The Asian DVD Guide

Wednesday, 1/31/2007

Edko February 1 Releases

Sinking of Japan (2006) Director: Shinji Higuchi Cast: Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, Kou Shibasaki Synopsis Global scientists have discovered that in less than 40 years the archipelago of Japan will sink, due to a collision of tectonic plates. A massive plan for the exodus of a nation's population gets underway. But the truth is, Japan's disintegration is occurring much more rapidly -- in 338.54 days! Leading geo-scientist, Tadokoro, offers a last ditch plan to save what's left of the country: to manually perforate the plate that is dragging Japan down by detonating several "N2" explosives. Onodera, who falls for rescue worker Reiko and is planning to leave Japan, seems to be the only person that can perform this fatal mission…It's up to one man to salvage what's left of a nation. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Japanese (DTS-ES), Japanese (Dolby Digital Surround EX) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Theatrical trailer and photo gallery. Region 3

Tuesday, 1/30/2007

Joy Sales February 2 Fortune Star Non-Digitally Remastered Releases
Haunted Cop Shop, The (1987) Director: Jeff Lau Chun-Wai Cast: Jacky Cheung Hok-Yau, Ricky Hui Koo-Ying, Billy Lau Nam-Kwong, Kitty Chan Ga-Chaai, Wu Fung Synopsis It's at the Ghost Festival when ghosts are one night's leave. Petty thief Ming is detained in the basement of the police station which is also a ghost house. He accidentally lets Colonel show up, who is the most vicious ghost, Ming is bitten by Colonel and becomes a vampire. Vampire Ming wants to escape from the station but is intercepted by detectives king and Meng. They grill Ming all night. Ming disintegrates with the first ray of the sun. The two are frightened and decide to find out the fact with their superior Fanny. Later they find out it is all about Colonel. When nobody believes what they said, the three decided to fight against the ghost by themselves in the ghost house. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese (DD 2.0), Mandarin (DD 2.0) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles DVD-5
Joy Sales/Fortune Star Release Schedule

IVL February 13 Releases

Luxury Fantasy Director: Ally Wong Cast: Patrick Tam, Mandy Chiang, Tiffany Lee Synopsis Amidst this confusing world of fake articles and love, can we find anything true? Eddie is an obscure singer and earns living by imitating super star Andy Lau. People always laughed at him. His girlfriend Alice is getting in troubles, as she always cheat the rich of their cars and goods, sell them all and then replaced by fakes! Pasty, Andy Lau fans from Mainland China, meets Eddie by chance. Eddie helps her to find Andy Lau voluntarily by selling her fake idol's signature, concert tickets etc as he wants to please his girlfriend by money! Surprisingly, the reason why Pasty need to find Andy Lau is... Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Extras: Original Trailer

Monday, 1/29/2007

Joy Sales February 2 Releases

Wise Guys Never Die (2006) Director: Wong Jing Cast: Nick Cheung, Wong Jing, Alice Chan Synopsis The King of gambling films, Wong Jing, strikes again in this absorbing gambling thriller! Yuppie accountant Nick is framed for fund embezzlement and sent to prison. There, he meets wiseguy and professional conman Teddy, who taught him everything he ever needs to know about swindling. Upon his release from jail, Nick agrees to take revenge for Teddy by going against his mentor's nemesis Dragon. Filled with intriguing plot twists and dazzling gambling sequence, WISE GUYS NEVER DIE will have you guessing all the way until the very end. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese (DTS 768 Kbps), Cantonese (DD 5.1 448 Kbps), Mandarin (DD 5.1 448 Kbps) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles DVD-5

Joy Sales January 26 Fortune Star Digitally Remastered Releases

Peking Opera Blues (1986) Director: Tsui Hark Cast: Brigitte Lin Ching-Hsia, Sally Yeh, Cherie Chung Cho-Hung, Wu Ma, Mark Cheng Ho-Nam Synopsis In 1913, the political situation in China was turbulent. The separation of the country among warlords makes people have no means to make a living. Singer Sheung Hung (Cherie Chung) is a venal woman. She accidentally got pieces of jewels at a mutiny when she was performing a play at the house of Commander - in - chief. However she carelessly dropped the jewels on the cart of a theatrical troupe. Sheung followed the troupe and met Bai Niu (Sally Yeh) and Tsao Wan (Brigitte Lin). Bai was an enthusiastic performer not accepted by the feudal society and Tsao was patriotic. They grew up in total different ways with distinctive ideals. In this riotous environment, they met with one another to mark the best moment of their lives. Digitally Remastered Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Audio Cantonese (DTS 768 Kbps) Cantonese (DD 5.1 448 Kbps) Cantonese (DD 2.0) Mandarin (DD 5.1 448 Kbps) Subtitles Chinese (Traditional) Chinese (Simplified) English Extras Interview With James Wong Interview With Sally Yeh

Joy Sales January 26 Fortune Star Non-Digitally Remastered Releases
The Big Heat (1988) Director: Andrew Kam, Johnnie To Cast: Waise Lee, Wang Tsu Hsien, Matthew Wong Synopsis Wai Pong Wong, an honoured and experienced police inspector, is compelled to resign the Royal Hong Kong Police when he finds out his right hand is unable to trigger. However after he knows that "Wily" Tse, an informant was murdered in Malaysian police officer, Chat Fu Ong, he suspects Ho but has found no evidence. Wong finds himself under some kind of mysterious surveillance as he gets more involve in the case. Wong's partner's killed and the evidence he taped falls into Han's hands... Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese (DD 2.0), Mandarin (DD 2.0) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles DVD-5
Joy Sales/Fortune Star Release Schedule

Joy Sales January 12 Releases

Natural City (2003) Director: MIN Byung-chun Cast: YOO Ji-tae, LEE Jae-eun, SEO Rin Synopsis Earning comparisons to such classics as BLADE RUNNER and the ever-popular MATRIX, this Korean sci-fi feature takes place in the year 2080. It is AD 2080, the world has become a high-tech information society where national boundaries have disintegrated and the world is now a huge network of nation-states. Genetic and mechanical engineering has reached a peak where it is easy to modify human DNA, produce clones is an artificial intelligence known as a "Combiner", these Combiners have become integral parts of everyday life. A handful of Combiners have developed a technique a share their consciousness… maybe even their souls. They despise living with Humans and want their freedom and longevity. A specialist police team is formed to find and return the renegade Combiners. The problem is that Inspector R, one of the team, has a combiner girlfriend. Her sell by date is almost up and he is equally fascinated by the new technique. His loyalty is put to the test. Specs: Disc 1 - Film Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Audio Korean (DTS) Korean (DD 5.1) Subtitles Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese English DVD-9 Disc 2 - Extras The Story The Making Of Cast Interview Deleted Scenes Trailer & Teaser

Universe February 2 Releases
Zodiac: The Race Begins (2006) Director: Edward Fu Voices: Fann Wong Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Region 3 Gift: Red Packet
Komodo Vs. Cobra (2005) Director: Jim Wynorski Cast: Michael Pare, Michelle Borth, Jerri Manthey English Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Region 3

Universe January 26 Releases
Solar Attack (2005) Director: Paul Ziller Cast: Mark Dacascos, Louis Gossett Jr. English Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Region 3
Love Education (2005) aka New Perfect Education Director: Ng Man Lik Cast: Kaori Sakagami, Tony Ho Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Region 3

Universe January 19 Releases
Nobita And The Tin Labyrinth (1993) Cantonese Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Region 3

Friday, 1/26/2007

IVL February 13 Shaw Brothers Releases

DVD/VCD
Black Lizard, The (1981) Director: Chu Yuan Cast: Derek Yee, Pan Ping-chang, Yueh Hua, Sun Chien Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis Director Chu Yuan is famous for introducing elements of murder mysteries, detective tales, and emotional melodrama into kung-fu films. This is one of those skilled thrillers, where-in he uses two editors and three martial arts choreographers to tell a tale of kidnapping, murder, frame-ups, and even being buried alive. The kung-fu takes on a macabre, horrific flair in this stunning story of swordsmen and women struggling to save their true loves ... and their sanity. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced (2.35:1) Mandarin (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes. Region 3 Running Time: 82 minutes
Brothers Five (1970) Director: Lo Wei Cast: Cheng Pei-pei, Chin Han, Chang I, Yueh Hua, Lo Lieh Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis Years before he was to become famous for directing Bruce Lee in Fist Of Fury and Jackie Chan in New Fist Of Fury, Lo Wei teamed with superstar swordswoman Cheng Pei-pei (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) for this action thriller of brotherly love…and death. She stars as Yen Lai, the one woman who can reunite the Kao brothers to rid the Teng Lung Manor of killers - as well as take revenge for their father's murder. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced (2.35:1) Mandarin (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes. Region 3 Running Time: 102 minutes
Disciples Of Shaolin (1975) Director: Chang Cheh Cast: Alexander Fu Sheng, Chi Kuan-chi, Chiang Tao Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis The legendary Chang Cheh made more than 70 films between 1960 and 1975, but this is considered one of the most notable. A nominal sequel to the equally acclaimed Shaolin Martial Arts, this powerful production cemented Alexander Fu Sheng's superstardom. It is also one of the last Chang films choreographed by the mighty Liu Chia-liang. Together, they make this tale of the Shaolin vs. Manchu conflict one of the highlights in kung-fu film history. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced (2.35:1) Cantonese (Mono), Mandarin (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes. Region 3 Running Time: 102 minutes
Five Superfighters (1979) Director: John Lo Mar Cast: Wu Yuan-chin, Hui Tien-sze, Hou Chao-sheng Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis When kung-fu film fans see the title Five Superfighters, they know they're going to see one of director John Lo Mar's best flat-out, fight-filled, non-stop minimal martial arts masterpieces. The plot is thrilling simplicity: an old medicine seller and his three apprentices learn Chinese, crane, pole, and drunken fighting to defeat an arrogant bully. Arguably the director's best-loved movie, there's no argument about just how exciting and fun this super-fight film is. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced (2.35:1) Cantonese (Mono), Mandarin (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes. Region 3 Running Time: 95 minutes
Full Moon Scimitar (1979) Director: Chu Yuan Cast: Derek Yee, Lisa Wang, Wang Jung, Meg Lam Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis No team of "Martial Arts World" epic-makers ever matched that of director Chu Yuan and best-selling author Ku Lung. Screen idol Derek Yee is the ambitious, proud master of the "Meteor" style, who becomes obsessed with sword supremacy and goes on a selfish rampage of violence and sex. Master kung-fu choreographer Tang Chia guides a first rate cast (including king screen villain Wang Lung-wei as the "immortal God of Eagle") in one of their most powerful and memorable productions. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced (2.35:1) Cantonese (Mono), Mandarin (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes. Region 3 Running Time: 94 minutes
Opium And The Kung-Fu Master (1984) Director: Tang Chia Cast: Ti Lung, Mai Tak-lo, Liu Hsueh-hua, Chen Kuan-tai Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis Tang Chia is considered one of the greatest kung-fu choreographers ever, but he only directed three movies of his own. This, his last, is not only his greatest but one of the greatest ever, as the leader of the Ten Kwangtung Tigers falls victim to drug addiction. The tragedies and drama that ensue are as stunning as the kung-fu, created by a superlative team of six martial artists. A legitimate masterpiece and one of the finest, most effecting martial arts movies Shaw Brothers ever produced. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced (2.35:1) Cantonese (Mono), Mandarin (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes. Region 3 Running Time: 86 minutes
Sweet And Wild (1966) Director: Wu Chia-hsiang Cast: Li Ching, Ling Yun, Kang Wai, Ouyang Sha-fei Genre: Musical Synopsis Young love and its comedy of errors. Hsiao Fang, played by Li Ching, is a spunky young girl not afraid to fight back against hooligans. Unfortunately, she mistakes the handsome Ma Ta-hai, for one such hoodlum. The two are immediately attracted but refuse to admit their true feelings. The real hooligans are from a rich family led by a devious Madam who devise a revenge plot. With plot twists, mistaken identities, along with some terrific musical numbers, romance has never been this much fun. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced (2.35:1) Mandarin (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes. Region 3 Running Time: 87 minutes

IVL February 8 Shaw Brothers Releases

DVD/VCD

Justice, My Foot! (1992) Director: Johnnie To Cast: Stephen Chow, Anita Mui Yim-fong, Carrie Ng, Ng Man-tat Genre: Comedy Synopsis Stephen Chow's special brand of very modern, very Hong Kong screwball comedy entered a new phase with Justice, My Foot!, a costume farce set in imperial China. Chow is a shyster with an equally eccentric kung-fu ace of a wife, hilariously played by Anita Mui Yim-fong. Accompanied by Chow's number one screen sidekick, Ng Man-tat, he manages to bring justice to the court and laughter to the viewer. A resounding success, Justice, My Foot! broke box office records to become the number hit of 1992. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced (1.85:1) Cantonese (Mono), Mandarin (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Region 3

IVL February 1 Shaw Brothers Releases

DVD/VCD
Four Riders (1972) Director: Chang Cheh Cast: David Chiang, Ti Lung, Chen Kuan-tai, Wang Chung, Yasuaki Kurata Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis This prime example of director/co-writer Chang Cheh's mastery takes place in Seoul right after the Korean War, as a kung-fu master, combat instructor, explosives expert, and missile specialist must take on a venal drug smuggling gang. Representing the Book of Revelation's four riders of war, famine, disease, and death as heroes against murder, corruption, jealousy, and greed, it's a brutal battle where the one true winner is the audience. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced (2.35:1) Mandarin (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes. Region 3 Running Time: 104 minutes
Jade Raksha, The (1968) Director: Ho Meng-hua Cast: Cheng Pei-pei, Tang Ching, Ku Feng, Yang Chi-ching Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis In swordplay movies, females played a more central role in the plots and the swordswomen created in the genre are some of the most charismatic figures in Hong Kong cinema thanks in great part to Cheng Pei-pei. In The Jade Raksha, Cheng Pei-pei becomes a human combine harvester as she hacks and whacks a path through life avenging the death of her family under the moniker "The Jade Raksha." Cheng Pei-pei gained international recognition in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced (2.35:1) Mandarin (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes. Region 3 Running Time: 91 minutes
Return Of The Phoenix (1962) Director: Li Han-hsiang, Kao Li Cast: Li Hsiang-chun, Chin Feng, Jen Chieh, Chiang Kwong-chao Genre: Huangmei Opera Synopsis Return Of The Phoenix is yet another masterpiece from prolific director Li Han-hsiang. An imperial minister Cheng Pu (Ching Miao) is faced with a quandary. He's getting old and his daughters are still not married. Elder daughter Shueh-yeh (Elizabeth Chuang) is so ugly no one wants her. Younger daughter Shueh-wu (Li Hsiang-chun) is beautiful but Mrs Cheng refuses to let her marry before her elder sister. The drama unfolds when Cheng decides to marry Shueh-wu off. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced (2.35:1) Mandarin (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes. Region 3 Running Time: 85 minutes
Swift Knight, The (1971) Director: Cheng Chang-ho Cast: Lo Lieh, Chin Han, Margaret Hsing Hui, Huang Tsung-shun Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis In a rare reversal of typecasting, Shaw Brothers' perennial bad guy Lo Lieh breaks tradition to play the honorable and noble swordsman in The Swift Knight. Similar to Danny Kaye's The Court Jester without the jest, it's tale of brave knights, chivalry and fair maidens where the Swift Knight (Lo Lieh) finds himself involved in romance, court intrigue and deadly jousts while trying to protect a baby who is the Emperor's secret heir apparent. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced (2.35:1) Mandarin (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes. Region 3 Running Time: 81 minutes
Whatever You Want (1994) Director: Wong Jing Cast: Anita Yuan Yung-yi, Michael Wong, Christy Chung, Jordan Chan Genre: Comedy Synopsis Renowned writer/director/actor/producer Wong Jing created this charming fantasy comedy, featuring a top notch cast. The sweet, lovable Anita Yuan Yung-yi (who became an overnight sensation in He's A Woman, She's A Man) stars as an illegitimate daughter who inadvertently finds a pearl with a genie in it. Michael Wong (The Final Option) is the genie who gives her three wishes, which leads to a lot of hilarity and even a little heartbreak. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced (1.85:1) Cantonese (Mono), Mandarin (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes. Region 3 Running Time: 93 minutes
2007 Shaw Brothers Release Schedule

Friday, 1/19/2007

Mei Ah January 25 Releases
Telephone 601 (2006) Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin (DTS + Dolby Digital) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles DVD-9

Thursday, 1/18/2007

Asia Video January 26 Releases
Dorm (2006) Director: Songyos Sugmakanan Cast: Jintara Sukapat, Nipawan Taweepornsawan, Charlie Trairat, Sirarath Jianthavorn Synopsis "I still remember very well, the first time I left home..." "I was 12 and studying in 7th grade. In the middle of the semester, I was un-riotously transferred to a new boarding school…the reason…to be away from home…to get away from my father. You might be curious about this, but I am not surprised because it is only me who knows his secret." "Being transferred in the middle of a semester is really cruel. I have to get used to new classes and a new dorm that does not feel like home, and the worse part is, the new bed that I'm sleeping on, who knows how many people slept on it before me. For years there has been this rumor floating around that there used to be a pool here, where children used to swim during the weekends, but was closed. The rumor is it's because a kid drowned!" "Do you believe in this old school's tale?" "I know a secret and if you promise not to tell anyone, I will tell you" Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Thai (DTS-ES), Thai (Dolby Digital EX), Thai (Stereo) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Region 3 DVD-9 Running Time: 111 minutes
Libertine (2004) Director: Laurence Dunmore Cast: Johnny Depp, Rosamund Pike, Kelly Reilly, Tom Hollander Synopsis In every generation, there comes along a person so scandalous, so rebellious, so willing to break taboos that they topple the world's ideas of what being a free spirit truly means. In the 17th century that person was unequivocally John Wilmot, AKA the 2nd Earl of Rochester. Set against the extraordinary backdrop of The Restoration, THE LIBERTINE follows the meteoric rise and fall of the Earl. A close confidante of the high-living King Charles II, the Earl delights in lampooning England's royals with his subversive wit and scandalizing London society with his sexual escapades - all the while reveling in getting away with anything he can. But when the Earl falls in love with Elizabeth Barry, the theatrical protégé, their affair and a subsequent betrayal will be the start of the Earl's plunge from the heights of social celebrity to the depths of ruin, as he seeks his final redemption. 4:3 English (DTS-ES), English (Dolby Digital EX), English (Stereo) Chinese (Traditional) subtitles DVD-9 Running Time: 114 minutes

Edko January 18 Releases

The Wig (2005) Director: Won Sin-yeon Cast: Chae Min-seo, Yoo Sun Synopsis In the dark hospital room lies a present for Soohyun, a dying cancer patient. It is a beautiful wig, which was prepared by Jihyun, Soohyun's elder sister. Admiring the beauty of the wig, Soohyun slowly puts it on. In no time, the reflection of Soohyun in the mirror transforms into an attractive woman full of vitality. But Jihyun feels uneasy with Soohyun's mysteriously recovery after she puts on the wig. She now seems to have become a completely different person. In addition, a friend of Soohyun who has borrowed her wig, is savagely murdered, and now Soohyun murmurs unintelligible words. Something is happening to Soohyun, and Jihyun is the only one who can save her... Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Korean (DTS-ES), Korean (Dolby Digital Surround EX) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Theatrical trailer, photo gallery, and cast/crew filmographies. Region 3

Wednesday, 1/17/2007

IVL January 23 Kadokawa Releases

Sailor Suit And Machine Gun (1981) Director: Shinji Somai Cast: Hiroko Yakushimaru, Tsunehiko Watase Synopsis Following the unexpected death of her mob boss father, a young high school student (Hiroko Yakushimaru) inherits his Yakuza gang. They investigate her father's murder and take out the drug dealers who are responsible for his death. The scene with Hiroko when she sprays a room with machine gun fire and then exclaims "Kaikan!!" became somewhat famous in Japan at the time with people using the phrase in the same tone of voice as Hiroko. Letterboxed Japanese Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Region 3 Running Time: 112 minutes
The Great White Tower (1966) aka The Ivory Tower Director: Satsuo Yamamoto Cast: Jiro Tamiya, Eijiro Tono Synopsis Based on a newspaper serial, a documentary style movie about doctors in a university hospital competing for tenure. When one doctor makes a faulty diagnosis, the patient dies, and the patient's family sues the hospital and the university. Letterboxed Japanese Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Region 3 Running Time: 150 minutes
IVL/Kadokawa Release Schedule

Joy Sales January 19 Fortune Star Digitally Remastered Releases

The Diary Of A Big Man (1988) Director: Choh Yuen Cast: Chow Yun Fat, Joey Wang, Sally Yeh, Fennie Yuen, Waise Lee Synopsis In this delightful screwball comedy, Chow Yun Fat plays a stock broker who met 2 women of his dream on the same night - boutique owner Joey (Joey Wang) and air stewardess Sally (Sally Yeh). Unable to say no to either one, he ended up marrying them both, one in New York and the other in Paris. When the wives befriended each other, he solicited the help from his buddy Hung (Waise Lee) to get him out each tight spot. Sit back and enjoy the roller-coaster ride as the two-timer goes out on a limb to juggle between 2 lives, and pulls himself out of one disaster after another. Digitally Remastered Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Audio Cantonese (DTS 768 Kbps) Cantonese (DD 5.1 448 Kbps) Cantonese (DD 2.0) Mandarin (DD 5.1 448 Kbps) Subtitles Chinese (Traditional) Chinese (Simplified) English Extras An Interview With Waise Lee The Diary Of A Big Man Music Video

Joy Sales/Fortune Star Release Schedule

Panorama January 11 Releases
Memories Of Matsuko (2006) [2 Disc Special Edition] Director: Tetsuya Nakashima Cast: Miki Nakatani Synopsis It is the present day and Matsuko's nephew, Sho, is cleaning out his dead aunt's filthy apartment. Through a series of encounters, he gradually learns of his aunt's checkered life. In the early 1970s, Matsuko loses her teaching job and the love of her family members when she imprudently assumes the blame for a theft by one of her favorite pupils, Ryu. Alone and adrift in the world, Matsuko begins hooking up with any man who will return her affections even if it is accompanied by physical abuse. With each man, she is convinced she's found true happiness only to see each man abandon her. Matsuko begins to fall apart, never fully realizing the extent to which those in her life have loved her. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Japanese (DTS), Japanese (DD 5.1) Chinese and English subtitles Extras Interview With Actress Miki Nakatani Interview With Director Tetsuya Nakashima Making Of Film To Storyboard Comparison Region 3 Running Time: 130 minutes
The World Sinks Except Japan (2006) Director: Minoru Kawasaki Cast: Shuuji Kashiwabara, Kenji Kohashi, Masatoshi Matsuo Synopsis What would happen if all the continents in the world sank, leaving only Japan above water? Now the only superpower in the world, Japan is able to dictate the law. English as the global language? Not any more. Whale meat back on the menu? You bet. This is a world where 12.5 million non-Japanese refugees are homeless and Schwarzenegger is reduced to performing tricks in bars for money. This hilarious satire pokes fun at global superpowers, western traditions and foreign immigrants. And remember, it could happen! Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Japanese (DD 5.1) Chinese and English subtitles Region 3 Running Time: 98 minutes

Panorama January 4 Releases

Tora-san's Forbidden Love (1984) Director: Yoji Yamada Cast: Kiyoshi Atsumi, Chieko Baisho, Reiko Ohara, Masakane Yonekura Synopsis The 34th instalment in the Tora-san series. Tora-san spends several days at the home of a hard-working salaryman, who abruptly disappears. When the man's wife (Reiko Ohara) asks Tora-san to help find him, they travel to Kagoshima where Tora-san falls in love with her, and secretly hopes the husband (Masakane Yonekura) will not be found. Girara, the star of Shochiku's The X from Outer Space (Uchu daikaiju Girara, 1967), makes a cameo appearance in this film. Letterboxed Japanese Chinese and English subtitles Region 3 Running Time: 106 minutes

Panorama December 28 Releases

Electric Shadows (2004) Director: Xiao Jiang Cast: Xia Yu, Jiang Hongbo Synopsis Mao Dabing, an easygoing film buff, works delivering water bottles in Beijing. One day after he accidentally crashes his bike in an alley, he's suddenly brained with a brick by a disturbed young woman, Ling-ling. Arrested by the police, Ling-ling remains silent, but she gives Dabing the key to her apartment, asking him to feed the fish. Her place turns out to be a shrine to the movies, and especially to one star, legendary '30s singer-actress Zhou Xuan. As Dabing reads Ling-ling's private diary, the film flashes back to Ningxia province in the early '70s and the story of Ling-ling's mom, Jiang Xuehua. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Mandarin Chinese and English subtitles Region 3 Running Time: 95 minutes

Thursday, 1/11/2007

Final Victory DVD Menus

Wednesday, 1/10/2007

Joy Sales January 12 Fortune Star Digitally Remastered Releases

Final Victory (1987) Director: Patrick Tam Screenwriter: Wong Kar Wai Cast: Eric Tsang, Margaret Li, Loletta Lee Special Guest Appearance: Tsui Hark Synopsis 80s new wave movie! Sentiment and Action movie! Final Victory is Patrick Tam's version of what Wong Kar Wai considers his best screenplay. Hung (Eric Tsang) and Bo (Tsui Hark) grew up together in an orphanage. Hung is shy and timid, and regards Bo as his idol and protector. For some seasons. Bo is sent to jail. He asks Hung to take care of his women: Ping (Margaret Li) and Mimi (Loletta Lee). When Hung and Mimi are getting closer and closer, they imperceptibly fall in love with each other. At this moment, Bo was released and vows to kill them when the news reaches him... Digitally Remastered Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Audio Cantonese (DTS 768 Kbps) Cantonese (DD 5.1 448 Kbps) Cantonese (DD 2.0) Mandarin (DD 5.1 448 Kbps) Subtitles Chinese (Traditional) Chinese (Simplified) English Extras Original Movie Trailer New Edited Movie Trailer Photo Galleries Region 3

Joy Sales/Fortune Star Release Schedule

Joy Sales January 12 Releases
Heavenly Mission (2006) Director: James Yuen (Yuen Sai Sheng) Cast: Ekin Chang, Stephen Fung, Alex Fong, Erio Kot, Tik Lung Synopsis Superintendent of Police Sung Kwok Ming (Alex Fong) just returned to Hong Kong from his training course in USA. His new mission is to set up a "Special Project Group", to carry out a series of actions and investigations. The main target of Sung is Yip Chow (Ekin Cheng) - the legendary triad leader, and Gwai Jai (Fung Tak Lun) - the newly emerge influential figure in the triads. Yip was just released form his 8 years' imprisonment in Thailand. After returning to Hong Kong, Yip is determined to thoroughly reform himself from his past. However, Sung firmly believes that Yip intends to use his business empire as a camouflage for his illegal activities, and Yip will eventually show traces of criminal evidence... On the other hand, Gwai Jai is worried that the building up of Yip's power will eventually threaten his benefits. Hence Gwai Jai is incessantly scheming to challenge Yip Chow!...Sung noticed that both Yip Chow and Gwai Jai are planning for actions, he then placed both victims under close surveillance with a hope to obtain their criminal evidence and arrest them... Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese (DTS 768 Kbps), Cantonese (DD 5.1 448 Kbps), Mandarin (DD 5.1 448 Kbps) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles DVD-9

Joy Sales December 29 Releases
Lethal Ninja (2006) aka The Wild Ninja Director: Herman Yau Lai-To Cast: Eva Huang Sheng-Yi, Dayo Wong Chi-Wah, Masato, Shirata Hisako, Eddy Ko Hung Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese (DD 5.1 448 Kbps), Mandarin (DD 5.1 448 Kbps) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Extras: Trailers DVD-5

Tuesday, 1/9/2007

IVL January 11 Shaw Brothers Releases

DVD/VCD
Bare-Footed Kid, The (1993) Director: Johnnie To Cast: Aaron Kwok, Maggie Cheung Man-yuk, Ti Lung, Jacklyn Wu Genre: Action Synopsis Cantopop king Aaron Kwok shows that he can kick and chop with the best of them. As The Bare-Footed Kid, he's an innocent country bumpkin/martial arts whiz in the Ching Dynasty who proves more than equal to the city slickers whose path he crosses. Ably assisted by director Johnnie To and with martial arts choreography by the legendary Liu Chia-liang, Aaron Kwok - generally acknowledged to be the best dancer among the pop idols - proves that he's equally graceful at kung-fu. Most imposing is Ti Lung, playing a mysterious fugitive, showing that he still possesses the screen presence that first brought him to kung-fu superstardom over twenty years earlier. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced (1.85:1) Cantonese (Mono), Mandarin (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes. Region 3 Running Time: 83 minutes
Destiny's Champion (1997) Director: Sun Chung Cast: Ti Lung, Chiang Ching-lung, Leung Yuen-ching, Lo Jun-ping Genre: Action Synopsis The brilliant director Sun Chung reteams with the magnificent and majestic Ti Lung for another great kung-fu collaboration. Following such unforgettable previous pairings -- such as the classic The Avenging Eagles, The Deadly Breaking Sword, The Kung-fu Instructor, and The Master Strikes Back -- they reunite for an evocative, bittersweet modern day thriller of an aging snooker player who relives his violent past mistakes through a poverty-striken, streetwise kid. For any fan of either the legendary director or star, this film is a fascinating and involving must-see. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced (1.85:1) Cantonese (Mono), Mandarin (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes. Region 3 Running Time: 97 minutes
Dragon Creek, The (1966) Director: Yueh Feng Cast: Cheng Pei-pei, Chin Han, Essie Lin Chia, Lily Li Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis Shaw Brothers fans have known and loved Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon villain Cheng Pei-pei for decades as one of the sweetest, most attractive, most heroic stars ever in Asian cinema. She was only 20 years-old, and just three years into her remarkable career, when she took the lead in this fascinating martial arts murder mystery which combines battles with bullets. This kung-fu Nancy Drew must face a secret serial killer with too much blood on his hands to let her live...! Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced (2.35:1) Mandarin (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes. Region 3 Running Time: 93 minutes
Farewell To A Warrior (1976) Director: Chu Yuan Cast: Hsiao Nan-ying, Ting Min, Yeh Feng Genre: Musical Synopsis Though many movies claim to be unique, Farewell To A Warrior is truly in a class by itself, Hong Kong cinema's only big budget Chiu Chow opera spectacular. Starring renowned diva Hsiao Nan-ying, it is a vivid dramatization of the 13th century Sung Dynasty battle that pitted the legendary General Chang Ta against the Mongol hordes. Director Chu Yuan transforms traditional Chinese opera into solid entertainment, making Farewell To A Warrior a joy for opera fans and movie buffs alike. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced (2.35:1) Teochew (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes. Region 3 Running Time: 88 minutes
Wits Of The Brats (1984) Director: Alexander Fu Sheng, Liu Chia-yung, Wong Jing Cast: Alexander Fu Sheng, Chang Chan-peng, Wang Yu, Nat Chen Pai-chiang Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis International favorite Alexander Fu Sheng both co-stars and co-directs his brother Chang Chan-peng, in an all-out action comedy featuring the best in the business both in front and behind the camera. Legendary director Liu Chia-liang's brother, Liu Chia-yung, both co-directs and choreographs while such kung-fu kings as Wang Lung-wei, Li Hai-shen, and Wang Yu are also in there kicking. With all this, and even more, Wits Of The Brats is both a non-stop fighting farce and a special event. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced (1.85:1) Cantonese (Mono), Mandarin (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes. Region 3 Running Time: 92 minutes

Monday, 1/8/2007

Edko January 11 Releases

Fearless (2006) [140 Minute Director's Cut] Director: Ronny Yu Cast: Jet Li Synopsis This is the story of HUO YUANJIA - A fighter, who represents Chinese martial arts to a nation; A man, who fought his way out of darkness and into history. Young Yuanjia was an arrogant fighter who was always spoiling for a fight. On the day he became the best fighter in Tianjin, he lost his mother and daughter. Crazed with grief and shame, Yuanjia fled Tianjin stumbling upon an idyllic village. Guided by the villagers' simple kindness and generosity, Yuanjia began to forget his pain and his desire to fight. At last, he makes his peace with the world and decides to return home. Back in Tianjin, an American wrestler is making headlines by defeating China's fighters and dismissing them as 'Sick men of the East'. Yuanjia beats the hulking wrestler easily with his graceful martial arts. This startles members of the Foreign Chambers of Commerce, who worry that Yuanjia's victory would fan the flames of anti-Western sentiment in the Chinese people… Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Mandarin (DTS-ES), Mandarin (Dolby Digital Surround EX) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: A Fearless Journey Featurette Photo Gallery Cast/Crew Filmographies Region 3

Saturday, 1/6/2007

Asia Video January 12 Releases
Citizen Dog (2004) Director: Wisit Sasanatieng Cast: Mahasamutr "Jean" Boonyarak, Sangthong "Jeed" Ket-Utong, Sawaswong Palkawong Na Ayutthaya, Natta Watanapaiboon Synopsis This is a surreal and comical love story about Bangkok's little people: their struggle in search of happiness amidst a rapidly changing world. A world over-flowing with dreams, but void of love and understanding. Pod is a migrant worker from up-country who drifts from job to job: chopping his finger off in sardine factory, becoming a security guard and eventually a taxi driver. He meets Jin, a maid who has her nose perpetually buried in a mysterious white book written in foreign language that she dreams of somebody understanding. Pod is smitten. But then Jin becomes obsessed with a hippie westerner and environment movement. Somehow, Pod becomes a celebrity because he is the only guy in Bangkok without tail. If he grows one, he'll just be one of the crowd, a "Citizen Dog" alluded in the title. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Thai (Stereo) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Trailer and behind the scenes (with English subtitles only) DVD-9 Running Time: 104 minutes (plus 44 minutes of extras)
Tetsujin 28 [Animation] Japanese (Stereo), Cantonese (Stereo) Chinese (Traditional) subtitles Region 3 6 Discs, 26 episodes Running Time: 650 minutes

Asia Video December 29 Releases
East Wing West Wing 4 [Stage Play] Cast: Cedric Chan Cantonese (Stereo) Chinese (Traditional) subtitles DVD-5 Running Time: 113 minutes

Asia Video December 22 Releases

My Scary Girl (2006) Director: Son Jae-gon Cast: Jo Eun-ji, Choi Kang-hie, Park Yong-woo Synopsis Dae-woo, a college lecturer, is the most gentle and warm-hearted man on earth. But the "no man is perfect on earth" rule applies here with no exception. As he turns over 30, seeing most of his friends having girlfriends, he finds himself lonely. At this very moment, here Mina comes out of nowhere! She looks intelligent, beautiful and so hot! His long running "no girl system" is just gone. But as he's going out with her more, he feels something so fishy with her one way or another. She says her hobby is reading classics but she doesn't even know Crime And Punishment by Dostoevsky? And the more he comes to get involved in her personal life, the more the suspicious he is of what she really is! One thing is that her roommate is too funky and freaky. And secondly, a man who self acclaims that he is an ex of Mina shows up and he is so whacky. The more he questions, the more it bugs him as he is really deep in love with her. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Korean (Stereo) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Region 3 DVD-5 Running Time: 112 minutes

IVL January 23 Releases

One Missed Call Final (2006) Director: Manabu Aso Cast: Meisa Kuroki, Maki Horikita Synopsis In this final episode of the hugely successful "One Missed Call", Emiri Kusama (Meisa Kuroki) and her classmates are on their way to South Korea for the oversea school trip. In middle of the class excursion, a familiar but dreadfully eerie melody signal reaches a cell phone owned by a student. Attached to the e-mail sent was a picture of herself dead,with the message: If you transmit this cursed photo to someone else, your life will be spared. The students rush to pass the photo on to save their own lives, sparking a deadly fight for survival - with cell phones. Japanese Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Running Time: 104 minutes