The Asian DVD Guide

Monday, 9/20/2004 (Second Update)

Mega Star September 30 Releases
Outer Box Cover	DVD Cover
Dumplings: Three... Extremes (2004) Director: Fruit Chan Cast: Miriam Yeung, Bai Ling, Tony Leung Ka Fai Synopsis Served hot, either steamed or simmered in broth, "dumpling" has conquered the hearts of Chinese for more than 1400 years. At your first bite, its juicy meat and vegetable filling offers a gush of exquisite heat and aroma that would linger on and on. Chinese dumpling is inexpensive and practically available everywhere... unless you're talking about Mei's secretive dumpling - with a bizarre pinkish glow permeates through its delicate hand-made dough wrapping. Mei's dumpling is not meant for ordinary folks - if you dare to try, be prepared for a price beyond your imagination... Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Audio Cantonese (DTS ES Matrix) Cantonese (Dolby Digital EX) Mandarin (Dolby Digital 5.1) Subtitles Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese English Region 3 Extras: The Story Making Of Trailers Cast & Credits More Attractions

Monday, 9/20/2004 (First Update)

Police Story Box Set

Here are photos of the box, the individual DVDs, and the bonus photo album.

The new release date for the Police Story Box Set is September 24. The specs were posted in the September 10 update.

Friday, 9/17/2004

Mei Ah September 23 Releases
Undeclared War (1990) (Remastered) Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
Hitman (1998) (Remastered) Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin (DTS + Dolby Digital) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles DVD-9
Full Alert (1997) (Remastered) Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin (DTS + Dolby Digital) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles DVD-9
Dragon From Russia (1990) (Remastered) Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles

Last Week's Universe Releases

Uncle Ball Vs Auntie Fatty (2003) [Stage Play]
Director: Terence Chang
Cast: Ki Chi Sum, Lee Ming Chu

Synopsis
Uncle Ball and Auntie Fatty, who both were popular stars when they were young, used to be handsome and beautiful. However, as time goes by, while they are getting richer, they are becoming fatter and their popularities are going down as well. In order to remain competitive in careers, the two have tried out all kinds of method to keep fit but all turn out to plenty of laughs. One day, they are forced to perform a play together but, no matter on the stage or not, they pour ridicule on the each other and make a lot of laughs...

Full Screen
Cantonese (Mono)
Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
DVD-5

IVL September 23 Shaw Brothers Releases

Angel With The Iron Fists (1966) Director: Lo Wei Cast: Lily Ho, Tang Ching, Fanny Fan, Lo Wei Genre: Action Synopsis Director Lo Wei himself plays the Chief Detective in this thriller about the daughter of a man killed by the Devil Girl's Gang, who goes in search of justice. Lily Ho - just hailed as the co-star of Princess Iron Fan excels in the role of an undercover avenger who can fight as well as she can flirt. Caught between the crime bosses known as Baldhead and Black Widow, she only has four choices: punch, kick, shoot, or bombard with explosives! 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.
Crazy Shaolin Disciples (1984) Director: Yau Ka-hung Cast: Gordon Liu Chia-hui, Wang Yu, Lo Meng, Chien Hsiao-hou, Lo Lieh, Kuo Chue Genre: Comedy Synopsis The first-time director used three kung-fu choreographers to realize this star-studded conceit, portraying novice wushu warriors as squabbling scamps out for girls and parties. Enlivening the proceedings are the best martial arts actors Shaws has to offer, including Gordon Liu Chia-hui and Li Hai-shen (both from The 36th Chamber Of Shaolin), Yung Wang Yu (Dirty Ho), Lo Lieh (The King Boxer), Hsiao Ho (Mad Monkey Kung Fu), and even lead "Venoms" Lo Meng and Kuo Chue! The result is a film unique in Shaw's history and an eye-opening, jaw-dropping delight for any kung-fu fan. 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.
Deadly Duo, The (1971) Director: Chang Cheh Cast: David Chiang, Ti Lung, Ku Feng, Chen Hsing, Yang Shih Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis It's the Sung Dynasty versus the Chin invaders as the "Iron Triangle" of director Chang Cheh and stars David Chiang and Ti Lung truly hit their stride with this crowd-pleasing kung-fu epic. When a handsome Prince is taken captive and guarded by a martial arts master, it's up to two powerful patriots to fight overwhelming odds. From the first fascinating minute to the final desperate battle to the death - culminating in an unforgettably evocative conclusion - this duo is dynamic as well as deadly. Letterboxed (2.35:1) Languages: Mandarin (DD 5.1) Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English Region 3 Extras: Elegant Trails: David Chiang Elegant Trails: Ti Lung Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Lotus Lamp, The (1963) Director: Yueh Feng Cast: Linda Lin Dai, Cheng Pei-pei, Li Ching, Tien Feng Genre: Huangmei Opera Synopsis Movie Queen - Linda Lin Dai plays both mother and son in this fanciful fable. Linda is a goddess who falls in love with a young scholar (Cheng Pei-pei, in her debut role) and gives birth to a baby son. Fast forward fourteen years, and the son (played by Linda Lin Dai) seeks to unravel the mystery behind his mysterious mother and the mythical lotus lamp. The lavish production took over two years to complete and was not released till the first anniversary of Linda's tragic suicide. Letterboxed (2.35:1) Languages: Mandarin (Mono) Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English Region 3 Extras: The Huangmeixi Romances: Scroll Four Elegant Trails: Linda Lin Dai Lotus Lamp Illustrated Story Lotus Lamp Music Score Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Spirit Of The Sword, The (1982) Director: Chu Yuan Cast: Yueh Hua, Lo Lieh, Liu Yung, Wang Jung, Huang Hsing-hsiu Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis No "swordplay" filmmakers were more respected than director Chu Yuan and novelist Ku Lung. Between 1975 and 1980 alone, they collaborated on more than a dozen popular, memorable tales. So this spirited 1980's production was both an homage and continuance of those great days, as no less than three kung-fu choreographers worked with such fine kung-fu artists as Shaw's first great international star, Lo Lieh, and the amazing kicker from the cult "venoms" films, Sun Chien, to win the "Martial Arts World" championship! 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

Celestial Documentaries
The three Celestial documentaries that aired on Hong Kong television last year are now being released by Deltamac in Taiwan:

Cinema Hong Kong: Swordplay
http://www.deltamac.com.tw/content.asp?cno=10958

Cinema Hong Kong: Beauties Of The Shaw Studio
http://www.deltamac.com.tw/content.asp?cno=10961

Cinema Hong Kong: Kung Fu
http://www.deltamac.com.tw/content.asp?cno=10967

Box set containing all 3 documentaries:
http://www.deltamac.com.tw/content.asp?cno=10971

Specs:

Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
Mandarin, English
Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles
50 mins each
Press Release For The Documentaries:
http://film.tdctrade.com/hkfilmart/press_rel/may03.htm

Review Of The Documentaries:
http://www.cantonkid.com/CinemaHongKong.htm

IVL says they currently don't have plans to release these documentaries in Hong Kong.

Friday, 9/10/2004 (Second Update)

September 23 Fortune Star Releases

Police Story Box Set containing:

Police Story
Police Story 2
Police Story 3: Super Cop

Specs

Digitally Remastered
Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
DTS and DD 5.1
- Cantonese, Mandarin, Cantonese (Original)
Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
Extras
- Interview with director Stanley Tong
- Interview with actor/stuntman Benny Lai

Friday, 9/10/2004 (First Update)

September 16 Fortune Star Releases

Rouge (1987)

Synopsis
Rouge stars Leslie Cheung (Farewell My Concubine) as Chan, the never-do-well son of a wealthy and powerful family, who defiantly falls head over heels in love with prostitute Fleur (Anita Mui) in the 1930's. Disowned and despised, the hopeless couple makes a suicide pact - but Chan finds himself unable to carry through with it.

Fleur's pining spirit returns to the thriving Hong Kong 50 years later and finds Chan a withered has-been old-timer, suffering the humiliation of a parasitic and destitute existence. With time running out, Fleur faces her last chance to test Chan's devotion.

Passionate, moving, and exquisitely executed, Rouge is a must for all those who live for cinematic excellence.

Awards

8th Hong Kong Film Awards
- Best Film
- Best Director - Stanley Kwan
- Best Actress - Anita Mui
- Best Editing - Peter Cheung
- Best Original Film Score - Michael Lai
- Best Original Film Song - Anita Mui
24th Taipei Golden Horse Awards
- Best Actress - Anita Mui
- Best Cinematography - Bill Wong
- Best Art Direction - Horace Ma

Specs

Digitally Remastered
Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
DTS and DD 5.1
- Cantonese, Mandarin, Cantonese (Original)
Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
Extras
- Interview with director Stanley Kwan

Includes the following premiums:

Booklets


Bookmarks

Mei Ah September 10 DVD Covers/Synopsis
Life Show (2002) Director: Huo Jianqi Cast: Tao Hong, Tao Zeru Synopsis Adapted from a famous novel written by novelist Chi Li, LIFE SHOW tells story of Lai Shuang Yang, who runs a restaurant in Chong Xing night market, with a real-life-touching story and filming techniques. It praises and successfully portrays the resilience of a Chinese woman who lives in the revolutionary China. Single woman Lai Shuang Yang devotes herself in creating her own food brand. Finally, she succeeds but at the same time experiences the real bitter-sweet life... Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Mandarin Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
Victim (1999) (Remastered) Director: Ringo Lam Cast: Lau Ching Wan, Leung Ka Fai, Kwok Hoi Ming Synopsis A victim of a kidnap endeavours to mess things up A maniac cop tries hard to unveil all the clues When all the coincidences are not coincidental... It's just too fear to discover the truth... Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin (DTS + Dolby Digital) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles DVD-9
Only Fools Fall In Love (1995) (Remastered) Director: Vincent Kok Cast: Lau Ching Wan, Wu Chien Lien Synopsis Fuk was the master of Chiu's family, he was intelligent but miserable. Fuk was hurt in the head and turned foolish during a Chinese Tradition Ceremony. His brother Jack was so jealous against Fuk that he ganged with a street lady Mon Dee trying to play trick on Fuk through the marriage with him. After that Mon Dee was in love with Fuk and brought him to normal and Jack was the one who could not have his plan worked out successfully. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
True Mob Story, A (1998) (Remastered) Director: Wong Jing Cast: Andy Lau, Gigi Leung, Shooky Kwan Synopsis Cheung Dee, together with his best friends Long Life Chuen and Holy Sand, set up a valet parking counter outside a restaurant owned by a triad society he affiliates with. By accident, Cheung finds out that hte son of his triad head, Tai Tze, is fiercely attacked by Song Bo. To save Tai's life, Cheung attacks Song and not only leaves a scar on Song's face, but also puts him in jail for five years which plants a seed of the revenge five years later. Form that moment, the only person that can cheer him up is his best girl firend Ruby. Yet, Cheung has his heart on Sandy, a young solicitor who helped set him free in an assault case. No sooner has their love relationship developed that Cheung's nightmare has begun... Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin (DTS + Dolby Digital) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles DVD-9

Tuesday, 9/7/2004

Last Week's Universe Releases
Jet Lag (2002) Director: Daniele Thompson Cast: Jean Reno, Juliette Binoche Synopsis She is running away from a man she hopes she no longer loves. He's running after a woman he believes he still loves. He has a first-class ticket on a flight from New York to Munich. She has a cheap last minute ticket for Mexico City. He is on the verge of a nervous breakdown but won't admit it. She is seeing for the first time with open eyes that her life is a failure. She is chatty, extrovert, doesn't go unnoticed. He is a discreet, taciturn, totally withdrawn. Felix and Rose are so unready to meet each other. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced French (DD 5.1) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Region 3 DVD-5
Serial Killer (2004) Director: Trace Slobotkin Cast: Justin Urich, Lisa Loeb, Corey Feldman Synopsis Casey Noland, a high school kid with no direction in life, finally made up his mind and aspires to pursue for immortal fame - he decided to enter the serial killing profession. Only problem...he can't bring himself to kill anybody. Will the help of his classmate Sasha, who have a morbid fascination with death, he attempts to learn the ways of a mass murderer. Meanwhile, a real serial killer is at work in their town and Casey thinks he might know who the maniac is... Letterboxed English (Stereo) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles Region 3 DVD-5

September 2 Shaw Brothers Covers
DVD/VCD
My Dream Boat (1967)	Shaolin Prince (1982)

Spiritual Boxer, The (1975)

VCD Only
Adultery, Chinese Style (1973)	Enchanting Ghost, The (1970)

September 2 Shaw Brothers Photo Galleries (will be deleted after one week)

~~Adultery, Chinese Style (1973)~~

~~Enchanting Ghost, The (1970)~~

~~My Dream Boat (1967)~~

~~Shaolin Prince (1982)~~

~~Spiritual Boxer, The (1975)~~

VCD Only Shaw Brothers Releases

Celestial/IVL have unfortunately decided some Shaw Brothers films will only get released on VCD. The first VCD only releases are Adultery, Chinese Style and The Enchanting Ghost from the September 2 batch.

According to IVL, the following upcoming releases will be VCD only:

The Swordmates
Crocodile River
The Angel Strikes Again
Twin Blades Of Doom
Double Bliss
Temptress Of A Thousand Faces
The Black Butterfly

There may be additional VCD only releases besides those listed above.

If you are unhappy about this, send polite emails to the addresses that Celestial and IVL have set up to gather feedback from their customers:

Celestial: enquiry@celestialpictures.com
IVL: contact_ivl@intercontinental.com.hk

Friday, 9/3/2004

Panorama September 3 Releases

Throw Down (2004)
Director: Johnnie To
Cast: Louis Koo, Aaron Kwok

Synopsis
Pub manager/band leader Sze-To was once the greatest Judo fighter around until he unexpectedly gave up the sport for no apparent reason. Nowadays Sze-To lives the life of an alcoholic gambler with no hope for the future, until...

Cocky Judo enthusiast Tony shows up at the door and challenges Sze-To into a duel;

Old foe Kong demands finishing the match that never took place years ago;

Sze-To's mentor Master Cheng asks him to manage his rundown Dojo...

All of a sudden, Sze-To's pub turns into an arena where the greatest Judo fighters show off their skills... Sze-To will take on his opponents with everything he's got.

Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
Cantonese, Mandarin (DTS ES + DD 5.1)
Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
Region 3
DVD-9
Extras (70 mins) - with Chinese and English subtitles
- Exclusive Director Interview
- Making-of Documentary
- Photo Gallery
- Trailers
- TV Spots
- On Judo
- Collector's Booklet
- Director Biography and Filmography

Mei Ah September 10 Releases
Life Show (2002) Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Mandarin Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
Victim (1999) (Remastered) Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin (DTS + Dolby Digital) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles DVD-9
Only Fools Fall In Love (1995) (Remastered) Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
True Mob Story, A (1998) (Remastered) Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin (DTS + Dolby Digital) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles DVD-9