The Asian DVD Guide

Monday, 9/26/2005

Joy Sales September 29 Fortune Star Releases

Long Arm Of The Law 3 (1989)
Producer: Johnny Mak
Executive Producer: Johnny Mak
Director: Michael Mak

Cast: Andy Lau, Elizabeth Lee, Max Mok

Synopsis
Ex-soldier Kong get involved into a criminal case and sentenced to death in Mainland China. During the day of execution, he got a chance to escape and leave for Hong Kong. On his way to Hong Kong, he meets Sam (Chicken Heart) and Sheung Mun. Kong and Mun fall in love at their first sight.

As an ex-soldier, Kong is famous for his physical strength. As a reason, a gang of criminals catch Sheung Mun as hostage and forces Kong to help them in robbery. Meanwhile, a Gong An (Yeung) from China is tracing Kong all the way to Hong Kong...

Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
Cantonese (DTS), Cantonese (DD 5.1), Mandarin (DD 5.1)
Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
DVD-9

Truth, The (1988)
Producer: Johnny Mak
Screenwriter: Siu Yau Yuen, Johnny Mak
Executive Producer: Siu Yau Yuen
Director: Taylor Wong

Cast: Andy Lau, Deanie Ip, Kathy Chau, Lau Siu Ming, Paul Chun, Wai Gei Shun, Shing Fui On, Kirk Wong
Theme Song: Ma Ma I Love You - Maria Cordero

Synopsis
A prostitute has been accused of a murder. Luckily with the help of a young lawyer, she recovers in the lawsuit. But then, she gets into another trouble and is accused with another murder and her friend asks the same lawyer to defend for her. Yet, this time the prostitute refused the help from the lawyer because she has discovered a secret of the lawyer, and in order not to give any more trouble to the lawyer, she suddenly decides to end her own life...

Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
Cantonese (DTS), Cantonese (DD 5.1), Mandarin (DD 5.1)
Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
DVD-9

Upcoming Releases

Everlasting Love (1984)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086446/

Possessed (1983)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085928/

Possessed 2 (1984)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0100978/

The Truth Final Episode (1989)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097320/

Friday, 9/23/2005

IVL October 13 Toei Releases

Ballad Of Narayama, The (1983) Director: Shohei Imamura Cast: Ken Ogata, Sumiko Sakamoto, Mitsuko Baisho Synopsis In a small village everyone who reaches the age of 70 must leave the village and go to a certain mountaintop to die. If anyone should refuse he/she would disgrace his/ her family. Old Orin is 69. This winter it is her turn to go to the mountain. But first she must make sure that her eldest son Tatsuhei finds a wife. Japanese Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Region 3
Bullet Train (1975) Director: Junya Sato Cast: Ken Takakura, Shinichi "Sonny" Chiba, Ken Utsui, Kei Yamamoto Synopsis One of the Japanese Shinkansen "Bullet Trains" is threatened with a bomb that will explode automatically if the train slows below 80 km/h, unless a ransom is paid. Police race to find the bombers and to learn how to defuse the bomb. Japanese Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Region 3
IVL/Toei Release Schedule

IVL Upcoming Releases
RTHK Batch #6 Hong Kong Geographic Box Set Howl's Moving Castle Release Date: December 23

Thursday, 9/22/2005

Mega Star October 6 Golden Collection Series Releases

First Option (1996)
Outer Box	DVD Box
Specs Digitally Remastered Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Audio Cantonese (DTS 5.1) Cantonese (DD 5.1) Mandarin (DD 5.1) English (DD 5.1) Subtitles Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese English Japanese Korean Bahasa Malaysia Thai Vietnamese Spanish Bonus Gift: Postcard
Golden Collection Series Release Schedule

Saturday, 9/17/2005

Panorama September 22 Cathay Releases

Dreams Come True (1960)
Director: Bu Wancang
Cast: Kelly Lai Chen, Kitty Ting Hao

Synopsis
Dreams Come True is another attraction by MP&GI, first released in 1960. There are quite a number of hilarious and positive scenes that make the audience believe that life is beautiful and nothing is impossible in this world of kaleidoscopic changes. In the film, the rich young gentleman Kelly Lai Chen is unusually lucky to fall in love at the first sight with the beautiful flower vendor Kitty Ting Hao, who opens up an unexpected new page of her life with her resemblance to a wealthy girl from San Francisco (also by Kitty Ting Hao). Both Kelly and Kitty give a refreshing performance which will certainly delight the audience and their fans.

Mandarin
Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
Extras:
- Director's & Lead Actor's Biography and Filmography

Cathay Release Schedule

Kam & Ronson September 13 Releases
Crying Fiddle (2004) Director: Jarin Parnsain Cast: Ninnart Sinchai, Koontira Sattabongkot, Sinchai Hormhuan Thai (DD 5.1) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles

Edko September 9 Releases

Lizard Woman (2004)
Director: Manop Udomdej
Cast: Pete Thongchua, Rungrawee Barijindakul

Synopsis
A group of archeologists is exploring a cave in northern Thailand. They find an old, sacred wooden box that seems to be used in spiritual ceremonies. On the way back to their base camp, the box is accidentally dropped and its black magic is unleashed. Subsequently, all the archeologists are found dead in suspiciously circumstances...

Back in Chiang Mai, Kwanpailin is promoting her new book about haunting tales. During her trip, she buys an old wooden box as souvenir. She then starts to dream of geckos attacking her...

Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
Thai (DTS ES), Thai (DD Surround EX), Cantonese (Stereo)
Chinese (Traditional) subtitles
Region 3
Extras: Theatrical trailer, photo gallery, and cast/crew filmographies.

Mega Star Golden Collection Series
Upcoming release schedule (tentative and subject to change): October First Option November As Tears Go By
Golden Collection Series Release Schedule

Friday, 9/16/2005

IVL September 22 Shaw Brothers Releases

DVD/VCD
Angry Guest, The (1972) Director: Chang Cheh Cast: David Chiang, Ti Lung, Ching Li, Yasuaki Kurata Genre: Action Synopsis When a vengeful Japanese gangster has our heroes' mother murdered and one of their girlfriends kidnapped, it's terror in Tokyo and horror in Hong Kong in this renowned sequel to Duel Of Fist (featuring the director himself in a rare on-screen appearance as a triad boss!). The esteemed Yasuaki Kurata, the future co-star of Jet Li's Fist Of Legend, adds to the fight-filled fun, in a film filled with international favorites. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Mandarin (DD 5.1) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Region 3 Extras: The Master: Chang Cheh Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Duel, The (1971) Director: Chang Cheh Cast: Ti Lung, David Chiang, Wang Ping, Yu Hui Genre: Action Synopsis In the days before Bruce Lee became a superstar, the greatest heroes in Hong Kong cinema were the majestic Ti Lung and the charismatic David Chiang. The year after they exploded into superstardom in Chang Cheh's landmark teen rebellion action film, Vengeance, they returned in this mano-a-mano classic as an adopted son struggling with familial fears and a streetwise knight-errant named "Rambler". The two distrust each other until they survive a trial by fire ... and fists. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Mandarin (DD 5.1) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles 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.
Girl With The Diamond Slipper (1985) Director: Wong Jing Cast: Maggie Cheung Man-yuk, Nat Chen Pai-chiang, Wong Jing, Wang Yu Genre: Comedy Synopsis Wong Jing, who is now considered one of the leading lights in Hong Kong cinema, wrote, directed, and co-starred in this Asian-accented Cinderella story starring the glorious Maggie Cheung Man-yuk as a TV actress who inadvertently buys a shoe with a stolen diamond secreted in it. That makes her the target of the two bumbling thieves, as well as a bunch of greedy killers. After action, laughs, and romance, it, of course, turns out that she lives happily ever after...! Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Mandarin (Mono), Cantonese (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Region 3 Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Invincible Enforcer (1979) Director: Cheng Kang Cast: Liu Yung, Fanny, Pan Ping-chang, Lin Hui-huang Genre: Action Synopsis Liu Yung, co-star of every finished Bruce Lee film, plays a young man who is thrown into jail simply because he displeased a police inspector, but even when he's released, the police persecute him until he has no choice but to become a real criminal. Watch for such action favorites as Ai Fei (The Kung-fu Instructor) and Chen Kuan-tai (Man Of Iron) in this hard-hitting drama, based on an actual investigation that linked second offenses to both the cops and crooks. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Mandarin (DD 5.1), Cantonese (DD 5.1) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Region 3 Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Lovers' Rock (1963) Director: Pan Lei Cast: Cheng Pei-pei, Chiao Chuang, Huang Tsung-shun, Wen Ling Genre: Drama Awards International Association Of Independent Producers (1964) Golden Accolade Award (Cheng Pei-pei) Asian Film Festival (1964 - 11th) Best Art Direction Golden Horse Awards (1965 - 3th) Best Music (Lo Ming-tao) Synopsis Pan Lei, winner the China Literary Award for three consecutive years, wrote and directed this film about the lives and loves of a fishing village. It starred the glorious Cheng Pei-pei in her first film as a woman (she had debuted in a man's role), and her much-lauded performance won her the prestigious Golden Accolade Award from the International Association Of Independent Producers a first for any Asian woman. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Mandarin (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Region 3 Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.

IVL September 8 Shaw Brothers Releases

DVD/VCD
82 Tenants, The (1982) Director: Li Pei-chuan Cast: Hui Ying-hung, Nat Chen Pai-chiang, Betty Ting Pei, Gordon Liu Chia-hui, Lo Meng Genre: Comedy Synopsis One of Cantonese comedy's most popular and familiar foundations was inspired by the apartment houses which cover Hong Kong. Writers, directors, and stars were galvanized by the possibilities for social satire within those walls. Shaw Brothers raised the original, groundbreaking The House Of 72 Tenants another ten to come up with this delightful, latter-day variation on the theme, featuring some of the studio's best and brightest, including "Master Killer" Gordon Liu Chia-hui and "Venoms" muscleman Lo Meng. The result is fascinating fun for comedy and kung-fu fans alike. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Mandarin (Mono), Cantonese (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Region 3 Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Brotherhood (1976) Director: Hua Shan Cast: Liu Yung, Hu Chin, Lily Li, Ching Miao Genre: Action Synopsis A full ten years before John Woo's gangster hit A Better Tomorrow, Shaw Studio released this sizzling thriller of family skeletons and blood relations in the Chinese mob. Liu Yung, co-star in every one of Bruce Lee's completed films, here takes center stage as a good guy who's loyal to bad friends, which starts his descent into the literal and figurative underworld. He struggles to survive a gang war until the final, explosive climax. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Mandarin (DD 5.1), Cantonese (DD 5.1) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Region 3 Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Emperor Chien Lung (1976) Director: Wang Feng Cast: Liu Yung, Wang Yu, Chiang Yang, Lin Feng Genre: Comedy Synopsis Liu Yung (one of Bruce Lee's favorite co-stars) takes center stage as the Ching Dynasty title character, who seeks out court corruption with the help of a streetwise youth played by Wang Yu (Dirty Ho). Whether they're taking on gamblers, bogus magicians, or an arrogant V.I.P., the Emperor and his sidekick teach them all a lesson with wit and style. This production proved so popular that director Li Han-hsiang took over to helm two successful sequels. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Mandarin (Mono), Cantonese (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Region 3 Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Jade Faced Assassin, The (1970) Director: Yen Chuan Cast: Lily Ho, Kao Yuen, Pan Yin-tzu, Chang Pei-shan Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis Famed actor/director Yen Chuan helmed this martial arts melodrama of a lady-warrior who raises the son of the swordsman who scorned her, but arranges to have his sister raised by her sworn enemy, hoping to make the unknowing twins kill each other in a death duel. Essie Lin Chia is the evil lady-warrior while Lily Ho and Kao Yuen reunite after starring together in The Golden Knight for this suspense thriller of familial love gone wrong. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Mandarin (Mono) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Region 3 Extras: Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Marco Polo (1975) Director: Chang Cheh Cast: Alexander Fu Sheng, Chi Kuan-chi, Shih Szu, Richard Harrison Genre: Martial Arts Synopsis When Shaw Studio decided to produce an epic about the famous Italian explorer Marco Polo and his meeting with Mongolian emperor Kublai Khan, they turned to respected director Chang Cheh, who surrounded famed Caucasian actor Richard Harrison (as Marco Polo) with the best the Shaw Brothers kung-fu film units had to offer - including future lead "Venom" Kuo Chue, "Master Killer" Gordon Liu Chia-hui, and "Thundering Mantis" Liang Chia-jen. The result is a splendid historical tale as well as a superlative martial arts thriller. Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Mandarin (DD 5.1) Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles Region 3 Extras: Elegant Trails: Fu Sheng Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
2005 Shaw Brothers Schedule

Wednesday, 9/14/2005 (Second Update)

Joy Sales September 16 Releases

Mob Sister (2005) aka Ah Sou
Director: Wong Ching Po
Cast: Karena Lam, Lau Sam Yau, Anthony Wong, Simon Yam, Alex Fong, Lau Yu, Yuen Wah, Tse Kwan Ho

Synopsis
In the macho triad world where heroes are molded from blood, brawn and brains, what place is there for a defenseless girl? The only exception to the rule is if you earn your respect as 'Ah Sou' - the big boss' wife. Ah Sou tells the extraordinary story of an innocent girl who becomes appointed successor to Hong Kong's ruling triad. This role becomes a double-edged sword for our young heroine, who is sucked into a maelstrom of vicious gang wars, hair-raising assassination attempts and ruthless power struggles and betrayals. Through numerous violent episodes and unexpected reversals, she discovers her own inner strength and re-writes the laws of the triad kingdom.

Specs

Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
Audio
- Cantonese (DTS)
- Cantonese (DD 5.1)
- Mandarin (DD 5.1)
Subtitles
- Traditional Chinese
- Simplified Chinese
- English
Extras
- Characters & Story
- Making Of
- Music Video
- Trailer

Joy Sales September 1 Releases

Bug Me Not (2005)
Director: Lo Chi-leung
Cast: Isabella Leung, Chen Polin, Kenny Kwan, Steven Cheung, Xu Boping
Special Guest Appearance: Candy Lo, Lawrence Cheng, Lau Yee-tat
Guest Starring: Gillian Chung, Charlene Choi, and Jan Lamb as the voice of Coochie

Synopsis
The group of young people at Psychic Park, all have supernatural powers. Moon can communicate with insects. Gao Yuan has "pushing" powers. Idol Sasha can fly. Auntie is perpetually youthful. Chi can recount the past and predict the future of an object by touching it. Eggy has x-ray vision. Baldy can jump to incredible heights. The Twin Sisters are telepathic and can move things with their minds. Then there's the ladybug wit only one dot, Cootchie. But after one major disaster, it seems that no amount of supernatural powers in the world can save the day. But we never knew that the most magical force in the world is the love and courage inside each one of us.

Specs

Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
Audio
- Cantonese (DTS)
- Cantonese (DD 5.1)
- Mandarin (DD 5.1)
Subtitles
- Traditional Chinese
- Simplified Chinese
- English
Extras
- Making Of
- Behind The Scenes
- Music Video
- Trailer

Wednesday, 9/14/2005 (First Update)

Mei Ah September 22 Releases
Basic Interests Director: Feng Xiaoning Cast: Gou Da, Yang Sou, Wang Jun Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Mandarin Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
A Grand Collection Of God Of Gamblers Box Set God Of Gamblers (1989) Director: Wong Jing Cast: Chow Yun Fat, Andy Lau, Cheung Man, Joey Wang Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin (DTS + Dolby Digital) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles God Of Gambler's Return (1994) Director: Wong Jing Cast: Chow Yun Fat, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Cheung Man, Chingmy Yau Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin (DTS + Dolby Digital) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
A Grand Collection Of God Of Gamblers II Box Set God Of Gamblers II (1991) Director: Wong Jing Cast: Andy Lau, Stephen Chow, Cheung Man, Ng Man Tat Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin (DTS + Dolby Digital) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles God Of Gamblers III: Back To Shanghai (1991) Director: Wong Jing Cast: Stephen Chow, Gong Li, Ray Lui, Ng Man Tat Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Cantonese, Mandarin (DTS + Dolby Digital) Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles

Tuesday, 9/13/2005

Mega Star September 21 Golden Collection Series Releases

Curry And Pepper (1990)
Outer Box	DVD Box
Specs Digitally Remastered Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Audio Cantonese (DTS 5.1) Cantonese (DD 5.1) Mandarin (DD 5.1) English (DD 5.1) Subtitles Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese English Bonus Gift: Postcard
Golden Collection Series Release Schedule

Friday, 9/9/2005

Another Shanghai Blues DVD

According to DVDRAMA, French distributor HK Video will release Shanghai Blues on DVD in the first week of December. Extras will include a Tsui Hark interview (35 mins) and a Hong Kong Cinema Blues featurette (18 mins) on the working relationship between the late James Wong and Tsui Hark.

Source DVDRAMA:
http://www.dvdrama.com/rw_news-12580-0-shanghai-blues-enfin-en-dvd-tsui-hark-chez-hk-video.php

This is addition to the previously announced Japanese DVD from Warner Brothers Japan due for release on November 3. See the September 1 update for more information on it.

Monday, 9/5/2005

Deltamac September 30 Releases

Seven Swords (2005) Director: Tsui Hark Cast: Donnie Yen, Charlie Yeung, Lu Yi, Lau Kar Leung, Leon Lai, Sun Honglei, Kim So Yeun Synopsis In the early 1600's, the Manchurians have assumed sovereignty and established the Ching Dynasty. A highly oppressive reign thus began. To fight against the brutality of the new government and save the innocent, seven unlikely heroes gathered together and became the Seven Swords. Each sword carries its own character - The Transience Sword, The Dragon Sword, The Heaven's Fall Sword, The Unlearn Sword, The Deity Sword, The Celestial Beam Sword and The Star Chasers Sword. Disc 1 - Film (153 mins) Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced Audio Cantonese (DD 5.1) Mandarin (DD 5.1) Subtitles Chinese English Disc 2 - Extras (60 mins) Trailers Making Of Shooting Diary The Swords, The Swordsmen The Duel: Dragon Vs Transience News Clip Of Hong Kong Gala Premiere Photo Gallery Bonus Gift: 7 Sketches By Tsui Hark

Friday, 9/2/2005

Panorama September 1 Releases

Because Of Her (1963) Director: Wang Tian-lin, Evan Yang (Yi Wen) Cast: Grace Chang, Kelly Lai Chen, Roy Chiao, Wang Lai Synopsis As the first film of Grace Chang after her marriage, Because of Her lined up the key crew members of the all-time classics The Wild, Wild Rose such as director Wang Tianlin and Japanese composer Hattori Ryoichi. In addition, leading melodrama director Yi Wen was also invited to join the team as the co-director, playwright and lyricist - reflecting how much emphasis MP&GI attached to this film. Grace's fans yearning for her superb singing would be overwhelmed with joy as there were 20 songs of different styles in Because of Her. Mandarin Chinese and English subtitles Extras: Director's & Lead Actor's Biography and Filmography
Cathay Release Schedule
Tora-san's Heart of Gold (1976) Director: Yoji Yamada Cast: Kiyoshi Atsumi, Chieko Baisho, Gin Maeda, Machiko Kyo Synopsis The eighteenth instalment in the Tora-san series. Kon Machiko of Kurosawa Akira's Rashomon shines in this film as she plays the new goddess of Tora-san. Tora-san comes back home after a long journey and finds a young and beautiful teacher is paying them a visit. Tora-san begins to babble, which angered the whole family. Tora-san is embarrassed and left home for good. When he comes home again after his sister bails him out from the police station for bilking, he meets with the teacher again! The teacher has brought along her mother with her this time around and Tora-san begins a romance with her mother. However, Tora-san is shocked to notice that her mother has been ill for three years, and she wouldn't live for much longer... Japanese Chinese and English subtitles

Thursday, 9/1/2005

Warner Brothers Japan DVD Releases

On November 3, Warner Brothers Japan will release the following Tsui Hark films on DVD:

Shanghai Blues
DL-91122

Letterboxed
Cantonese (Mono), Mandarin (Mono)
Japanese Subtitles
Extras: Theatrical Trailer
Region 2

Magic Crane
DL-91121

Letterboxed
Cantonese (Mono), Mandarin (Mono)
Japanese Subtitles
Extras: Theatrical Trailer
Region 2