The Asian DVD Guide

Monday, 7/30/2007 (Second Update)

Kam & Ronson August 4 Releases

Eye In The Sky (2007) Director: Yau Nai Hoi Cast: Simon Yam, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Maggie Siu, Lam Suet Synopsis The Criminal Intelligence Bureau (CIB) is the undercover division of the Hong Kong police. Its agents appear to be ordinary people, and they possess the ability to adapt perfectly to any environment in order to carry out secret surveillance. Captain Huang orders rookie Bo and other agents to infiltrate a suspected armed robbery ring. They quickly discover the criminals' plans for a jewelry heist. The investigations eventually focus on the invisible leader of the gang: Chen seems like a mild-mannered bookworm, but he is actually a master criminal who excels in eluding the police. When he realizes that Captain Huang's team is closing in on him, Chen decides to call off the heist. But his decision comes too late: Captain Huang manages to trace the mastermind's phonecall and locate him. The gang members are killed when the police storm their hideout; Chen survives, but must go into hiding after brutally killing a cop. Chen's disappearance brings the investigation to a dead end and the Criminal Intelligence Bureau is assigned a kidnapping case. Bo realizes that an error on her part led to Chen's escape, and she begins to doubt her abilities. During the course of her investigations in the new case, she runs into Chen, who is getting ready to leave town. With backup from Captain Huang, Bo pursues him. But when Chen unexpectedly attacks and wounds the Captain, Bo continues the difficult search for the elusive criminal on her own. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Extras: Making of, interviews, Hong Kong premiere, film festival footage, and photo gallery. Region 3 Running Time: 90 minutes

Joy Sales July 27 Fortune Star Non-Digitally Remastered Releases
Finale In Blood (1993) Director: Fruit Chan Cast: Lawrence Cheng, Ruth Winona Tao, David Wu, Chikako Aoyama, Josephine Koo, Siu Leung, Peter Lai Synopsis It's an unusual story about an unusual love between a man and a ghost. A radio announcer Dan is saved from drowning by an umbrella, in which a ghost resides. She appears in front of Dan, and asks him to take her to the place where her faithless husband lives. Dan tells her story on the air and it becomes an instant hit. At the urgings of the public, Dan asks the ghost to stay for more stories. During those days, they two become bosom friends. But the ghost turn to tell Dan she must leave and take revenge on her husband. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese (DD 2.0), Mandarin (DD 2.0) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles DVD-5
Wild Goose Chase, The (1990) Director: Simon Yip Cast: James Wong, Wong Kwong Leung, Lam Lee, Nam Kyung Hee, C.C. Tsui Synopsis Chung, Yam and Koo are working in the same advertising agency. Chung is a philanderer. Yam lives with his girlfriend who is a TV reporter, requiring irregular working hours. Koo's wife puts a tight leash on his social activities and this makes him feel bored. The trio are going on a business trip to Korea on the expenses of the company. As Yam and Koo both are eager to explore the adventures around the demimonde, Chung admonishes them to withhold themselves from any affection and to pay promptly for the services rendered. In Korea, Yam falls in love with a girl called Bird at the first sight. Most of Koo's encounters end up in trouble for his stinginess. Finally he hooks up with secretary from the Korean company. Chung considers their behavior is a violation of the principle of cruising, so pushes them to apart from the girls. Back in Hong Kong Yam still can't get over with the moments he has shared with Bird. Finally his girlfriend discovers the fact and leaves sadly. Koo is shocked to find that the secretary has come to Hong Kong. Finally, when Tam arrives in Korea, he finds Bird has already engaged. On the other hand, Koo learns that the secretary is to marry someone in Hong Kong... 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

Monday, 7/30/2007 (First Update)

Universe August 3 Releases
Au Revoir, UFO (2004) Director: Kim Jin Min Cast: Lee Beom Soo, Lee Eun Ju Korean Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Region 3
Earthstorm (2006) Director: Terry Cunningham Cast: Stephen Baldwin, Amy Price-Francis, Dirk Benedict English Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Region 3

Universe July 26 Releases
Single Blog (2007) Director: Lee Po Cheung Cast: Rain Li, Jo Koo, Monie Tung Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles

Universe July 20 Releases
Subzero (2005) Director: Jim Wynorski Cast: Costas Mandylor, Linden Ashby, Nia Peeples English Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Region 3

Universe July 6 Releases
Love Impossible (2003) Director: Jung Cho Sin Cast: Cho In Sung, Kim Sa Rang Korean, Cantonese Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Region 3
Pokemon Ranger And Prince Of The Sea: Manaphy (2006) Japanese, Cantonese Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Region 3

Universe June 28 Releases
Wynners 33 Concert (2007) Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Vocal (DTS 5.1), Vocal (DD 5.1), Karaoke (Stereo) Chinese (Traditional) subtitles DVD-9 (x3)

Asia Video August 3 Releases

Angel's Egg (2006) Director: Shin Togashi Cast: Hayato Ichihara, Manami Konishi, Erika Sawajiri, Keiko Toda Synopsis Ayuta Ipponyari (Hayato ICHIHARA) wants to enter Art College, but failed the entrance exam on his first try. One morning, as Ayuta is jostled about on a packed commuter train, he encounters a beautiful woman. Though he has a girlfriend, Natsuki Saito (Erika SAWAJIRI), he just can't get his mind off of the lovely woman he saw on the train, and he is compelled to open his sketchbook and begin drawing that profile that had become etched in his heart. Sometime later he goes to visit his father in the psychiatric hospital where he meets the train woman again. Her name is Haruhi Godou (Manami KONISHI), the new doctor in charge of his father. And he discover that not only is she eight years older than him, she's also the sister of Natsuki! Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Japanese (Stereo) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Region 3 DVD-9 Running Time: 114 minutes

IVL July 24 Shaw Brothers Releases

DVD/VCD
Fangs Of The Cobra (1977) Director: Sun Chung Cast: Tsung Hua, Hsiao Yao, Frankie Wei Hung, Dana Genre: Horror Synopsis Incredibly, the title serpent isn't a harbinger of horror, but actually the film's hero! It all revolves around the fight for control of a wealthy man's estate. But once the virtuous viper is adopted by a pretty farmer's daughter, it sniffs out bombs, fights off a street gang, battles a baby-killing rodent, and even does an asp number on a duplicitous woman. Combining this unique plot with the exceptional director's skills resulted in a one-of-a-kind thriller that will be applauded by reptile fans everywhere. 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: 95 minutes
Ghost Story, The (1975) Director: Li Han-hsiang Cast: Yueh Hua, Hu Chin, Shirley Yu, Chiao Chiao Genre: Erotic Synopsis In Chinese folklore, fairies exist on the first level of immortality thereby being close to mortal men and because of this can't resist sexually seducing men. In The Ghost Story, accredited historical epic turned soft porn director Li Han-hsiang mixes period piece with sex hungry demonesses trying to attain reincarnation by seducing soldiers during the Tang Dynasty. Featuring the Taiwanese, sex symbol Hu Chin and the charismatic sexpot Shirley Yu, this adult fairy tale is saturated with nudity and soft core mayhem. 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
Mobfix Patrol (1981) Director: Wang Chung Cast: Wang Chung, Cheng Tse-shih, Wang Ching, Ray Lui Genre: Action Synopsis Wang Chung was a popular action actor, director, and screenwriter. Here he creates one of the most unusual and surprising action films ever made, combining black comedy, tragedy, and bittersweet melodrama. Two of Hong Kong cinema's oddest looking actors, Lung Tien-sheng and Cheng Tse-shih star as "Crank" and "Fatty,' two remarkably incompetent cops whose inept investigations lead to rape, torture, duplicity, and murder. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced (1.85:1) Mandarin (Mono), Cantonese (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes. Region 3 Running Time: 99 minutes
Perils Of The Sentimental Swordsman (1981) Director: Chu Yuan Cast: Ti Lung, Teng Wei-hao, Tai Liang-chun, Lo Lieh Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis Chu Liu-hsiang, the charming, capable, and, yes, sentimental, swordsman is back in action for this extremely well-named third in the hit box-office series. The titanic team of director Chu Yuan and novelist Ku Lung wisely choose to give their hero a whole new, non-stop, cliffhanger-fraught adventure featuring a mystery swordsman, a sensual swordswoman, an imperial assassin, a Ghost Mansion, the Bat Island, a booby-trapped tunnel, double crosses, and secret missions. And there are no fewer than three martial arts choreographers on hand to guide the amazing mayhem. 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

Mei Ah July 26 Releases
Matrimony, The (2007) Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin (DTS + Dolby Digital) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles DVD-9

Mei Ah July 12 Releases
Whispers And Moans (2007) Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin (DTS + Dolby Digital) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles DVD-9

Tuesday, 7/17/2007

Gold Label July 12 Releases

Love Is Not All Around (2007) [2 Disc Special Edition] Director: Patrick Kong Cast: Stephy Tang, Alex Fong, Sammy Leung, Miki Yeung Synopsis Bo, Sun and Wing have been good friends since childhood. By coincident, Bo discovers Wing, who has just married Sun, is having an affair with Lynn. Strangely, Wing is upfront and has a discussion with Bo about having an affair. Bo good heartedly promises Wing to keep his affair a secret, only telling this secret to her room mate, Mandy, a neutral friend. At the same time as Bo is solving her friend’s love problems, she meets her ex, Alex, a relationship that ended sourly three years ago. Bo only used Alex to be with Shaun, which triggered a series of revenge and entered her relationship with Shaun. Since meeting Alex again, things begin to happen, liked the seriesof revenge three years ago, which allows Bo to believe Alex is behind these incidents. However, it turns out to be a misunderstanding and Alex has still get his heart set on Bo. An accident leads to Bo’s encounter with a doctor in the emergency room, Joe, who begins to chase after her. Alex bumps into Bo and Joe while they are on their date. Bo is embarrassed and is stuck, choosing between the two... Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin (DTS + Dolby Digital) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Deleted scenes, making of, trailers, and music videos. Gifts: A deck of tarot cards (44 cards total) and tarot book.

Mega Star June 29 Releases
Fox Volant Of The Snowy Mountain [TV Series] Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese (Traditional) subtitles Region 3 PAL

Monday, 7/16/2007

IVL July 17 Kadokawa Releases

Aimed School, The (1981) Director: Nobuhiko Obayashi Cast: Hiroko Yakushimaru, Ryoichi Takayanagi Synopsis Yuka (Hiroko Yakushimaru) is a high school student with ESP power. One day she finds out that the mysterious new girl in school is another ESPer from the future uses her supernatural powers to take control of the school. Yuka must stop the horror before it's too late! Japanese Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Region 3 Running Time: 90 minutes
Red Angel (1966) Director: Yasuzo Masumura Cast: Ayako Wakao, Shinsuke Ashida, Yusuke Kawazu Synopsis In 1939, Sakura Nishi is a young army nurse who is sent to the field hospitals in China during the Sino-Japanese war. She has to assist the surgeon Dr. Okabe with an incredible number of amputations. In the crowded wards, she gives sympathy to some of the soldiers, including sexually servicing one who has lost both arms and has no hope of returning home. She falls in love with Dr. Okabe, and follows him to the front, even though he is impotent from his morphine addiction. Japanese Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Region 3 Running Time: 95 minutes
IVL/Kadokawa Release Schedule

IVL July 17 RTHK Releases

A Century Of Light And Shadow Box Set A Century Of Light And Shadow recorded the entire 100 year development of China's movie industry. Near 200 well-known movie industry personnel were invited as hosts and guests which was unprecedented. Priceless episodes were compiled from over 300 movies including musicals, action movies, comedies, Mandarin and Cantonese films, and new wave movies. The light and shadow, time, place and characters in every frame belong to the collective memories of everyone in Hong Kong and make it a valuable collection. It is a rare gem no matter whether you are a loyal fan of Chinese movies or not.

Episode 1 & 2: Dream Factory Revisited Synopsis These two episodes are an overview of the milestones Hong Kong film history. The Hong Kong film industry started from the mainland China filmmakers moved south to Hong Kong during the Sino-Japanese War and Civil War.

Episode 3: Song And Dance Through The Century Synopsis This episode mainly gives an overview of the various genres of Chinese musicals: Cantonese operas, Putonghua musical and Huangmei diao opera.

Episode 4: A Tale Of Two Tongues Synopsis Hong Kong and the Mainland have close ties in every aspect, this episode studies the rise and fall of Cantonese and Putonghua films; the difference in production quality of each and the leftist and rightist films of these genres.

Episode 5: Heroes Have Many Faces Synopsis Every society needs heroes and so does Hong Kong especially in the movies. Regardless of the genre, martial arts movies, nationalistic movies, triad movies, all have heroes and heroines.

Episode 6: The World Of Comedy Synopsis Comedy is an everlasting genre in Hong Kong. It depicts the struggling of grassroots people in the 50s to the rhapsody of the working class in the 70s as illustrated by the Hui Brothers.

Episode 7: The Rise And Fall Of Local Culture Synopsis From 1978 to 2003, the local movies have been renamed from Cantonese movies to Hong Kong movies which witnesses the rise and fall of local culture. This episode highlights the emergence of the local culture in movies.

Episode 8: Filmmakers Without Frontiers Synopsis The Hong Kong films were influenced by various cultural factors - in the early days, the Mainland, the local culture in the 50s. Nowdays movie making in Hong Kong is an international business with talents and financing from Japan, Korea, US, Europe, mainland China etc. With the fusion of these international elements there is an impact and influence on the style of Hong Kong films. Can it be consider a gain or loss?

A 2 Disc DVD Box Set Cantonese Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles

IVL July 5 Shaw Brothers Releases

DVD/VCD
Butterfly Chalice, The (1963) Director: Chang Cheh, Yuan Chiu-feng Cast: Pat Ting Hung, Chin Feng, Ching Miao Genre: Huangmei Opera Synopsis Starring the stunning, teenage heartthrob Pat Ting Hung, The Butterfly Chalice marks the important directing debut of the kung-fu film genre's most principle figure Chang Cheh, as he burst the martial arts and swordplay movie doors wide open, announcing the beginning of the end for the Cantonese musicals. 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
Lady With A Sword (1971) Director: Kao Pao-shu Cast: Lily Ho, Nan Kung-hsun, Po Chih-hsien, Wang Hsia Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis In Lady With A Sword, Kao Pao-shu showed that women could successfully direct a "heroic swordsman" film using a swordswoman bent on revenge. Kao cast Shaw's darling Lily Ho as the embittered swordswoman searching for the man who murdered her sister. The man turns out to be her fiance' but her nihilistic fate stays true to lone swordswoman form, as to paraphrase Gary Cooper in High Noon, "A woman's got to do what a woman's got to 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: 85 minutes
New Game Of Death, The (1975) Director: Lin Pin Cast: Bruce Li Genre: Action Synopsis Even if you know the star by his real name, Ho Chung-dao, he is better known throughout the world as Bruce Li, the best of the Bruce Lee imitators. After the tragic death of Bruce Lee prior to the completion of his final film, The Game Of Death, many filmmakers rushed in to do their version of the story, but this is one of the better attempts. Wearing the trademark yellow jumpsuit with the black stripe, Bruce Li takes on every manner of martial artist to save his lady love. 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
Perfumed Arrow, The (1966) Director: Kao Li Cast: Ivy Ling Po, Ho Fan, Chin Feng, Tina Chin Fei Genre: Huangmei Opera Synopsis Perfectly cast as a woman impersonating a man, Ivy Ling Po - who has made a career in Huangmei Opera playing male roles - plays the tomboy daughter of a general. Like Yentl, Pei-ngo (Ivy Ling Po) maintains a male facade for the rights she doesn't have as a girl. However, her mother wants her to marriage. Not only must she consider revealing her long hidden gender secret, but she must choose between two schoolmates for a groom. It's another Huangmei Opera triumph that charms and delights. 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

Joy Sales July 13 Fortune Star Non-Digitally Remastered Releases
Spiritual Love (1987) Director: Taylor Wong, David Lai Cast: Chow Yun Fat, Cherie Chung, Deannie Yip, Pauline Wong Synopsis Lao K (Chow Yun Fat), a loser, lives with his cousin Sai Chin Hua (Deannie Yip) who studies Feng Shui and Mao Shan. One day Lao K buys a desk from a second-hand shop and finds a suicide letter written by a girl Wei Hsiao Tieh (Cherie Chung) inside the desk. Lao K sympathizes with Tieh and replies her letter. After that, they start a human-ghost love affair. Lao K has a greedy ex-girlfriend May (Pauline Wong) who wants to re-unite with him because her rich boyfriend just dumps her. However, Lao K is in love with Tieh and rejects May. May suicides for Lao K and becomes a ghost to retaliate to Lao K and Tieh. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese (DD 2.0), Mandarin (DD 2.0) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles DVD-5
Stooges In Hong Kong (1992) Director: Otto Chan Cast: James Wong, Tommy Wong Synopsis James (James Wong), claimed himself as the master of obscenity, is a uncouth/coarse/dirty joke show host. However, the scripts of his shows are actually written by Kwong (Tommy Wong). Since Kwong has been unsatisfied with the money given by James' wife (Amy Yip) for the script writing, he finally goes to another television station to run a similar show with the Temple Street singer Wan (Wan Kwong). James's show becomes less attractive since Kwong leaves. He invites Wan's wife (Mimi Chu) to perform the show in order to compete with Kwon's show. However, James' competitor also invites his wife to fight back. Kwong leaves and meets James, who is fired, and they decide to perform the show at Temple Street. When Wan sees James and Kwong performing at Temple Street, they start a fight and are surrounded by a crowd. At this moment, Kwong suggests that three of them should run a joke concert together. Eventually, the show has a great vogue. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese (DD 2.0), Mandarin (DD 2.0) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles DVD-5
Till Death Do We Scare (1982) Director: Lau Kar Wing Cast: Alan Tam, Olivia Cheng, Eric Tsang, Raymond Wong, Wong Ching Synopsis Alan's radio program "Scary Ghost Stories" co-presided with Tam is a flop. On the other hand, he falls in love with a widow Ellen at first sight and gets engaged. Actually it's a plot of Ellen's three late husbands who live under the same roof of their beloved widow. They want to find her a companion, making her happy. However, they find out Ellen is a jinx to any man who attempts to marry her. Thus they try to scare Alan off from Ellen until they find out that a chant must be obtained in order to break the jinx. Alan then goes to a desert island for it on 14th of July, the Chinese Halloween, when all the spirits celebrate at a grand party. In spite of difficulties and danger, Tam goes there to give Alan a hand, successfully helping him get the chant. Alan then lives happily with Ellen and her three late husbands. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese (DD 2.0), Mandarin (DD 2.0) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles DVD-5

Wednesday, 7/4/2007

Asia Video August 2 Releases

Retribution (2006) Director: Kiyoshi Kurosawa Cast: Koji Yakusho, Manami Konishi, Tsuyoshi Ihara, Joe Odagiri Synopsis Detective Yoshioka heads a serial murder investigation. When Yoshioka's own fingerprints and some of his personal items are found at the location of the murders and on the victim's corpses, he begins to wonder whether he may be the very murderer that he is pursuing… Even Yoshioka's cop partner Miyaji begins to suspect Yoshioka. Meanwhile Yoshioka is haunted by his own lack of memory and the fragments of the past that are still trapped inside his head. He visits Takagi, the police psychiatrist, and while Takagi's therapy seems to benefit him superficially, there is still a dark fog on his brain that will not disappear... Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Japanese (Stereo) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Region 3 DVD-5 Running Time: 104 minutes

Asia Video July 13 Releases
Infection (2004) Director: Masayuki Ochiai Cast: Koichi Sato, Masanobu Takashima, Mari Hoshino, Michiko Hada Synopsis An old, dilapidated hospital is barely able to keep its doors open to the public due to a constant lack of adequate medicine, facilities, and staff. The hospital is riddled with the agony and suffering of countless patients and the strain on the doctors and nurses has reached a critical limit. A doctor's negligence causes a patient to die and the panicked hospital staff decides to cover up the fatal mistake. Paramedics bring a new patient into the hospital who has been stricken with a virus so horrible and revolting that his internal organs have mysteriously disintegrated. The doctors attempt to contain the virus, but the ill patient escapes through the ventilation system ensuring that everyone inside the doomed hospital will have to fight for their lives from this horrifying epidemic. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Japanese (Stereo) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Region 3 DVD-5 Running Time: 98 minutes
Premonition (2004) Director: Norio Tsuruta Cast: Hiroshi Mikami, Noriko Sakai, Maki Horikita, Mayumi Ono Synopsis While driving blissfully through the countryside with his wife and daughter, Hideki Satomi stops at a phone booth to send an email. There he discovers a scrap of newsprint with his daughter's picture on it, and an article describing her death in a traffic accident. With a sense of horrible premonition and foreboding, he witnesses the terrifying automobile collision that had been accurately described in the article. Three years later, Satomi has not recovered from his failure to prevent the accident that killed his daughter. One day, he receives another mysterious newspaper with an article predicting the horrific death of a young student, he vows to do everything to save her from the deadly prediction foretelling her death, and thereby saves himself. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Japanese (Stereo) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Region 3 DVD-5 Running Time: 94 minutes

Asia Video June 29 Releases

Love And Honor (2006) Director: Yoji Yamada Cast: Takuya Kimura, Rei Dan, Takashi Sasano, Nenji Kobayashi Synopsis It is only a short time after Shinnojo Mimura (Takuya Kimura) is appointed to the post of food taster that he goes blind after a shellfish that brings on food poisoning is accidentally put into a lunch for the Lord of the Clan. Until this time Shinnojo, as a lower-ranked samurai has lived a thrifty but happy life with his wife Kayo (Rei Dan). However, the fact is that Shinnojo is unable to work in the castle any longer. Kayo is told to approach the domain's Head Clerk, Toya Shimada (Mitsugoro Bando), and ask him to use his good offices in having Shinnojo's stipend maintained. In return, he has demanded her body. Out of anger and despair, Shinnojo divorces her. Eventually Shinnojo learns the truth. Shimada merely took his pleasure with Kayo; not one word did he say about how Shinnojo was to be treated to the Lord. Shinnojo cannot stand it a moment longer. He challenges Shimada to a duel. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Japanese (DTS-ES), Japanese (Dolby Digital-EX) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Trailer, Teaser and Video Show. Region 3 DVD-9 Running Time: 122 minutes

Asia Video June 22 Releases

Almost Love (2006) Director: LEE Han Cast: KWON Sang-woo, KIM Ha-neul Synopsis Almost Love is a romantic tale of youth growing up. Not a comedy with forced laughter, not one of those new breed of tear-jerking romances but just a pure charming story of Ji-hwan and Dal-rae, detailing the move from the 13 years of friendship to sincere love for one another. In addition to elements of broad smiles and heart-warming emotions, the film also offers cartoon-like, off-the-wall characters as well as mischievous pranks to the genuine sentiment of romance comics. The result is succession of cheerful, refreshing and full-of-life stories all unfolding in front of us. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Korean (Stereo) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Extras: Trailer. Region 3 DVD-5 Running Time: 111 minutes

Asia Video June 15 Releases

Sugar & Spice (2006) Director: Isamu Nakae Cast: Yuya Yagira, Erika Sawajiri Synopsis A Tokyo suburb with a middle American feel, the city of Fussa is home to a US military base with its wide avenues. Shiro (Yuya Yagira), fresh out of high school and work at a gas station, who finds himself standing in that ambivalent "no man's land" between adolescence and adulthood, ready to strike out on his own but uncertain whether to trust his underdeveloped instincts. One day, Noriko (Erika Sawajiri) arrive at the gas station as the newly-hired help. Shiro is alarmed at his loss of composure in front of her. He is love-struck, and his bittersweet initiation into adult life begins. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Japanese (LPCM) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Region 3 DVD-9 Running Time: 126 minutes

Tuesday, 7/3/2007

Mega Star July 9 Blu-ray Disc Releases

Correction: The Infernal Affairs Blu-ray Disc is coded for All Regions (A, B, and C).

Monday, 7/2/2007

IVL July 20 Releases

Tales From Earthsea (2006) Director: Goro Miyazaki Synopsis Follow the Hayao Miyazaki's "Howl's Moving Castle" & "Spirited Away", Studio Ghibli's bring us the latest production "Tales From The Earthsea". Suddenly, the dragons that kept to the westward end of Earthsea appear before the men of Archipelago. Crops wither and livestock falls ill as if in response to the phenomenon. The world is beginning to lose its balance. The Archmage Ged, unite with Prince Arren and mysterious girl Therru, departs on a journey in search of the source of evil and fight with it. A man by the name of Cob was once a great wizard defeated by the Archmage Ged. He who fears death above all is now behind the evil disturbances of Earthsea. Japanese (DD 6.1 EX ), Cantonese (DD 5.1) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Japanese subtitles Extras: Storyboards, trailers, and behind the microphone.

IVL June 26 Releases

Umizaru: Limit Of Love (2006) Director: Eiichiro Hasumi Cast: Hideaki Ito, Ai Kato, Ryuta Sato Synopsis Two years into his career as a Japan Coast Guard frogman, Daisuke Senzaki (Hideaki Ito) has matured into a seasoned diver destined to be among the corp’s elite. But he is haunted by past failure and the emotional strain that accompanies a job of saving lives has cast doubts in Daisuke’s mind that threaten to destroy his relationship with Kanna. The two lovers part on a sour note, right before a large ferry boat called The Clover, equal in size to a 9-story building, runs aground off the coast of Kagoshima. Daisuke and his diving buddy, Tetsuya Yoshioka (Ryuta Sato) are sent in to salvage what turns out to be an explosive situation. A tear in the ferry’s hull has caused the boat to flood quickly and heel to one side. Faced with 620 panicky passengers, 195 highly flammable vehicles and an inoperative onboard emergency system, the Coast Guard realizes that in about four hours, the ferry will sink. As Daisuke evacuates passengers, he catches sight of a familiar face among them - that of Kanna! Matters turn quickly from bad to worse as Daisuke and Tetsuya find themselves trapped in the bowels of the boat with two passengers and little means of escape. It is there that Daisuke must resolve his personal demons, resurrect his confidence and stretch his physical ability and stamina to their limit against a sea that seems determined to swallow him alive. With time running out, Daisuke’s experiences an emotional awakening just as explosions rock the ship, drowning out his newfound voice, the voice of Kanna who calls to him and the plaintive prayers of his fellow divers. Japanese Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Running Time: 117 minutes

IVL June 14 RTHK Releases

Success Stories Box Set

Pak Suet Sin: Chinese Opera Legend Synopsis Pak Suet Sin studied under many famous masters of Chinese opera from a young age and has immersed herself in this traditional art all her life. Due to her determination and persistence, the operas that she and her partners performed are all exceptional classics that can withstand the passage of time. Although she retired from the stage and withdrew from the screen more than thirty years ago, she is still closely associated with "Yam Pak" and "Sin Fung Ming" all these years and has established a legend in Hong Kong's Chinese opera history. Pak Suet Sin received an honorary Doctor of Arts from the University of Hong Kong in March 2004. This was a commendation for her spectacular achievement in her Chinese opera career and her contribution in nurturing young performers.

Louis Cha: The Master Of Martial Arts Novels That Took The World By Storm Synopsis One Yang Finger, Divine Toad Stance, Nine Yin True Classic, the creator of these astounding martial arts moves - Louis Cha, is actually a frail scholar from an academic family. Louis Cha took Chinese around the world by storm through his martial arts novels and political comments. His legendary life does not pale in comparison with the major characters he created. He left the turmoil of China in 1948 and came to a strange land Hong Kong to find his place. He is an influential political figure, he once held the reins at Ming Pao, an influential Chinese newspaper and he is a well-known master of martial arts novels. He suddenly withdrew from his duties and retreated from public life in 1991. In his carefree retirement, he talks about his life now and then.

Zhang Yimou: Internationally Renowned Top Director Synopsis Zhang Yimou is the Chinese film director who has won the greatest number of awards in major international film festivals so far. He has been praised as one of the world's ten best film directors. Within six months of winning the highest honour Golden Lion award in the 56th Venice Film Festival, he received the Silver Bear award in the 50th Berlin International Film Festival. The results are stunning! Zhang Yimou likens movies to a dream. He injects his feelings about life into every dream and looks forward to the audience's enjoyment and resonance. His life also sparkles like a dream: he evolved to a world-renowned director from a humble worker. His name always links with the famous actresses. All of his movies attract global attention and keen discussions. This programme let him tells us all about his creative journey through the years.

A 2 Disc DVD Box Set Cantonese Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles

IVL May 29 Releases

Bliss (2006) Director: Sheng Zhimin Cast: He Xingquan, Guan Jiangge, Liao Zhong, Wang Lan Synopsis In succession to Fruit Chan's unique style, "Bliss" reveals the revulsion of family relationships, which catalyzed by the huge social changes under the great era. Retired security guard Li, whose wife had run away with someone long time ago, is planning to remarry the divorced teacher Miss Zhang. Li's son Jian Jun always occupied with his work, also facing his marital crisis since his wife gets lonely and turns unfaithful. On the other hand, Miss Zhang's raging son Zhao falls in love with a girl, who aims to earn fast money at a night club. All of a sudden, Li's first wife comes back in a box of ashes, making a turning point to eliminate the strangeness between all members from two broken families. Mandarin (DD 5.1) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Running Time: 90 minutes

Universe June 21 Releases
Spring Bears Love (2003) Director: Yong Yi Cast: Bae Doo Na, Kim Nam Jin Korean, Cantonese Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Region 3