Bloodfist | Blu-ray (Shout!)
Shout! Factory has officially announced a Blu-ray for Terence H. Winkless’ martial arts hit, Bloodfist. This 1989 film marks the lead starring role for 11-time World Kickboxing Champion Don “The Dragon” Wilson (Death Fighter, Diamond Cartel),
Available as an Exclusive at Shout! Factory’s store, the Blu-ray appears to be somewhat of a barebones release (at least it comes with a Trailer!), but for fans who didn’t see it during its theatrical run, its 1.85:1 aspect ratio presentation is its main selling point.
The film’s original poster was notorious for clearly stating “Don Wilson would kick Van Damme’s ass in one round!” by a critic. The claim was later revealed as a publicity stunt by producer Roger Corman, who had the idea of getting Wilson and Van Damme in the ring for a real match.
“I have met Jean-Claude Van Damme and he was very friendly. I’ve enjoyed many of his films and have the utmost respect for him as an action star. However, I do not tolerate anyone who lies about their “kickboxing” background and record. That’s the only problem between us and the fight offer from Corman was just a publicity stunt because it would have been like Tyson fighting Stallone. It’s one thing to “act” like a fighter and a completely different thing to have a trained professional trying to decapitate you in the ring”, Wilson revealed in our 2014 interview.
Official details:
To avenge the brutal murder of his brother, Jake Raye (Don “The Dragon” Wilson) journeys to the Philippines, where his search for the truth finds him battling both in and out of the ring. But the weapons are always the same – bare fists and bare feet. And the rules never change – the last man standing wins. Also featuring karate legend Billy Blanks and a host of martial arts champions, Bloodfist is a knockout action flick from the legendary producer Roger Corman.
Bloodfist also stars Joe Mari Avellana (Wheels of Fire), Billy Blanks (The Master, King of the Kickboxers), Rob Kaman (Legionnaire), Marilyn Bautista (The Big Boss), Michael Shaner (Lethal Weapon) and Riley Bowman (Stolen Kisses).
Bloodfist is currently available exclusively at Shout! Factory’s online store.
It’s amazing how we’re getting a Blu ray of this and yet nada on A Better Tomorrow, Hard Boiled (which runs for 60 bucks on eBay) and Rapid Fire (also runs for 60 bucks)
Or King Of The Kickboxers or even the sublimely silly Kickboxer 4.
Hell, give me Blackjack where I could watch Dolph Lundgren spasm at the sight of the color white while some hokey psychology jargon about color phobias pad the running time. Actually legitimately give me Bridge Of Dragons that’s a good action flick from Isaac Florentine.
Why this one? The second was so much better and fun. The 4th one at least had nuclear triggers in a box of chocolates. This one which I rewatched a few years ago was so boring. Not up to Brandon Le (Don ‘The Dragon’Wilson) standards. Not fun, just boring and lame.