The Asian DVD Guide

Monday, 8/23/2004

This Week's Universe Releases
Heat Team (2004) Director: Dante Lam Cast: Aaron Kwok, Eason Chan, Yumiko Cheng, Victoria Wu, Dave Wang Synopsis A notorious burglar Ken has arrived in HK and targets on a valuable diamond necklace. It is the last job Ken plans on completing before he flees the country with this girlfriend, Yu-fung. Ting and Chong are invited to join a special unit, which is led by Bo Bo, to track down the ringleader. After Ken successfully gets hold of the diamond necklace, the conflict over the booty allotment soon develops into a fierce fight among the gang members. Ken is trapped by Yuen, another gang leader of the same camp. In an attempt to rescue Ken, Yu-fung turns to join hands with police to catch Yuen and the other gang members. Disc 1 - Film Letterboxed Audio Cantonese (DTS) Cantonese (DD 5.1) Mandarin (Stereo) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles DVD-5 Disc 2 - Extras Making Of Deleted Scenes Trailer Photo Gallery Stars' Files Leave Me Alone and Ab-Normal Beauty trailers
Bird People In China, The (1998) Director: Takashi Miike Cast: Masahiro Motoki, Renji Ishibashi, Wang Li Li, Mako Iwamatsu Synopsis Wada, a Japanese businessman, has been dispatched by his boss to track down a cache of fabulous jade in Yun Nan where the most distant part of China. Ujiie, a short-tempered Yakuza, has also been sent to make sure the mob gets its proper share of the treasure. They are to be guided by the perpetually jolly but somewhat seedy Shen, who has been to the Jade Village before. Three mismatched men finally reach their destination but soon find something even more precious than jade. There is a fascinating mystery of "Bird People", people believed their ancestors could fly and that they too posses this ability. In a remote village, Wada meets a blue-eyed Chinese girl who teaches the village children to fly… Letterboxed Japanese (Stereo) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Region 3 DVD-5

Last Week's Universe Releases
Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004) Director: Quentin Tarantino Cast: Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Michael Madsen, Daryl Hannah, Gordon Liu, Michael Parks Synopsis After dispensing with former colleagues O-Ren Ishii and Vernita Green in KILL BILL VOL. 1, the bride resumes her quest for justice in the series' second installment, KILL BILL VOL. 2. With those two down, the bride has two remaining foes on her 'Death List' to pursue - Budd (MICHAEL MADSEN) and Elle Driver (DARYL HANNAH) - before moving on to her ultimate goal - to kill Bill. However, matters become complicated when the bride finds out that her daughter, whom she presumed dead, is still alive. Disc 1 - Film Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Audio English (DTS) English (DD 5.1) Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Region 3 DVD-9 Disc 2 - Extras Trailer Select Scene Select Soundbite B-Roll International Junket Generic Interviews Los Angeles Premiere Stars' Files Photo Gallery
Malicious Intent (2000) Director: Caesar Cavaricci Cast: Liam Waite, William Forsythe, Rachel Ticotin, Clarence Williams III, Tom Arnold Synopsis When Cade left home, he vowed to never return or see his father again. Never - until his father was discovered murdered with an apparent suicide cover-up, leaving millions of dollars in his will. Everyone wants a piece - his stepmother, a police detective who needs money to pay back his father's business associates, and probably two of his father's shady confidants that he do not dare to trust. While attempting to stay alive, Cade begins to unravel the truth behind his father's murder. Full Screen English (Stereo) Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Region 3 DVD-5
Doraemon Movie – Nobita and Robot Kingdom (2002) Synopsis Impressed by Suneo's new pet robot, he picks "Shopping from the future" from Doraemon's "Spare 4-D pocket" and orders one robot. Suddenly the streets are flooded with robots and they are causing commotion. Among these robots, Poco is an injured young robot comes from another time and place. In order to help Poco, Doraemon and friends venture into the world of Robot Kingdom... Letterboxed Cantonese (Stereo) Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Region 3 DVD-5

Mei Ah August 20 DVD Covers/Synopsis
Astonishing (2004) Director: Herman Yau Cast: Alex Fong, Christy Chung, Sasha Hou Synopsis Mandy (Christy Chung) and Kenny (Alex Fong) are a pair of happy couple since their marriage 3 years ago. On the day of their 3rd anniversary, a DVD is delivered to Mandy from nowhere. In the DVD, an old man predicts that she will be dumped by her husband. Ignoring this bizarre message, she and her husband go to a party that night and unfortunately a car accident happens. Before long, Mandy wakes up from coma and finds that her identity has been taken. Fiona (Sasha Hou), who used to be Kenny secretary, becomes Mandy. Things become complicated and Mandy finds herself being lost between dreams and realities... Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
Dance Of The Drunk Mantis (1979) Director: Yuen Woo Ping Cast: Hwang Jang Lee, Simon Yuen, Yuen Shin I, Lin Yin, Charlie Shek Synopsis After Jackie Chan's "Drunken Master", director Yuen Woo Ping use the theme "drunken master" again and produces this martial arts movie. The story is about young Foggy would like to learn drunken fist from the drunk fist master Sam the Seed but he fails. He is even taken advantage by a villain to beat Sam. Luckily, Foggy comes through it and saves Sam eventually, which makes him become a hero of the time. As fantastic as "Drunken Master", the renowned martial arts actor Hwang Jang Lee, Simon Yuen and Yuen Shin I have given their best performance with their superb kung-fu skills. With the amazing action sequences plus the utmost performances of the actors, this is absolutely a kung-fu movie which one should not miss. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles

Aug 19 Shaw Brothers DVD Covers
Amorous Woman Of Tang Dynasty, An (1984)	Clan Of Amazons (1978)
Duel Of The Century, The (1981)	Ghost Eyes (1974)
Unfinished Melody (1968)

Wednesday, 8/18/2004

IVL September 2 Shaw Brothers Releases

Adultery, Chinese Style (1973) Director: Lu Chi Cast: Betty Ting Pei, Chen Ching, Lo Lieh, Chin Feng, Lu Chi Genre: Erotic Synopsis Adultery, Chinese Style is one of Lu Chi's earliest works in the Shaw Brothers' Studio. The film consists of three stories. In The Unexpected, Yu An-I (Lo Lieh) is not happy to live under the thumb of his wife. He feigns sickness and goes to a private hospital for treatment, but actually he is having fun with other beautiful girls there. In The Noodles, Li Chung-cheng (Hu Feng) has a secret girlfriend Chiao-ling (Chen Ching). Each night when he goes to her place, he lies to his wife that he is going out for a bowl of noodles. In The Cuckold Ones, there are two unfaithful wives in the same house. The young wife of old Chien Li-pin (Chin Feng) has a secret lover, while his son's wife Mang Na (Betty Ting Pei) also has an affair with her chauffeur... Letterboxed (2.35:1) Languages: Mandarin (Mono) Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia) Region 3 Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Enchanting Ghost, The (1970) Director: Chou Hsu-chiang Cast: Chang Mei-yao, Yang Li-hua, Lei Ming, Tsui Fu-sheng Genre: Horror Synopsis Love beyond the graves is a common theme in Chinese dramas and this is one such unrequited supernatural love story. A young scholar escaping his cruel uncle moves to a haunted house. At the same, a beautiful girl and her mother also take refuge in the same dwelling. After the mother dies, the couple falls in love and for a while live happily together. Until, of course, the dastardly uncle ruins the couple's small piece of bliss, heart-wrenching and spooky. Letterboxed (2.35:1) Languages: Mandarin (Mono) Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia) Region 3 Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
My Dream Boat (1967) Director: Doe Chin Cast: Lily Ho, Essie Lin Chia, Ching Li, Chin Han, Yang Fang, Chin Feng Genre: Drama Synopsis Doe Chin, one of Shaw's most prolific and reputable directors of dramas and musicals, knows just how to tug at the heart with My Dream Boat. The elegant and cultured Lily Ho plays the lovely Tang Ke-hsin, who sets off a bitter rivalry between two friends Chia-wen (Yang Fang) and Chi Yuan (Chin Han). Relations become even more strained when Ke-hsin chooses Chi Yuan. They watch helplessly as Chia-wen descends into a quagmire of booze and gambling. Letterboxed (2.35:1) Languages: Mandarin (Mono) Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia) Region 3 Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Shaolin Prince (1982) Director: Tang Chia Cast: Ti Lung, Derek Yee (aka Erh Tung-sheng), Pai Piao, Ku Feng Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis Tang Chia is one of martial art movies' most respected names, but it is less known because the veteran kung-fu choreographer only directed three movies of his own. Of course, that makes this, his first effort, perhaps the most special of the trio. His tale of two fugitive princes trying to recover the throne is an eye-filling, mind-bending wonder, which used no less than five other choreographer friends to create kung-fu configurations not only never seen before, but never even attempted! Letterboxed (2.35:1) Languages: Mandarin (DD 5.1), Cantonese (DD 5.1) Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia) Region 3 Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Spiritual Boxer, The (1975) Director: Liu Chia-liang (aka Lau Kar-leung) Cast: Wang Yu, Lin Chen-chi, Chiang Yang, Ti Lung, Chen Kuan-tai Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis Acclaimed action director Liu Chia-liang makes a mind-boggling directorial debut in The Spiritual Boxer, which not only quickly established Liu as a genius director but he was also credited with introducing comedy into the kung-fu genre; the pre-cursor for Jackie Chan's kung-fu comedies. Its Ghostbusters meets George C. Scott's The Flim-Flam Man as a pseudo-ghost catcher, wittily portrayed by kung-fu comedienne Wang Yu, and catches more than he bargained for. Letterboxed (2.35:1) Languages: Mandarin (DD 5.1) Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia) Region 3 Extras: Elegant Trails Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
2004 Shaw Brothers Schedule

August 19 Shaw Brothers Photo Galleries (will be deleted after one week)

Amorous Woman Of Tang Dynasty, An (1984) Clan Of Amazons (1978) Duel Of The Century, The (1981) Ghost Eyes (1974) Unfinished Melody (1968)

Monday, 8/16/2004

Last Week's Universe Releases
Moving Targets (2004) Director: Wong Jing Cast: Nicholas Tse, Edison Chen, Simon Yam, Gillian Chung, Lam Suet, Roy Chow Synopsis Kit (Nicholas Tse) and Fit (Edison Chen) have been friends since the Police Training School. However, twists of fate have led them along different roads. While working on an assignment, Kit by chance meets his father, Cheung Tit Man (Simon Yam), whom he has not seen for 17 years and he regarded as his enemy. Later on, Kit and Fit are transferred to the CID which is led by Cheung. Their mission is to destroy the Mongkok gang leaders, the Bryan brothers. At the same time, the Bryan brothers set a trap to try and force Fit to join their gang. Meanwhile, Kit's increasingly neglected girlfriend, Wing (Gillian Chung), falls for Fit and is bearing his child. Disc 1 - Film Letterboxed Audio Cantonese (DTS) Cantonese (DD 5.1) Mandarin (Stereo) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles DVD-5 Disc 2 - Extras Making Of Trailer Music Video Photo Gallery Stars' Files More Attractions
Descendant (2003) Director: Kermit Christman, Del Tenney Cast: Jeremy London, Katherine Heigl, Nick Stabile, Whitney Dylan Synopsis Ethan Poe, a young writer and descendent of Edgar Allan Poe, is trying to meet the deadline for his next book. After moving to a small town, he meets and falls for Ann, a distant relative of his ancestor, only to find the new love affair seems to have something to do with the mysterious disappearances of family members. When female murder victims start showing up all over town with Poe-related clues all over them, Ethan becomes the prime suspect. The writer's torment is made worse by the specter of his famous ancestor who visits him in solitude to torture and berate him... Full Screen English (Stereo) Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Region 3 DVD-5

Friday, 8/13/2004

This Week's Panorama Releases
Dreamers, The (2003) Director: Bernardo Bertolucci Cast: Michael Pitt, Eva Green, Louis Garrel Synopsis Left alone in Paris whilst their parents are on holiday, Isabelle (Eva Green) and her brother Theo (Louis Garrel) invite fellow student Matthew (Michael Pitt), a young American, to stay at their apartment. Here they make their own rules as they experiment with each other as emotions and sexuality, playing a series of increasingly demanding mind games. Set against the turbulent political backdrop of France in Spring 1968, when the voice of youth was reverberating around Europe, THE DREAMERS is a story of self-discovery as the three students test one another to see just how far they each will go. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced French/English (DTS), French/English (DD 5.1) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Region 3
Godsend (2004) Director: Nick Hamm Cast: Robert De Niro, Greg Kinnear, Rebecca Romijn-Stamos Synopsis When Paul and Jessie Duncan (Greg Kinnear, Rebecca Romijn-Stamos) have lost their beloved eight year-old son Adam in a tragic accident, Dr. Richard Wells, (Robert De Niro) approaches with the incredible offer to clone Adam, essentially bringing back their boy and reuniting their broken family. The couple accept the offer then moves to the small town of Riverton, where the stem cells carrying Adam's DNA are implanted in Jessie's womb and where Adam will be born and raised - for the second time. When Adam reaches his eighth birthday, the parents have placed their complete trust in Dr. Wells, but now questions are raised and they start to wonder: just how far did he really go? Did he settle for simply playing God? Once they unravel the horrific truth, Paul and Jessie Duncan will have to come to terms with what they have done, and what has been done to their family. English (DTS), English (DD 5.1) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Region 3
Gonza The Spearman (1986) Director: Masahiro Shinoda Cast: Hiromi Go, Shima Iwashita, Misako Tanaka, Naoto Takenaka Synopsis The tragic story of Gonza, a handsome ladies man, set in the Tokagawa Period, a time in which appearences are very important. Gonza competes with Bannojo for the honor to perform the tea ceremony to celebrate the birth of an heir to the lord of their clan. To see the sacred tea scrolls Gonza promises to marry the daughter of the family which possesses them, even though he is unofficially engaged to another. When studying the scrolls with Osai, the mother of the house, Bannajo sneaks into the house and steals their obis and runs through the town proclaiming the two as adulterers. Letterboxed Japanese (Stereo) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Region 3 Detailed information on the film/director (courtesy of Panorama)

This Week's Edko Releases

Windstruck (2004) Director: Kwak Jae Young Cast: Jun Ji Hyun, Jang Hyuk Synopsis When Officer Kyungjin hears a woman screaming, she cannot let such a crime go unnoticed. She catches a man, Myungwoo, and takes him to the police station. There, she discovers that Myungwoo is the brave citizen who tried to catch the real criminal. As a newly-appointed teacher at an all girl's high school, Myungwoo needs to supervise students on a field trip to the red-light district. An officer is assigned to protect him, to his dismay, that person is Kyungjin. Now, it's time for the mission to start. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Korean (DTS ES), Korean (DD Surround EX), Cantonese (DD Surround EX) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Region 3 Extras: Theatrical trailer, photo gallery, and cast/crew filmographies.

Mei Ah August 20 Releases
Astonishing (2004) Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
Dance Of The Drunk Mantis (1979) Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles

Wednesday, 8/11/2004

Mei Ah August 13 DVD Covers/Synopsis
Super Model (2004) Director: Vincent Kok Cast: Ronald Cheng, Karen Lin, Sammy Leung, Sam Lee, Chan Chi Chung Synopsis Super model Mandom (Ronald Cheng) has received a death threat before the "King Model Pageant". He therefore asks the police for help, which has sent a righteous but model-hating policewoman Karena (Karena Lin) to protect him. Karena, who does not care her looks, always argues with the trend-leading Mandom. One day, a conflict between Mandom and his enemy Fantasy (Sammy Leung) makes Karena Mandom's partner in the "King Model Pageant". Mandom and his friends successfully transform Karena into a beautiful model and at the same time, Karena is attracted by Mandom's spilling confidence and the two become lovers. The "King Model Pageant" finally begins, will Mandom be saved from danger and who will become the King of Model? Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin (DTS + Dolby Digital) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles DVD-9
The Long Goodbye (1983) aka The Head Hunter Director: Lau Sing Hom Cast: Chow Yun Fat, Rosamund Kwan, Melvin Wong Synopsis After the Vietnam War, former Vietnam soldier Chow comes to Hong Kong and work as a professional killer for a gang leader. Here he meets Kwan and they become lovers. An order is given to Chow to kill Kwan's dad, later Chow's boss Tong asks Chow to kill Kwan also as Kwan starts to suspect him. Chow tries to flee with Kwan, Tong wants to kill them and on their way to escape, Kwan realizes that Chow is the one who kills her father. Heart-broken, Kwan tries to kill Chow as Chow picks up a gun trying to shoot her... Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
Walk On Fire (1988) Director: Law Hing Man Cast: Andy Lau, Kent Cheng, Cherie Chung, Ray Lui Synopsis Sergeant Kwok Wah (Andy Lau) and Ho Lung (Ray Lui) are both colleagues and best friends. Ho Lung has developed hatred with a gang leader Dick. Dick sends Hung (Cherie Chung) as a bait to kill Ho Lung. Swore to take revenge for his best friend, Kwok Wah works with Ho Lung's partner Mother (Kent Cheng) to unveil the enemy. Kwok Wah saves Hung during an operation and Hung starts to like Kwok Wah. Kwok Wah and Mother follow their plan to capture Dick, but it ends in vain and both of them get into a gunfight. Hung is killed for saving Kwok Wah during the gunfight. Though heart-broken, Kwok Wah and Mother go on fighting the villain... Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles

Tuesday, 8/10/2004 (Second Update)

Shaw Brothers Film Festival

Shaw Brothers Film Festival A Wide Angle on Shaw Brothers Films Over the past half-century, the continuous creativity and innovation of Shaw Brothers Studio have been instrumental in winning for Hong Kong's film industry the accolade of being the "Hollywood of the East". The famed studio produced nearly 1000 films and created the world's largest collection of Chinese-language motion pictures. However, is Shaw Brothers all about the glamour of action-packed martial arts films and splendid period dramas or enchanting musicals? Not necessarily. Starting from August 12, 22 Shaw Brothers films grouped in four categories, trying to give movie-goers a wide angle for screening the classic movies, are being re-released at the Cine-Art Cinema in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, for one month. This is a rare opportunity to see these timeless treasures on the big screen again especially after the incredible efforts of re-mastering the sound and picture of each frame to exceptional quality. A Reminiscence of the "Hong Kong New Wave" The Hong Kong cinema in the 1980s has not only recorded advances in technique, production values and "packaging" styles but has become more daring in tackling social, political and artistic concerns. The Hong Kong New Wave, surfaced in 1979, tried to integrate into the commercial mainstream cinema by bringing in new blood and a greater impetus for change. In this period, the Shaw studio joined forced with many of the hottest film talents of those eras to produces numerous movies which encapsulated the zeitgeist of the Asian region. Huangmei Opera Films:A Special Charm of Shaw Brothers Studio Huangmei Opera is one of the most distinctive genres in Chinese cinema. When we mentioned Shaw Brothers films, this genre played a significant part of the studio in term not only of the theatrical success but also of the artistic achievement. Diau Charn, Shaw Brothers' first Huangmei Diao film directed by Li Han-hsiang, was followed by great box office successes of The Kingdom and The Beauty and Love Eterne which set a hit trend of the genre in Hong Kong and Taiwan during the 1950s and 1960s. Li, Shaw Brothers' most important director in this genre, was meticulous in research and had a knack for handling historical themes and grand spectacles set in ancient times. Other famed directors include Yueh Feng, Yuan Chiu-feng, Kao Li, Yan Jun and Ho Meng Hua. A Glimpse of Cult Movies from Shaw Brothers Studio Cult movies always have limited but special appeal and this seems to go against the purpose of making the films as a mass entertainment medium of Shaw Brothers Studio. However, the Shaw Brothers' cult movies had strived successfully to integrate niche preference into commercial mainstream. They were usually not only strange, quirky, offbeat, eccentric, oddball, or surreal, with outrageous characters or plots or garish sets, but also triggered the nerves of most movie-goers by adding the erotic or comedy elements into the films. In this film festival, five Shaw Brothers' cult movies are selected, these titles include Super Inframan, The Killer Snakes, The Criminals, 36 Secrets Of Courtship and The Happiest Moment. The Reconstruction of Martial Arts World In the early 1960s, the romantic drama genre and the musical film were the mainstream of the Mandarin cinema. Actresses always gained a comparative advantage in casting. Shaw Brothers Studio took the lead in forging a new road of sword-fighting martial arts film, together with a crops of new directing and acting talents. This really brought a critical influence in the development of Hong Kong films. Director Chang Cheh and his series of bloodshed martial arts classics, which set the template for action cinema in Hong Kong. His works are characterized by a strong personal style and delving particularly into the themes of masculine bonding and heroic friendship. Director Chu Yuan set a new benchmark for Hong Kong martial arts films by combining his dreamy, exquisite film aesthetic to the intricate plots of the martial arts novels of Gu Long. Director Liu Chia-liang, who imprinted another style on action cinema with his "hard-knuckled" school of Kung Fu movies, blending power and beauty into their authentic portrayal of Chinese martial arts. The Films 36 Secrets Of Courtship Happiest Moment New One-Armed Swordsman Amorous Woman Of Tang Dynasty Heroic Ones On The Wrong Track Behind The Yellow Line Killer Snakes Puppy Love Beyond The Great Wall Love In A Fallen City Return To The 36th Chamber Criminals Lust For Love Of A Chinese Courtesan Super Inframan Danger Has Two Faces My Name Ain't Suzie Teenage Dreamers Death Duel My Young Auntie West Chamber Dream Of The Red Chamber (1961)     Seminars Date/Time Topic Host Guest Venue 8/14 (Sat) 2:15 - 3:15 A Reminiscence of the Hong Kong New Wave Edward Lam Young Movie Directors Cine-Art House 8/21 (Sat) 2:15 - 3:15 A Glimpse of Cult Movies from Shaw Brothers Studio Creative Designers 8/28 (Sat) 4:15 - 5:15 The Reconstruction of Martial Arts World Actor, Radio DJ 9/4 (Sat) 4:15 - 5:15 Huangmei Opera Films: A Special Charm of Shaw Brothers Studio Scriptwriter/Director, Columnist All seminars are open to public. Free of charge. Ticket Prices Normal Price: HK$40 Group Ticket: HK$150 (Total 5 tickets, good for all shows) Concessionary Ticket: HK$30 (Only for senior citizens and people with disabilities) Ticketing Information Tickets are available at Cine-Art House Opening Hours: Daily 11am - 10pm Internet Booking: www.cityline.com.hk From now to September 8, 2004, buying Shaw Brothers Studio books, VCDs or DVDs at any Joint Publishing Bookstore will be offered $10 discount off on normal ticket. Sales receipt is required as a proof. Film Festival Schedule (Chinese) Film Festival Schedule (English)

Tuesday, 8/10/2004 (First Update)

August 10 Disney Releases

Mulan (1998) First Disney Animation Crossover A Chinese Legend Heroine The first animation about Mulan, a well-known Chinese folklore and was well received internationally Worldwide box office over US$300 million and over 9 million units of VHS, VCD and DVD sold. Local releases sold over 35,000 units and had not been available in the market for a long time Cantonese dubbed by famous local celebrities, Jackie Chan & Kelly Chen Nice songs with endearing characters especially the funny dragon Mushu Synopsis Based on an ancient Chinese poem, the legend of Mulan beautifully unfolds in Disney's 36th animated classic. Full of daring action, hilarious characters and inspiring music, the new 2 Disc Special Edition celebrates honor, courage, and a young girl's quest to be true to her own heart. Beautiful and clever Mulan proves her worth outside of her tradition-bound society when, disguised as "Ping", she bravely takes her father's place in the Imperial Army. Helped by her outrageously funny guardian dragon Mushu and a lucky cricket named Cri-Kee, Mulan strives to earn the respect of her fellow warriors and their handsome Captain Shang. A climactic battle atop the Imperial Palace is where her family's honor and the fate of the Emperor and all of China rest in her hands! Mulan is a one-of-a-kind film about a one-of-a-kind heroine. As the emperor says, "You don't find a girl like that in every dynasty!" Your whole family will enjoy experiencing Mulan's legendary journey! DVD A 2 Disc Special Edition DVD With 2 Hours Of Never-Before-Seen Bonus Features Languages: English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Thai Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), Chinese (Simplified), English, Thai, Bahasa Region 3 Extras 4 Mulan music videos performed by international superstars including Jackie Chan and Coco Lee Making Of Storyboard To Film Comparison Art and Character Design Progression Reel: From Story Sketches To Color Animation Songs of Mulan Mulan's International Journey Mulan Fun Facts Storyboards Galleries According to IVL, owners of the original 1 disc version of Mulan can upgrade to the new 2 disc version at half price during a limited promotional time period (August 10, 2004 - August 20, 2004).

Monday, 8/9/2004

Last Week's Universe Releases

Horror In The Attic (2001) Director: Jeremy Kasten Cast: Andras Jones, Seth Green, Jeffrey Combs, Wendy Robie Synopsis Trevor has no memory of his past - haunted by nightmares. Awakening from a coma, Trevor finds himself under the care of eccentric Dr. Ek, who informs him that he has been committed to Ek's sanitarium for the sacrificial murder of his fiancée. As Trevor's nightmares continue to torment him, his fellow residents of the sanitarium are being murdered one by one and his dead fiancée reappears to him in his waking life. Did the murder ever really happen? Is it just a horrible fantasy implanted in his brain? Full Screen English (Stereo) Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Region 3 DVD-5

Aug 5 Shaw Brothers DVD Covers
Informer, The (1980)	Singing Thief, The (1969)

The One-Armed Swordsman DVD covers were posted in the August 2 update.

Friday, 8/6/2004

Mei Ah Aug 13 Releases
Super Model (2004) Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin (DTS + Dolby Digital) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles DVD-9
The Long Goodbye (1983) aka The Head Hunter Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
Walk On Fire (1988) Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles

Tuesday, 8/3/2004

IVL August 19 Shaw Brothers Releases

Amorous Woman Of Tang Dynasty, An (1984) Director: Fang Ling-cheng Cast: Patricia Ha Man-jik, Alex Man Chi-leung, Chang Kuo-chu, Ku Feng Genre: Erotic Awards: 21st Golden Horse Awards (1984) - Best Art Direction Synopsis This landmark Hong Kong erotic movie boldly goes where no Chinese movie went before - into the boudoir and even the monastery of a scholar turned Taoist nun turned literati (played by Patricia Ha in her most acclaimed role). Her pursuits of lust and love show that the Tang Dynasty was light years ahead of the West when it comes to sexual enlightenment. In addition, the sophisticated sets won the Golden Horse Award for Best Art Direction. Letterboxed (1.85:1) Languages: Mandarin (DD 5.1), Cantonese (DD 5.1) Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia) Region 3 Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Clan Of Amazons (1978) Director: Chu Yuan Cast: Liu Yung, Yueh Hua, Ling Yun, Ching Li Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis Following such hits as Killer Clans and Clans Of Intrigue, the beloved team of director Chu Yuan and novelist Ku Lung reunite with revered martial art choreographers Tang Chia and Huang Pei-chi for an atmospheric, character-rich, action-packed adventure about a mysterious masked highwayman. This roadside robber embroiders flowers on handkerchiefs to leave at the scene of his crime, and not only steals from the rich, but blinds them! The trail to beat this bandit is filled with beautiful and deadly women, all with an ax (or sword) to grind! Letterboxed (2.35:1) Languages: Mandarin (DD 5.1) Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia) Region 3 Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Duel Of The Century, The (1981) Director: Chu Yuan Cast: Yueh Hua, Pai Piao, Liu Yung, Linda Chu, Ching Li, Sun Chien Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis This mystery-tinged "Martial Arts World" epic was one of director Chu Yuan and novelist Ku Lung's last together for the Shaw Studios, but it's another action-filled winner. Liu Yung and Sun Chien (the Korean kicking "Venom" from Chang Cheh's internationally popular series) team to investigate the martial arts murders of a supposedly mortally wounded swordsman, only to find deception, death, double-dealings, imposters, and one deadly duel after another. No less than three choreographers are on hand to handle the multitude of magnificent martial arts. Letterboxed (2.35:1) Languages: Mandarin (Mono) Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia) Region 3 Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Ghost Eyes (1974) Director: Kuei Chih-hung Cast: Chen Szu-chia, Antonio Ho (aka Szu Wei), Lin Wei-tu, Hsia Ping Genre: Horror Synopsis International gore hounds agree: nobody makes horror films like the Shaw Brothers Studio. Kuei Chih-hung, who had already made his name by directing such shameless thrillers as The Bamboo House Of Dolls here brings his vicious touch to a violent, sexy story with one clear moral: never accept contact lenses from a psycho ghost. Poor Chen Szu-chia does just that, and pays for it with her body (in every sense of the word) and the gruesome death of her friends. Letterboxed (2.35:1) Languages: Mandarin (Mono) Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia) Region 3 Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Unfinished Melody (1968) Director: Chin Chien Cast: Kwan Shan, Julie Yeh Feng, Essie Lin Chia, Ling Yun, Ku Wen-tsung Genre: Drama Synopsis A sensitive love triangle helmed by one of Shaw era's top directors, Chin Chien. A psychiatrist taking a room at an old friend's apartment soon discovers an insane woman living in a neighboring flat. As the doctor gradually heals the woman he also falls in love with her. The problem arises the friend's daughter confesses her love to him as well. Misunderstanding and mistaken passions soon lead to broken hearts and an emotional confrontation to the love triangle. Letterboxed (2.35:1) Languages: Mandarin (Mono) Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia) Region 3 Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
2004 Shaw Brothers Schedule

August 5 Shaw Brothers Photo Galleries (will be deleted after one week)

Informer, The (1980) New One-Armed Swordsman (1971) One-Armed Swordsman (1967) Return Of The One-Armed Swordsman (1968) Singing Thief, The (1969)

Monday, 8/2/2004 (Second Update)

Universe July 31 Releases
One Nite In Mongkok (2004) Director: Derek Yee Cast: Daniel Wu, Cecilia Cheung, Alex Fong Synopsis Mongkok, one of the most densely populated areas in the world, is the hotbed of illicit business. Lai Fu (Daniel Wu), a farm boy from Mainland China, is hired as a killer and is forced to enter into the coincidence of gangs of Mongkok. Lai Fu by chance meets a call girl from his home village, Dan (Cecilia Cheung), and saves her from the gangsters. The arrival of Lai Fu tenses the police and the triad. Under flashy neon lights, Lai Fu and Dan are rummaged around in Mongkok by police and gangsters. Who will find them first, the lawful force or the lawless one? Disc 1 - Film Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Audio Cantonese (DTS) Cantonese (DD 5.1) Cantonese (Director's Commentary) Mandarin (DD 5.1) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles DVD-9 Disc 2 - Extras Making Of Stars' Files Trailer Deleted Scene Midnight Action Photo Gallery More Attractions
On_Line (2002) Director: Jed Weintrob Cast: Josh Hamilton, Harold Perrineau, Isabel Gillies Synopsis John, a computer whiz on the rebound from a disastrous break-up, starts an adult Internet site Intercon-X with his roommate, Moe. Through this site, clients are connected to live, erotic Webcam chat sessions with internet sex workers. They are soon caught up in the erotic nature of the chat sessions they host, changing both their lives. This is a story that explores sex, friendship, identity and addiction through the world of Internet communities that while bringing the world closer together, simultaneously moves us further apart. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced English (Stereo) Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Region 3 DVD-5

Deltamac July 15 DVD Covers/Synopsis
Dragon Since 1973 (2003) (Bruce Lee Documentary) Director: Lot Sze Host: Dominic Lam Interviewees: Shek Kin - Enter The Dragon actor Bee Chan - Actor/Director Jin Di - The Way Of The Dragon actor Li Kun - The Big Boss and Fist Of Fury actor Ko Chiu - Actor/Driving Instructor Pang Him - Producer Alex To - Actor/Singer Andrew Lin - Actor/Practitioner (4th Generation) Shannon Ma - Computer Graphics Designer Chaplin C.P. Chang - Assistant Director of Enter The Dragon and Unit Manager of The Way Of The Dragon Cheng Kam Cheung - Singer Cheung Tung Cho - Director Tony To - Golden Harvest Film Co. Promotion Manager Li Bing Bing - Actor Alex Cheung - Director and The Way Of The Dragon Camera Assistant Cheung Yiu Chung - Editor of The Big Boss, Fist Of Fury, The Way Of The Dragon, Enter The Dragon, and Game Of Death Sam Lee - Actor Synopsis The one and only Mr. Bruce Lee have left us for almost 30 years, and yet till now there are still many mysteries unsolved. Though there are many rumors and story about Bruce, but if you put together the time, character and place, some of these stories may fit perfectly, yet some of them are just totally nonsense. The world wide Bruce fans are all crave to know little details about Bruce, either are these rumors or the little habits of his, however, these details are not easy to dig out. "Since 1973" have interview many people who once work with Bruce like some of the Stars, Directors, Production Crew, people in Martial Art and those who follow his philosophy. In this documentary, we are honor to have lots of souvenir, collectables and products related to Bruce, all these are now very preciously and valuable. The Documentary "Since 1973" have gain a lot of support from various parties includes the Movie industries, Martial Art communities, Bruce lee Fan club and so on, hopefully from this documentaries more details of Bruce's will be reveals.
Letterboxed Cantonese (DD 5.1), Mandarin (DD 5.1) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
A Wedding Or A Funeral (2004) Director: Ho Chi Hang Cast: Sam Lee, Jiajun Sun, Jim Chim, Lam Suet, Pal Sinn Lap Man, Lo Koon Lan Synopsis Lovers commit themselves and decide to walk down the aisle when love is the only reason. What if someone kidnaps your fiancés and forces you to do something illegal, will you bow to the threat? He was only this down to earth accountant and tomorrow is his big wedding day. Joe and Shirley are still preparing themselves for the wedding. As Joe kisses Shirley goodbye, they have no idea that after the kisses is a following of daring challenges...
Letterboxed Cantonese (DD 5.1), Mandarin (DD 5.1) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles

Monday, 8/2/2004 (First Update)

One-Armed Swordsman Box Set Here are pictures of the box set and the individual DVDs contained in the box set. It is scheduled to be released on August 5. The specs for the box set were posted in July 20 update.