many tables crowded. Also, the atmosphere in these casinos is electric with drinks being served, people interacting and playing the games, and a piece of fantastic background music to add flavor to the experience. When it comes to playing online games, you are usually alone with your smartphone or a computer. Most people who prefer privacy often go for online gaming, while those who like to go out, mingle, and have fun pick real-life casinos.

Bonuses

Bonuses are the major attraction of gamblers worldwide towards playing on casino platforms. Bonuses are efficient in increasing the payout or the number of chances you have at winning, which also can increase your original payout. Linking bonuses with online and offline casinos online platforms are better and mostly preferred by many individuals. Online platforms present players with bonuses the moment they register with the platform. While playing the games, players can win different bonuses that improve the chances of winning. Most casinos do not provide bonuses and offer meager bonuses with an offline platform.   

Conclusion

Gaming in an online casino platform or an offline real-life casino presents both challenges and advantages, depending on your preference. If you prefer convenience in terms of accessibility, you should go for an online platform. Online gaming also allows you a more secure way of handling monetary transactions. Offline casinos are most suited for outgoing people who like to play casino games while socializing and mingling. Also, offline casinos provide less complicated systems for making deposits and withdrawals.      

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Final Run (1989) Review

"Final Run" Theatrical Poster

“Final Run” Theatrical Poster

Director: Philip Ko Fei
Cast: Michael Miu, Cheung Kwok-Keung, Simon Yam, Phillip Ko Fei, Francis Ng, Daan Gwai-Chi, Yukari Oshima, Ridley Tsui, Dick Wei, Newton Lai, Ha Chi-Chun, Ricky Wong, Shum Wai, Mark Houghton, Suen Kwok-Ming
Running Time: 79 min.

By Paul Bramhall

When discussing kung fu cinema, chances are it’ll never take too long before the name Philip Ko Fei comes up. One of the greatest screen fighters of all time, his ‘shapes’ work in the likes of Master Killers, The Loot, and The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter contributes a large part as to why they’re considered genre classics, and when any of his fight scenes are viewed it’s easy to see how he was in a league of his own. As a director, Ko Fei was somewhat of a different story. Making his directorial debut in 1982 with the crime thriller Dirty Angel, Ko Fei spent the rest of the 80’s toiling away at IFD shooting additional footage to create cut ‘n’ paste atrocities with various Thai, Filipino, and Korean productions that Joseph Lai had bought the rights too. By the time the 90’s rolled around Ko Fei had broken away from IFD, and took to shooting a string of cheap and cheerful B-movie action flicks in the Philippines, many of which starred Yukari Oshima.

In the couple of years before putting his IFD era behind him and setting up shop in the Philippines though, Ko Fei spent most of 1989 and 1990 finding his feet as a director. Many will speculate (including me) that he never really found them even by his final production in the directors chair with 2004’s Majong King, but at least during this brief window we got a change of scenery from the increasingly familiar Philippines locales that dominated much of his 90’s output. In 1990 he hit Europe to make both Killer’s Romance (shot in the UK) and The Cyprus Tigers (shot in, yes, Cyprus), but before either of those, in 1989 he’d make his first full length feature since his directorial Continue reading

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New Trailer for ‘New Kung Fu Cult Master’ starring Donnie Yen, Louis Koo, Raymond Lam, Alex Fong and Jade Leung

"New Kung Fu Cult Master" Teaser Poster

“New Kung Fu Cult Master” Teaser Poster

A remake/reboot/sequel of director Wong Jing’s 1993 Jet Li film, Kung Fu Cult Master, appropriately titled New Kung Fu Cult Master 1, will soon see the light of day from Wing Jing himself, and his frequent collaborator, co-director Keung Kwok Man (the upcoming Queen of Triads 2).

The upcoming film stars Raymond Lam (P Storm), Janice Man (Nessun Dorma), Sabrina Qiu (Chasing the Dragon II: Wild Wild Bunch), Alex Fong (Double Tap), Jade Leung (Satin Steel), Elvis Tsui (The Grandmaster), reprising his role as Xie Xun, and a special appearance by Donnie Yen (Raging Fire) and Louis Koo (Paradox).

New Kung Fu Cult Master 1 will get a domestic release on January 30th, followed by its follow up, New Kung Fu Cult Master 2, which will Continue reading

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