The Asian DVD Guide  

  Friday, 11/26/2004

Panorama November 25 Releases

Tokyo Lullaby (1997)
Director: Jun Ichikawa
Cast: Kyozo Nagatsuka, Kaori Momoi, Mitsuko Baisho, Takaya Kamikawa

Synopsis
Koichi Hamanaka suddenly returns to the tightly knit community, a shopping district, in a corner of Tokyo that he once called home. His whereabouts and his activities over the past few years are a mystery to everyone, including his parents, and the wife and child he left behind. His wife Hisako is torn between her love for him and her attempt to overcome the pain she suffered when he deserted them. Tami Osawa, Hamanaka's former lover, runs the shop in the neighbourhood. Meanwhile, Asakura, a writer who has taken a liking to Hisako, starts to look into the past to try and find out why Hisako could have married a man like Hamanaka. In doing so, he comes across details from Tami's life. As the past resurfaces and unravels, Koichi, Hisako and Tami's lives are irrevocably affected.
  • Japanese
  • Chinese and English subtitles
My Kingdom For A Husband (1957) aka Romance Of Jade Hall (Part 1)
Director: Tso Kea
Cast: Cheung Ying, Law Yim-hing, Tam Lan-hing, Leung Sing-po

Synopsis
This romantic musical comedy with a heavy scent of western flavour is an adaptation from Ernst Lubitsch's famous work The Love Parade (1929) presented in Cantonese opera music. A wandering musician Cheung Ying is too charming to get married, until he comes across with the Queen of Snow Kingdom (Law Yim-hing). They fall in love at the first sight and waste no time to get married, but soon Cheung finds that he has to fight for his personal freedom under the power of the Queen. The plot becomes even more interesting with great comedians Tam Lan-hing and Leung Sing-po as the supporting cast. Their true love and innocence is in contrast to the souring relationship between Cheung and Law.
  • Cantonese
  • Chinese and English subtitles
  • Extras:
    • Director's & Lead Actor's Biography and Filmography
Cathay Release Schedule


  Wednesday, 11/24/2004 (Fourth Update)

Hui Brothers Box Set

Here are photos of the box and the individual DVDs.



The specs were posted in the November 22 update.


  Wednesday, 11/24/2004 (Third Update)

November 25 Toei Releases

The first batch in IVL's new series devoted to the films of Toei:

Battles Without Honour And Humanity (1973) aka Yakuza Papers
Director: Kinji Fukasaku
Cast: Bunta Sugawara, Nobuo Kaneko, Toshie Kimura
  • Japanese
  • Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles
  • Region 3
House On Fire (1986)
Director: Kinji Fukasaku
Cast: Keiko Matsuzaka, Ken Ogata, Mieko Harada, Ayumi Ishida
  • Japanese
  • Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles
  • Region 3
Rage Of Love (1988)
Director: Kinji Fukasaku
Cast: Sayuri Yoshinaga, Yusaku Matsuda, Keiko Matsuzaka
  • Japanese
  • Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles
  • Region 3


Upcoming Releases:
IVL/Toei Release Schedule


  Wednesday, 11/24/2004 (Second Update)

IVL December 2 Shaw Brothers Releases

Brave Archer 3, The (1981)
Director: Chang Cheh
Cast: Alexander Fu Sheng, Niu Niu, Lo Meng, Ching Li, Ti Lung, Kuo Chue
Genre: Martial Arts

Synopsis
Renowned film director Chang Cheh returns for a third time with Ti Lung, Alexander Fu Sheng and a stellar supporting cast in The Brave Archer 3 to create a far-out martial arts spectacle that rivals it's two predecessors, a rarity in any film industry. Chang's heroes live for death while encapsulating themselves within their own world, but at the right time, will altruistically explode. That's what makes this film a blast.
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin (DD 5.1)
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Killers Five (1969)
Director: Cheng Kang
Cast: Li Ching, Tang Ching, Ku Feng, Ching Miao, Wang Kuang-yu, Carrie Ku Mei
Genre: Martial Arts

Synopsis
Cheng Kang and Sung Hai-ling team to both write and direct this action-packed adventure of what might have also been called "Heroes Five." There are many dangers on their journey to the Mansion on Golden Dragon Hill, where an evil warlord has stashed the princess he abducted from our heroes' realm. But the attack on the Golden Dragon Hill stronghold is just the beginning for the quintet, who must face deception, double-crosses, and death lest they become the Killers Five!
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin (Mono)
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Martial Club (1981)
Director: Lau Kar-leung
Cast: Gordon Liu Chia-hui, Hui Ying-hung, Mai Te-lo, Ku Feng
Genre: Martial Arts

Synopsis
When you combine "Kung-fu" Lau Kar-leung with the greatest kung-fu film character of all time, Huang Fei-hung, you get one of the finest "pure" kung-fu films ever made, with the thrills coming a mile a minute. The director's dynamic brother, Gordon Liu Chia-hui, faces the king of screen villains, Wang Lung-wei, in one of his few anti-heroic roles. Together, they create a stunning climax unparalleled in its adeptness and invention.
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin (DD 5.1), Cantonese (DD 5.1)
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Sword Of Swords, The (1968)
Director: Cheng Kang
Cast: Jimmy Wang Yu, Li Ching, Shu Pei-pei, Huang Tsung-shun, Ching Miao
Genre: Martial Arts

Synopsis
Jimmy Wang Yu had just exploded into superstardom as The One-armed Swordsman when he teamed with respected writer/director Cheng Kang for this tale of master martial artists vying for the title blade - a "weapon of exceptional brilliance". And with legendary martial arts choreographers Lau Kar-leung and Tang Chia directing the action (and appearing as fighters), the result is a superb, flat-out adventure of intrigue, deception, abduction, and one battle after battle until it culminates in an amazing all-out slaughter.
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin (Mono)
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Sword Stained With Royal Blood, The (1981)
Director: Chang Cheh
Cast: Kuo Chue, Candy Wen Hsueh-erh, Chiang Sheng, Ching Li, Lung Tien-hsiang
Genre: Martial Arts

Synopsis
The "godfather of the kung-fu film", Chang Cheh, made this treasured and beloved adventure, featuring three of his five famous "Venom" film actors. The spectacular action and intrigue starts when Kuo Chue uncovers a sword, training manual, treasure map, and a secret message. The kung-fu which ensues is as impressive as it is glorious.
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin (DD 5.1)
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
2004 Shaw Brothers Schedule

Mega Star December 1 Releases
  
Outer Box Cover
Yesterday Once More (2004)
Director: Johnnie To
Cast: Andy Lau, Sammi Cheng

Synopsis
Socialite and successful businesswoman Mrs. Thief (Sammi Cheng) can hardly turn down European business tycoon Steve’s marriage proposal when he offers her his family treasure.

On the eve of their wedding, two mysterious gangs appear and steal her prize win. The marriage is off and suspicion grows. Mrs. Thief suspects that her ex-husband, millionaire Mr. Thief (Andy Lau), is the man behind this heist.

Having parted ways for some years, the couple’s paths cross again. Mrs. Thief is certain that her ex-husband steals the treasure in order to sabotage her marriage and get her attention. She is determined to use all means to get him to confess his crime. Mr. Thief, who insists that he is innocent, uses this opportunity to rekindle her feelings for him.

What follows is a game of cat-and-mouse, seduction and jealousy...

Specs
  • Disc 1 - Film
    • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
    • Audio
      • Cantonese (DTS)
      • Cantonese (DD 5.1)
      • Mandarin (DD 5.1)
    • Subtitles
      • Traditional Chinese
      • Simplified Chinese
      • English

  • Disc 2 - Extras
    • The Story
    • Making Of (12 mins)
    • Behind The Scenes (32 mins)
    • All Casts Interview (40 mins)
    • Trailer
    • Cast & Credits
      • Cast & Staff Listing
      • Biography/Filmography of Producer/Director/Cast
    • Photo Gallery (20 photos)

Mega Star November 5 Releases
  
Outer Box Cover
No Lonely Angels (2003)
Director: Zhang Fanfan
Cast: Li Xiaoran, Xie Xiaodong, Guo Tao, Tao Hong

Synopsis
Lang (Guo Tao) has bought an apartment in Beijing, hoping to make a home with his sweetheart Jia (Tao Hong) who still lives in Shanghai. A chance encounter with a college co-ed Ye (Li Xiaoran), however, commences an affair which ends abruptly when Jia decides to move to Beijing. Two years after their engagement, Lang is sent to work in L.A.. While waiting for her visa to the States, Jia falls in love with a rookie cop in the anti-narcotics department, Bian (Xie Xiaodong). When the visa finally arrives, she decides to leave Lang for Bian. After her departure, a burglar breaks into the apartment. Realizing that it is uninhabited, he rents it out to none other than Ye. One day, Lang finally returns home from the States and is astounded to find Ye living in his own apartment. Will this fortuitous reunion seal them together again?

Specs
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Audio
    • Mandarin (DD 2.0)
  • Subtitles
    • Traditional Chinese
    • Simplified Chinese
    • English

  Wednesday, 11/24/2004 (First Update)

Edko November 25 Releases
Double Agent (2003)
Director: Kim Hyun-jung
Cast: Han Suk-kyu, Ko So-young

Synopsis
North Korean diplomat Lim Byun-Ho escapes to the Western side of Berlin during the Cold War to pay allegiance. He is tortured to see if he is actually a double agent sent to spy on them. It turns out he is just that, but he is released and employed as an official of security bureau. The spy's life never gets less complicated or dangerous. Even in risk of being exposed, Lim has to help his comrades in the North that puts him in greater danger of being exposed. As the central character, Han Suk-kyu does a tremendous job of portraying his character as a real person.
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Korean (DTS ES), Korean (DD Surround EX)
  • Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles
  • Region 3
  • Extras: Theatrical trailer, behind the scenes, TV spot, photo gallery, and cast/crew filmographies.


Last Week's Panorama Releases

A-1 (2004)
Director: Gordon Chan
Cast: Angelica Lee, Anthony Wong, Eric Kot, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Edison Chen

Synopsis
Ling (Lee) is a fashion columnist whose ex-boyfriend died in a car accident. Debt collectors Fei (Wong) and Ma (Kot) are eyewitnesses on the scene and Fei is certain that Peter's death is more than just an accident. The weird and suspicious act that Chief Editor Tsang (Leung) recently displays convinces Ling of what Fei says. Ling pleads for the assistance of both Fei and Ma. With Newspaper photographer Kei (Chen) also volunteering to help, the quartet embarks on a journey to track down the truth.

As Ling gets hold of the leads that will unquestionably outrage the society once it hits the headline, the newspaper corporation, to her shock, has already been acquired by a tycoon, who now becomes her boss. After all, how much truth will tomorrow's headline news reveal?
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Cantonese, Mandarin (DTS + DD 5.1)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • Extras:
    • Audio Commentary by the Directors
    • Exclusive Directors' Interview
    • Anthony Wong Exclusive Interview
    • Deleted Scenes (with commentary by directors)
    • CIA Film Forum
    • Gala Premiere footage
    • Photo Gallery
    • Trailers
    • Director Biography and Filmography
It's Always Spring (1962)
Director: Yi Wen
Cast: Julie Yeh Feng, Helen Li Mei, Roy Chiao, Kelly Lai Chen

Synopsis
One of the earliest scripts written by director and playwright Chang Cheh, It's Always Spring is a melodrama of romance that represents a sharp contrast to his mastery of masculine and bloody presentations of the martial arts genre in the late 1960s. Despite the number and the complexity of the characters, none of them is a villain. Female leads Tao Haiyin (Helen Li Mei) and Li Ailian (Julie Yeh Feng) are veteran singers from Hong Kong and Singapore who both maintain their integrity in a sophisticated environment. Their lovers Roy Chiao and Kelly Lai Chen, as well as other supporting roles, impress the audience with their kindness and positive personalities. Elegant scenes of singing and nine popular songs have also made It's Always Spring an all-time favourite of MP&GI's musical fans.
  • Mandarin (DD 5.1), Mandarin (DD 2.0)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • Extras:
    • Director's & Lead Actor's Biography and Filmography
Cathay Release Schedule


Last Week's Universe Releases
One Eye Open (2003)
Director: Banny Lo
Cast: John Tang, Chan Kam Hung, Mango Wong, Nicole Tam, Catherine Hung

Synopsis
Though Ken's right eye suffers from congenital amblyopia, he loves photography and he use the name "Raymond" to publish his works. One day, Ken run into Yvonne and he knows he is in love. In order to win Yvonne's heart, he uses the name "Raymond" to communicate with her in the internet, knowing that she admires "Raymond". Gradually, they fall in love without seeing each other, but when Ken is about to reveal his identity...
  • Letterboxed
  • Cantonese (Stereo), Mandarin (Stereo)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • DVD-5
Hidden Agenda (2001)
Director: Marc S. Grenier
Cast: Dolph Lundgren, Maxim Roy, Brigitte Paquette, Ted Whittall

Synopsis
A private investigator Jason Price makes clients disappear and specializes in running people underground with new identities. But something's gone wrong when he help his best friend Sonny, on a run from a crime syndicate, to disappear. Things take a turn for the unexpected. A legendary hitman, known as The Baker infiltrates the system, leaving a trail of blood behind him. With the help of a mysterious seductress who poses as the insider at the crime syndicate, Prices is trying to ascertain what went worn. Soon, he realizes that nobody is who they appear to be and everyone has a hidden agenda.
  • Letterboxed
  • English (Stereo)
  • Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • DVD-5

  Monday, 11/22/2004

December 7 Fortune Star Releases

Hui Brothers Box Set containing:
  • The Contract
  • Games Gamblers Play
  • Last Message
  • Private Eyes
  • Security Unlimited

Specs
  • Digitally Remastered
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • DTS and DD 5.1
    • Cantonese, Mandarin, Cantonese (Original)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • Extras
    • Sam Hui Music Featurette
    • Deleted Scene
Fortune Star Release Schedule


  Friday, 11/19/2004 (Second Update)

November 18 Shaw Brothers Photo Galleries (will be deleted after one week)

Brave Archer 2, The (1978)Casino, The (1972)


Martial Arts Of Shaolin (1985)Twin Blades Of Doom (1968)


Vengeance Is A Golden Blade (1969)


November 18 Shaw Brothers Covers

DVD/VCD
Brave Archer 2, The (1978)Casino, The (1972)
Martial Arts Of Shaolin (1985)Vengeance Is A Golden Blade (1969)
VCD Only
Twin Blades Of Doom (1968)


Fortune Star November 16 DVD Covers

Princess Chang Ping (1975)

The specs were posted in the November 6 update.


  Friday, 11/19/2004 (First Update)

Mei Ah November 26 Releases
Okinawa Rendez-vous (2000) (Remastered)
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Cantonese, Mandarin (DTS + Dolby Digital)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • DVD-9
My Hero (1990) (Remastered)
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Cantonese, Mandarin
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
Fist Of Fury 1991 (1991) (Remastered)
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Cantonese, Mandarin
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
Conman, The (1998) (Remastered)
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Cantonese, Mandarin
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • DVD-9

  Monday, 11/15/2004

November 11 Universe Releases
Exquisite Tenderness (1995)
Director: Carl Schenkel
Cast: James Remar, Isabel Glasser, Sean Haberle, Peter Boyle

Synopsis
One doctor uses live patients for his experiments while another one kills them in a twisted plot of revenge. A boy who witnesses his brother being killed during surgery, grows up to become a monster with a scalpel. Dr. Julian Matar is suspended and gets his license revoked for performing cellular regeneration experiments on dying patients. After a couple of years, he returns to the hospital that condemned his work to begin practicing his grizzly experiments once more.
  • Full Screen
  • English (Stereo)
  • Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • DVD-5
Secret Pursuit, The (2003)
Director: Cheung Ka Ping
Cast: Peter Ho, Tiffany Lee

Synopsis
Mailong (Peter Ho) has been living in Qiandao Lake, where is a beautiful town in Jiangnan, for more than one year. He is working as a photographer for a bridal studio and his boss is a gorgeous lady (Tiffany Lee), who falls for him. However, he cannot accept her love for some reason about his extraordinary love story happened before he came here and a "yellow ribbon" carrying some implications in relation to a drug trafficking...
  • Letterboxed
  • Cantonese (Stereo), Mandarin (Stereo)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • DVD-5
Once Upon A Time A Hero In China (1992)
Director: Li Lik Chi
Cast: Alan Tam, Eric Tsang, Ng Man Tat, Tony Leung Ka Fai

Synopsis
A rollicking spoof of the historical actioner featuring Chinese folk freedom fighter Wong Fei-Hung. Here, Wong is a master of cooking rather than kung fu and his weapons are the tools of the chef's trade: spatulas, cutlery, and fierce flatulence.
  • Letterboxed
  • Cantonese (Mono), Mandarin (Mono)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • DVD-5
God Of Gamblers 3: The Early Stage (1997) (Remastered)
Director: Wong Jing
Cast: Leon Lai, Anita Yuen, Jordan Chan, Gigi Leung

Synopsis
The sequel concentrates in the earlier years of Ko Chun (Leon Lai) and tells the process of his winning of the title God of Gamblers. At the first God of Gamblering contest, Ko is told to lose the contest as his master's interests in betting the winner of the contest. Ko refuses and is shot by his enraged master. Though Ko is not dead, his intelligence
  • Letterboxed
  • Cantonese (DTS), Cantonese (DD 5.1), Mandarin (Stereo)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • DVD-5
Young And Dangerous 3 (1996) (Remastered)
Director: Andrew Lau
Cast: Ekin Cheng, Jordan Chan, Gigi Lai, Karen Mok

Synopsis
Hung Hing, one of the "leading" syndicate, has just made Chan Ho Nam (Ekin Cheng) the "keeper" of Causeway Bay. At the same time Crow and Tiger, "elite" members from another mafia Dong Ying Club, open a karaoke club opposite to Chan's, sticking a foot into his territory. On the other hand, Dong Ying succeed in having Chang assassinated in Holland and frame Chan for his death. Let's see how Chan face those challenges for Dong Ying Club.
  • Letterboxed
  • Cantonese (DTS), Cantonese (DD 5.1), Mandarin (Stereo)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • DVD-5

  Saturday, 11/13/2004

Joy Sales November 25 Releases
New Police Story (2004)
(2 Disc Set)
  • Disc 1 - Film
    • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
    • Audio
      • Cantonese (DTS ES)
      • Cantonese (DD 5.1)
      • Mandarin (DD 5.1)
    • Subtitles
      • Traditional Chinese
      • Simplified Chinese
      • English

  • Disc 2 - Extras
    • About The Story
    • Characters
    • Making Of
    • Trailers
    • Theme Song Music Video
    • Cast & Credits
    • Photo Gallery


  Friday, 11/12/2004

Mega Star Early December Releases

Infernal Affairs Trilogy Box Set

          
  • Disc 1 - Infernal Affairs Film
    • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
    • Audio
      • Cantonese (Dolby Digital EX)
      • Cantonese (DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete)
      • Mandarin (Dolby Digital 5.1)
      • Cantonese (Dolby Digital 2.0) [Audio Commentary By Cast/Crew]
    • Subtitles
      • Chinese (Traditional)
      • English
      • Chinese (Simplified)
    • Region 3

  • Disc 2 - Infernal Affairs Trilogy Extras
    • Additional Special Features
      • Unseen Footage (10 mins)
      • Interview (15 mins)
      • Original Vs Storyboard (Multi-Angle)
      • Retouched Vs Original
      • Advertising Magazine
      • Other Territories
      • Poster Gallery
    • AVICINAR AKA
      • The Story
      • Confidential File
      • Music Video
      • Making Of
      • Trailers
      • Cast & Credits
      • Photo Gallery

  • Disc 3 - Infernal Affairs II Film
    • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
    • Audio
      • Cantonese (Dolby Digital EX)
      • Cantonese (DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete)
      • Mandarin (Dolby Digital 5.1)
      • Cantonese (Dolby Digital 2.0) [Audio Commentary By Cast/Crew]
    • Subtitles
      • Film
        • Chinese (Traditional)
        • English
        • Chinese (Simplified)
      • Audio Commentary
        • Chinese (Traditional)
        • Chinese (Simplified)
    • Region 3

  • Disc 4 - Infernal Affairs II Extras
    • The Story
    • Confidential File
    • Music Video
    • Making Of
    • Trailers
    • Cast & Credits
    • Photo Gallery

  • Disc 5 - Infernal Affairs III (Director's Cut) Film
    • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
    • Audio
      • Cantonese (Dolby Digital EX)
      • Cantonese (DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete)
      • Mandarin (Dolby Digital 5.1)
    • Subtitles
      • Chinese (Traditional)
      • English
      • Chinese (Simplified)
    • Region 3

  • Disc 6 - Infernal Affairs III Extras
    • The Story
    • Making Of
    • Trailers
    • Music Video
    • Cast & Credits
    • Photo Gallery

  • Disc 7 & 8 - Infernal Affairs Trilogy Film
      All three Infernal Affairs films edited together into one single 330 mins film.

    • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
    • Audio
      • Cantonese (Dolby Digital 5.1)
      • Cantonese (DTS 5.1)
      • Mandarin (Dolby Digital 5.1)
    • Subtitles
      • Chinese (Traditional)
      • English
      • Chinese (Simplified)
    • Region 3

  • Plus a 100 page booklet containing:
    • Looseleave Folder Design
    • New Characters' Illustrations
    • Character Photo Profile
    • Classic Moment
    • Mini Poster
If you live in Hong Kong, you can have the box set engraved with your name by filling out the following pre-order form at your favorite DVD retailer:


  Monday, 11/8/2004

IVL November 18 Shaw Brothers Releases

DVD/VCD
Brave Archer 2, The (1978)
Director: Chang Cheh
Cast: Alexander Fu Sheng, Tien Niu, Li Yi-min, Kuo Chue, Ku Feng, Wang Lung-wei
Genre: Martial Arts

Synopsis
This magnificent martial arts saga takes up where the renowned original left off: with our hero Kuo Tsing winning the hand of fair maiden Huang Yung. Almost immediately, however, clan rivalries in the "Martial Art World" leads to Kuo being wounded by Ouyang Fung and Huang being named new leader of the Beggar Clan…. International favorite Alexander Fu Sheng is back as Kuo, but Niu Niu shines in her show-stopping role as his betrothed.
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin (DD 5.1)
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Casino, The (1972)
Director: Chang Tseng-chai
Cast: Lily Ho, Yueh Hua, Chin Feng, Fan Mei-sheng, Shih Chien
Genre: Action

Synopsis
Award-winning director Chang Tsang-chai only made seven films for the Shaw Brothers, this was considered one of his best -- a fascinating thriller about people gambling with their money, their love and their lives. There, two lovers meet after being separated for years, and vow to rid the establishment of corrupt military leaders, cheaters, extortionists, and criminals. They finally succeed, but at a terrible price. Lily Ho, of Princess Iron Fan fame, and Yueh Hua, star of Raw Courage, are the star-crossed, tragic lovers, who bet on righteousness, and come up blood red.
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin (Mono)
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Martial Arts Of Shaolin (1985)
Director: Lau Kar-leung
Cast: Jet Li, Huang Qiu-yan, Hu Jian-qiang, Yu Cheng-hui, Yu Hai
Genre: Martial Arts

Synopsis
Internationally lauded as one of the greatest, this magnificent martial arts masterpiece marked the titanic, one-time only, teaming of renowned champion Jet Li (Romeo Must Die) with legendary director Lau Kar-leung. The two mount unforgettable battles in the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and even on the Yangtze River with a kung-fu cast of hundreds. If the brilliant American musical director Busby Berkeley knew kung-fu, this spectacular, eye-filling epic might be the movie he would have made.
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin (DD 5.1), Cantonese (DD 5.1)
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Vengeance Is A Golden Blade (1969)
Director: Ho Meng-hua
Cast: Chin Ping, Yueh Hua, Ku Wen-tsung, Tang Ching, Li Peng-fei
Genre: Martial Arts

Synopsis
The golden blade of the title is the magnificent "Flying Dragon" sword. The only thing that can stop it is the celebrated "Silver Swallow" weapon technique. Thus the stage is set for this fast-moving story of greed, lust, death, and vengeance, starring Chin Ping as the lovely and resolute heroine. Her director is the versatile Ho Meng-hua - the acknowledged master of the "esoteric weapon" actioner, who made of a success of everything from The Flying Guillotine to The Mighty Peking Man.
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin (DD 5.1)
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
VCD Only
Twin Blades Of Doom (1968)
Director: Doe Chin
Cast: Ling Yun, Ching Li, Chen Hung-lieh, Lin Chiao, Ching Miao
Genre: Martial Arts

Synopsis
Writer/director Doe Chin -- renowned for comedies, musicals, and such epics as The Blue And The Black -- rings down the curtain on his remarkable career with this tale of a kung-fu knight walking the road to vengeance after the evil Ghost Gang kills his wife and son. The swordsman known as "Twin Blades" (famed matinee idol Ling Yun) must take on a quintet of color-coded cutthroats (the White, Black, Yellow, Red, and Green Killer) to set things right.
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English
2004 Shaw Brothers Schedule



Mei Ah November 5 DVD Covers/Synopsis
My Sweetie (2004)
Director: Yip Nim Sum
Cast: Sammy Leung, Stephy Tang, Ella Koon, Krystal Tin, Yan Ng, Gaile Lok, Kary Ng, Emme Wong, Monie Tung, Linda Guan

Synopsis
Sammy, growing with women all his life, meets Suet in the MTR and falls for her at the first sight. One day, Sammy goes back to his office and to his surprise, Suet is there as a newcomer of their company together with Strong. Strong and Sammy are childhood rivals. However, their company asks them to create a new advertisement. From that day, love starts growing between Sammy and Strong. Their advertisement is a way success, and Suet finally falls for Sammy's talent and starts dating him. Heartbroken, Strong decides to quit the job. Sammy finally realizes Strong is the one he loves. On Strong's farewell party, Sammy tells her how much he loves her, will Strong accept Sammy's love and have a happy ending?
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Cantonese, Mandarin (DTS + Dolby Digital)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • DVD-9
Queer Story (1996) (Remastered)
Director: Shu Kei
Cast: George Lam, Jordan Chan, Francis Ng

Synopsis
Law Ka-sing comes back to Hong Kong with his girlfriend to settle their love affairs, however he has already run deeply into his boyfriend, Sonny. Law is being confused as Sonny refuses to give up his versatile life. Law's bestfriend, Kam is died of aids, Kam's family is afraid that the media will distort the fact, so they ask Law for telling Kam's boyfriend to absent the funeral...
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Cantonese, Mandarin
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • DVD-9

  Saturday, 11/6/2004

November 16 Fortune Star Releases

Princess Chang Ping (1975)
Director: John Woo
Cast: Lung Kim Sand, Mui Suet Si
Original Story: Tong Dik Sing

Synopsis
The Ming Dynasty is coming to a faltering end with rebels everywhere…In the meantime, Princess Chang Ping is engaged with a young scholar Chou Shih-hsien, and the emperor is happy with the match. Yet, when the rebels invade the capital, the emperor orders the death of the empress and princesses because no royal house-hood should fall into rebel hands. Princess Chang Ping has luckily escaped, but...

DVD Specs
  • Digitally Remastered
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • DTS and DD 5.1
    • Cantonese, Mandarin, Cantonese (Original)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • Extras
    • Original / New Edited Movie Trailer
    • Movie Stills Photo Album / Slideshow
    • An Interview with a Cantonese Opera Legend - Master Yuen Siu Fai

Fortune Star Release Schedule


October 28 Universe Releases
People I Know (2002)
Director: Dan Algrant
Cast: Al Pacino, Kim Basinger, Tea Leoni

Synopsis
Legendary publicist Eli Wurman (Al Pacino) is enlisted by his client, a famous actor (Ryan O'Neal), to escort a beautiful starlet (Tea Leoni) out of his life. But when Eli witnesses a shocking murder, it changes his life forever. He suddenly realizes he is thrown into an underground world of sex and politics involving the most influential and famous people of New York...
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • English (Stereo)
  • Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • Region 3
  • DVD-5
American Cyborg: Steel Warrior (1994)
Director: Boaz Davidson
Cast: Joe Lara, Nicole Hansen

Synopsis
After a devastating nuclear war, the last fertile woman Mary on earth joins forces with a tough renegade to fight an advanced team of deadly cyborgs and save the human race from extinction in this action - packed futuristic thriller. Austin, a strong yet compassionate street warrior who agrees to help Mary, escape a ravaged, war-torn America. Austin and Mary encounter danger at every turn before they can reach the boat that will take them to a safer Europe.
  • Full Screen
  • English (Stereo)
  • Chinese (Traditional) subtitles
  • DVD-5

Recent Panorama Releases

Quill (2004) [Special Edition]
Director: Yoichi Sai
Cast: Kaoru Kobayashi, Kippei Shiina
Cantonese Dub: Gigi Leung, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Jerry Lamb, Kitty Yuen

Synopsis
Quill - a Labrador Retriever- 's life as a 'dog' drastically changed when he was chosen and forced to leave his mother for a 'seeing-eye dog' training center.

Little did he know that he would later meet a strange man who would become his owner/partner. The gentle Quill was teamed up with a man who first refused to take a seeing-eye dog as a company An incident occurred which caused this seemingly completely incompatible man and dog to come to reply on each other, and begin to work together. This was their first step in becoming 'life partners.'

When he walked with Quill, his partner felt the wind and could see the sky through Quill. The bond between Quill and his partner, who rediscovers the joy of life, grew deeper with each passing by... Until one day, they faced a sudden and sorrowful parting...
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Japanese, Cantonese (DTS + DD 5.1)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • Extras:
    • Making of the Cantonese dub
    • Interviews with the Cantonese dubbers
    • Theatrical trailer
    • Photo gallery
  • Premium: Quill Notebook
Quill (2004) [Regular Edition]
Director: Yoichi Sai
Cast: Kaoru Kobayashi, Kippei Shiina
Cantonese Dub: Gigi Leung, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Jerry Lamb, Kitty Yuen

Synopsis
Quill - a Labrador Retriever- 's life as a 'dog' drastically changed when he was chosen and forced to leave his mother for a 'seeing-eye dog' training center.

Little did he know that he would later meet a strange man who would become his owner/partner. The gentle Quill was teamed up with a man who first refused to take a seeing-eye dog as a company An incident occurred which caused this seemingly completely incompatible man and dog to come to reply on each other, and begin to work together. This was their first step in becoming 'life partners.'

When he walked with Quill, his partner felt the wind and could see the sky through Quill. The bond between Quill and his partner, who rediscovers the joy of life, grew deeper with each passing by... Until one day, they faced a sudden and sorrowful parting...
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Japanese, Cantonese (DD 5.1 + DD 2.0)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
 
Ladies First (1962)
Director: Yi Wen
Cast: Jeanette Lin Cui, Roy Chiao

Synopsis
A hilarious entanglement of romance among Jeanette Lin Cui, Roy Chiao, Christine Pai Lu-ming and Tien Ching, Ladies First is another light-hearted comedy directed by renowned melodrama specialist Yi Wen, following Bachelors Beware co-starring Linda Lin Dai and Chang Yang. With a strong line-up of veterans such as Wang Lai, Chiang Kwang-chao, Liu En-chia, Kao Hsiang, Kao Yuan, Chen Yu-hsin and Leung Sing-po, Yi Wen once again demonstrates his unique sense of humour reflecting his personal insights of romance. Also noteworthy is the naughty younger brother of Christine, the to-be superstar David Chiang then known as Yan Wei.
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional) and English
  • Extras:
    • Director's & Lead Actor's Biography and Filmography
Cathay Release Schedule


  Wednesday, 11/3/2004

November 4 Shaw Brothers Photo Galleries (will be deleted after one week)

Angel Strikes Again, The (1968)Brave Archer, The (1977)


 Raw Courage (1969)
Lady General Hua Mu-Lan (1963)


Shaolin Avengers, The (1976)


November 4 Shaw Brothers Covers

DVD/VCD
Brave Archer, The (1977)Lady General Hua Mu-Lan (1963)
Raw Courage (1969)Shaolin Avengers, The (1976)
VCD Only
Angel Strikes Again, The (1968)


  Monday, 11/1/2004

Mei Ah November 5 Releases
My Sweetie (2004)
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Cantonese, Mandarin (DTS + Dolby Digital)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • DVD-9
 
Queer Story (1996) (Remastered)
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Cantonese, Mandarin
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • DVD-9
 


Mei Ah October 30 DVD Covers/Synopsis
In The Mood For Love (2000) (Remastered) [2 Disc Set]
Director: Wong Kar Wai
Cast: Tony Leung, Maggie Cheung

Synopsis
Chow Mo Wan and his wife move into a building at around the same time as Su Li Zhen and her husband do. With the prolonged absence of their respective partners, they get to meet each other during mahjong sessions at their landlord's place. Not long later, they discover the love affair between their other halves, and are confused with the growing passion between themselves...
  • Disc 1 - Film
    • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
    • Cantonese, Mandarin (DTS + Dolby Digital)
    • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
    • DVD-9

  • Disc 2 - Extras
    • 80 mins of extras
    • Probably the same extras that appeared on Disc 2 of DVD-488:
      • Four Secrets Behind "In The Mood For Love"
        • The Secret In Room 2046
        • Singapore
        • The 70's
        • Angkow Wat
      • Trailers By Wong Kar-Wai
      • Interview With Wong Kar-Wai
      • Interview With Tony Leung & Maggie Cheung
      • Main Cruise & Awards
      • The Show Room Of Maggie Cheung's Mandarin Gowns (Qipaos)
      • 10 Beautiful Women In The Eyes Of Wong Kar-Wai
      • 10 Interesting Questions
      • Memorable Shots
      • Zhou Xuan And Her Song "Flower Ages"
Needing You (2000) (Remastered)
Director: Johnnie To, Wai Ka Fai
Cast: Sammi Cheng, Andy Lau

Synopsis
Kinki is a dutiful yet moody executive assistant in the company. She is transferred to Andy's division due to "office politics". The new comer cannot cope with the new environment: Rumours have it that her new boss Andy is a womanizer and Kinki is unwilling to work with the womanizer! However, life is mysterious. Their relationship is improving from working together. Gradually, Andy's dedication to work, his constant care and concern over her move Kinki's heart, but her seed of love dares not grow because of a seemingly reviving relationship between Andy and his old flame Ah Ying. Meanwhile, Kinki's new acquaintance Roger, an up and coming e-world mogul, proposes to Kinki...
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Cantonese, Mandarin
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • DVD-9