The Asian DVD Guide  

  Wednesday, 11/26/2003

Dec 4 IVL Shaw Brothers Specs
Here are the specs for the Dec 4 batch of Shaw Brothers releases from IVL. Thanks to IVL for the information/pictures.

36 Secrets Of Courtship (1982)
Director: Lu Chi
Cast: Ai Ti, Ling Tai, Hu Feng, Frankie Wei, Pi Ju-hua
Genre: Erotic

Synopsis
What's one good kung-fu epic without a fast and sexy exploitation? Yes, this film's Chinese title translates as 36th Chamber of Girl-Chasing - an obvious allusion to the mega-martial arts hit 36th Chamber of Shaolin (aka Master Killer). By any title, this erotic comedy features three lotharios who vie to become principal of the Macho Man Training School -- an extremely non-monastic institution dedicated to extremely non Shaolin-types of physical exertion.





  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Bamboo House Of Dolls, The (1973)
Director: Kuei Chih-hung
Cast: Lo Lieh, Brite Tove, Wang Hsia, Li Hai-shu, Terry Liu
Guest Appearance: Tina Ti
Genre: Erotic

Synopsis
This is considered one of the greatest w.i.p. (Women in Prison) films ever made. Ric Meyers, author of the seminal book, For One Week Only: The World of Exploitation Films, called it "the ultimate chain-gang kung-fu caper flick," while a leading cult movie website dubbed it: "a great piece of Hong Kong filth that just can't be beat!" All this, international martial arts hero Lo Lieh, and Asia's number one Scandinavian sex kitten, too. What more could anyone ask?





  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
King With My Face, The (1967)
Director: Ho Meng-hua
Cast: Li Ching, Shin Yung-kyoon, Shen Yi, Lily Li
Genre: Period Drama

Synopsis
A Chinese costume variation of the legend of French King Louis XIV, Shin Yung-kyoon plays the double role of twin sons of the Emperor who are separated as children. One is a brave noble warrior, the other is a debauched ruler whose suspicion is so great he orders his very own sibling's face to be hidden by an iron mask. The ever talented Li Ching co-stars as the princess is a love interest for both brothers.





  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
On The Wrong Track (1983)
Director: Clarence Ford (aka Fok Yiu Leung)
Cast: Andy Lau, Yen Chiu-hua, Prudence Liew (aka Liu Mei-chun), Yueh Hua, Chien Hui-yi, Wu Hui
Genre: Drama

Synopsis
Clarence Ford (aka Huo Yao-liang) is a filmmaker who specializes in gritty social realism films infused with youthful energy. He was only 22 when he made this powerful "New Wave" drama dealing with broken homes, Vietnamese refugees, and youth crime, starring future "Cantopop" sensations Andy Lau (then only 21 years old) and Prudence Liew.





  • Letterboxed (1.85:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Scandalous Warlord, The (1979)
Director: Li Han-hsiang
Cast: Chin Huang, Hu Chin, Shaw Yin-yin, Linda Chu, Shirley Yu, Hui Ying-hung, Lily Li
Genre: Comedy

Synopsis
Applauded director Li Han-hsiang was one of few directors that made softporn acceptable by mainstream audiences using the thematic device of "sex on a mission" cynicism, suggesting that sex was the ultimate power. In the sex comedy The Scandalous Warlord, the true power behind the country's many warlords were the prostitutes that these men would routinely visit. Therefore, the power in this film lays in the hands of the sassy Shirley Yu and the titillating Shaw Yin-yin.





  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Sexy Killer, The (1976) aka The Drug Connection
Director: Sun Chung
Cast: Chen Ping, Yueh Hua, Antionio Ho (aka Sze Wei), Tien Ching, Milan, Eva Lin
Genre: Action

Synopsis
In The Sexy Killer, provocative Chen Ping does a women's lib version of Pam Grier's black exploitation films by breaking out of her shell and taking the law into her own hand. Traditionally, Chinese women are supposed to accept tragedy with quietness, but Chen dismissed that myth saying that it was okay to rise up and speak for themselves one as she takes on corrupt cops and sleazy drug dealers who made her sister have sickness.



  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Web Of Death, The (1976)
Director: Chu Yuan
Cast: Yueh Wah, Ching Li, Lo Lieh, Ku Feng, Wang Hsia
Guest Appearance: Lily Li, Wang Chung
Genre: Martial Arts

Synopsis
The leader of the Snake Sect has an affair with the sexy ringleader of the Scorpion Sect to revive the "Five Poison Web" (which is also this film's Chinese title). But there is also the Centipede Sect to contend with. Under the fluid direction of Chu Yuan and action choreographers Tang Chia and Yuen Cheung-yan (member of the martial art world's esteemed Yuan Family and brother of Matrix master Yuen Woo-ping), the result is a first class action film.





  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Young Lovers (1978)
Director: Michihko Obimori
Cast: Erh Tung-sheng (aka Derek Yee), Yu An-an, Ai Fei, Eva Lin
Genre: Drama

Synopsis
In the vein of Romeo And Juliet Hong Kong style, the small ensemble cast and little known director Michihko do a big league job with their rendition of Romeo And Juliet in The Young Lovers. Although poor boy (Derek Erh Tung-sheng) and rich girl (Yu An-an) are from opposite ends of the spectrum, their undying love refuses to let anyone get in their way, including their parents. Shakespeare would be moved.





  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.

Covers For Nov 20 Shaw Brothers Batch
Here are the covers for the Nov 20 Shaw Brothers batch. The specs can be found in the 11/10 update. Thanks to IVL for sending the pictures.
Diary Of A Lady-Killer (1969)Human Goddess, The (1971)

King Gambler (1976)
Lion Vs Lion (1981)
No Picture

Shadow Whip, The (1970)
Swordsman And Enchantress (1978)

  Tuesday, 11/25/2003 (Second Update)

Next Week's Mega Star Releases
Here are next week's Mega Star releases due for release on Dec 3. Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to Mega Star for the information/pictures.

Infernal Affairs II (2003)
(2 Disc Set)
  

Outer Box Cover


DVD Cover
  • Disc 1 - Film
    • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
    • Audio
      • Cantonese (DTS)
      • Cantonese (DD 5.1)
      • Mandarin (DD 5.1)
      • Audio commentary by cast & crew (DD 2.0)
    • Subtitles
      • Traditional Chinese
      • Simplified Chinese
      • English
      • Traditional Chinese (for the audio commentary)
      • Simplified Chinese (for the audio commentary)
    • Region 3

  • Disc 2 - Extras
    • The Story
    • Deleted Scenes (4 Total)
    • Infernal Affairs II Confidential File
    • Making of
      • Making of (21.55 mins)
      • Making of Phrase 1 (5 mins)
      • Making of Phrase 2 (5 mins)
      • Making of Phrase 3 (5 mins)
      • Making of Phrase 4 (5 mins)
    • Trailers
      • Teaser
      • Trailer
      • Trailer (International Version)
      • Video Trailer (2 mins)
      • TV Spots
        • Full version (1 min)
        • 3 min version (3 mins)
        • Oct 1 version (15 secs)
        • Tomorrow version (15 secs)
        • Today version (15 secs)
        • Oct 1 version (30 secs)
      • More Attractions
        • Infernal Affairs III Teaser
        • Infernal Affairs III Trailer (International Version)
    • Music Video
      • Theme song by Beyond
    • Cast & Credits
      • Cast & Staff Listing
      • Biography & Filmography
        • Director - Andrew Lau
        • Screenwriter & Director - Alan Mak
        • Anthony Wong
        • Eric Tsang
        • Francis Ng
        • Hu Jun
        • Edison Chen
        • Shawn Yu
        • Chapman To
        • Carina Lau
    • Photo Gallery
    • Easter Egg
      • Outtakes (2 mins) - Accessed via hidden button

  Tuesday, 11/25/2003 (First Update)

Recent and Upcoming Panorama Releases
Here are recent and upcoming releases from Panorama. Click on the pictures below for a larger image. Thanks to Panorama for the information/pictures.

Dec 4
Crimewave (1985)
Director: Sam Raimi
Cast: Louise Lasser, Paul Smith, Brion James, Sheree Wilson, Edward Pressman, Bruce Campbell, Reed Birney

Synopsis
Ernest hired a pair of exterminators. He had a rat in his place of security system business - his partner. Unfortunately, the exterminators dispatched the wrong rat and they frame a poor security guard for the murder of the company boss.
  • English
  • Chinese subtitles
  • Region 3
Distance (2001)
Director: Hirozaku Kore-Eda
Cast: ARATA, Yusuke Iseya, Susumu Terajima, Yui Natsukawa, Tadanobu Asano, Ryo, Kenichi Endo, Baijaku Nakamura

Synopsis
A massacre initiated by the followers of an apocalyptic religious sect, the Ark of Truth, leaves more than a hundred people dead - including the self-appointed executioners, slain by fellow cult members.

Three years pass.

On the anniversary of the slaughter, four friends who lost loved ones in the tragedy seek solace by journeying to the secluded lake where it all began. They encounter a man who was with the executioners until the very moment the killing began, and their pilgrimage takes a strange, unexpected turn.
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Japanese
  • Chinese and English subtitles
  • Region 3
Nov 27
Swimming Pool (2003)
Director: Francois Ozon
Cast: Charlotte Rampling, Ludivine Sagnier

Synopsis
Sarah Morton (Charlotte Rampling) is a famous British mystery author. Tired of London and seeking inspiration for her new novel, she accepts an offer from her publisher John Bosload (Charles Dance) to stay at his home in Luberon, in the South of France.

It is the off-season, and Sarah finds that the beautiful country locale and unhurried pace is just the tonic for her - until late one night, when John's indolent and insouciant French daughter Julie (Ludivine Sagnier) unexpectedly arrives. Sarah's prim and steely English reserve is jarred by Julie's reckless, sexually charged lifestyle.

Their interactions set off an increasingly unsettling series of events, as Sarah's creative process and a possible real-life murder begin to blend dangerously together.
  • French
  • Chinese and English subtitles
  • Region 3
Trouble Every Day (2001)
Director: Claire Denis
Cast: Vincent Gallo, Beatrice Dalle

Synopsis
Shane and June are American newlyweds in Paris, but this is no ordinary honeymoon. Shane is a man possessed, desperatey searching for his old colleague, Dr. Leo Semeneau with whom he worked on dangerous experiments into the human libido. He and Semeneau bear the terrible living scars of their researches, and Shane is tormented by a ravening hunger that will not be quieted.
  • French
  • Chinese and English subtitles
  • Region 3
Nov 20
Sobibor, October 14, 1943, 1600 (2001)
Director: Claude Lanzmann
Cast: Yehuda Lerner

Synopsis
Using an interview granted by Yehuda Lerne in Jerusalem in 1979 during the filming of "Shoah", Claude Lanzman made this documentary. Lerne describes how the only successful uprising took place in a Nazi extermination camp in Poland.
  • French
  • Chinese and English subtitles
  • Region 3
March Or Die (1977)
Director: Dick Richards
Cast: Gene Hackman, Terence Hill, Catherine Deneuve, Max von Sydow

Synopsis
Major Foster have been ordered to protect an archaeological expedition to Morocco. In Morocco, Foster battles the foces who are out to stop the expedition. The attacks slaughter thousands and end only when Foster is killed. Only Marco is left to take up the cavalry ...
  • English
  • Chinese subtitles
  • Region 3
Distant Cry From Spring, A (1980)
Director: Yoji Yamada
Cast: Ken Takakura, Chieko Baisho, Hidetaka Yoshioka, Mizuho Suzuki

Synopsis
In the vast expanse of an unforgiving land, Kazami Tamiko, a widow who lives only with her young son, struggles to make a living by running a small diary farm. Life is harsh, yet pleasurable when she finds a congenial companion, Tajima Kosaku. When Kosaku's mysterious past is finally revealed, Kazami resolves on a radial change. A ravishingly beautiful film by Yamada Yoji who steeped social realism in his aesthetic sense, and in which the art of both serenity and speech can be fully appreciated. A Distant Cry From Spring features Montreal World Film Festival Best Actor Award winner Takakura Ken, who gives a flawless portrayal as Kosaku, and Baisho Chieko (Home From The Sea and The Village) as Tamiko.
  • Japanese
  • Chinese and English subtitles
  • Region 3
Naqoyqatsi (2002)
Director: Godfrey Reggio

Synopsis
Naqoyqatsi is presented by Academy Award winner Steven Soderbergh, who was drawn to the film's vision of a brave new globalized world in which the coming battles include humans versus computers, money versus values and life versus its simulation. Nearly every image in Naqoyqatsi is a special visual effect.
  • English
  • Region 3
The Prince, The Swan and The Czar Saltan

Synopsis
The great Czar Saltan takes a bride who gives birth to a beautiful Prince. The Queen's mother and sisters become jealous and succeed in convincing the King his son is deformed and should be killed. Thrown on a stormy sea in a cask, the Queen and the Prince find a new home and a swan, who reunites the Czar with his wife and son.
  • English
  • Chinese subtitles
  • Region 3
Utopia (1998)
Director: James Benning

Synopsis
Utopia is an ideal place for the human race, or is it?

Lenin promised the Russians a communist utopia, turning people into revolution at the expense of their lives. Hitler's utopian vision was of a Thousand-Year Reich: a master race, an idealized volk community of the strong, the pure and the beautiful. Mao Tze-tung promised his people a new egalitarian communist utopia, his Great Leap Forward only resulting in a 10-year Cultural Revolution. In the Middle East, different religions and races defend their own utopia, leaving a trail of bloody conflicts in this century.

The 20th century has been witness to numerous sorts of ideological utopia. Yet how many of them came true? How many of them did not end up in bloody massacre? Everyone of us has a unique utopia of our own, but a utopian ideal of yours can become an infernal hell of mine.
No Picture
  • English
  • Chinese subtitles
  • Region 3

DVD Covers For Last Week's Mei Ah Releases
Here are the DVD covers for last week's Mei Ah releases. Click on the pictures below for a larger image. Thanks to Mei Ah for the information/pictures.

Soong Sisters, The (1997)
Director: Mabel Cheung
Cast: Maggie Cheung, Michelle Yeoh, Vivian Wu, Winston Chao, Wu Hsing Kuo, Niu Zhen Hua, Elaine Jin, Jiang Wen

Synopsis
By the end of Qing Dynasty, the Soong Sisters - Ai-ling, Ching-ling, and May-ling - became legends in their own time. One loved money, one loved power, and one loved her country. Their lives were interwoven into the turbulent history of modern China. Ching-ling married to Dr. Sun, who led to the 1911 Revolution and she embarked on a long journey of vagrant life……
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Mandarin
  • Chinese and English subtitles
  • DVD-9
  • 145 min version

Recent Universe Releases
Here are Universe's releases from the last 2 weeks. Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to Universe for the information/pictures.

Tortured Sex Goddess Of Ming Dynasty
Cast: Teresa Mak, Grace Lam, Yuri Komuro

Synopsis
Ming Dynasty. Young Ngai planned to castrate himself to enter the palace for richness and fame. On his way, Ngai was attracted by Han, a showgirl from a sex torture show. They then ran away from Sun the eunuch, Ngai's introducer, who meant to buy Han for sexual torture until death. Same night, Han showed Ngai the greatest sex torturing skills, but in return, after learning so, Ngai killed her in the middle of the torturing and handed her head to Sun for forgiveness...
No Picture
  • Cantonese, Mandarin
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
Baise-moi (2000)
Director: Virginie Despentes, Coralie Trinh Thi
Cast: Raffaela Anderson, Karen Bach

Synopsis
Nadine and Manu are two girls of their age, but with a difference: they spit in the face of their lives, their frustrations, their failures. So they force destiny to carry out their will, convinced that which does not kill them renders them stronger.

From small-time stick-ups to vengeful bloodbaths, they become insatiable predators, without scruples, their wicked trail littered with brutal, snappy unstoppable sentences.
  • Letterboxed
  • French (Stereo)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • Region 3
  • DVD-5
Wrong Turn (2003)
Director: Rob Schmidt
Cast: Desmond Harrington, Eliza Dushku, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Jeremy Sisto

Synopsis
Chris is driving his Mustang for a job interview. When he heads down the dusty back road, he suddenly loses control and crashes into a disabled truck. The driver of the truck is going on a hiking trip with four of her friends. Now, the group got stuck in the middle of the wood and they need to search for help. But what they don't know is they become prey to a family of cannibalistic mountain men.
  • Letterboxed
  • English (DTS), English (DD 5.1)
  • Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • DVD-5

  Tuesday, 11/18/2003

Shaw Brothers 2004 Release Schedule
Here is IVL's 2004 release schedule for their Shaw Brothers releases. The release dates are tentative and subject to change. Thanks to IVL for sending the information.

Individual Releases (January - December)

Box Sets (January - July):
2003 Ten Best Shaw Brothers Movies Box Set
  • 10 DVD Box Set containing 10 titles
  • The 10 titles will be chosen by consumers (voting slips were included with the Nov 6 batch). The results of the voting should be announced sometime in December.
  • The box set will be offered at a "special price"
  • Release Date: January
Leslie Cheung Commemorative Box Set
  • 3 DVD Box Set containing 3 titles:
    • Behind The Yellow Line
    • Little Dragon Maiden
    • Teenage Dreamers
  • Release Date: March
Chang Cheh Commemorative Box Set
  • 4 DVD Box Set containing 4 titles:
    • The Anonymous Heroes
    • The Blood Brothers
    • The Heroic Ones
    • The Water Margin
  • The packaging will be similar to the first pressing of Behind The Yellow Line but wider to accommodate 4 DVDs
  • Release Date: June
Lin Dai Commemorative Box Set
  • 4 DVD Box Set containing 4 titles:
    • Love Parade
    • Love Without End
    • The Blue And The Black
    • The Kingdom And The Beauty
  • Includes a limited edition premium
  • The release of this box set will coincide with a special screening and exhibition on Lin Dai at the HK Film Archive
  • Release Date: July
  Monday, 11/17/2003 (Second Update)

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

Better Tomorrow 3, A (1989)
Director: Tsui Hark
Cast: Chow Yun-Fat, Anita Mui, Tony Leung Ka-Fai, Tokito Saburo
Genre: Drama

Synopsis
1974, Mark and Kit were on the same plane arriving at Saigon Airport. Mark's hidden cash led him to a bitter encounter with the local Customs. Unaware of Kit's help, Mark's money was returned, his life unharmed. Mark's cousin, Mun was imprisoned for fraud. With Mark's arrival and money he was freed. The two cousins by now have finally persuaded Mun's father to leave Vietnam and his shop, a place where he had dedicated all his time and efforts. To acquire enough money to bribe the Customs officers in their plan to get out of Vietnam, Mun had little choice but to pull a final deal of smuggling US cash. At the nightclub, they met the trafficker for the deal - Kit...
  • Cantonese (DD 2.0), Mandarin (DD 2.0)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
My American Grandson (1991)
Director: Ann Hui
Cast: Carina Lau, Wong Kwan-Yuen, Wu Ma
Genre: Drama

Synopsis
Ku is retired musican in his 60s. He leads a dull but regular life, dancing, shadow boxing and breath kung fu in the morning. At times he chats with neighbors or talks with the dumb bird at the window. He lives with a charming girl Yao Li. Please no misunderstanding. She is his friend's daughter. Previously Ku was loving Yao Li's mother from afar but she married his friend before he acted. Now, Yao Li's both parent and Ku's own wife have passed away. Ku could somewhat pick up some regrettable memories from Yao Li's face. Ku's son and daughter-in-law are "studying" in the United States. Now, for a short term research in East Germany, they send back their son to live with his grandpa. It is now the proudest moment of Ku, especially in the eyes of the admiring neighbors...
  • Cantonese (DD 2.0), Mandarin (DD 2.0)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
Queen Of Underworld (1991)
Director: Sherman Wong
Cast: Amy Yip, Gigi Lai, Pauline Chan, Shing Fui-On
Genre: Drama

Synopsis
This is a story about Har Jay, a legend of Hong Kong's underworld. Beautiful and brashy, she climbs from the lowest depths of the Hong Kong society to become the acclaimed queen of night life. Then she vanishes from the scene with a last burst of gory glory. Young Har Jay starts as a waitress in a low class restaurant. Like all young girls, she falls for handsome young men. One of them makes her pregnant. Determined to keep the baby by all means, Har Jay surrenders herself to police detective Guan who manages to silence the father. Har Jay marries Guan. She becomes the head hostess of a cabaret. She is famous for the way she trains inexperienced girl. But one of them wins Guan from her. In a rage, Har Jay castrates Guan...
  • Cantonese (DD 2.0), Mandarin (DD 2.0)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles

This Week's Deltamac Releases
There will be no Fortune Star DVD/VCD releases this week.

Shaw Brothers Upcoming Release Schedule
Here is IVL's upcoming release schedule for their Shaw Brothers releases. The release dates are tentative and subject to change. Thanks to IVL for sending the information.

December 4
36 Secrets Of Courtship (1982) [Erotic]
Bamboo House Of Dolls, The (1973) [Erotic]
King With My Face, The (1967) [Drama]
On The Wrong Track (1983) [Drama]
Scandalous Warlord, The (1979) [Comedy]
Sexy Killer, The (1976) aka The Drug Connection [Action/Adventure]
Web Of Death, The (1976) [Martial Arts]
Young Lovers (1978) [Drama]

December 18
Boxer From Shantung, The (1972) [Martial Arts]
Carry On Con Men (1975) [Comedy]
Five Venoms, The (1978) [Martial Arts]
Girl With The Long Hair (1975) [Erotic]
Invincible Shaolin (1978) [Martial Arts]
Les Belles (1960) [Musical]
My Darling Genie (1984) [Comedy]
Sexy Girls Of Denmark (1973) [Erotic]
Shadow Boxer, The (1974) [Martial Arts]
To Kill A Jaguar (1977) [Action/ Adventure]
Young People (1972) [Drama]
The entire 2004 Shaw Brothers schedule will be posted in tomorrow's update.

  Monday, 11/17/2003 (First Update)

Shaw Brothers Galleries
Here are the picture galleries for the Nov 20 Shaw Brothers releases. The galleries will be deleted after one week. Thanks to IVL for sending the pictures.

Diary Of A Lady-Killer (1969)Human Goddess, The (1971)King Gambler (1976)


Lion Vs Lion (1981)Shadow Whip, The (1970)Swordsman And Enchantress (1978)


This Week's Mei Ah Releases
Here are this week's Mei Ah releases due for release on Nov 21. Thanks to Mei Ah for the information.

Covers For Last Week's Mei Ah Releases
Here are the covers for last week's Mei Ah releases. Click on the pictures below for a larger image. Thanks to Mei Ah for the pictures.

Men Suddenly In Black (2003)


  Monday, 11/10/2003

Nov 20 IVL Shaw Brothers Specs
Here are the specs for the Nov 20 batch of Shaw Brothers releases from IVL. Thanks to IVL for the information/pictures.

Diary Of A Lady-Killer (1969)
Director: Yang Shu-hsi (aka Koh Nakahira)
Cast: Chin Han, Fang Ying, Margaret Tu Chuan, Helen Ma, Fanny Fan
Guest Appearance: Tina Ti
Genre: Drama

Synopsis
If Agatha Christie was Asian, then Diary of Lady-Killer could may have well have been one of her burgeoning projects. The film flawlessly floats between murder mystery mayhem and light hearted eroticism as a man that has sexual affairs with every female that looks at him twice, finds them dead shortly thereafter, making him the prime suspect. Yet after he's convicted and tossed into prison, the murders continue. He's innocent. But who did it?





  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Human Goddess, The (1971)
Director: Ho Meng-hua
Cast: Li Ching, Chin Feng, Peng Peng, Shih Tien, Pai Lu
Genre: Fantasy

Synopsis
Acclaimed director Ho Meng-hua tackles fantasy in The Human Goddess, a genre bending film that features a love story between an alluring female fairy, played by the real life lovely goddess Li Ching, who seeks love on the world of mortal men and finds it in a man who takes care of an orphanage. Ho was one of the first directors to give Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung their first breaks as extras in his early martial art films.





  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
King Gambler (1976)
Director: Cheng Kang
Cast: Tsung Hua, Chen Kuan-tai, Chen Ping, Wang Chung, Yuan Man-tzu, Ku Feng
Guest Appearance: Ling Yun, Wang Yu
Genre: Action

Synopsis
The Hong Kong The Sting? Well, maybe, but this film was actually a lively forerunner to the gambling film craze, which eventually swept Asian cinema. Here, it's cardsharp versus cardsharp, but with a lot more kung-fu action, in a battle of wits and fists to become the king of the casino. The double stings and triple crosses raise in complexity and imagination until what started as an unusual box office risk became a top ten hit of 1976.





  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Lion Vs Lion (1981)
Director: Hsu Hsia, Chien Yuen-sheng
Cast: Lo Meng, Wang Yu, Yang Pan-pan, Wang Lung-wei, Chien Yueh-shen
Genre: Martial Arts

Synopsis
In Lion Vs Lion, a teacher comes across a secret list of anti-Ching rebel names and quickly becomes a target for Ching loyalists. The Five Venom's actor Lo Meng teams up with kung-fu comedic actor Wang Yu (not Jimmy) to bring some of the best lion dancing action footage ever seen on film. The amazing lion dance sequences alone gives this film major historic significance where it's the first time Northern and Southern lion dancing skills are compared.





  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Shadow Whip, The (1970)
Director: Lo Wei
Cast: Cheng Pei-pei, Yueh Hua, Tien Feng, Ku Feng, Wang Hsia, Lo Wei
Genre: Martial Arts

Synopsis
This top ten box office hit reunites the star duo from Come Drink With Me in another classic action adventure. Cheng Pei-pei (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) radiates her trademark charm while wielding the deadly title weapon, which is implicated in multiple murders and a major heist. Whether single-handedly fighting sixteen bandits or avenging her father's brutal death, she demonstrates why she was Hong Kong's number one swordswoman - and no slouch with the whip either!





  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Swordsman And Enchantress (1978)
Director: Chu Yuan
Cast: Ti Lung, Ching Li, Lily Li, Liu Yung, Wen Hsueh-erh
Genre: Martial Arts

Synopsis
Asian fans of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon recognized that its director Ang Lee was actually inspired by director Chu Yuan and novelist Ku Lung's wonderful tales of a "martial art world" where all wushu warriors try to attain the "Deer Sword" and escape from the insidious maze-like "Toy Land". Master kung-fu choreographer Tang Chia leads the king and queen of Shaw's swordplay, Ti Lung and Lily Li, in a fascinating and entertaining adventure of consummate swordmen and sorceresses.





  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Young Lovers (1978) has been delayed until Dec 4.


Shaw Brothers Galleries
Here are the picture galleries for last week's Shaw Brothers releases. The galleries will be deleted after one week. Thanks to IVL for sending the pictures.

Criminals, The (1976)Lady Professional, The (1971)Mahjong Heroes (1981)


Shaolin Hand Lock (1978)Two Champions Of Shaolin (1980)Younger Generation, The (1969)


  Saturday, 11/8/2003

Next Week's Mei Ah Releases
Here are next week's Mei Ah releases due for release on Nov 13. DVD cover will be posted next week. Thanks to Mei Ah for the information/pictures.

Men Suddenly In Black (2003)
Director: Edmond Pang
Cast: Eric Tsang, Jordan Chan, Chapman To

Synopsis
As his wife is going to Thailand with her friends, Tin and his friends Cheung, Chao and Paul decide to seize the opportunity and taste 14 hours of freedom by putting their work aside and betraying their spouse.

Besotted by the excitement and happiness, they follow their plans and enjoy every moment of freedom. Unfortunately, their spouses suddenly come back and decide to raid this betrayal action in secret.

Problems and accidents happen during the plan is in process. They believe that someone in the dark comes and destroys their plan on purpose. Suspicion even starts growing among them, which they think that one of them must be the betrayer. However, what they do not know is that a limousine has been following them all along.
 
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Languages: Cantonese, Mandarin
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • 2 DVD Set:
    • Disc 1
      • Film
      • Audio Commentary By The Filmmakers
    • Disc 2
      • Extras (60 mins)
        • "Making Of" Documentary
        • Unseen Footage
        • Outtakes
        • Music Video
        • Photo Gallery
        • Trailer
        • Data Bank

Next Week's Deltamac Releases
Here are next week's Deltamac releases due for release on Nov 13. Thanks to Deltamac for the information.
Also Available: Past Deltamac/Fortune Star DVD Releases

Last Week's Panorama Releases
Here are last week's releases from Panorama. Click on the pictures below for a larger image. Thanks to Panorama for the information/pictures.

Fu Bo (2003)
Director: Wong Ching-Po, Lee Kung-Lok
Cast: Eric Tsang, Anthony Wong, Liu Kai-Chi, Lee Sze-Chi, Paulyn Sun, Hugo Ng

Synopsis
Fu Bo lifts the veil of a seldom heard of, much less spoken about profession - that of mortuary assistants, (euphemistically referred to as "Uncle Fu") whose job is to undertake handling, dissection and cleaning up of corpses on behalf of forensic scientists. It has three narrative strands, about three agents of death, who never meet, yet affect each other's lives: a mortuary assistant, a triad assassin and a Portugese chef who cooks for death row convicts. For a film that takes place chiefly in a morgue, it confounds genre expectations gleaned from horror-thrillers like Nightwatch. While offering a voyeuristic keyhole to peer into the most repulsive and morbid details of death, it contemplates the philosophical significance of life and destiny.
  • Cantonese
  • Chinese and English subtitles
  • Region 3
H Story (2001)
Director: Nobuhiro Suwa
Cast: Beatrice Dalle, Kou Machida, Hiroaki Umano

Synopsis
A French actress arrives in Hiroshima to begin work on the remake of "Hiroshima Mon Amour." She questions the filmmaker's motives and plans. Walking with the actress on the beach, the scriptwriter learns that the filmmaker is canceling the shoot. They hope to meet before they leave Hiroshima.
  • Japanese
  • Chinese subtitles
  • Region 3
Bashu, The Little Stranger (1989)
Director: Bahram Beizai
Cast: Susan Taslimi, Parvis Pourhosseini, Adnan Afravian

Synopsis
During the Iran-Iraq War, Bashu loses his house and all his family. He sneaks into a truck that is leaving the area. He meets Naii, who is trying to raise her two young children on a farm. Despite cultural differences, Bashu and Naii slowly form a strong bond.
  • Iranian
  • Chinese and English subtitles
  • Region 3
Substitute, The (1996)
Director: Robert Mandel
Cast: Tom Berenger, Luis Guzman

Synopsis
Jane is a history teacher. Some of Jane's students happen to be members of a street gang. Shale goes undercover as Jane's substitute. Lives are threatened as Shale investigates and sets out to clean up the crime infested school.
  • English
  • Chinese subtitles
  • Region 3
Eagle Has Landed, The (1976)
Director: John Sturges
Cast: Robert Duvall, Michael Caine

Synopsis
Colonel Kurt Steiner is imprisoned and awaits sentence for striking a fellow German Officer. Nazi colonel Max Radl offers him the chance to save his life, by leading his men on what appears to be a daring, yet suicidal mission to kidnap Winston Churchill…
  • English
  • Chinese subtitles
  • Region 3

  Friday, 11/7/2003

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

Classic, The (2003)
Director: Kwak Jae-yong
Cast: Son Ye-jin, Cho Seung-woo, Cho In-sung

Synopsis
Ji-hae and Soo-kyoung are attending the same university and both have a crush on Sang-min. Soo-kyoung then asks Ji-hae to do her a favor - write love letters to Sang-min. Ji-hae pours out her own feelings for him on paper, but sadly in her friend's name. One day, she finds a secret box full of her mom's first love story, which is, coincidentally, similar to her story…
  • Korean (DTS), Korean (DD 5.1), Cantonese (DD 5.1)
  • Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles
  • Region 3
  • Extras: Music video, deleted scenes, story board, interviews, The Classic tour, behind the scenes, and "making of" documentary.
  • DVD-9

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

Killer 2 (2003)
Director: Steve Cheng
Cast: Ronny Cheung, Sam Chan, Leo Lo, Oscar Leung

Synopsis
Long, Lun and Ching work as a hit man for their triad kingpin, Tai Sing. They are assigned to kill his rival, Tung. Since Ching's brother unable to pull Ching away from the gang, he decides to join them in order to protect Ching. Accidentally, the vicious gangs succeed in the assassinations and they gain prestige in the triads. But what they don't know is that they all reach a dead end...
  • Letterboxed
  • Cantonese (Mono), Mandarin (Mono)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • DVD-5
Perfect Education 3 (2002)
Director: Sam Leong
Cast: Naoto Takenaka, Kana Ito, Tony Ho, Suet Lam

Synopsis
Ai is a Tokyo high school girl. Her parents divorce and no one cares about her. During her tour with her school in Hong Kong, Ai is kidnapped by a taxi driver and kept at the countryside. Finding Ai missing, her teacher decides to stay behind for the searching. Meanwhile, while Ai is forced to spend her days with the stranger, her feelings gradually change and her heart beats close to the man, who carries the same kind of loneliness of hers in his heart...
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Japanese/Cantonese (Stereo)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • Region 3
  • DVD-5

Recent Universe Releases
Here are Universe releases from the last 2 weeks. Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to Universe for the information/pictures.

Shiver (2003)
Director: Billy Chung
Cast: Francis Ng, Athena Chu, Nick Cheung, Tiffany Lee

Synopsis
Sammi, a wife of a model police officer is being shot in an accident. After recovering, she finds herself has hallucinations about horrific crimes. To her surprise, all these frightful visions eventually occur in the real world. It seems these visions are trying to bring her a message which leads her to uncover a shocking secret from her husband.
  • Letterboxed
  • Cantonese (DD 5.1), Mandarin (DD 5.1)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • DVD-5
Double Deception (2001)
Director: Shundo Ohkawa
Cast: Louis Mandylor, James Russo, Rei Kikukawa, Udo Kier

Synopsis
Police bodyguard Luke is assigned to protect Lisa, daughter of a Japanese millionaire, Ozaki. Lacking faith, Ozaki hires a Japanese lady, Maria, to pose as Lisa's double. Unfortunately, Maria is being kidnapped but Ozaki refuses to pay the ransom. Luke therefore kidnaps Lisa to go for an exchange but Lisa soon becomes his ally and both get into trouble with the police. Running and saving are what they need to do now, yet things are much complicated than they've thought...
  • Full Screen
  • English (Stereo)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • DVD-5
Shipping News, The (2001)
Director: Lasse Hallstrom
Cast: Kevin Spacey, Julianne Moore, Judi Dench, Scott Glenn, Rhys Ifans

Synopsis
When Quoyle loses his estranged wife, his fortunes begin to change when his long lost Aunt convinces him and his daughter to move to Newfoundland. Now, in a place where life is as rough as the weather and secrets are as vast as the ocean, he lands a job as a reporter for a local paper. In the course of his new career, he begins to discover some dark family mysteries and finds friendship and love with a single mother who has a secret of her own.
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • English (Stereo)
  • Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • Region 3
  • DVD-5
Unsaid, The (2001)
Director: Tom McLoughlin
Cast: Andy Garcia, Vincent Kartheiser, Linda Cardellini, Sam Bottoms, August Schellenberg

Synopsis
Michael is a once-brilliant psychologist whose professional and personal life have been shattered after his son's tragic suicide. Michael is assigned to assess the mental fitness of a traumatized young man, Tommy, who is due for release from a juvenile center. Feeling somewhat compelled to offer his services, Michael discovers the boy's horrible past involving his father, Joseph, who is in prison for murder. Now, both patient and physician must confront the demons from their past.
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • English (Stereo)
  • Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • DVD-5

Covers For Nov 6 Shaw Brothers Batch
Here are the covers for the Nov 6 Shaw Brothers batch. The specs can be found in the 10/22 update. Thanks to IVL for sending the pictures.

Criminals, The (1976)Lady Professional, The (1971)

Mahjong Heroes (1981)
Shaolin Hand Lock (1978)

Two Champions Of Shaolin (1980)
Younger Generation, The (1969)