The Asian DVD Guide

Friday, 1/25/2008

Mega Star February 5 Releases

The Warlords (2007) Director: Peter Ho-Sun Chan Cast: Jet Li, Andy Lau, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Xu Jin Lei Synopsis It's the mid-19th century, one of the darkest periods of Chinese history. The country is suffering under the rule of the corrupt Manchus who invaded China from the North and established the country's last imperial dynasty, the Qing. Natural disasters are wreaking havoc in the countryside, and in the midst of this chaos, the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, one of the strongest rebel groups ever to rise up in China, is overrunning the country and staging battles with the Qing army threatening the Dragon throne. When Ma first met the rough-and-ready bandit, Cao Erhu (Andy Lau) and his trusted lieutenant Zhang Wenxiang (Takeshi Kaneshiro), he had not an inkling that they will forever change his life. Cao, the charismatic leader of a band of bandits, bonded with the dark, sophisticated Ma when this stranger saved his life. At Zhang’s urging, the three swear blood brotherhood. Ma had a dream— he wants to rid China of both the rebels and the corrupt Qing officials. Ma convinces Cao and Zhang on this noble quest and the trio soon engages in many dangerous battles and win. With the help of Cao and his men, Ma manages to squelch the rebels and rises through the ranks. Success has the power to corrupt—Ma soon became obsessed with power. Cao and Zhang return to their native village, and Cao reunites for an evening with his beautiful wife Lian (Xu Jinglei). But when she and Ma look at each other for the first time, the chemistry is overwhelming; and the seed of betrayal is sown. Ma must remove the one obstacle standing between him and the loyalty of the bandit-soldiers and the beautiful Lian. Specs Disc 1 - Film (DVD-9) Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Audio Mandarin (DTS 6.1 ES) Mandarin (Dolby Digital 5.1 EX) Cantonese (Dolby Digital 5.1 EX) Subtitles Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese English Region 3 Disc 2 - Extras (DVD-9) Making Of The Warlords Blog TV Spot 117 Days: A Production Journal

IVL December 20 Shaw Brothers Releases

DVD/VCD
Bloody Parrot (1981) Director: Hua Shan Cast: Pai Piao, Liu Yung, Jenny Liang Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis Let's get one thing straight right away. There is no blood-splattered bird in this fast paced fantasy kung-fu film, but there is a swashbuckling mercenary of that nickname, who seems to be helping the Chief of the Imperial Vault recover the Emperor's stolen riches until the Chief is stabbed to death by the imperial concubine. Then it's up to mercenary swordsman Pai Piao to brave blades, poison pins, and several booby-trapped mazes to save the royal jewels. 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: 92 minutes
Deadly Knives, The (1972) Director: Chang Yi-hu Cast: Ching Li, Ling Yun, Lily Li, Ching Miao Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis For noble college and kung-fu student Yen Tzu-fei (played by experienced matinee idol Ling Yun), there can be no forgiveness or mercy, as an unscrupulous Japanese financier's sordid family literally rapes and pillages everything Yen holds dear. It's a fight to the finish against both his oppressors and their even more venal collaborators. Adding to the attraction are two of Shaw's most valuable actresses, Ching Li and Lily Li, in somewhat rare damsel-in-distress roles. 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: 84 minutes
Diau Charn (1956) Director: Li Han-hsiang Cast: Linda Lin Dai, Chao Lei, Yang Chi-ching, Lo Wei Genre: Huangmei Opera Synopsis Wang Chao-chun, Yang Gui-fei, Xi Shi and Diau Charn are China's best known classic beauties, all sacrificing their happiness for their emperor's good. Director Li Han-hsiang became famous making films about these "chaste ladies", Diau Charn being the first, which starred Shaw's first darling of film, Linda Lin Dai, who attained cult status after her suicidal death several years later. 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: 88 minutes Premium: Linda Lin Dai VCD Diau Charn Promotional Event In Hong Kong (December 18):
Usurpers Of Emperor's Power (1983) Director: Hua Shan Cast: Liu Yung, Liu Hsueh-hua, Lung Tien-chiang, Chao Kuo Genre: Drama Synopsis Usurpers Of Emperor's Power has all the elements of a good martial arts film: a power struggle amongst royalty, imperial spies, jianghu wars - and plenty of action. Liu Yung (who would go on to star in all of Bruce Lee's movies) plays Li Lang, a court official out to avenge his former emperor. The target is easy to hate: the power-hungry Kuang-yi (Chao Kuo) is a plundering rapist and a cold-blooded murderer. But can one man take on the imperial army? Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced (2.35:1) Mandarin (Mono), Cantonese (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes. Region 3 Running Time: 74 minutes

IVL December 13 Shaw Brothers Releases

DVD/VCD
Facets Of Love (1973) Director: Li Han-hsiang Cast: Lily Ho, Hu Chin, Yueh Hua, Wang Yu Genre: Erotic Synopsis Even at an early time during Hong Kong's erotica cinema development, highly renowned directors were willing to sacrifice their reputations and established actresses were lining up to take off their clothes. In Facets Of Love, the undisputed king of epic dramas, director Li Han-hsiang, gets some of Shaw's sexiest ladies to strip for camera. It's three sexy vignettes centering around a Ming Dynasty brothel that steams with secret erotic myths, trysts and twists of pleasurable indulgence. 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: 94 minutes
Imperial Swordsman, The (1972) Director: Lin Fu-ti Cast: Shu Pei-pei, Yu Hui, Chuan Yuan, Ching Miao Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis This prime example of the satisfying, crowd-pleasing martial arts action adventure was both written and directed by Lin Fu-ti, with an eye toward keeping the customer satisfied. Chuan Yuan is the noble, powerful hero and Shu Pei-pei, one of Shaw's top swordswoman, is a reluctant bride who comes upon a rebellion plot. They are joined by a large cast of expert fighters and actors - all keeping the intrigue and adventure foremost in the film. There's even a nice surprise ending amidst all the action. 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: 86 minutes
Kid From Kwangtung (1982) Director: Hsu Hsia Cast: Wang Yu, Huang Cheng-li, Yang Pan-pan Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis Respected actor and action choreographer Hsu Hsia didn't waste his chance to direct -- inviting three other kung-fu designers to help on this fight-filled thriller. Wang Yu, co-star of such classics as Dirty Ho and The Kid With A Tattoo, here takes center stage as a young rascal caught between master martial arts actor Jen Shih-kuan (Once Upon A Time In China) and violent Huang Cheng-li (Snake In The Eagle's Shadow). From there on, it's one masterful kung-fu bout after another. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced (2.35:1) Mandarin (Mono), Cantonese (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes. Region 3 Running Time: 94 minutes
River Of Tears (1969) Director: Chin Chien Cast: Jenny Hu, Chin Han, Tsung Hua Genre: Drama Synopsis Who can blame Fang Pi-yu (Jenny Hu) if she feels that life is unfair? Just as she settles down to domestic bliss with her husband Chi-wei (Chin Han) and her baby son, a man from her past (Yang Chi-ching) returns to haunt her. In an ensuing struggle to free her from his clutches, both men are fatally injured. Her bitter father-in-law kicks her out of his house sans baby son. A story that will tug at the heartstrings of even the most cynical. 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: 74 minutes
Supreme Swordsman, The (1984) Director: Li Pai-ling Cast: Derek Yee, Pai Piao, Li Tien-lang Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis The entire Shaw's script-writing section created this quintessential swordplay epic of the "Martial Arts World." It was entrusted it to neophyte director Li Pai-ling, who used no fewer than three cinematographers and four martial arts directors (not to mention a separate action director) to realize their vision. As befitting the title, the cast, too, is supreme, bringing to life the thrilling story of a malicious swordsman lying, cheating and stealing to get to the top, and the noble man who finally defeats him. 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: 94 minutes

IVL November 22 Shaw Brothers Releases

DVD/VCD
Comedy Of Mismatches, The (1963) Director: Lo Chen, Hsieh Chun Cast: Pat Ting Hung, Carrie Ku Mei, Chin Feng, Li Hsiang-chun Genre: Huangmei Opera Synopsis "Was ever woman in this humor wooed? Was ever woman in this humor won?" So asked William Shakespeare, and it sets the tone for this merry mixup of emotion. Co-director Lo Chen wrote this often dazzling tale of mistaken identities caused by monogrammed handkerchiefs. Pat Ting Hung (Last Woman Of Shang), Carrie Ku Mei (The Lark) and Li Hsiang-chun (Raw Passions) are just three of the lovelies on view as everyone tries to figure out how to reach a fitting "alls well that ends well" finale. 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
Eunuch, The (1970) Director: Yeh Yung-tsu Cast: Chiao Chiao, Tsung Hua, Pai Yin, Wang Hsia Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis A year before Lo Wei was to direct Bruce Lee's first major starring role, Fist Of Fury, he wrote and co-starred in this tale of royal evil. He left the directing to Yeh Yung-tsu, who would go on to a notable directing/acting career himself. Here, Pai Yin, the star of King Hu's classic Dragon Inn, plays the title character, a treacherous devil who wants nothing less than supreme power and doesn't care if he has to murder the Emperor and use his own daughter as a deadly dupe to get it. 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: 94 minutes
Law Or Justice? (1988) Director: Taylor Wong Cast: Dodo Cheng, Alex Man Chi-leung, Joey Wang Jo-yin, Wilson Lam Chun-yin Genre: Drama Synopsis Director Taylor Wong gathers a great cast for this politically charged romantic thriller. Dodo Cheng, star of Jackie Chan's Operation Condor, is a conscience-stricken lawyer defending a rapist. Renowned leading man Alex Man Chi-leung is her cop boyfriend. The glorious Joey Wang Jo-yin, the beautiful star of A Chinese Ghost Story, plays the villain's first victim. It's all capped off by the surprise guest appearance of the majestic Shaw Studio perennial, Ti Lung, as the man brought in to make sure that justice is done. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced (2.35:1) Mandarin (Mono), Cantonese (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes. Region 3 Running Time: 93 minutes
Murder Plot (1972) Director: Chu Yuan Cast: David Chiang, Ching Li, Wang Chung, Chen Ping Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis Director Chu Yuan was already famous for his many collaborations with respected novelist Ku Lung and for his introduction of detective thriller ingredients into the martial arts movie genre. But this production was made even more special by the rare presence of superstar David Chiang. Here he gives another great performance as kung-fu knight Shen Lang, who stumbles across grave robbers while on the trail of a martial arts mass murderer. There's intrigue, betrayals, and battles galore before the last plot is revealed and the final murderer is defeated. 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
Tigress Of Shaolin, The (1979) Director: Lo Chi Cast: Liu Chia-yung, Hui Ying-hung, Lin Hui-huang Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis Hui Ying-hung, legendary director Chang Cheh's discovery, and the protégé of equally legendary director Liu Chia-liang co-stars with Liu's nephew, Liu Chia-yung in this fast-paced, action packed comedy of kung-fu characters. Liu Chia-yung is saved from drug smugglers by Hui Ying-hung, whose godfather is a "drunken master" and whose leprous godmother is mistress of the fairly off-putting Leprosy Boxing style. Action choreographers Huang Hsia and Chen Ti-ke also appear in this amusing, entertaining winner where flesh really gets into the fighting. 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
Winged Tiger, The (1969) Director: Shen Chiang Cast: Pat Ting Hung, Carrie Ku Mei, Chin Feng, Li Hsiang-chun Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis Famed screenwriter Shen Chiang got one of his very first chances to direct his own script with this exciting action adventure. His story is suitably thrilling: if villains "Winged Tiger" Teng Fei and "Underworld King" Yin Te-lung combine their kung-fu knowledge, the "Martial Arts World" will be plunged into chaos. That evil union is set to occur at the marriage of Yin's sister to Teng. Can this dangerous duo be stopped before one says "I do"? 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
Young Vagabond, The (1985) Director: Liu Shih-yu Cast: Gordon Liu Chia-hui, Pai Piao, Wang Yu, Wang Lung-wei Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis One of the great kung-fu film characters is "Beggar Su," a legendary Ching Dynasty figure who was also a member of the famous Ten Kwangtung Tigers. Little-known director Liu Shih-yu uses the best kung-fu actors Shaw Studios had to offer to tell a rare, colorful, action-packed adventure, as Beggar Su and his brother train incessantly to defeat the brutally powerful thief called Centipede. The result is not only reminiscent of preeminent director Liu Chia-liang's work, but essentially an homage to him as well! Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced (2.35:1) Mandarin (Mono), Cantonese (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes. Region 3 Running Time: 85 minutes

IVL November 8 Shaw Brothers Releases

DVD/VCD
Asia-pol (1967) Director: Chang Cheh Cast: Fang Ying, Jimmy Wang Yu, Ryoriko Asaoka, Wang Hsia Genre: Action Synopsis Jimmy Wang Yu stars in his first major modern-day role, in the same year he revolutionized martial arts cinema in One-Armed Swordsman. Here he has both his arms, and he's going to need them to survive the homicidal desires of Japanese gold smugglers. To spice things up even further, there's femme fatales, damsels-in-distress, and even killer strippers. From the first bomb to the final corpse (crushed by gold bars), this is a camp classic of amazing proportions. 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: 92 minutes
Flight Man (1973) Director: Ting Shan-hsi Cast: Ivy Ling Po, Wang Jung, Ling Yin Genre: Action Synopsis A heroic tale set in the Japanese-occupied Taiwan, Flight Man centered on Yang A-pao (Wang Jung), a patriotic youngster whose fiancé Teng Feng (Ling Yin) was harassed by a Chinese traitor Pan Ta-chih. A-pao murdered him in a rage and wounded the Japanese police chief. He fled to the Ma Lan Forest and fell in love with the native Yu San-mei (Ivy Ling Po), but the Japanese police was soon hot on his trails… 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
Moods Of Love (1977) Director: Li Han-hsiang Cast: Yueh Hua, Tanny Tien Ni, Shirley Yu, Shaw Yin-yin, Chen Ping, Hu Chin Genre: Erotic Synopsis How far would you go for love? Or lust? These are the questions posed in this sinfully entertaining Sung Dynasty period effort. Split into two tales, the first one involves a devilish magistrate who tries to tempt a Buddhist monk out of his self-professed celibate control by hiring a pretty prostitute. The second story is the tragic tale of an exploited young girl, the queen of femme fatale Shaw Yin-yin, who is forced to work in an unscrupulous couple's brothel. 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: 98 minutes
Pursuit (1972) Director: Cheng Kang Cast: Yueh Hua, Fan Mei-sheng, Wang Chin-feng Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis Cheng Kang both wrote and directed this exciting, historical, martial arts drama. Yueh Wah, a co-star in Trilogy Of Swordsmanship here plays the Sung Dynasty army's Chief Instructor, on a danger-fraught pilgrimage to the Tung Yueh Temple. From his first step, there are deceits, double crosses, and dirty tricks as a corrupt minister plots to ruin him and kidnap his wife. Only a lovable, capable monk played by the noted character actor Fan Mei-sheng can help him take vengeance in this exciting, satisfying chase thriller. 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: 88 minutes
Village Of Tigers (1973) Director: Yueh Feng, Wang Ping Cast: Shu Pei-pei, Yueh Hua, Wang Hsia Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis In one of their last films, Wang Ping helped veteran Yueh Feng to finish this saga of a murdered brother, a determined sister, and the suspects and swordsmen who both hinder and help in a search for a killer. Shu Pei-pei lends her exceptional talent to the production alongside hero Yueh Hua, who is her stalwart companion in a pitched battle to rid the town of all killers, gangsters, and thieves. 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: 79 minutes
2007 Shaw Brothers Release Schedule

Tuesday, 1/22/2008

Mega Star February 28 Blu-ray Disc Releases

Initial D (2005)

Director: Andrew Lau, Alan Mak Cast: Jay Chou, Anne Suzuki, Edison Chen Synopsis It's a story about the fastest street racer of Mt Akina. Takumi, a delivery boy; Ryousuke, an engineer of speed; and Kyouichi, a professional racer: the three of them become duelists of drifts. For five years, 18-year-old Takumi has been delivering tofu in his father's obsolescent Toyota AE86 every morning. Not only has he become a good racer, but he has also unwittingly perfected the art of drifting. He was never an aficionado of hill racing until he is asked by his father to drive his AE86 in a David and Goliath race against Night Kids’ EVO. A glorious but unexpected victory awakens the competitive genes in his blood, while his overnight fame inevitably leads to hellraising races one after another, each one more perilous and exciting than the previous one. Specs 16:9 Widescreen 1920x1080p Full HD Audio Cantonese (PCM 5.1) Cantonese (DD 5.1) Mandarin (DD 5.1) English (DD 5.1) Subtitles Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese English Extras Trailer Behind The Scenes Characters Making Of Deleted Scenes TV Spot Outtakes Promotion In Shanghai Promotion In Japan

Hong Kong Blu-ray Disc Releases