The Asian DVD Guide  

  Tuesday, 4/29/2003

This Week's Edko Releases
Here are this week's Edko releases. Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to Edko for sending the pictures.

Japan
Platonic Sex (2001)
  • Japanese
  • Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles
  • Coded for region 3
  • Edko's Press Release [MS Word format]


Last Week's IVL Shaw Brothers Releases
Here are last week's IVL Shaw Brothers releases. Click on the pictures below for a larger image. Thanks to IVL for sending the pictures.

Buddha's Palm (1982)
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Cantonese, Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Coded for region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Synopsis (from IVL):
Kung-fu film fans have a special place in their hearts for this tale of the most powerful mythic martial art. Ku, a blind recluse living in a cave, knows its secret, which proves to be a blessing and a curse as it attracts everything from giant birds and magic pearls to miraculous orchids and an army of wushu warriors. This colorful, spectacular, action-packed adventure was a top 1982 hit, and a favorite of everyone who laid eyes on it.

Also Available: Buddha's Palm Picture Gallery (courtesy of IVL)
Duel Of Fists (1971)
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Coded for region 3
  • Extras:
    • Interviews: Shaun Tam Chun-Yin
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Synopsis (from IVL):
Another triumph for the "iron triangle" of director Chang Cheh and stars David Chiang and Ti Lung - not to mention action choreographer Liu Chia-liang. Chiang is a Chinese boxer who travels to Bangkok in search of his lost brother, who may (or may not) be the Thai boxer played by Lung. In any case, this kung-fu/Thai boxing combo was one of the mega hits of 1971, second only to Bruce Lee's The Big Boss.

Also Available: Duel Of Fists Picture Gallery (courtesy of IVL)
Iron Bodyguard, The (1973)
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Coded for region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Synopsis (from IVL):
The collaboration of director Chang Cheh and action star Chen Kuan-tai proved to be one of the most enduring of kung-fu's golden age, and nowhere were the two more inventive than when journeying back to the era when the Ching Dynasty fell and the Chinese Republic was born. Following their landmark successes Boxer of Shantung and Man of Iron, came this powerful, exciting tale of a patriot committed to ending the corruption of the Ching rulers.

Also Available: Iron Bodyguard Picture Gallery (courtesy of IVL)
Na Cha The Great (1974)
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Coded for region 3
  • Extras:
    • Interviews: Kong Do
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Synopsis (from IVL):
For 3000 years, the flying deity Na Cha has been a household name in China, and, while there have been other adaptations, this version is remembered the most fondly. Reincarnated, his spirit embodied in a lotus flower, Na Cha is armed with the Fire Point Lance and Wind Fire Wheel to save the people from their despotic emperor. Or, as a Shaw homage website said: "Lots of crazy action and some comedy make this a must-see for true fans."

Also Available: Na Cha The Great Picture Gallery (courtesy of IVL)
Shaolin Temple (1976)
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Coded for region 3
  • Extras:
    • Interviews: Wong Yu, Lee Ka-Ting
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Synopsis (from IVL):
There is no place more hallowed in the martial art world than China's Shaolin Temple. This special place deserves a special epic, which is what the martial arts maestro delivers in this battle between a brave brand of Chinese boxers and literally thousands of Ching troops -- complete with betrayals, intrigues, and such novel fighting machines as 108 wooden robots. The conflicts grow in complexity, intensity and even suspense as monks struggle to stay alive in the face of overwhelming odds.

Also Available: Shaolin Temple Picture Gallery (courtesy of IVL)

The galleries will be deleted after one week.

This Week's Deltamac Releases
There are no Fortune Star DVD releases this week, only VCD releases.

  Saturday, 4/26/2003

Next Week's Panorama Releases
Here are next week's Panorama releases. Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to Panorama for sending the pictures.

Cinderella And Her Little Angels (1959)
(Cathay)
  • Mandarin
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • Extras: Director's & Lead Actress's Biography/Filmography and Interactive Menus.
Synopsis (from Panorama):
Fashion lovers will have a field day watching Cinderella And Her Little Angels, a 1959 comedy which displays the effervescent personality of one of the true legends of the Mandarin screen: Linda Lin Dai. The plot is reminiscent of glossy Hollywood fantasies, combining elements of Shirley Temple film with Daddy Long Legs. Lin plays the role of the protege of a hard-boiled matron of an orphanage. To help the institution tide over its difficulties, the girl plots with some kind-hearted friends to model in a fashion parade in the hope of winning an award. The fun starts as the party resorts to all forms of subterfuge to get away from the watchful eyes of the conservative guardian.


This Week's Mei Ah Releases
Here are this week's Mei Ah releases. Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to Mei Ah for sending the pictures.

The Romance Of The Three Kingdoms
(TV Series - 84 Episodes Total)
Part 1 (Episodes 1-24)
12 DVDs		Part 2 (Episodes 25-48)
12 DVDs
Part 3 (Episodes 49-64)
8 DVDs		Part 4+5 (Episodes 65-84)
10 DVDs
  • Full Screen
  • Mandarin, Cantonese
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, Chinese (Simplified) and Japanese subtitles


This Week's Universe Releases
Here are this week's Universe releases. Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to Universe for sending the pictures.

U.S.
Femme Fatale (2002)Suckers (1999)
  • Letterboxed
  • French/English (Stereo)
  • Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • English (Stereo)
  • Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles


  Tuesday, 4/22/2003

This Week's Deltamac Releases
Here are this week's Deltamac releases. These are new DVD releases, not to be confused with the old DVDs from Mega Star and WA.
They should all have the following specs: Also Available: Past Deltamac/Fortune Star DVD Releases


Last Week's Universe Releases
Here are last week's Universe releases. Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to Universe for sending the pictures.

JapanHong Kong
Returner (2002) (DTS)Snuff Battle (1988) aka Snuff Bottle
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Japanese (DTS), Japanese (DD 5.1)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • Coded for region 3
  • Full Screen
  • Cantonese (Mono), Mandarin (Mono)
  • Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles (non-removable)


  Saturday, 4/19/2003

This Week's and Last Week's Mei Ah Releases
Here are this week's and last week's Mei Ah releases. Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to Mei Ah for sending the pictures.

Ghost Office (2002) (DTS)Moonlight Express (1999)
(Special Edition)
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Cantonese, Mandarin
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Cantonese (DD 5.1), Mandarin (DD 5.1)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • Extras: Moonlight Express Soundtrack CD


Next Week's Panorama Releases
Here are next week's Panorama releases. Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to Panorama for sending the pictures.

Japan
Story Of Sorrow And Sadness, A (1977)
(Directed by Seijun Suzuki)		Basara - The Princess Goh (1992)
(Directed by Hiroshi Teshigahara)
  • Japanese
  • Chinese and English subtitles
  • Synopsis (from Panorama)
  • Japanese
  • Chinese and English subtitles
  • Synopsis (from Panorama)
Taiwan
Better Than Sex (2002) (DTS)


  Tuesday, 4/15/2003

Last Week's and This Week's IVL Shaw Brothers Releases
Here are last week's and this week's IVL Shaw Brothers releases. Click on the pictures below for a larger image. Thanks to IVL for sending the pictures.

Last Week
Emperor Chien Lung And The Beauty (1979)
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1) and 16x9 enhanced
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Chinese (Simplified), Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Coded for region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Synopsis (from IVL):
The fourth continent-trotting adventure of the dashing, handsome, youthful Ching Dynasty Emperor Chien Lung is one of the best of the series. The year is 1756 and the emperor journeys to Soochow, where he encounters a famous courtesan and gets involved in all sorts of un-emperor-like activities. Variety said: "Lighthearted in concept, the film beautifully recreates the colorful period of the Emperor's rule…. It is definitely one of the better ones."

Also Available: Emperor Chien Lung And The Beauty Picture Gallery (courtesy of IVL)
Intimate Confessions Of A Chinese Courtesan (1972)
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1) and 16x9 enhanced
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Chinese (Simplified), Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Coded for region 3
  • Extras:
    • Interviews: Stephen Sze Man-Hung, Kelvin Kwan King-Chung, Clarence Fok Yiu-Leung
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Synopsis (from IVL):
One of the most controversial and best-directed films in the history of Hong Kong erotic cinema, these Intimate Confessions shocked avid audiences in 1972, and even today exerts a raw power. Lily Ho, in her most daring role, plays an aristocratic maiden abducted and sold to the Four Seasons Brothel where she is caught in a web of sex, murder, and intrigue in both the bordello and the imperial court.

Also Available: Intimate Confessions Of A Chinese Courtesan Picture Gallery (courtesy of IVL)
Legend Of The Bat (1978)
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1) and 16x9 enhanced
  • Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Chinese (Simplified), Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Coded for region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Synopsis (from IVL):
Following Clans of Intrigue's success, director Chu Yuan, novelist Ku Lung, and superstar Ti Lung re-teamed for another adventure featuring sexy knight Chu Liu-hsiang. This time, he travels to the mysterious Island of the Bats, where he encounters treacherous monks, beautiful women, and a strange Prince. The movie is also a significant milestone in the amount of female flesh revealed on screen, proving that Shaw movies can balance the yin of cheesecake with the yang of beefcake.

Also Available: Legend Of The Bat Picture Gallery (courtesy of IVL)
Let's Make Laugh (1983)
  • Letterboxed (1.85:1) and 16x9 enhanced
  • Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Chinese (Simplified), Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Coded for region 3
  • Extras:
    • Interviews: Alfred Cheung Kin-Ting, Anthony Chan Yau
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Synopsis (from IVL):
Heralded as the funniest Hong Kong comedy of the early 1980s, this was Shaw Brothers' most popular film of 1983. Alfred Cheung Kin-ting (who created and produced Jackie Chan's Highbinders), won the Hong Kong Film Best Screenplay Award for this delightful comedy of modern manners. As director, he also guided co-star Cecilia Yip Tung to a Best Actress award. Watch for teenage Anita Mui Yim-fong, just beginning her road to superstardom, in the supporting role of the philandering husband's mistress!

Also Available: Let's Make Laugh Picture Gallery (courtesy of IVL)
Lizard, The (1972)
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1) and 16x9 enhanced
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Chinese (Simplified), Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Coded for region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Synopsis (from IVL):
While America's Batman is a super-hero, Hong Kong's The Lizard is a super-thief, whose kung-fu allows him to scale walls like some sort of deadly venom. His powers set the stage for a light-hearted action tale, featuring Shaw's first great international kung-fu star, Lo Lieh (King Boxer, a.k.a. Five Fingers of Death). It's also remembered as the final film of beloved teen idol Connie Chen Pao-chu, making this colorful adventure all the more special.

Also Available: The Lizard Picture Gallery (courtesy of IVL)
Love Parade (1963)
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1) and 16x9 enhanced
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Chinese (Simplified), Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Coded for region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, production notes, and Elegant Trails: Linda Lin Dai.
Synopsis (from IVL):
1960s fashions, pop tunes, and gorgeous stars combine to make this one of Hong Kong's most sumptuous Hollywood-style musical extravaganzas. Following the success of Les Belles, the director reunited Shaws' top light comedy team in a tale set in the worlds of fashion and medicine. The fun includes future award-winning director King Hu as a quirky medical colleague, and some colorful musical numbers performed by Linda Lin Dai, whose singing voice is supplied by the great Jing Ting.

Also Available: Love Parade Picture Gallery (courtesy of IVL)
Magnificent Trio (1966)
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1) and 16x9 enhanced
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Chinese (Simplified), Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Coded for region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Synopsis (from IVL):
This adventure reunited the director and cast of the groundbreaking Tiger Boy, and established both as pioneers of the coming golden age of martial arts cinema. Taking place in the closing years of the Ming Dynasty, the title characters battle a power-hungry official, at the same time getting involved with three gorgeous beauties. Two magnificent trios plus great fight scenes makes this one of the most memorable historical dramas to come out of Shaw Brothers in the 1960's.

Also Available: Magnificent Trio Picture Gallery (courtesy of IVL)
Merry Wife, The (1972)
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1) and 16x9 enhanced
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Chinese (Simplified), Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Coded for region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Synopsis (from IVL):
Nicknamed the "Baby Queen" of Shaw Brothers, Li Ching lives up to the name in The Merry Wife, a sort of To Sir With Love meets Gidget fanfare where Li play a 17 year-old schoolgirl who marries her 35 year-old teacher. Although she may appear to be the innocent schoolgirl living out a man's fantasy, Li learns she isn't as innocent as she thought. Her provocative performance earned her the Most Popular Actress Award at the 18th Asian Film Festival.

Also Available: The Merry Wife Picture Gallery (courtesy of IVL)
Princess Iron Fan (1966)
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1) and 16x9 enhanced
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Chinese (Simplified), Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Coded for region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Synopsis (from IVL):
The same team that made The Monkey Goes West takes another tale from Journey to the West and gives it a luxurious Shaw makeover. This time the monk, Monkey, Sandy and Pigsy are confronted by Princess Iron Fan, Madam White Bone and White Bone's sexy sister (Lily Ho). Add to this mixture such fanciful characters as Princess Jade Face, Ox Demon, and Golden Toad, and you have a supreme Tang Dynasty adventure.

Also Available: Princess Iron Fan Picture Gallery (courtesy of IVL)
This Week
Behind The Yellow Line (1984)
  • Letterboxed (1.85:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Chinese (Simplified)
  • Coded for region 3
Synopsis (from IVL):
The Chinese title for this entertaining romantic drama is "Destiny," which is fitting because it features remarkable new talent whose destiny was to become some of Hong Kong's most important filmmakers. There's then 20-year-old Miss Hong Kong Pageant first runner-up Maggie Cheung. There's Leslie Cheung, before he became an award-winning singer/actor icon. There's Anita Mui, who won the Hong Kong Film Best Supporting Actress Award for her performance. And there's co-scripter Gordon Chan, destined to become a top writer/director.

Also Available: Behind The Yellow Line Picture Gallery (courtesy of IVL)

The galleries will be deleted after one week.


  Saturday, 4/12/2003

This Week's Mega Star Releases
Here are this week's Mega Star releases. Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to Mega Star for sending the pictures.

Cat And Mouse (2003) (DTS)
  
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Cantonese (DTS), Cantonese (DD 5.1), Mandarin (DD 5.1)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles


This Week's Universe Releases
Here are this week's Universe releases. Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to Universe for sending the pictures.

Hong Kong
Run And Kill (1993)Black Mask Vs Gambling Mastermind (2002)
  • Letterboxed
  • Cantonese (Mono), Mandarin (Mono)
  • Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles (non-removable)
  • Letterboxed
  • Cantonese (Mono), Mandarin (Mono)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
U.S.
White Oleander (2002)
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • English (DD 5.1)
  • Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • Coded for region 3


This Week's Panorama Releases
Here are this week's Panorama releases. Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to Panorama for sending the pictures.

Japan
Scandal (1950)Idiot, The (1963)
  • Letterboxed
  • Japanese (DD 5.1), Japanese (Stereo)
  • Chinese and English subtitles
  • Letterboxed
  • Japanese (Stereo)
  • Chinese and English subtitles
Next Week's Releases
Our Dream Car (1959)
(Cathay)		Her Tender Heart (1959)
(Cathay)
  • Mandarin
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • Extras: Director's & Lead Actress's Biography/Filmography and Interactive Menus.
  • Synopsis (from Panorama)
  • Mandarin
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • Extras: Director's & Lead Actress's Biography/Filmography and Interactive Menus.
  • Synopsis (from Panorama)
Air Hostess (1959)
(Cathay)		New Option - Puppet Hon
  • Mandarin
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • Extras: Director's & Lead Actress's Biography/Filmography and Interactive Menus.
  • Synopsis (from Panorama)
  • Cantonese, Mandarin
  • Chinese and English subtitles
  • Synopsis (from Panorama)


Next Week's Deltamac Releases
No Fortune Star DVD or VCD releases next week.

  Wednesday, 4/9/2003

Leslie Cheung Shaw Brothers DVD
Due to Leslie's death, IVL have moved up the release date for the Shaw Brothers film Behind The Yellow Line (1984) starring Leslie, Maggie Cheung, and Anita Mui. It will now be released next Tuesday. Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to IVL for sending the pictures.

Behind The Yellow Line (1984)
  • Letterboxed (1.85:1)
  • Languages: Cantonese, Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese, English
  • Coded for region 3
  • Extras: Four Behind The Yellow Line postcards
  • IVL's Press Release (MS Word format)

Stills for this film and covers/stills for this week's Shaw Brothers DVDs will be posted later this week.


  Saturday, 4/5/2003

This Week's Mei Ah Releases
Here are this week's Mei Ah releases. Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to Mei Ah for sending the pictures.

My Lucky Star (2003)
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Cantonese, Mandarin
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • Extras: My Lucky Star Soundtrack CD

Coming Next Week: Moonlight Express (1999) Special Edition DVD (Remastered DVD + Soundtrack CD)


This Week's Mega Star Releases
Here are this week's Mega Star releases. Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to Mega Star for sending the pictures.

Zhou Yu's Train (2002)
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Mandarin (DD 2.0)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles


This Week's Universe Releases
Here are this week's Universe releases. Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to Universe for sending the pictures.

U.S.
Stolen Summer (2002)
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • English (Stereo)
  • Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • Coded for region 3


Next Week's Deltamac Releases
Here are next week's Deltamac releases:

No Fortune Star DVD releases next week, only VCD releases.