"The Wolverine" Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: James Mangold (Cop Land, 3:10 to Yuma remake) directs Hugh Jackman in a new solo Wolverine film that presumably ignores the continuity mess of X-Men Origins: Wolverine. This time a Wolverine travels to Japan, training under a samurai and falling in love with some local beauties in the process. In theaters on July 26th, 2013.

Updates: Dark Horizons reports that Jackman and Mangold are looking into a possible R-rated version | In an interview via CBM, Mangold says the film will be heavily influenced by Japanese culture and even have fight scenes modeled after Japanese martial arts.

Casting on the movie continues and a host of Japanese talent has been added. Look for Hiroyuki Sanada (Royal Warriors), Hal Yamanouchi (Push), and two female newcomers – Tao Okamoto and Rila Fukushima – to round out the cast. | Will Yun Lee (TV’s Hawaii Five-O) will play the Silver Samurai.

It’s not much but here’s the first on-set photo of Hugh Jackman, courtesy of Cinema Blend. | The Coventry Telegraph says Hugh Jackman confirms The Wolverine is standalone film, not a sequel and won’t be ‘overloaded’ with mutants. | Collider has the first official image of Hugh Jackman in The Wolverine. | Collider has new set photos. | Collider has the first photo of Svetlana Khodchenkova as Viper. | The latest rumor is that Famke Janssen will have a cameo in The Wolverine as her X-Men character Jean Grey/the Phoenix.

Director James Mangold recently clarified that The Wolverine takes place a long time after X-Men: The Last Stand, at a point when most of the X-Men are gone or disbanded. | There’s a new pic of Hugh Jackman at the link as well. | Take a peak at the new teaser poster, as well as some new set photos, courtesy of Collider. | Here are some new set photos.

A new international teaser poster has been released. To see the animated version, head over Cinema Blend. | According to Collider, Hugh Jackman reveals when The Wolverine takes place and mentions an X-Men cameo. | AICN has some choice new quotes from director James Mangold. The filmmaker says one of his main inspirations for the film was the classic Clint Eastwood Western The Outlaw Josey Wales, and that this movie will put a renewed focus on Wolverine’s immortality and berserker rage.

The first photo from the film is in the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly. | Enjoy some new images, courtesy of Collider. | Check out this newly released still of Jackman. | Head over to Collider to check out a pack of set images from the film. | Check out the new poster! And beyond Hollywood has 8 new images from the film, including our first look at Svetlana Khodchenkova as the villainous Viper. | The full-length trailer is here, courtesy of Apple Quicktime. New poster has been released. | Check out a pack of new photos from Collider. | Watch the Japanese trailer!

Theater chain AMC has released a low-res shot of Wolverine holding off the Silver Samurai, who appears completely computer-generated in this shot but will be played by Will Yun Lee (Red Dawn remake) in the film. Also check out The Wolverine CinemaCon trailer! Thanks to M.M.A.C.for the news. | Check out the new Silver Samurai teaser poster, which is done with the Japanese paint-style treatment.

Collider has a new photo of Jackman vs. Hiroyuki Sanada. If you’re not familiar with Sanada (aka Henry Sanada), he’s had one heck of a martial arts career in Japan and Hong Kong, ranging from Legend of the Eight Samurai with Sonny Chiba to Hong Kong’s Royal Warriors with Michelle Yeoh. His Hollywood work includes Rush Hour 3, The last Samurai, Sunshine, Speed Racer, Lost and the upcoming 47 Ronin.

BREAKING NEWS: The latest trailer has arrived and it’s a hot one!

"Badges of Fury" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Enlight Media held a press conference on April 22 to announce that martial arts superstar Jet Li will reteam with up-and-coming actor Wen Zhang on a new film. The duo previously starred together in the special FX-infused, 2011 kung fu fantasy The Sorcerer and the White Snake.

Their next movie is known only as Bu Er Shen Tan (English: The One Detective) with no details on the plot or genre. It’s one of seven movies that Enlight Media is planning to shoot this year, in another clear indication that the Chinese film industry is ramping up to compete with Hollywood.

In the meantime, you can always order The Sorcerer and the White Snake on Blu-ray from our friends at DDDHouse.

Update: Jet Li’s latest collaboration with fellow actor Wen Zhang is a cop thriller titled The One Detective.

The project has been shrouded in secrecy. All we really know of the plot is that it follows Jet Li and Wen Zhang as two police officers investigating a series of murders. However, today much of the female cast was revealed: actresses Liu Yan, Liu Shishi, and Michelle Chen will all have a role in the film.

The film is no longer titled The One Detective but Badges of Fury. Before you think ‘badges? We don’t need no stinkin’ badges!’, realize that the film also now co-stars martial artists extraordinaire Collin Chou (The Matrix Reloaded, Flashpoint) and Wu Jing (Sha Po Lang AKA Killzone).

Twitch reports the film will have a promo at the European Film Market. | Check out an advance promotional poster for the film. Thanks to the tireless heroes at Martial Arts Action Cinema for the story. | It’s not much here’s the first image of Jet Li from the film. Thanks to M.M.A.C.

M.M.A.C. has a collage of sorts for the film, featuring one new image of Jet Li as well as what looks like a low-resolution version of an early promotional poster. Thanks, guys!

Here’s a legitimate version of the trailer. Martial Arts Movie Junkie has some high-quality images as well. No more bootleg quality! Looks like the movie is actually something of an action/comedy. | Check out the unusual new poster, which announces the film’s Chinese release date of June 28th, 2013, but seems to go out of its way to exclude Jet Li.

BREAKING NEWS: Variety reports that Well Go USA acquired North American rights to the film at Cannes, so we can look forward to a quality Blu-ray/DVD/On Demand release of the film in the future. Also, don’t miss the second trailer for the film.

"Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance" Korean Theatrical Poster

Deadline reports that a remake for Park Chan-wook’s 2002 thriller Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (read our reviews) is being planned. There is no set director, but Brian Tucker (Broken City) is on board as writer.

Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance involves a recently laid off factory worker who kidnaps his former boss’ daughter, hoping to use the ransom money to pay for his sister’s kidney transplant. Of course, things don’t exactly go as planned.

News of this remake should come as no surprise. After all, Park Chan-wook’s other two films (all three titles make up his “Vengeance Trilogy”) are currently brewing. Spike Lee is wrapping up his remake of Old Boy, and last year, there was some news regarding a remake of Lady Vengeance, starring Charlize Theron.

As always, we’ll be sure to keep you in the loop.

"Tom Yum Goong 2" Promotional Poster

Twitch reports that Tom Yum Goong 2 will reunite the entire Tom Yum Goong/Ong Bak team with Jaa in the lead, Pinkaew directing, Rittikrai handling fight choreography and Chocolate star Jeeja Yanin also handed a significant role – the first time Jaa has ever shared the stage with another marquee fighter. Read the full story here.

Updates: There are also plans to shoot the movie in 3D. Rising martial artist Marrese Crump also has a role. At the link are some shots of the Tom Yum Goong 2 opening ceremony. | Twitch Film has the word from a Thai newspaper that Tom Yum Goong 2 is only about 40% finished after eight months of principal photography, and that Tony Jaa will take a break from filming in May to marry his longtime girlfriend. Twitch speculates that the Tom Yum Goong 2 is now likely over-budget and won’t see release until mid 2013.

Not much new but Asian Movie Pulse makes notice of a fan petition you can sign to try and grant the film a worldwide release. Also, this guy actually managed to see some footage from the film at Cannes, and it sounds appropriately big-budget and over the top.

Twitch Film relays news that the RZA, fresh off The Man With the Iron Fists, has a ‘featured’ role in Tom Yum Goong 2. In addition, the film finally has a release date: expect the movie in Thai theaters this May 2013. | Twitch is running an article that states Tom Yum Goong 2 will be the first Tony Jaa movie to make extensive use of CGI and wirework, supposedly necessitated because of the film’s 3D nature. Expect the first trailer for the movie in Spring 2013.

Twitch reports that Tom Yum Goong 2 is nearly finished with principle photography. Now that the film is reaching completion, Tony Jaa is lining up two new projects: one film, which may or may not be a Hong Kong-based project with Sammo Hung as fight choreographer, is said to co-star Jean-Claude Van Damme. In addition, Tony Jaa is looking to return to the director’s chair for a different film. That project may involve callaboration with Bangkok Knockout director Panna Rittikrai and Fighting Fish director Julaluck Ismalone. Stay tuned for further news as it develops. | M.M.A.C. says Tom Yum Goong 2 is slated for a December 5th, 2013 release date. | Click here to watch the Tom Yum Goong 2 trailer. Note: If you get an error, try doing a search.

BREAKING NEWS: According to Tom Yum Goong 2′s English Facebook page, Magnet Releasing has secured North American rights to the film and should be releasing it under the title The Protector 2. Stay tuned for official confirmation from Magnet but expect the official trailer for the movie this summer.. In the meantime, you can check out this new poster for Tom Yum Gong 2.

"Iceman Cometh" Promotional Poster

THE MOVIE: Donnie Yen is stepping into a role made famous by Yuen Biao with a 3D remake of the 1989 Hong Kong martial arts film The Iceman Cometh. Appledaily.com.hk has a video of Donnie Yen discussing (in Chinese) plans for the movie with Stephen Shiu, the producer of the original film. Donnie stars and serves as martial arts choreographer.

Directed by Clarence Ford (Cheap Killers), the original Iceman Cometh starred Yuen Biao, Maggie Cheung and Yuen Wah.

Updates: Twitch has the official teaser poster. In addition, check out their interview with producer Stephen Shiu, who says that Yuen Biao will have a duel with Donnie Yen. | Shooting began yesterday in Hong Kong.

Donnie Yen stars alongside Wang Baoqiang (Fire of Conscience), Simon Yam (Ip Man), and Eva Huang (The Sorcerer and the White Snake). | The film is expected to release in 2013.

On his Facebook site, Donnie Yen has posted what appears to be a behind-the-scenes image of him working on Iceman Cometh. | Here’s another image from Donnie Yen’s Facebook site. | Our friends at Martial Arts Action Cinema have some new, mostly behind the scenes, photos from the film. Pics one and two and three.

M.M.A.C. reports via JayneStars that progress is slow on Iceman Cometh; the film has been shooting for 4 months but is not even halfway completed. This is rare for the Hong Kong movie industry, where an entire movie can typically wrap filming in as little as 3 months. But it’s not as though Donnie has been taking it easy: his other action film Special Identity is now in post-production, and the crew on Iceman Cometh recently spent 10 days filming a 7-minute fight scene!

JayneStars reports the film’s budget has ballooned to $200 million Hong Kong dollars, which is roughly $25 million in US dollars. The producers suggest it’s mostly for insurance purposes, so the cast can continue to perform their own stunts. | HKsar has some new set photos of the cast on the Kai Tak airport runway.

Reports are coming out that Donnie Yen and the producers are unhappy that the Hong Kong Government has not been supportive of Iceman Cometh. The Government denied the crew the right to shoot on Tsing Ma Bridge and also claimed that the set lights were too bright during filming in Hong Kong proper. Simon Yam remains confident that the film will be successful at the box office regardless, especially since co-star Wang Baoqiang is coming off of one of the biggest Chinese films of all time, Lost in Thailand.

Our friend Danny Ho passed along this cool fan-made poster for the film, which should help build anticipation for Donnie Yen’s next action blockbuster. | MA Movie Junkie has a pack of photos and promotional shots from the movie.

A report from Impact Magazine suggests that Iceman Cometh will be split into two movies – which would likely help the producers recoup the budgetary costs. While Part 1 is screening in theaters, the filmmaking crew will use the extra time to wrap up Part 2 before Christmas ’13. In addition, Impact notes that Donnie Yen’s modern day action movie Special Identity is still stuck in post-production and litigation limbo. | Donnie Yen strikes a pose in this new promotional poster. Thanks to M.M.A.C. and Danny Ho.

BREAKING NEWS: Here’s the teaser trailer for the movie!

"Blood Ties" International Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: Blood Ties is a gangster/thriller by French director Guillaume Canet (Tell No One) about two brothers, on both sides of the law, who face off over organized crime in Brooklyn during the 1970s.

The film is a remake of a 2008’s Les liens du sang by Jacques Maillot (which is an adaptation of the French novel of the same name by Bruno and Michel Papet). The film stas Clive Owen, Billy Crudup, Cotillard, Zoe Saldana, Mila Kunis, Matthias Schoenaerts, Noah Emmerich, Lili Taylor and James Caan. Blood Ties will be released later this year.

Updates: Check out the poster and watch the trailer.

"The Empire Strikes Back" Japanese Theatrical Poster

In a move we dare say no one saw coming, Disney announced they have purchased Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion and stock options. Not only that but Disney has plans to produce a Star Wars: Episode VII for a targeted 2015 release.

In the official press release from Disney, George Lucas is quoted as saying “It’s now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers.”

Now is also the time for the internet to pick its collective jaws off the floor and start speculating about just what the future could hold. Clearly, there are more stories to be told in a galaxy far, far away. What would our readers like to see from Episode VII? It’s probably too much to hope that Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford would reprise their roles, but are there really any younger actors around who’d be capable of filling the shoes of a post-Jedi Luke Skywalker?

In addition, Disney expects to release a Star Wars movie every 2-3 years starting in 2015. Episode VIII and IX are slated to arrive in 2017 and 2019, respectively. Every movie will be filmed in 3D.

Updates: Michael Arndt, who is responsible for writing Toy Story 3 and Little Miss Sunshine, is officially on board as a writer. | THR reports that Lawrence Kasdan (who co-wrote The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi) and Simon Kinberg (who wrote Mr. & Mrs. Smith and X-Men: The Last Stand) have locked deals to write and produce upcoming Star Wars installments. | Collider reports that Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg may be writing Star Wars spin-offs instead of sequels.

The Wrap report that J.J. Abrams (Super 8, Star Trek) is set to direct Star Wars: Episode VII. | The prequels (Episodes I, II and III) will be postponed from getting their theatrical 3D re-releases, so that Disney can concentrate on the sequels/spin-offs. | The latest news is that Disney has officially confirmed that screenwriters Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg are not only writing Episode VII, they’ll also be writing content for possible spin-off’s (i.e. Yoda’s own movie, Han Solo’s own story, etc).

Latino Review reports that Harrison Ford will return as Han Solo in Star Wars: Episode VII. No word on whether it will be a cameo or co-starring role. | Collider reports the latest rumor: Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher might return for Star Wars: Episode VII, with the story revolving around Luke, Leia and Han’s children. Hamill says he is currently in talks, but no contracts have been signed yet. | According to George Lucas, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford “Pretty Much” signed on for Star Wars: Episode VII.

The Guardian reports that the latest trilogy of Star Wars films will arrive in 2015, 2017 and 2019, Disney chairman Alan Horn has revealed. He also confirmed Disney is working on a number of spin-off “movies derived from that Star Wars universe.”

BREAKING NEWS: Beyond Hollywood relays word that actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers, who collaborated with J.J. Abrams on Mission: Impossible III, is a contendor for the lead in Episode VII.

"Transformers 4" Teaser Poster

THE MOVIE: Optimus Prime and Bumblebree return in Transformers 4, the as of yet untitled forth installment of Hasbro’s popular franchise. Michael Bay is directing once again. Mark Wahlberg will be playing the lead character who isn’t a giant robot. Tentative release date set for June 29, 2014.

Updates: Shia LaBeouf has chosen not to continue after the current installment. Variety indicates that Paramount has interest in shooting Transformers 4 and 5 back-to-back.

Via Screenrant, actor Josh Duhamel spoke with E! Online and seemed to confirm rumors that most of the human characters from the original trilogy won’t return – so don’t expect to see Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, or Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

In addition, another source claims that the tone of Transformers 4 will be “darker” like the “last hour of Dark of the Moon.” | Via AICN, Michael Bay reportedly says that Transformers 4 will feature a brand new cast for the human characters and a physical redesign of the returning robots. Also, this will be Bay’s last Transformers movie so the story will help set up Part 5 for a new director. | Is this the first teaser poster?

AICN pulls some more quotes from director Michael Bay, in which he reiterates that Part 4 will feature all new human characters but keep the three previous films as continuity. The next movie will cost about $30 million less than Dark of the Moon and may take place at least partially in space or on another planet. | Collider reports (via Huffington Post) on why Michael Bay decided to return to the series. | Beyond Hollywood speculates that Hugo Weaving will not return to voice the villainous Megatron.

EW reports that Michael Bay has officially confirmed that the star of Transformers 4 will be Mark Wahlberg. | In a TMZ interview (via Collider), Michael Bay states: “The movie will continue four years from the Attack on Chicago; which is in the last movie. So it’s going to still have the same lineage.” | Collider reports that Paramount is apparently hoping to set Transformers 4 in mainland China. | Deadline reports that Michael Bay has hired Jack Reynor (What Richard Did) to star opposite Mark Wahlberg.

The Michigan Film Office, of all places, has details on Transformers 4‘s plot since Michael Bay will be shooting part of the film in Detroit. The synopsis: “…Autobots and Decepticons have all but vanished from the face of the planet. However, a group of powerful, ingenious businessman and scientists attempt to learn from past Transformer incursions and push the boundaries of technology beyond what they can control – all while an ancient, powerful Transformer menace sets Earth in his crosshairs.”

Much like Iron Man 3 before it, Michael Bay’s latest sequel Transformers 4 will be a Chinese co-production. This will involve adding Chinese actors to the cast as well as select location shooting in China. Which Chinese actors or actresses would you like to see join the movie? | Twitch says that the producers will be casting four Chinese actors in the film via…a talent-based reality show on Chinese television. Yeah, there’s no way this could go horribly wrong. | Interestingly enough, Michael Bay has cast none other than Kelsey Grammer (Beast in X-Men: The Last Stand) as Transformers 4‘s human villain, a counter-intelligence agent.

BREAKING NEWS: Deadline reports that Chinese actress Li Bingbing (Resident Evil: Retribution, Triple Tap) had been added to the Transformers 4 cast. “I am excited to have Li Bingbing join our cast and to be shooting portions of the movie in her native China. I have always aspired to work with the best actors and this cast is especially exciting now with the addition of Li,” said Michael Bay.

"V/H/S/2" Theatrical Poster

In a move that is sure to please our webmaster Mighty Peking Man, the producers behind the indie-horror sensation V/H/S have announced a sequel. The first installment featured a series of ‘found footage’-style horror tales from various indie directors and V/H/S 2 will continue in this vein. In fact, the only filmmaker returning so far is Adam Wingard of A Horrible Way to Die fame.

But fear not, an impressive line-up of talent has already been assembled for the sequel. None other than Gareth Evans (Merantau, The Raid) will co-direct a segment with Indonesian horror filmmaker Timo Tjahjanto. In fact, according to an interview with Tjahjanto, their film has already been completed.

Says Tjahjanto: “It’s called project Safe Haven, an idea of mine that I have been keeping as a feature film, but never could find the right person to work with, cause the story is so absurd and over the top.”

Also look for Eduardo Sanchez (co-director on The Blair Witch Project) and Jason Eisener (Hobo With a Shotgun) to have a part in V/H/S 2. In the meantime, the original movie is still available via Video On Demand, while Magnet Releasing offers the Blu-ray and DVD come December 4th, 2012.

Update: Twitch Film has the first look at S-VHS, the sequel to V/H/S. Be warned that this still from The Raid director Gareth Evans’ contribution is quite bloody and probably NSFW! Check out the first teaser trailer for the film, which looks to have a bigger budget than its predecessor. | Check out the new poster.

BREAKING NEWS: Watch the latest Red Band trailer!

Nightfall Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Hello, folks. As always: if you’re interested in any of these titles, you can support the site by ordering through our affiliate. We appreciate it!

Here are your Blu-ray and DVD releases for the week of 5/21/13:

ASIAN CINEMA

Nightfall (Blu-ray/DVD) – fan favorite Hong Kong actors Nick Cheung and Simon Yam star in this gritty 2012 crime thriller, available from Well Go USA

This Girl is Badass (Blu-ray/DVD) – the star of Thai martial arts film “Chocolate, Jeeja Yanin, headlines this 2011 action/comedy

Yakuza vs. Ninja (DVD) – in this Japanese action film set in ancient days, early organized crime squares off against deadly ninjas

Assassin (DVD) – in this 2011 Japanese action film, a deadly assassin tries to quit his way of life when he falls for an innocent high school girl. But it’s never that easy

Penny Pinchers (DVD) – this 2011 Korean romantic comedy follows an unlikely duo of ‘penny pinchers’ out to make a buck

In My End is My Beginning (DVD) – this 2009 dark erotic drama about sapphic love arrives from South Korea

MARTIAL ARTS AND ACTION

Prince of the City (DVD) – Michael Madsen of “Reservoir Dogs” fame co-stars in this 2012 direct-to-video action picture set in the Malaysian underworld

FOREIGN

Neighboring Sounds (Blu-ray/DVD) – in this 2012 Portugese-language film, a neighborhood in Brazil hires a private security firm but the company just ends up making things worse

MAINSTREAM

The Last Stand (Blu-ray/DVD) – Arnold Schwarzenegger is back in this 2013 action picture from acclaimed Korean director Kim Ji-woon (“I Saw the Devil”)

Parker (Blu-ray/DVD) – Jason Statham slips into a role previously portrayed by Lee Marvin and Mel Gibson in this 2013 crime thriller

Side Effects (Blu-ray/DVD) – Rooney Mara and Channing Tatum star in this 2013 medical thriller that might just be the last big screen effort from director Steven Soderbergh

Stand Up Guys (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 2013 comedy features Al Pacino, Christopher Walken, and Alan Arkin doing their thing

A Common Man (Blu-ray/DVD) – in this 2012 thriller, Ben Kingsley plays a man who has placed several bombs around a highly populated Indonesian city for an unknown purpose

NEW TO BLU-RAY

Medium Cool (Blu-ray/DVD) – the Criterion Collection releases this 1969 curio, a melding of fact and fiction as the filmmakers cover a real life riot, starring Robert Forster (“Jackie Brown”)

Captain America (Blu-ray) – Shout! Factory presents the Collector’s Edition of this 1990 superhero film from “Cyborg” director Albert Pyun

Ultimate Gangsters Collection: Classics (Blu-ray) – this set of vintage gangster films features the classics “Little Caesar,” “The Public Enemy,” “The Petrified Forest,” and “White Heat,” all in hi-definition. Also available separately (click on individual titles).

Ultimate Gangsters Collection: Contemporary (Blu-ray) – this set of modern gangster pictures includes “Mean Streets,” “The Untouchables,” “Goodfellas,” “Heat,” and “The Departed”

CULT

Spaghetti Westerns Unchained (DVD) – your friends at Blue Underground present a 3-disc, 400-minute long collection of Spaghetti Western movies, including “Django” and “Django Kill…If You Live, Shoot!”

Castle Freak (DVD) – long out of print, this 1995 effort from “Re-Animator” director Stuart Gordon returns to DVD

Thor the Conquerer (DVD) – this 1983 lost ‘grindhouse’-style film is a swords ‘n sandals epic out of Italy

Riot in a Woman’s Prison (DVD) – a 1974 grindhouse movie in the ‘women’s prison’ genre

SS Hell Camp (DVD) – this 1977 entry in the ‘Nazisploitation’ genre has to be seen to be believed

Zambo (DVD) – at one with the animals of the jungle, Zambo fights to protect Africa in this 1974 exploitation flick

HORROR

Cold Eyes of Fear: Remastered Edition (Blu-ray/DVD) – Redemption Films presents this 1971 picture, a rare giallo-style effort from cult Italian director Enzo G. Castellari

The Sinful Nuns of St. Valentine: Remastered Edition (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 1974 Italian exploitation picture asks the question: what happens when a nun ends up being a sadist?

The Town That Dreaded Sundown (Blu-ray + DVD combo) – Shout! Factory presents this 1974 horror film about a real life killer, which has developed a strong cult following over the years

The Burning (Blu-ray + DVD combo) – a 1981 slasher movie that many horror buffs consider superior to the “Friday the 13th” sequels

The ABC’s of Death (Blu-ray/DVD) – several of the biggest names in indie horror contribute to this 2012 series of 26 horror shorts based around letters of the alphabet

Subspecies: The Blu Ray Collection Volume 1 (Blu-ray) – the first three films in the cult vampire series are available together in hi-def

Interested in any of these movies? If so, we hope that you’ll consider ordering from our affiliate to help support this site. Thank you!

"Only God Forgives" Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: Ryan Gosling is currently in Bangkok filming a Thai boxing movie with Danish filmmaker Nicolas Refn. The two worked together in Refn’s 2011′s Drive, which has already gained cult, mainstream and critical status. According to imdb.com, the plot of Only God Forgives involves a Bangkok police lieutenant and a gangster who settle their differences in a Thai-boxing match. Additional cast members include Nowhere Boy’s Kristin Scott Thomas, Thai recording artist Yayaying and The Hangover Part II’s Vithaya Pansringarm.

Updates: Dark Horizons via Indiewire notes that Refn is bringing over Drive composer Cliff Martinez. | THR talked to Gosling about preparing for his Muy Thai boxing action scenes. | THR has the first photo from the film. | Filmofilia gives us more plot details. The Collider has a new image of Ryan Gosling from the movie. To put it quite simply, he looks like he’s been chewed-up-and-spat-out out by Tong Po.

The Playlist has Nicolas Winding Refn talking about making Only God Forgives and much more. | AICN has a rundown of the footage showed at Cannes. | Ropeofsilicon.com has posted some new behind-the-scenes photos. | The Film Stage has a promotional poster, presumably out of the American Film Market. Head over to Cinema Blend for a pack of new photos. | The first teaser trailer has been released, courtesy of Rope of Silicon. | Enjoy three new photos, courtesy of The Playlist.

Introducing the first teaser poster. In case you haven’t watched it yet, the Red Band trailer is now available on youtube and yahoo.

Two new international trailers have been released, both reveal more plot details. Check them out here and here. Keep in mind that they feature different footage, so watch em’ both. | Watch 3 new clips at The Playlist. | Watch the new featurette at The Playlist. | Another new poster has been revealed, plus head over to The Playlist for some new stills.

BREAKING NEWS: Filmofilia has 4 new clips.

"The Transporter 2" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Cinemax’s TV show based on The Transporter is still going strong, but it looks like everyone’s favorite ass-kicking courier Frank Martin may be destined to return to the big screen.

Producer Luc Besson has struck a deal with China’s Fundamental Films to produce a new trilogy of movies in the Transporter series. Each film will be budgeted in the $30 to $40 million range, which is reasonable enough; although Transporter 3 received the worst reviews in the franchise’s history, it grossed a solid $109 million worldwide.

What remains to be seen is if actor Jason Statham will return to the role that helped make him famous. The actor has a busy schedule lined up, with a possible turn in Fast and Furious 7, but we are hoping he’ll slip into the ‘ol suit and tie for at least one more ride as Frank Martin.

And with The Transporter 4 actively in development now, we expect to hear word on a director in the coming months. Our question, though: is there enough fan interest to warrant a whole new trilogy of these movies?

"Once Upon a Time in Vietnam" Cannes Promotional Poster

Back in 2007, former 21 Jump Street star Dustin Nguyen managed to reinvent his image by playing a nearly invincible martial artist bad guy in the Vietnamese hit The Rebel. Now Nguyen is parlaying his status in the burgeoning Vietnamese action scene by stepping behind the camera for an ambitious project.

Previously titled Monk on Fire but now known under the title of Once Upon a Time in Vietnam (AKA Lua Phat), the film is described as an ‘Eastern Western’ featuring motorbike-riding kung fu monks and large-scale battles. Not only will Dustin Nguyen direct but he penned the script. Cameras have officially started rolling on the movie, with Ballistic: Ecks Versus Sever helmer Wych Kaosayananda serving as director of photography. Thanks to Twitch Film for the story.

Update: Don’t miss the first action-packed teaser trailer. The link is updated with a high-quality trailer. Credit goes to Lee Mason, who is hard at work on a ‘behind the scenes’ feature for the film. Stay tuned for more info! | Get a look at the bad-ass teaser poster! | Check out the 2nd official poster. And be sure and watch the full trailer now! (Link has been fixed)

BREAKING NEWS: Beyond Hollywood offers this new poster and an English-subbed trailer. Once Upon a Time in Vietnam is currently up for sale at the Cannes Film Festival – we’ll see if any North American distributors take a bite! It feels like Dustin Nguyen’s movie might make a good fit at Well Go USA.

Nightfall Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Cityonfire.com and Well Go USA are giving away 3 Blu-ray copies of Nightfall to three lucky Cityonfire visitors. To enter, simply add a comment to this post telling us what your favorite Hong Kong crime film is, along with a brief explanation of why it’s your favorite. We will be selecting three winners at random. Be sure to include your email address in the appropriate field so we can contact you for your home address. Additionally, please ‘Like Us‘ on cityonfire.com’s Facebook by clicking here.

The Blu-ray & DVD for Nightfall will be officially released on May 21, 2013. We will announce the 3 lucky winners on May 18th and ship out the prizes immediately.

CONTEST DISCLAIMER: You must enter by May 17th to qualify. Also, because Well Go USA holds the film’s U.S. rights, only U.S. residents may enter the contest. We sincerely apologize to our non-U.S. visitors.

WINNERS: Congratulations to Kyle, Anthony Crabtree and Nick. You have all been notified via email. Thanks to all for playing!

"The Legend of Zu" Cover Art

It is perhaps not possible to overstate the importance of the Zu series to Hong Kong cinema. Back in 1983, Tsui Hark’s Zu Warriors from the Magic Mountain single-handedly created Hong Kong’s special FX industry, much in the same way that Star Wars gave rise to Industrial Light and Magic. The film’s success also paved the way for Tsui Hark’s Film Workshop to become a production powerhouse during the 80′s and early 90′s.

When Tsui Hark announced the series would return with 2001′s The Legend of Zu (known as Zu Warriors in the US), Chinese audiences had their expectations at an all-time high; unfortunately, the film went on to be a Phantom Menace-style disappointment and some would argue that Tsui Hark’s career still hasn’t recovered from the blow.

Now, over a decade later, the Warriors from the Magic Mountain are making a comeback. Tsui Hark has announced plans for a new film in the series, titled Zu Warriors: Dawn of Darkness. This time around, action choreographer and filmmaker Yuen Woo-ping (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 2) is set to direct the picture. Shooting is expected to begin in Beijing this July and the movie will be in 3D. Casting details should be announced any day now.

"Special ID" Poster

Twitch reports that Donnie Yen held a press conference in Beijing yesterday to announce his latest film, titled Special Identity. The movie is a rip-roaring action yarn set in modern times and pits Donnie Yen against a formidable opponent in Vincent Zhao, the martial artist/actor famous for turns in True Legend and The Blade.

The project will be directed by Clarence Fok, who directed the original The Iceman Cometh that Donnie Yen happens to be remaking. He also helmed the classic Category III flick Naked Killer and the underrated 1998 film Cheap Killers.

The cinematographer on Special Identity is Peter Pau, a legend in his own right, having served as director of photography on films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and The Bride With White Hair.

At the conference, Donnie Yen promised some “great action scenes” between himself and Vincent Zhao, while Zhao said to look forward to some epic car chases. The car stunts on Special Identity are being handled by Hong Kong luminary Bruce Law, who has films like The Beast Stalker and Flash Point to his credit, and is also handling the car work on Jackie Chan’s upcoming farewell to action, Chinese Zodiac. Special Identity is scheduled to release in China in November.

Update: Beyond Hollywood has some behind the scenes photos of the film, including one which looks like it depicts a massive Triad gangwar.

Twitch has some shocking news: Vincent Zhao has dropped out of Special Identity. Andy On (Black Mask 2, King of Triads) has been cast to replace Vincent Zhao. Beyond Hollywood has the word on Zhao’s departure straight from Donnie Yen. Jaynestars.com posted a new, interesting article that has Vincent Zhao blasting Donnie Yen’s domineering ways. HKtop10 has the latest on the Donnie Yen and Vincent Zhao fiasco.

HKtop10 has posted stills from the Special Identity. Mtime.com reports that Flash Point’s Collin Chou has joined the Special Identity cast. | HKtop10 reports that Mainland director Tan Bing (who was originally going to direct Special Identity back when it was still known as The Ultimate Codebreak) held a press conference and made several accusations against Donnie Yen. | Asian Movie Pulse has more on the issue, with claims that Donnie Yen may be taking Vincent Zhao to court.

Via Twitch, Donnie Yen’s official website has a gallery of pictures, including many behind-the-scenes photos and action shots from Special Identity. The film is currently in post-production and should be on track for a November release date.

Andy On speaks! In a new interview, the veteran martial artist/actor stays pretty quiet about the Donnie/Vincent feud but lets it slip that he and Donnie share a 10 minute fight scene in the film. In fact, Andy makes it sound like he and Donnie went ‘full contact’ for their fight – and we believe him! Thanks to Martial Arts Action Cinema for the story.

When Andy On signed on to Special Identity to replace Vincent Zhao, most fans assumed that the film’s ‘final fight’ would be a bout between Donnie and Andy – especially when Andy revealed he has a 10 minute fight scene with Donnie in the movie. Well, new details have surfaced and it turns out Special Identity‘s climactic showdown will be between Donnie Yen and Collin Chou. What do you folks think: can these two martial arts stars possibly top their incredible battle at the end of 2007′s Flash Point?

BREAKING NEWS: Don’t miss the new poster for the film, which suggests the movie may be released under the title Special ID.

"Licence to Kill" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Agent 007′s latest adventure, Skyfall, has gone on to become the most successful James Bond film of all time. With a final gross of over $1 billion worldwide, it’s no surprise that the Bond producers have asked Skyfall director Sam Mendes to return to helm Daniel Craig’s next outing as the super spy.

Latino Review reported that John Logan (Gladiator), one of four credited writers on Skyfall, has already been hired to write the next two films in the franchise. And director Mendes even told Total Film that he has an idea for Bond 24.

However, as of today, the official word is that Sam Mendes has declined the offer to direct the next Bond film.

Mendes will resume his work in the theater world, focusing on his upcoming productions like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and King Lear. So the question remains: now that Skyfall has proven James Bond is more popular than ever, which filmmaker will orchestrate the highly anticipated follow-up to Skyfall?

Update: Collider reports that MGM plans to release the next Bond movie within 3 years. The article also mentions that the new director will be announced soon.

BREAKING NEWS: The Daily Mail reports that Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight Rises) has been approached by Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson to direct the next 007 movie.

"Red 2" Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: Unbeknownst to us, the action-comedy Red must have been one of the sleeper hits of 2010 because Summit Entertainment is fast-tracking the sequel and they’re signing on some big-name talent to join the cast. Headliners Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, and John Malkovich are all back, but now they’ll be joined by Catherine Zeta-Jones and Korean superstar Lee Byung-hun (I Saw the Devil, G.I. Joe: Retaliation).

This time around, Dean Parisot of Galaxy Quest fame will be handling scripting and directing duties. The first movie was based on a graphic novel written by acclaimed comic book author Warren Ellis. Red 2 takes our cast of geriatric ex-C.I.A. agents to Europe and should arrive in theaters on August 2, 2013.

Updates: It looks like Anthony Hopkins will play the big villain in the movie, as long as his commitment to Thor 2 doesn’t interfere. | Even though Red 2 doesn’t even start filming until the spring, the first teaser poster has been released, courtesy of Collider. | Enjoy some new set photos from Collider. | More new set photos from Cinema Blend. | The first trailer is now available. | The newest poster has arrived. | Check out the new Lee Byung-hun character poster. See all of the other character posters at impawards.com. | Watch the new Red 2 trailer.

BREAKING NEWS: Apparently encouraged by rave test screenings for Red 2, Summit Entertainment has already tasked screenwriters with developing a Red 3.

"The White Storm" Poster

Benny Chan, the Hong Kong director renown for kinetic action films like Big Bullet and New Police Story, is prepping his next slice of blockbuster entertainment. This new film, titled The Cartel War, already boasts an impress cast including Louis Koo (Flash Point), Lau Ching Wan (A Hero Never Dies), and Nick Cheung (The Beast Stalker). Louis Koo stars as a narcotics detective hot on the trail of a new drug kingpin (played by Cheung), who may or may not be a former cop that everyone believes is dead.

The Cartel War sounds like a recipe for explosive Hong Kong action and the budget is suitably big to match: a cool $16 million will be funded into the film. The only downside is that we’re gonna have to wait a bit longer to see Louis Koo and Nick Cheung duke it out, as the The Cartel War won’t hit Hong Kong theaters until Summer 2014. Thanks to Far East Films for the story.

Update: It’s been almost a year since we’ve heard anything substantial on the film, but Twitch has the latest scoop. The movie’s title has been changed from The Cartel War to Metamorphosis. Benny Chan is still busy shooting the picture in Thailand but attendees of the Hong Kong Filmart were shown a dazzling promo reel. The early footage promised a blind of high-stakes intrigue and big action beats. Check out a piece of promotional artwork for the film.

BREAKING NEWS: Check out the first trailer and this new poster. The film is now titled The White Storm.

"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" Theatrical Poster

Deadline reports that The Weinstein Company will start production on a Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon sequel in May. Ronny Yu (The Bride with White Hair) is currently in talks to direct, with a script by John Fusco (The Forbidden Kingdom). Fusco’s script is based off the fifth book in Wang Du Lu’s Crane-Iron Pentalogy, which is same source material Ang Lee used for the original film.

According to Deadline, the sequel will continue to revolve around Yu Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh). “This was an opportunity to explore a lifelong passion I’ve had for Wu Xia, and if there wasn’t continuing source material, I would never have gotten involved,” says Fusco.

As of yet, there are no details if Yeoh or anyone from the first film will reprise their roles. Stay tuned for any breaking updates.

Update: Website JanyeStar reports that Michelle Yeoh will return for the sequel. Thanks to Martial Arts Action Cinema for the tip. | Via JayneStar, Ronny Yu says he was offered to direct Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 2 but turned it down out of respect to Ang Lee.

The producers would love to nab Donnie Yen for a role in the sequel but Yen is concerned that his schedule may be too packed – he still has to shoot Ip Man 3D, after all. Martial arts buffs will remember that Donnie Yen and Michelle Yeoh shared the screen once before in Yuen Woo-ping’s excellent Wing Chun.

JayneStars appears to have the scoop! The Chinese movie website says Black Swan and Robocop remake producer David Thwaites will direct the sequel, which will be shot in both English and Mandarin; the Weinstein Company is trying to get Ang Lee to come onboard as a producer; and Donnie Yen would likely play Michelle Yeoh’s finace’, who was thought deceased but returns as a war hero. There’s even a rumor that Fan Bingbing (Flash Point) could play Michelle Yeoh’s daughter!

BREAKING NEWS: It may be hard to believe but the Hollywood Reporter indicates Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 2 — The Green Destiny is a ‘go,’ with both Michelle Yeoh and Donnie Yen starring in the picture. CTHD martial arts choreographer Yuen Woo-ping will coordinate the action and direct the sequel. Production is expected to begin in March 2014.

"Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" Korean Theatrical Poster

In celebration of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, Hulu is adding some new and exciting titles to its Chinese, Japanese and Korean libraries.

Korean Titles:

Korean Dramas: Launching today are My Sassy Girl (dir. Jae-Young Kwaek), 200 Pounds Beauty (Young-Hwa Kim), and action drama Crying Fist (Seung-Wan Ryoo with Oldboy’s Min-Sik Choi).

Korean Cannes Selections: Hahaha, Virgin Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors (Sang-Soo Hong), and A Brand New Life (Ounie Lecomte)

The famed Vengeance trilogy is available on Hulu Plus until June 30th. The sci-fi cult classic is about a man determined to find his kidnapper who imprisoned him for 15 years. The film has been recognized at numerous festivals, and took home the Grand Prize of the Jury at Cannes in 2004. Enter the world of director Chan-Wook Park with Oldboy, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and Lady Vengeance.

Chinese Titles:

Chinese dramas, such as Love In a Puff (Ho-Cheung Pang), The Soul Of Bread (Pin-Chuan Kao), and Don’t Go Breaking My Heart (Johnnie To) make their Hulu debut in the Chinese film category as well.

Japanese Titles:

Continue your journey into cinematic history with the Criterion Collection, which features masterpieces by Akira Kurosawa, Masaki Koboyashi and Nagisa Oshima, among many others. Brand new Criterion titles never before seen on DVD are coming exclusively to Hulu soon, so stay tuned.

Experiencing Asian films can be as simple as adventuring through one of our many categorized playlists, such as New Asian Films on Hulu, Chinese or Korean Dramas and A Beginner’s Guide to Korean Dramas.

New Asian Films on Hulu | Cick Here
Asian Fight Films | Click Here
Chinese Dramas  | Click Here
A Beginner’s Guide to Korean Dramas | Click Here

Cityonfire.com received the above press release from hulu.com.

"Flash Point" Chinese Theatrical Poster

The good folks at Film Combat Syndicate report on yet another new project from martial art sensation Donnie Yen. This film is thought to be the same movie originally unveiled as One Person’s Martial Arts Circle, but has wisely gone under a title change to The Last of the Best.

This high-octane action thriller will reunite Donnie Yen with his Bodyguards & Assassins director Teddy Chen as well as his Iceman Cometh 3D co-star Wang Baoqiang.

Plotwise, the movie follows Donnie Yen as a top-notch martial arts instructor at the Hong Kong Police Academy who is imprisoned for accidentally killing a man. Yen may not be able to stay behind bars for long as shortly after his arrest, a deranged killer (played by Wang Baoqiang) begins targeting the best and brightest martial arts fighters in Hong Kong.

The premise sounds ripe for yet another rip-roaring Donnie Yen picture in the vein of Flash Point. Color us excited!

"The Wrath of Vajra" Chinese Promotional Poster

Law Ching Cheong is currently busy directing an increasingly over-budget remake of The Iceman Cometh with Donnie Yen, but his previous film is finally about to see the light of day. Titled The Wrath of Vajra, this high-concept martial arts movie is intended to serve as the first starring vehicle for Yu Xing.

Xing is a Shaolin monk turned actor who has already been seen in supporting roles in a number of movies so far, including Flash Point, Shaolin, and Kung Fu Hustle.

Law Ching Cheong has praised Yu Xing has ‘the next big thing’ in Chinese martial arts. You can watch the trailer for The Wrath of Vajra now. In the film, Yu Xing plays a top Chinese martial artist who sets his sights on a Japanese death cult after they abduct innocent Chinese children and train them to be assassins.

Judging by the trailer, the filmmakers have been influenced by the Ong-Bak sequels in terms of the slow-motion action photography and a willingness to feature comic book-like villains.

Update: Distributor Media Asia has snagged the international rights to The Wrath of Vajra. CEO Jeffrey Soong says the film “harks back to the old days when one take meant 20 minutes of fighting, not one scene with 200 cuts.” Here here! Film Combat Syndicate has a plot synopsis and word that Sammo Hung provided the action choreography. We’re still waiting to hear a release date, however.

Dante looks to be continuing this trend with his latest project, That Demon Within, which will also reunite the filmmaker with his frequent leading man, Nick Cheung. This time around, Nick Cheung is joined by Daniel Wu (New Police Story) as a paranoid cop convinced he’s the only one who can see the dangerous crimes Cheung’s character is committing.

Not to hedge our bets but with a premise like that it sounds like That Demon Within will feature plenty of tense, beady-eyed stand-offs between our two leads and a gun fight or two. Shooting on That Demon Within is expected to start this Winter with plans for a Summer 2013 release.

Update: Website JayneStars discusses the ‘explosive’ nature of the film’s action sequences. One major setpiece had Dante Lam applying for a road closure permit 2 months before shooting began, with a budget of $1.5 million HKD to film a scene with major explosions and gunfire in only 3 days! The article also suggests Nick Cheung’s character suffers from something of a split personality, as JayneStar says the role is like “two parts in one” for Cheung. | Twitch Film has the first piece of promotional art for the film and it looks like this is going to be one very grim affair!

BREAKING NEWS: Twitch premiered this new poster for the film, which at least somewhat brings to mind such movies as Point Break and Fulltime Killer.

"The Expendables 2" Comic-Con Poster

The Expendables 2 earned slightly more money than its predecessor at the global box office, even if it wasn’t as successful in America. Thus, it’s kind of surprising that we haven’t heard much word about a possible Expendables 3. All of that changes today, though, as AICN is running an article in which Jackie Chan discusses joining the cast of Expendables 3.

Jackie says Sylvester Stallone invited the Hong Kong action icon to play a part in the sequel, with Chan adding the caveat that he must be more than just “a minor role with a few scenes.” Now that Expendables 3 is moving forward with Chan in the cast, the screenplay is being reworked into more of a ‘buddy action picture’ with Sly Stallone and Jackie Chan teaming up.

Updates: It’s likely best to take this news with a grain of salt, but Chinese Films relays news from Screen Crush that John Woo is interested in directing The Expendables 3 – as long as he has creative control and can set the film in China. Says Woo: “I want to shoot the movie the way I want.” The acclaimed filmmaker supposedly already has a fight scene between Jet Li and Jean-Claude Van Damme mapped out in his head, even though Van Damme wasn’t in a condition to fight anyone at the end of The Expendables 2.

The Playlist reports that Dolph Lundgren hinted The Expendables 3 may begin production this fall and Jackie Chan, Wesley Snipes and Nicolas Cage are wanted. | A new article from Movie Pilot suggests that Jackie Chan and Nicolas Cage are definite additions to the cast, with actor Tom Sizemore (True Romance) up for the role of the main villain.

ComingSoon has the scoop from Sylvester Stallone himself! Sly says that Expendables 3 needs “more humor,” but fans shouldn’t expect Steven Seagal (Above the Law) to make an appearance. However, Sly says Jackie Chan is still a definite possibility! Lastly, Sly says the Expendables team needs more young blood, mostly like 20-something guys to serve as tech wizards for the team, as well as a wise-cracking female who is tough but not just a sex symbol.

Via AICN: Sly posted a message to Twitter – which has since been deleted – which made it sound like Wesley Sniples’ involvement in the film is a done deal. Additionally, the latest rumor is that Sly is courting Mel Gibson to direct, or at least star in, Expendables 3. Considering how much slow-motion violence Gibson has brought to the screen as a filmmaker, he seems like a natural fit for the series but Cityonfire.com is still holding out hope that John Woo helms the picture.

Some new tweets from Sylvester Stallone indicate that he is meeting with a possible director for Expendables 3 soon – and it’s not John Woo or Mel Gibson. Stallone says he’s a big fan but Woo is busy with his filmwork in China. As far as Mel Gibson, Stallone says “Sorry, tried hard, Mel’s living his own life…”

Sly Stallone has handed directing duties to Australian filmmaker Patrick Hughes, who wrote and directed the 2010 modern day Western Red Hill. His 2008 short film Signs is also available on YouTube. Stallone promises that Expendables 3 will have a mix of heart and action, and that he’s aiming to top what he considers his best pure action film – 2008′s Rambo.

BREAKING NEWS: Stallone recently tweeted about wanting to top The Raid (as far as raising the bar in action), the return of Mickey Rourke, as well as the inclusion of Jackie Chan and Wesley Snipes. | Tweet on The Raid: “Thinking about Raiding, THE RAID….think about it…”, followed by “We believe we can do better than the RAID, which was an excellent film… Raising the bar…” | Tweet on Jackie Chan: “What’s the plan? Ask Jackie Chan….” | Tweet on Wesley Snipes: “Talked to WESLEY today … He can not WAIT to fight to the top again!!!!!!! | Tweet on Mickey Rourke: “Mighty Mickey is back…..”

"Pacific Rim" Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: When an alien attack threatens the Earth’s existence, giant robots piloted by humans are deployed to fight off the menace. This is Hellboy and Pan’s Labyrinth director Guillermo Del Toro’s ode to the Godzilla movies of his youth. Look for the film to land in theaters on July 11th, 2013.

THE TRAILERS: Courtesy of Apple Quicktime.

Updates: Del Toro says the film is inspired by Japanese monster movies. | Saw writers Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan are giving ‘Rim a rewrite. | Rinko Kikuchi talked to Collider about the film. | ScreenRant has a production update. | More details on the film from Screenrant. | Actor Idris Elba claims that while much of the movie will be CGI-based, they’ve still constructed a lot of sets for the production.

The Collider has an interview which has Guillermo del Toro explaining why he put together an international cast. He also talks about the film’s monsters, robots and massive battles. | AICN relays word that Warner Brothers is post-converting the film to 3D for its July release, reportedly against director Del Toro’s wishes. Check out the new Comic-Con poster.

Let the viral campaign begin, starting with this video and official website. We should be expecting the teaser trailer very soon. | “Breaking News,” literally: check out a video of a monster attack! | THR reports that Legendary Studios is already prepping a sequel. | Head over to Collider for a pack hi-res images from the film. | Check out the latest posters at Total Film. | Total Film has a new photo featuring Idris Elba and Rinko Kikuchi.

The trailer is live via Apple Quicktime or YouTube. | Scope out a CES trailer out of Vegas, one that is slightly different from the theatrical trailer we’ve already seen. Thanks to AICN. | Head over to The Playlist for some new images. | If you want a clear idea of what the giant, piloted robots in Pacific Rim will look like, Collider has a sneak peek at the upcoming toy line. | Head over to Cinema Blend to check out two new pieces of concept art. | Head over to Collider for a new image. | Two more Pacific Rim stills stomp in at Empire.

Check out all the giant robot posters: Japan’s Coyote Tango, America’s Gipsy Danger, Russia’s Cherno Alpha, Australia’s Striker Eureka and China’s Crimson Typhoon. | Watch the new TV spot. Check out the latest poster. | Another new giant robot poster. | The latest full-length trailer is online and ready to dazzle your senses. | Here is the Japanese trailer for the movie. In addition, here are three new posters: 1 | 2 | 3

BREAKING NEWS: Watch the newest trailer.

"Bruce Lee: The Legacy Collection" Blu-ray and DVD Box Set

RELEASE DATE: August 6, 2013

Shout! Factory presents the Bruce Lee: The Legacy Collection on Blu-ray & DVD. The set includes 1971′s The Big Boss (aka Fists of Fury), 1972′s Fist of Fury (aka The Chinese Connection), 1972′s Way of the Dragon (aka Return of the Dragon), 1978′s Game of Death, 1983′s Bruce Lee: The Legend, 1973′s Bruce Lee: The Man, The Legend, 2012′s I Am Bruce Lee, plus over two hours of bonus content exclusive to this set. Update: Click here for detailed information.

Seconds | Blu-ray & DVD (Criterion Collection)

RELEASE DATE: August 13, 2013

Criterion Collections presents the Blu-ray & DVD for 1966′s Seconds, directed by John Frankenheimer (Ronin). Desperate to escape his dreary life, an aging broker succumbs to a mysterious organization’s offer of a new identity and a fresh start. This totally underrated film has been long out of print. Finally, Criterion releases this cutting edge flick the way it was meant to be be seen (4K remaster), plus a load of extras. Starring Rock Hudson, Frank Campanella, John Randolph and Frances Reid. Watch the trailer.

"Police Story 2013" Official Poster

THE MOVIE: Website Chinese Films has some jaw-dropping news for martial arts fans, if this project does indeed end up reaching fruition. Reportedly, China Vision Media Group held a press conference in Beijing yesterday to announce that Jackie Chan would team up with Ding Sheng, his co-writer/director on Little Big Soldier, once again. Their next collaboration together? Wait for it: a new entry in the Police Story saga, tentatively titled Police Story 2013.

Police Story remains arguably the most popular series of films that Jackie Chan has ever done, with the 1985 original solidifying Jackie’s status as an international action icon. Jackie would return to the series intermittently over the years, adding bigger and more dangerous stunts with each entry.

The last installment was 2005′s New Police Story, which may not have achieved the acclaim of past movies but was undoubtedly a damn fine Jackie Chan flick.

Update: Jackie Chan will begin shooting Police Story 2013 on November 15th in Beijing, alongside Mainland actor Huang Bo. This time around, Jackie is portraying an all new character – a Mainland Chinese cop. Police Story fans will recall that the third installment, Supercop, contrasted Jackie’s easygoing Hong Kong cop with Michelle Yeoh’s stricter Mainland officer. Says Jackie: “I’ve played policemen many times before, but I’ve never shot a film which focused on the life of a mainland policeman. So this time, I get the chance to fulfill this kind of role.”

Twitch Film unveiled this promotional poster for the film, which is reportedly just Jackie Chan’s head photoshopped onto Jason Statham’s body from The Mechanic. As such, it’s not yet known if this is an official poster or merely a fan job. | Check out the teaser poster for Police Story 2013, which has officially wrapped up filming. Thanks to superchanblog.blogspot.com.

Kung Fu Magazine interviewed Jack Tu, who won a Chinese reality TV contest and became Jackie Chan’s ‘disciple’ for a year. This led to a small role as a police sniper in Police Story 2013. News on this project have been scarce but Jack Tu has finally let a few details slip. Based on the interview, it looks like Police Story 2013 will be set entirely within Mainland China and put an emphasis on the Chinese police force (most of the extras in the movie are real police officers and firefighters).

The film’s storyline follows the relationship between Jackie and his daughter; from the sounds of it, a gang kidnaps Jackie’s daughter and holds her at a club, where Jackie and his police force must rescue her. Jack Tu also gives the impression Police Story 2013 will feature more gun battles than traditional hand-to-hand combat.

Police Story 2013 has officially screened for the public at the Beijing International Film Festival. Word from the director himself indicates that the film is related to the first five Police Story movies in name only. This movie is a bit of a departure for Jackie, blending the cop genre with drama and suspense. There is reportedly more gun-based violence than hand-to-hand combat as well. We look forward to a trailer in the near future! | M.M.A.C. offers this pic of Jackie from the film via the always reliable Danny Ho.

BREAKING NEWS: Here’s the official poster, thanks to Chewi for the heads up.

Solomon Kane | Blu-ray & DVD (Anchor Bay)

RELEASE DATE: July 16, 2013

Anchor Bay presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Solomon Kane. This has been one of those movies whispered about by the diehard film community but completely unknown to the general public. An adaptation of the character created by Robert E. Howard of Conan fame, the film stars James Purefoy (Ironclad) as the titular hero who renounces a life of war and killing, only to discover that he might just be England’s last defense against the forces of the underworld.  Watch the trailer.

"Riddick" Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: The third part of the Riddick saga is directed by David Twohy (Pitch Black, The Chronicles of Riddick) and stars Vin Diesel, Karl Urban, Katee Sackhoff, Dave Bautista, Jordi Mollà and Bokeem Woodbine. The film is scheduled for release in 2013.

Here’s the plot synopsis, paraphrased from Shock Till You Drop: Betrayed by his own kind and left for dead on a desolate planet, Riddick must fight for survival against alien predators and a ruthless gang of bounty hunters.

Updates: Moviehole.net has descriptions of characters. | Bloody Disgusting suggests that Karl Urban will reprise his role. | AICN notes that Vin Diesel’s Facebook page claims Universal will allow the next Riddick film to be R-rated.

Vin also released some concept art for a suit of armor Riddick may wear in the new movie. | Check out a sketch of a jackal. | Latino Review has the first look at Vin Diesel in Riddick 3 CBM has a pic of Vin with goggles. | Comic Book Movie has a look at the press release which reveals the summary and cast. | Here are some Storyboards, courtesy of Rope of Silicon. | Collider has images of the mercs. | AICN has a new picture of director David Twohy with the mercs in the film.

Filming has officially wrapped in Montreal! Bloody Disgusting has a new pic of a shirtless Vin Diesel in the film. | Box Office Mojo states that Riddick 3 will be rated R for ‘strong violence, language and some sexual content/nudity.’ | Collider has the new logo and photo of Karl Urban as Vaako. | Take a peak at the international poster. | Collider has a new photo. | Head over to Digitalspy.com for a new still. | Comic Book Movie posted this still yesterday. | Check out a new picture of Riddick on his throne. Thanks to the good folks at Martial Arts Action Cinema. | The new 20-second preview makes the film look like a direct sequel to Pitch Black.

BREAKING NEWS: The first trailer is now available. Also check out the new poster.

"Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Audiences around the world enjoyed Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, to the tune of some $680 million dollars. That makes a sequel pretty much a given at this point. Although Paramount had been grooming Jeremy Renner to take the reins to the series, general response has been that Tom Cruise (and Tom Cruise doing ridiculous aerial stunts) remains the big reason why people go see these movies. So expect Cruise’s mug to adorn the posters for M:I 5 when and if it happens.

And we have reason to believe it’s gonna happen soon. Ain’t it Cool News reports that the CEO of Viacom, Paramount’s parent company, recently said “Oh, yes” when asked by shareholders if Paramount was moving forward with a sequel to Ghost Protocol. Funny, that was my same response when I saw Tom Cruise jump out the window of that tall-ass building in Dubai: Oh yes.

The only question now, besides if director Brad Bird is coming back, is how is Cruise gonna top himself?

Update: Great news for fans of the highly underrated crime movie The Way of the Gun. It appears that the writer/director on that film, Christopher McQuarrie, is in talks to direct the next Mission: Impossible film. McQuarrie rocketed to fame back in 1995 by penning the screenplay for The Usual Suspects, but he most recently worked with Tom Cruise on the forthcoming Jack Reacher movie. Both Cruise and the Paramount are reportedly happy with McQuarrie’s work on Reacher, so we can expect an announcement for M:I5 in the near future.

According to Deadline, Paramount and Skydance Productions have confirmed that Tom Cruise will be back for M:I5. However, there is no word on the official writer or director, nor is there a set release date. We’re sure that the announcement is just days away, so stay tuned.

BREAKING NEWS: Via AICN, Jackie Reacher director Christopher McQuarrie is still reportedly in negotiations to direct the film but he’s pushing for as much creative control as Paramount will give him. Meanwhile, Sherlock Holmes 3 and Iron Man 3 co-writer Drew Pearce has been given the assignment to write the screenplay.

"Red Dawn" International Theatrical Poster

THL reports that director Michael Mann (Heat) paid a visit to Hong Kong where he and his production team are scouting locations and auditioning local A-list stars for an upcoming cyber-thriller lead by Chris Hemsworth (Thor, Red Dawn). Some of the Hong Kong stars seen meeting with Mann include Tang Wei (Wu Xia), Nick Cheung Ka-fai (Nightfall) and Shawn Yue Man-lok (The Guillotines).

There are currently no further details about the upcoming film. All that’s known is Hemsworth signed for the movie last February. Check back for more information regarding this project.

Update: Michael Mann has cast Lust, Caution stars Wei Tang and Leehom Wang in his untitled upcoming cyber-theft/attack thriller. THR reports that that Tang and Wang will play a brother-and-sister duo. Tang also will be Hemsworth’s love interest.

"The Terminator: Remastered" Blu-ray

Today’s Deal on Fire is for the newly remastered Blu-ray for 1984′s The Terminator, directed by James Cameron (Avatar). In the year 2029, the ruling super-computer Skynet sends an indestructible cyborg (Arnold Schwarzenegger) back in time to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor, the woman who will birth its greatest enemy. For more details about this edition, click here.

"Wild Bunch" Japanese Theatrical Poster

The Wrap reports that Will Smith is in talks to star and produce a modern day reboot of Sam Peckinpah’s The Wild Bunch. The 1969 western – which has influenced popular filmmakers like John Woo and Quentin Tarantino – is known for its graphic violence and slow motion imagery.

The original – which starred William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, Robert Ryan, Edmond O’Brien, Warren Oates, Jaime Sanchez and Ben Johnson – involved an aging group of outlaws who look for one last big score as the “traditional” American West is disappearing around them. According to The Wrap, the remake is expected to follow a disgraced D.E.A. agent who assembles a team to go after a Mexican drug lord and his fortune.

The idea of a Wild Bunch remake/reboot has been lingering for some time. At one point, Warner Bros. hired David Ayer (Training Day) to write the script. Most recently, Tony Scott (True Romance), who was set to direct, wrote about half of the screenplay with Brian Helgeland (L.A. Confidential) before his death in 2012.

Stay tuned for more updates regarding this project.

The Guillotines | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

RELEASE DATE: August 13, 2013

Well Go USA presents the Blu-ray & DVD for The Guillotines. Andrew Lau, famous for helming the original Infernal Affairs and Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen, is back with a a new Chinese-language film that pays homage to the classic Flying Guillotine movies of old. Huang Xiaoming, Ethan Juan, Shawn Yue, Li Yuchun, Jing Boran and Jimmy Wang Yu. Watch the trailer.

"Tank School of the Imperial Japanese Army" Poster

THE MOVIE: David Ayer – the award-winning writer of Training Day, and writer/director of End of Watch and the upcoming Ten (with Arnold Schwarzenegger) is back with another action-thriller, this time it’s tank vs. Nazi film called Fury, which he will also direct. Production may begin this fall.

According to Deadline, Fury will take place in 1945 as the Nazi regime collapses and the five man crew of an American tank called Fury battles a desperate German army.

Ayer says he wants to “bring a fresh execution to the genre. What these men went through is worthy of a complex, honest portrayal. This will have incredible, visceral action and complex rich characters. I plan to bring tank combat to life in a way that lands with a modern audience.”

Updates: Deadline reports that Brad Pitt is in final negotiations to star in Fury, which is expected to start production in September. | Variety reports that Shia LaBeouf is in talks to join the cast.

BREAKING NEWS: There are several reports that Michael Pena, who worked with Ayer in End of Watch, is up for a part.

The King of the Streets | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

RELEASE DATE: August 6, 2013

Well Go USA presents the Blu-ray & DVD for The King of the Streets, a new Chinese-language action film produced, written, directed, and starring martial artist Yuen Song. The plot concerns Yuen Song as an angry young man looking to avenge the death of his parents some eight years ago to local gangsters. Watch the trailer.

"Toxic Avenger" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Variety reports that Arnold Schwarzenegger is in talks to star in a reboot of Troma’s 1984 cult classic, Toxic Avenger. Contrary to what most would expect, Schwarzenegger’s not wanted for the title role, but he will be the main star if he signs up for the movie (how the heck would that work?).

The Toxic Avenger reboot will be penned by Steve Pink (director of Hot Tub Time Machine) and Daniel C. Mitchell (writer and producer of Zap Gun!). No director is currently attached.

The original Lloyd Kaufman film revolves around a nerdy janitor who becomes a disfigured superhero after coming across toxic chemicals.

Schwarzenegger is currently working on Escape Plan (aka The Tomb) with Sylvester Stallone, David Ayer’s Breacher (aka Ten) and also has plans of making a 3rd Conan, as well as The Terminator 5 (not to mention a Twins sequel). With these projects lined up, we’ll be surprised if Schwarzenegger moves forward with Toxic Avenger.

"Gallowwalkers" DVD Cover

The undead roam the range in the thrilling, supernatural Western Gallowwalkers, arriving on DVD (plus Digital UltraViolet), Digital Download, and Video on Demand this August 6th, 2013, from Lionsgate Home Entertainment.

Picked as an official selection at Film4 Fright Fest, Gallowwalkers stars Wesley Snipes (the Blade trilogy) and Kevin Howarth (The Seasoning House). Including a “making of” featurette, the Gallowwalkers DVD will be available for a suggested retail price of $26.98.

Plot: A mysterious gunman, Aman (Snipes), is the son of a nun who breaks her covenant with God to ensure his survival. This act brings a curse upon Aman – all those that die by his gun will return. Soon, he is hunted by a gang of his undead former victims, led by the vicious Kansa (Howarth). Aman enlists Fabulos (Riley Smith), a new young warrior, to fight by his side. Watch the trailer.

DVD Special Features (subject to change): ”The Making of Gallowwalkers” featurette

Additional Information: Year of Production: 2012, Rating: R for bloody violence, grisly images, some language and brief nudity; Closed Captioned: English; Subtitles: English and Spanish; Feature Run Time: 92 minutes ; Format: 16×9 Widescreen (2.35:1); DVD Audio Status: 5.1 Dolby Digital

Cityonfire.com received the above press release courtesy of Lionsgate.

"Rurouni Kenshin" Japanese Teaser Poster

If you’re anything like us, you might have grown a little tired lately from waiting for the next big Asian action epics to make their way to North America. Well, trusted retailer DDDHouse has you covered with a slate of new releases available now and in the next month on Import Blu-ray and DVD.

Titles available now include Wong Kar-wai’s highly anticipated martial arts film The Grandmaster, about Bruce Lee’s legendary teacher Ip Man, on All-Region Blu-ray or All-Region DVD.

Action buffs will also want to look into Warner Brothers Japan’s live-action adaptation of the popular anime Rurouni Kenshin, which has earned rave reviews for its samurai violence. It’s available on Region A Blu-ray or Region 3 DVD as well.

Bear in mind that Region A Blu-rays will play on any North American hi-def player but Region 3-coded DVDs will only play on Import-compatible players.

You also won’t want to miss the new special FX-infused blockbuster Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons, a tale of the Monkey Kong from producer/co-director Stephen Chow (Kung Fu Hustle). This movie broke box office records all over Mainland China and is now available on Region A Blu-ray or Region 3 DVD.

What to look forward to in the weeks to come? The Chinese historical epic Saving General Yang, which is the latest from Fearless and The Bride With White Hair director Ronny Yu, is making its way to All-Region Blu-ray on May 23rd, 2013. It will also be available on All-Region DVD on the same date.

On May 30th, 2013, you’ll be able to experience A Lesson of the Evil. This grisly new thriller, about a beloved teacher who is secretly a psychopath, arrives from Japanese shock master Takashi Miike. Anticipate it on Region A Blu-ray and Region 3 DVD.

Looking for something you don’t have to wait for? The Korean disaster movie The Tower is on Region 3 DVD while Jackie Chan’s CZ12 skydives onto Region A Blu-ray. We happen to have a review for that one right here. Not matter what kind of Asian film you’re interested in, the past two months have surely delivered a wide range of entertainment.

"The Barbarians" Theatrical Poster

RELEASE DATE: August 27, 2013

Shout! Factory presents the DVD Double Feature for The Barbarians & The Norseman. 1987′s The Barbarians (trailer) is a Cannon action flick that stars Peter & David Paul (aka The Barbarian Brothers), Michael Berryman and Richard Lynch. 1978′s The Norseman (trailer) is a viking movie starring Lee Majors.

"Man of Steel" Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: Clark Kent/Kal-El (Henry Cavill) is a young journalist who feels alienated by powers beyond his imagination. Transported years ago to Earth from Krypton, Clark struggles with the question ‘Why am I here?’. Shaped by the values of his adoptive parents Martha (Diane Lane) and Jonathan Kent (Kevin Costner), Clark discovers having extraordinary abilities means making difficult decisions. Clark must become a Man of Steel, to protect the people he loves and shine as the world’s beacon of hope… Superman. - Imdb.com

Updates: WB’s already scouting for a sequel. | CBM has a pic of Cavill being a real super role model. | Shannon is currently living in Bizarro World, as he compared Snyder to Scorsese. | Cinema Blend has a close look at the costumes (Superman, Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van).

AICN has the word from Variety that Hans Zimmer (The Dark Knight Rises, Inception) will score the film. | Man of Steel will still be screened in IMAX but the movie is not being converted to 3D. Even though Zack Synder didn’t shoot Man of Steel in IMAX, we’re still guessing it’ll be a sight to behold in the format. | Here’s the new teaser poster, fresh out of Comic-Con.

The teaser trailer screening in front of The Dark Knight Rises this weekend is now online. | Supes is bound and chained for this new teaser poster. | Thanks to AICN. The 2nd full length trailer has arrived. | Rope of Silicon reports that Man of Steel will be PG-13. Not that anyone was expecting a Superman movie to be Rated R or something, but let’s be thankful it isn’t plain old PG. | Check out the latest Total Film magazine cover, which gives use a new photo of Superman and Lois Lane (Amy Adams). Watch the new TV spot. | Check out a new viral video featuring General Zod.

A new trailer is online, which seems to offer a sample of Hans Zimmer’s score as well. | Check out a new fan made poster. Plus, check out more magazine covers, featuring new photos, at Collider. | Here’s a new theatrical poster and banner poster for the film. Listen to a preview clip of Hans Zimmer’s score here, as well as a song in its entirety here.

BREAKING NEWS: The Playlist has a new TV spot. Also, check out the three new posters 1 | 2 | 3 .

"Body Bags" Movie Poster

RELEASE DATE: 2013

Shout! Factory presents the Blu-ray & DVD for 1993′s Body Bags. Like Creepshow and Tales from the Crypt, Body Bags contains numerous short horror stories (directed by John Carpenter, Tobe Hooper and Larry Sulkis). The first is about a serial killer, the second revolves around a hair transplant gone wrong and the third concerns a base ball player. Body Bags features cameos by Stacy Keach, David Warner, Sheena Easton, Debbie Harry, Mark Hamill, Twiggy, Robert Carradine, Sam Raimi, Wes Craven, Roger Corman and many more! Watch the trailer.

Stay tuned for pre-order information.

Back to 1942 Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Hello folks. It’s never a lazy Sunday around here so let’s get started. If you’re interested in any of these titles, you can support the site by ordering through our affiliate. We appreciate it!

Here are your Blu-ray and DVD releases for the week of 5/14/13:

ASIAN CINEMA

Back to 1942 (Blu-ray/DVD) – one of the most lavishly-mounted Chinese epics of 2012 was this emotional drama, co-starring Hollywood actors Adrien Brody and Tim Robbins, about a terrible drought that struck in the Henan Province

Jet Li Double Feature (DVD) – Image Entertainment presents two vintage early 90′s Jet Li martial arts pictures, including Tsui Hark’s “Once Upon a Time in China” alongside “Legend of the Red Dragon,” AKA “The New Legend of Shaolin” co-directed by Corey Yuen and Wong Jing

Spellbound (DVD) – this unique 2011 Korean film is billed as a ‘horror romantic comedy’! On DVD from the folks at CJ Entertainment

Colorful: The Motion Picture (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 2010 Japanese animated feature about the transitory state between life and death won the 34th Japanese Academy Prize for Excellence in Animation

Chanbara Beauty: Movie Vortex (DVD) – this 2009 movie in the “Chanbara” series is based on a hack-n-slash video game series spotlighting, what else, but bikini-clad zombie killers

MARTIAL ARTS AND ACTION

Universal Soldier: The Return & Second in Command – BD Double Feature (Blu-ray) – Jean-Claude Van Damme takes the spotlight in this hi-def double feature, offering two of his more recent action movies for only $6.99

4 Action-Packed Movies Collection (DVD) – in this set, you’ll witness Steven Seagal in Ching Siu-tung’s slightly underrated “Belly of the Beast”; Jackie Chan in “The Medallion”; Steven Seagal in “Half Past Dead”; and wrestler Goldberg in “Half Past Dead 2″

Money Train / The Big Hit (DVD) – an action double feature starring Wesley Snipes in “Money Train” and Mark Wahlberg in the Hong Kong-inspired “The Big Hit,” which was “Crime Story” director Kirk Wong’s break into Hollywood

FOREIGN

French Masterworks: Russian Emigres in Paris 1923-1929 (DVD) – distributor Flicker Alley presents 5 films, ranging from 1923 to 1929, from Ivan Mosjoukine, a Russian-born director who made his claim to fame in France

Escape (Blu-ray/DVD) – despite a cover that makes it look like a shameless rip-off of “The Hunger Games,” this 2012 Norwegian film is a thriller about a young girl trying to escape a prison camp shortly after the Black Death. From the director of the “Cold Prey” series

MAINSTREAM

Cloud Atlas (Blu-ray/DVD) – the Wachowskis of “The Matrix” fame teamed up with the director of “Run Lola Run” for this 2012 far-reaching science-fiction film

Tomorrow You’re Gone (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 2012 direct-to-video thriller stars two actors whose work usually goes to theaters, Michelle Monaghan (“Mission: Impossible III”) and Willem Dafoe (“Boondock Saints’), as well as “Blade’s” Stephen Dorff

Nicolas Cage Double Feature (DVD) – these days actor Nicolas Cage tends to be the butt of industry jokes, but this set will remind you that he can be a great actor when he wants to be. Look for director Spike Jonze’s mind-bending “Adaptation” alongside the very David Lynch-esque early 90′s thriller “Red Rock West”

Offender (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 2012 British thriller in the “Death Wish” vein follows a young man out for revenge after his girlfriend is viciously attacked by a gang

MASTERED in 4K

Spider-Man (Blu-ray) – this 2002 comic book blockbuster from “Darkman” director Sam Raimi turned the superhero genre into Hollywood’s #1 moneymaking avenue

Taxi Driver (Blu-ray) – this 1976 gritty thriller from Martin Scorsese needs no introduction. Starring Robert De Niro in his most iconic role

Glory (Blu-ray) – the 1989 Civil War drama starring Matthew Broderick and Denzel Washington is brought to Blu-ray with a stunning new transfer

The Amazing Spider-Man (Blu-ray) – actor Andrew Garfield assumes the role of everyone’s favorite web-slinger in this 2012 blockbuster

Battle: Los Angeles (Blu-ray) – a 2011 film about U.S. soldiers fighting alien invaders in the streets of L.A. From the director of “Wrath of the Titans”

Totall Recall (Blu-ray) – director Len Wiseman presents his 2012 high-tech, poe-faced remake of the 1990 Paul Verhoeven classic

Angels & Demons (Blu-ray) – Tom Hanks tries to get to the bottom of a Biblical conspiracy in this 2009 sequel to “The Da Vinci Code”

The Other Guys (Blu-ray) – Will Ferrel and Mark Wahlberg play two bumbling detectives in this 2010 comedic riff on buddy cop action movies

CULT

Crimewave (Blu-ray + DVD) – this goofy 1985 crime/comedy, co-starring Bruce Campbell, arrives from none other than “Evil Dead” creator Sam Raimi himself

The Unbelievable Truth (Blu-ray/DVD) – Olive Films offers this early 1989 effort from indie auteur Hal Hartley, about a college girl preoccupied with the thought of nuclear armageddon

CLASSICS

3:10 to Yuma (Blu-ray/DVD) – the 1957 original Western arrives in hi-definition, courtesy of the fine folks at the Criterion Collection

Jubal (Blu-ray/DVD) – the Criterion Collection also releases this other Western starring “3:10 to Yuma’s” Glenn Ford, this time from 1956. Co-starring Ernest Borgnine and Charles Bronson

Land of the Pharaohs (DVD) – legendary Hollywood director Howard Hawks (“The Big Sleep”) helmed this 1955 Cinemascope epic set in Ancient Egypt

Three Faces West (Blu-ray/DVD) – cinema icon John Wayne plays against type as a gifted surgeon in this 1940 drama

The Miracle of the Bells (Blu-ray/DVD) – Fred MacMurray (“Double Indemnity”) and Frank Sinatra star in this 1948 heartwarming tale

Command Decision (DVD) – a 1949 picture about the heavy decisions made by high-ranking officers in World War II. Headlined by Clark Gable

HORROR

Texas Chainsaw (3D Blu-ray/DVD) – the latest addition to the venerable “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” series is this 2013 flick

Mr. Sardonicus & Brotherhood of Satan – BD Double Feature (Blu-ray) – two old-school horror films, including William Castle’s 1961 chiller “Mr. Sardonicus,” are available together for $6.99

Interested in any of these movies? If so, we hope that you’ll consider ordering from our affiliate to help support this site. Thank you!

"The Raid 2: Bernandal" Character Poster

Writer/director Gareth Evans and Iko Uwais are hardly resting on their laurels after the global success of The Raid. In fact, they’re already hard at work on the sequel. Now details about the follow-up to The Raid are hitting the web.

The movie is being developed under the working title of Berandal. It’s likely based on a treatment the duo created back in 2010 that involved Iko Uwais trapped inside a violent prison and forced to fight his way out. Gareth Evans has stated there will be even more action in the sequel, with a total of eighteen action sequences planned. While it almost seems impossible for the team to top their efforts in The Raid, it’s clear they’re trying.

We also have the piece of artwork pictured here, which is a character design for a hammer-wielding femme fatale.

It’s currently unknown how she factors into the story, but somebody is probably gonna feel the brunt of that hammer.

Updates: Twitch announces the new cast members for Gareth Evans’ Berandal, the sequel to The Raid. Julie Estelle (Macabre) will take the role of Hammer Girl. Also on board is Merantau baddie Alex Abbad, The Forbidden Door’s Marsha Timothy, and local stars Mathias Muchus and Tio Pakusadewo. Internationally renowned silat practitioner Cecep Arif Rahman has also signed on for a major part. Also at the link is a demonstration video of Rahman showing some skill.

Director Gareth Evans tweeted: Ok Raid 2 tidbit, we start shooting on January 19th and the first scene takes place 2 hrs after the first film ends. During the film’s US premier, the director chatted with MTV and stated: “It’s not going to be set within one building this time. Everything that was terrifying about the boss in that building in the first movie is small fry compared to the criminal organization we meet in the second film. We take it out into the streets, go much wider and much bigger in terms of the scope.”

Berandel has begun its first day of what is expected to be 100 days of filming! The Hollywood Reporter has the first pictures and some details on the film. The plot will involve Iko Uwais’ character going undercover to infiltrate one of Jakarta’s biggest crime syndicates and uncover corruption within his own police department. More good news is that Sony Pictures Classics will once again be releasing the film theatrically in North America.

Twitch reports on some high-profile Japanese actors being added to the cast as gangsters. Namely, Ryuhei Matsuda (Nightmare Detective); Kenichi Endo (Visitor Q); and Kazuki Kitamura (Azumi). | Gareth Evans has released a new image.

BREAKING NEWS: Writer/director Gareth Evans has debunked this character poster for The Raid 2: Berandal as totally bogus and fan-made. But, hey, ain’t it cool?

"Death Hunt" International Theatrical Poster

RELEASE DATE: August 27, 2013

Shout! Factory presents the Blu-ray for 1981′s Death Hunt (aka Arctic Rampage), directed by James Bond veteran Peter R. Hunt (On Her Majesty’s Secret Service). Based on the trailer, Death Hunt has shades of First Blood and an all star “action” cast that pre-dates The Expendables. The film stars Charles Bronson, Lee Marvin, Andrew Stevens and Carl Weathers. Watch the trailer.

"Bruce Lee: The Legacy Collection" Blu-ray and DVD Box Set

Shout! Factory has announced the Bruce Lee: The Legacy Collection Blu-ray and DVD set, which arrives at retail this August 6th, 2013.

This box set includes four of the films that would make Bruce Lee one of the most important martial artists ever to grace the screen. The set includes 1971′s The Big Boss (aka Fists of Fury), 1972′s Fist of Fury (aka The Chinese Connection), 1972′s Way of the Dragon (aka Return of the Dragon) and 1978′s Game of Death, all on both DVD and, for the first time, Blu-ray.

Keep in mind that the set is 11 discs total: four movies on Blu-ray, the same four movies on DVD, and three DVDs containing 1983′s Bruce Lee: The Legend/1973′s Bruce Lee: The Man, The Legend, 2012′s I Am Bruce Lee, plus over two hours of bonus content exclusive to this set.

It’s now available for pre-order at Amazon.

Update: Loyal fans, movie collectors, pop culture and martial arts enthusiasts will be treated to a whole new home entertainment experience to celebrate the life and brilliance of the late Bruce Lee when THE BRUCE LEE LEGACY COLLCTION 11-Disc Blu-ray™+ DVD box set presentation debuts in stores everywhere on August 6 from Shout! Factory.

ALL COLLECTED IN A DELUXE BOOK-STYLE PACKAGE WITH 68 PAGES OF RARE AND UNSEEN PHOTOS, MEMORABILIA, TIMELINE, NEW ESSAY ON BRUCE LEE’S AMAZING CAREER and MORE! ARRIVES IN STORES EVERYWHERE OWN IT ON AUGUST 6, 2013 FROM SHOUT! FACTORY

Featuring four of the classic Bruce Lee films that would make him one of the most important martial artists ever to grace the screen, THE BRUCE LEE LEGACY COLLECTION contains the first-ever Blu-ray™ presentation of THE BIG BOSS, FIST OF FURY, WAY OF THE DRAGON and GAME OF DEATH.

Three feature-length documentaries BRUCE LEE: THE LEGEND (and the original version BRUCE LEE: THE MAN, THE LEGEND), the critically acclaimed I AM BRUCE LEE and THE GRANDMASTER AND THE DRAGON: WILLIAM CHEUNG AND BRUCE LEE; a special bonus disc with hours of new bonus content exclusive to this set, and four DVDs of aforementioned action-packed classics. A fitting tribute and celebration in honor of the legend, these sumptuous offerings are collected in a deluxe book-style packaging, brimming with 68 pages of archival materials, rare and never-before-released photos, new essay on Lee’s amazing career, and much more! THE BRUCE LEE LEGACY COLLECTION is priced to own at $119.99 SRP. Pre-order is available now on Amazon.com and ShoutFactory.com.

THE BRUCE LEE LEGACY COLLECTION Extensive Bonus Content

• Newly translated English subtitles on THE BIG BOSS, FIST OF FURY and WAY OF THE DRAGON
• Original Mandarin audio on THE BIG BOSS and the original English dub track, never used in the U.S.
• Audio Commentaries on all four films by Hong Kong Film Expert Mike Leeder
• Return to Pak Chong: The Big Boss Revisited
• Bruce Lee: The Early Years featurette
• New interviews with Robert Chua, Gene LeBell, Jon Benn, Bob Wall and many more!
• Interviews with Sammo Hung, Simon Yam, Yuen Wah and Wong Jing
• Remembering Fist of Fury featurette
• Bruce Lee Martial Arts Master featurette
• Game of Death: Then & Now – Return to the locations of Game of Death
• Game of Death Memories featurette
• Extensive Still Galleries on all four films including rare stills, movie posters etc.
• Theatrical Trailers and TV spots
• Alternate title sequences
• GAME OF DEATH outtake montage
• GAME OF DEATH revisited
• And much more!

SPECIAL BLU-RAY™ MOVIE PRESENTATIONS OF FOUR BRUCE LEE CLASSICS

THE BIG BOSS: In his “first smash hit movie” (BBC), Bruce Lee stars as a young man who moves to Bangkok to take a job in an ice factory. But soon he finds that the factory is smuggling heroin…and that in order to restore justice to some missing coworkers, he must come face to face with the Big Boss for a climactic showdown!

FIST OF FURY: Bruce Lee is “powerful, humorous and charismatic” (Leonard Maltin) as a student who vows to uncover how his mentor was murdered. Though all signs point to the local Japanese Martial Arts School, the local police won’t do anything…so he decides to restore honor to his teacher by taking matters into his own hands!

THE WAY OF THE DRAGON: Tang Lung (Lee) flies to Rome to help his friend, who is being forced by local gangsters to sell her restaurant. When Tang proves to be a threat to the syndicate’s plans, they hire the best martial artists, including Colt (Chuck Norris). The two men battle in the ancient city’s majestic Colosseum in what is “regarded by many as the finest martial arts combat ever committed to celluloid” (BBC)!

GAME OF DEATH: Billy Lo is a young kung fu star with a promising career. Refusing to sign with the leader of a syndicate known for its exploitation of entertainers, Billy’s martial arts mastery is put to the test when he is brutally harassed by his men. In a stunning showdown, Billy must “go one on one with each of the villains in some of the most explosive fight scenes ever filmed” (Leonard Maltin).

THE BIG BOSS: 1971 – 100 mins. Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1)
FIST OF FURY: 1972 – 106 mins. Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1)
THE WAY OF THE DRAGON: 1972 – 99 mins. Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1)
GAME OF DEATH: 1978 – 100 mins. Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1)

• FEATURE-LENGTH DOCUMENTARY PRESENTATIONS
• BRUCE LEE: THE LEGEND (and the original version BRUCE LEE: THE MAN, THE LEGEND)
• I AM BRUCE LEE Documentary Presentation (DVD)
• THE GRANDMASTER AND THE DRAGON: WILLIAM CHEUNG AND BRUCE LEE, featuring first-hand account by renowned grand master, William Cheung, and his friendship, training and teaching of the legendary Bruce Lee. Documentary Presentation (DVD)

Pre-order at Amazon.com today!

"The Equalizer" TV Series Promotional

Deadline reports that Drive’s Nicolas Winding Refn was set to direct The Equalizer, which will be loosely based on the 1980′s TV show about a sophisticated former government agent (Edward Woodward) atoning for the sins of his past by righting the wrongs of a flawed legal system. Denzel Washington has agreed to play the title role.

The script is by Richard Wenk, who is known for penning The Expendables 2, The Mechanic and 16 Blocks. Production for The Equalizer begins late spring 2013, which means a 2014 release date. Until then, check out the original TV show’s intro, which has Refn’s retro-style written all over it.

Updates: AICN reports that Nicolas Winding Refn has backed out of directing the film. Apparently his deal with the studio fell apart at the last minute | It looks like The Equalizer is back on, this time with Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes) in the director’s chair.

Looks like Rupert Wyatt is no longer connected to The Equalizer. Deadline reports that a scheduling conflict forced Wyatt to drop out of the director’s chair. Training Day’s Antoine Fuqua is now firmly set to direct.

BREAKING NEWS: Collider reports that Carrie’s Chloe Grace Moretz has landed the female lead opposite Denzel Washington.

Ultra Q: The Complete Series | DVD (Shout! Factory)

RELEASE DATE: August 13, 2013

Shout! Factory presents the DVD for Toho’s Ultra Q: The Complete Series. This late 60s kaiju series, created by Eiji Tsuburaya (Ultraman), predates The X-Files, with continuing characters who investigate strange supernatural phenomena, be they giant monsters, aliens, ghosts, and other assorted calamities.

Horny Working Girl: From 5 to 9 | DVD (Impulse Pictures)

RELEASE DATE: July 9, 2013

Impulse Pictures presents the DVD for Katsuhiko Fujii’s Horny Working Girl: From 5 to 9. A woman named Chieko Kuwano (Junko Asahina) is hired as an assistant manager at a large corporate office in Japan. Fed up with the boss and his perverted ways, the ladies in the building band together to plot their own special kind of revenge.

"The Thing" Japanese Theatrical Poster

John Carpenter, the director behind genre classics like Halloween, The Thing and Escape from New York, wants to make a movie based on EA’s Dead Space videogame. In an interview with Game Informer, he said: “I maintain that Dead Space would just make a great movie because you have these people coming onto an abandoned, shut-down space ship and they have to start it up and something’s on board. It’s just great stuff. I would love to make Dead Space [into a film], I’ll tell you that right now. That one is ready-made.”

If you’re not familiar with Dead Space, it’s an acclaimed video game that puts the player in control of an engineer who battles Necromorphs (reanimated human corpses) aboard an interstellar mining ship. The original spawned two sequels and two animated movies. Despite the weak sales of Dead Space 3, it’s rumored that EA has started pre-production for Dead Space 4.

If it was the late 70s/early 80s when Carpenter was at the top of his game, I’d say he would be the perfect guy for the job. Since then, he has sort of lost his juice. But hey, maybe a Dead Space movie could be his great comeback. Whatever the case, we’ll keep you posted.

Nurse Diary: Wicked Finger | DVD (Impulse Pictures)

RELEASE DATE: July 9, 2013

Impulse Pictures presents the DVD for Katsuhiko Fujii’s Nurse Diary: Wicked Finger. The first film in Nikkatsu’s three picture “Nurse Diary” series, Katsuhiko Fujii is a strange mix of comedy, nudity and sex with an oh-so-crazy plot that will have you shaking your head in disbelief! Starring Etsuko Hara, Asami Ogawa and Hiroshi Unayama.

"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" Japanese Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: Variety reports that Jonathan Liebesman, director of Battle: Los Angeles and the upcoming Wrath of the Titans, is in talks to reboot a live-action version of Eastman and Laird’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic book.

Updates: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has a December 25, 2013 release date. Apparently, Michael Bay (who is producing) is changing the origins of the turtles from amphibians dipped in radioactive goo to an alien race: “Kids are going to believe, one day, that these turtles do exist, when we are done with this movie,” said Bay. “These Turtles are from an alien race, and they are going to be tough, edgy, funny and completely lovable.” For the full article, visit comicbookresources.com.

AICN reports that Michael Bay has spoken after fans judged him for changing the origins of the turtles from radioactive Amphibians to an an alien race: “Fans need to take a breath, and chill. They have not read the script. Our team is working closely with one of the original creators of Ninja Turtles to help expand and give a more complex back story. Relax, we are including everything that made you become fans in the first place. We are just building a richer world.”

AICN has a quote from director Jonathan Liebesman, who states that the expansion of the story (changing the origins of the turtles from radioactive Amphibians) is not Michael Bay’s idea; it’s actually from creator Kevin Eastman’s head.

The title of the film has been shortened to Ninja Turtles. Over at AICN, Michael Bay explains that this was purely a marketing decision. Says Bay: “The characters you all remember are exactly the same, and yes they still act like teenagers.”

While it initially appeared that Paramount was pulling the plug on Michael Bay’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot due to a weak script that the studio had zero confidence in, it now looks like the movie has only been delayed from its December 2013 release date to Summer 2014 in order to get the screenplay up to shape.

Despite Paramount pulling out of the project, Kevin Eastman, co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, recently told MTV: “From what I’ve seen, it’s easily the best Turtle movie yet, we’re talking Raid: Redemption-style fight scenes; we’re talking about epic Rise of the Planet of the Apes sort of effects.” On January 12th, Production Weekly tweeted (via nextmovie.com): “Principle photography on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is scheduled to begin this April in New York.”

Looks like Megan Fox and Michael Bay have overcome their differences. Rope of Silicon reports that Fox will be playing April O’Neil in the upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot. On Bay’s official website, he wrote this blurb: “TMNT: we are bringing Megan Fox back into the family!” | Arrested Development’s Will Arnett has joined the cast as April O’Neil’s scheming cameraman.

Deadline reports that Danny Woodburn (Mickey From Seinfeld) is the new Splinter in the upcoming reboot. Collider has posted the first photos of Megan Fox as April O’Neil.

BREAKING NEWS: Head over to Film Combat Syndicate for some photos of the turtles in their pre-CGI renditions.

A Boy and His Dog | aka Apocalypse 2024 | Blu-ray (Shout! Factory)

RELEASE DATE: August 2013

Shout! Factory presents the Blu-ray for 1975′s A Boy and His Dog (aka Apocalypse 2024). THe movie is the story of a boy and his uniquely telepathic dog, who work together as a team in the post-apocalyptic world. Written and Directed by L.Q. Jones and starring Don Johnson, Susanne Benton and Jason Robards. Watch the trailer.

"Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" Teaser Poster

THE MOVIE: In Rise of the Planet of the Apes, a growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth’s dominant species.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is directed by Matt Reeves (Cloverfield). The film stars Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Toby Kebbell, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Enrique Murciano, Kirk Acevedo and Judy Greer.

Updates: Twentieth Century Fox will release Dawn of the Planet of the Apes worldwide on Memorial Day weekend, May 23, 2014.

Updates: Looks like Fox is keen on making the franchise into a trilogy. | Collider has the first teaser image – which was sadly debunked as an existing piece of photography someone happened to post to the movie’s Facebook page. | Collider (via MTV) has an interview with James Franco where he explains why he probably won’t be in the sequel. | Head over to Collider for a pack of the first set photos.

BREAKING NEWS: Take a look at the official logo.

All Night Horror Marathon | DVD (Shout! Factory)

RELEASE DATE: August 20, 2013

Shout! Factory presents the DVD for the All Night Horror Marathon 2-disc DVD set, which includes 1980′s Schizoid (trailer), 1992′s The Vagrant (trailer), 1980′s The Godsend (clip) and 1987′s The Outing aka The Lamp (trailer). It’s like going back in time, and walking into the ‘horror section’ of your favorite video rental store!

"Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame" Blu-ray Cover

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Tsui Hark’s Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame (read our review), starring Andy Lau with fight choreography by Sammo Hung. Time Magazine considered it the third best film of 2011, after The Artist and Hugo. For $7.99, see what the fuss is all about!

"Redemption" Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: Directed by Steven Knight (writer of Eastern Promises), Redemption (aka Crazy Joe, Hummingbird) is the story of an ex-Special Forces soldier (Jason Statham) who finds himself homeless on the streets and out for revenge. Atonement’s Paul Webster and Warhorse’s Tracey Seaward are producing, along with 44 Inch Chest’s Stuart Ford. Hummingbird also stars Lee Asquith-Coe, Vicky McClure, Senem Temiz and Benedict Wong.

Updates: The international poster and trailer has been released. Added a very bland Romanian theatrical poster. | Added another boring international poster.

Yet another Hummingbird poster. This time, the French version where it will be known as Crazy Joe. Is it me or is this movie going through a marketing identity crisis?

BREAKING NEWS: The movie also known as Hummingbird and Crazy Joe has another poster. This time, it’s called Redemption (U.S. release title). Watch the newest Lionsgate trailer at Collider.

"The Eagle Path" Teaser Poster

Jean-Claude Van Damme has a busy year ahead of him, with the release of his first mainstream comedy Welcome to the Jungle and his reunion with Time Cop director Peter Hyams, titled Enemies Closer. Not to mention the ongoing post-production work on his longtime passion project Full Love (AKA Soldiers and The Eagle Path).

Well, you can add another film to Van Damme’s full plate: he’s gearing up to shoot a new action movie called Swelter with a release date set for 2014.

In Swelter, Jean-Claude plays a member of a bank robbing gang that manages to steal a cool $100 million before some of them are apprehended by the police. Flash forward ten years and Van Damme is now an earnest, hard-working sheriff in a small town…with no memory of his criminal past.

But what happens when his old crew rolls into town, anxious to find out where he hid their payload? Yup, this might just be Van Damme’s The Last Stand by way of A History of Violence. Impact Online has the details on the rest of the cast.

Updates: Expendablespremiere.com has some set photos of Van Damme in Swelter.

"Jurassic Park IV" Fan Poster

While promoting his new movie Adventures of Tintin, director Steven Spielberg let slip a few tidbits about Jurassic Park IV. Okay, it’s not much but for JP fans it’s better than nothing. It seems that Spielberg has been busy this past year, what with directing War Horse and Tintin and currently being in the middle of his Lincoln biopic, but he’s getting ready to turn his attention to JPIV. This time around, Spielberg will produce with another filmmaker directing.

When asked if JPIV will be a reboot, Spielberg quipped, “It’s just another boring secret.” Of course, for us JP enthusiasts, news on this film’s development is anything but boring.

A script for the film is currently being developed by Mark Protosevich, who wrote the screenplay for I Am Legend and received a Story credit on Thor.

Chances are his script will bear no resemblance to an earlier one from The Departed‘s Willian Monahan that floated around the web back in 2007. That draft had a soldier of fortune returning to Jurassic Park with the help of some genetically engineered mini-T-Rexes who obeyed his commands like domesticated dogs. We’re not even making this up!

Updates: Nothing ground-breaking but Spielberg has confirmed he will be producing JPIV rather than directing it. He also says it’s too soon to discuss the project. | HitFix relays word that Universal has assigned Rise of the Planet Apes screenwriters Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver to work on the screenplay.

Producer Frank Marshall recently stated that Jurassic Park IV will launch into theaters “within two years,” which would likely mean a Summer 2014 release. This needs a director already! What kind of story would you like to see in JPIV? | AICN has stumbled upon what may be some concept art from the JPIV that was in the works back in 2005. | Here’s the new poster and a trailer for the original Jurassic Park‘s re-release in 3D and IMAX 3D, coming April 5th of 2013. Credit to AICN. | Here’s a new poster for Jurassic Park 3D, in theaters and IMAX this April 5th, 2013.

Collider reports that Jurassic Park IV will open in 3D on June 13, 2014 and Steven Spielberg will be producing. | AICN says the director of Jurassic Park IV will be none other than…Colin Trevorrow, who made waves last year with his quirky indie comedy about time travel, Safety Not Guaranteed.

BREAKING NEWS: Unfortunate news for our fellow dinosaur buffs. AICN is suggesting that Jurassic Park IV has been put on hold due to script issues, even though director Trevorrow was scouting for locations only a few days ago. Realistically speaking, this is probably for the best; securing a good screenplay is the key to making sure JPIV ends up a memorable addition to the franchise and not just another Jurassic Park III.

"Dungeons & Dragons" Theatrical Poster

Decades since its creation, Dungeons & Dragons remains one of the most beloved fantasy properties in the world, spanning every medium from tabletop RPG to novels and video games. Despite its stellar reputation among fans, the brand has never been able to make a successful transition to the big screen.

2000′s Dungeons & Dragons movie was a dud of colossal proportions – even respected names like Jeremy Irons and, uh, Marlon Wayans couldn’t save it from being labeled one of the worst flicks of the new millennium.

Regardless, the Dungeons & Dragons name still carries enough goodwill that Warner Brothers is rolling the die once again, in the hopes of turning D&D into a fantasy movie for the ages. The studio has secured a screenplay from writer David Johnson (TV’s The Walking Dead, Wrath of the Titans); now all Warner needs is a filmmaker with a vision.

"The World's End" Teaser Poster

THE MOVIE: Rotten Tomatoes via Collider reports that Nick Frost (Attack the Block), Simon Pegg (Ghost Protocol) and director Edgar Wright (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World) are collaborating on sci-fi buddy comedy in the vein of their previous efforts Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz.

Updates: According to Deadline, The World’s End is due to begin production in September for a spring 2013 release. It will centre on five childhood friends who reunite 20 years after an epic pub crawl when one of them decides it’s time they tried to repeat the feat.

Check out the new teaser poster from the Comic-Con.

BREAKING NEWS: The trailer is online now.

"Ender's Game" Teaser Poster

THE MOVIE: 70 years after a horrific alien war, an unusually gifted child is sent to an advanced military school in space to prepare for a future invasion. Based on a novel by Orson Scott Card, Ender’s Game is directed by Gavin Hood (X-Men Origins: Wolverine) and stars Asa Butterfield, Abigail Breslin, Harrison Ford, Hailee Steinfeld and Viola Davis. Ender’s Game is expected to be in theaters on November 1st, 2013.

Updates: Deadline reports that Hugo’s Asa Butterfield is up for the lead. Comicbookmovie.com reports that Harrison Ford is being pursued for the character of Colonel Hyrum Graff. Summit originally wanted Viggo Mortensen, but it didn’t work out. CBM via Showblitz indicates that True Grit’s Hailee Steinfeld is up for the female lead. THR notes that Hugo’s Ben Kingsley has been cast as a war hero previously believed to be dead.

Dark Horizons via THR notes that Brendan Meyer has been added to the cast. Ford, Rango’s Abigail Breslin, and Steinfeld are now confirmed for the project. Dark Horizons via Variety reports that The Help’s Viola Davis has joined the cast. She will play a military psychologist. MTV has the first image of Harrison Ford and Asa Butterfield in Ender’s Game.

AICN reveals famous Hollywood composer James Horner (Aliens, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, The Rocketeer) will write the score for Ender’s Game. | Collider has the first photo of Hailee Steinfeld. | New poster.

BREAKING NEWS: First trailer. Enjoy!

"CZ12" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Jackie Chan
Writer: Jackie Chan, Stanley Tong, Frankie Chan, Edward Tang
Producer: Jackie Chan, Stanley Tong, Barbie Tung
Cast: Jackie Chan, Kwon Sang-woo, Liao Fan, Yao Xing Tong, Zhang Lan Xin, Laura Weissbecker, Ken Lo, Oliver Platt, Shu Qi, Daniel Wu
Running Time: 123 min.

By HKFanatic

Shortly into the second act of Jackie Chan’s new film “CZ12,” one of the film’s many annoying English-speaking characters tells Jackie and his team “You guys are amazing!” as they set off another one of their gadgets into the sky. Jackie shakes his head modestly, smiles and says, “No, technology is amazing.” This statement neatly sums up “CZ12″ as a whole, as an aging Jackie Chan increasingly relies on wirework and computer effects to perform the kind of stunts he could do in his sleep as a young man.

Can you blame him? The actor is a bonafide global icon who’s spent decades breaking bones and risking death to please his millions of fans over the world. The time for Jackie to pass the torch was probably back in 2005 with “New Police Story,” a graceful swansong for both the series and Jackie Chan the action star. And yet Jackie persists – while he claims “CZ12″ will likely be his last globetrotting blockbuster, he also says “Rush Hour 4″ is still in the cards.

You have to wonder what keeps Jackie going. If he’s anything like his character in “CZ12,” the answer is money. The last we saw of Jackie’s character ‘Asian Condor,’ he was keeping gold out of the Nazis’ hands in 1991′s “Armour of God II: Operation Condor.” In the intervening years it appears Condor has, well, sold out. The treasure hunter will steal any work of art or relic for the highest bidder; as the film opens, he’s currently selling his services to a multinational corporation who want 12 ancient statues representing the animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Condor agrees thanks to the promise of millions of Euros and, thus, the adventure begins. The Condor character has always been Jackie’s way of riffing on the Indiana Jones persona, but you don’t need to have seen very many movies to guess that Condor’s character arc in this film will involve his character waking up from being such a materialistic bastard.

Except that “CZ12″ isn’t too concerned with anything resembling a character arc. Condor and his team travel around the world, risking life and limb for these statues, but there are no personal stakes to the story since Condor is only after Euros and the screenplay treats human relationships as extraneous soap opera details to occupy the downtime in-between action setpieces. A slap to the face from a young archaeology student seems to awaken some shred of dignity in Condor and sets him on a path to fight against his former employers. The thing is, the viewer doesn’t really buy that Jackie’s character has had a change of heart; he’s just punching and kicking a different set of people now.

“CZ12″ is weighed down with a lot of historical babble about how foreign powers like the British and French ransacked the Chinese empire back in the early 20th century. Although Condor’s character explicitly states that we can’t judge the actions of our ancestors using our civilized modern ideology, it’s as though Jackie the filmmaker doesn’t agree with him. For one, all of the college age characters in this film walk around with a huge chip on their shoulder, like the Second Opium War was a current regional conflict being covered by CNN and not something that happened over 100 years ago.

The overall message is that Chinese artifacts should be returned to their rightful owners and preserved for their historical value; which is all well and good, but the multi-national focus means you practically need Rosetta Stone to follow the dialogue in this movie. You’ve got characters speaking Mandarin, French, English, and often switching between them on the fly. Unless you happen to be multi-lingual, the subtitle track is going to get a workout.

As with any Jackie Chan movie, fans know that the plot routinely takes a backseat to the fight scenes. For many, “CZ12′s” biggest sin will be the fact that there isn’t much action. The stunts and combat that are here are pretty outstanding stuff, especially considering Jackie’s age. He still scampers around and exchanges fists and kicks with the best of him. However, the best action beats in “CZ12″ are crammed obnoxiously into the final thirty minutes. It’s a buffet of action by the time Jackie arrives at the bad guys’ secret hideout, but until then you might grow restless waiting for Jackie to throw a punch.

A trek through the jungle with Jackie and his cohorts takes up the entire second act of the movie but proves fruitless, descending into sub-”Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” antics. The sets look studio-constructed and the characters appear to be in zero danger, despite the presence of automatic gunfire and an angry swarm of bees. The most excitement to be had is the rollerblade chase that opens the film and the aforementioned closing surplus of action, including a great tussle between JC and a character named The Vulture (played by French/Moroccan Taekwondo expert Alaa Saif). And as most folks are probably aware of by now, the final setpiece involves Jackie skydiving above a live volcano. It’s a fun sequence, even if most of it was brought to life via green screen effects.

“CZ12″ is a rough exterior you have to peel back, past layer after layer of grating characters and sequences that fail to advance the plot, to get to the fulfilling part: a 30-minute spectacle that will remind you why you love Jackie Chan movies, yes, even the ones where Jackie can’t move quite as fast as he used to. “CZ12″ proves that, even at age 59, Jackie’s still got more fight in him than most. At the end of the day, the film is likely too much of a mess to appeal to anyone but his most die-hard fans, but for those fans it should be an enjoyable romp with enough flashes of greatness to recall the good old days.

HKFanatic’s Rating: 7/10

Day of the Dead: Collector's Edition | Blu-ray & DVD (Shout! Factory)

RELEASE DATE: TBA 2013

Shout! Factory presents the Blu-ray & DVD for 1985′s Day of the Dead, directed by George A. Romero (the original Dawn of the Dead). A small group of military officers and scientists dwell in an underground bunker as the world above is overrun by zombies. Starring Lori Cardille, Terry Alexander and Joseph Pilato. This special Collector’s Edition is guaranteed to satisfy both old and new fans! Watch the trailer.

Stay tuned for pre-order information.

"City Hunter" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Like many stories in the media these days, it seems that the rumors of Jackie Chan’s retirement from the action genre were greatly exaggerated – or at least mistranslated. Word arrives today that Jackie Chan is lining up a new English-language action comedy.

The premise, developed by Chan himself, has Jackie playing a detective on the hunt for an American gambler who owes a fortune to a certain casino in Macau. The internationally-set film will feature stops in Hong Kong, Macau, Eastern Europe and Mainland China.  Jay Longino has been tapped to pen the screenplay.

Jackie will star and produce. Any guesses as to which English-speaking costar will be paired up with Jackie this time around? The film doesn’t have a title as of yet but stay tuned to Cityonfire.com for further details as they develop.

Update: It’s been almost a year (literally!) since we’ve heard anything about this movie, but today Beyond Hollywood relays news that the project has a director and a new female co-star for Jackie Chan. Sam Fell, the filmmaker behind last year’s stop-motion scary movie for kids ParaNorman, will handle the directing duties. Meanwhile, China’s number one ‘It girl’ Fan Bingbing (seen in the Chinese cut of Iron Man 3) plays the female lead. The movie’s tentative title is Skiptrace.

Michael Jai White is John 'Falcon' Chapman

Director Ernie Barbarash, at the moment best known for his two recent collaborations with Jean-Claude Van Damme (Assassination Games and Six Bullets), has announced an ambitious new project. The ‘Falcon’ series will be a string of action films that follows a character named John ‘Falcon’ Chapman, a weapon of the state who is fueled by guilt and regret.

None other than Michael Jai White (Blood and Bone, Spawn) is set to play this ass-kicker with a dark past. In the first installment of the series, titled Favela, Chapman is on a mission of revenge.

The anti-hero travels to Brazil to find his sister’s killer and along the way uncovers an underworld of vice and corruption, presided over by the Japanese mafia of all people.

The production company behind the Falcon series hopes to make 1-2 movies a year following the character, which seems like a tall order, but at least they have a talented leading man in Michael Jai White. It’s worth noting that White has called Falcon the kind of role he’s been waiting his whole life to tackle. On the action front, White will be ably assisted by Larnell Stovall, a fight choreographer who boasts arguably the most impressive resume in the genre thanks to movies like Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning and Undisputed 3.

Stay tuned to Cityonfire.com for more news on Favela and the Falcon series. Here are a couple of pics from the movie, which is currently filming: 1 | 2. Thanks to Film Combat Syndicate for the details.

"Dragon Eyes" Theatrical Poster

Justice is coming. But what is Justice? Martial arts star Cung Le (Dragon Eyes) has been teasing an upcoming movie project with action icon Dolph Lundgren (The Expendables), but not much is known about the film other than it carries the title Justice.

Recently, Cung Le shared a picture of himself with Dolph, training for a fight scene in a gym. He also revealed that the director of Justice is James Coyne, an up-and-coming filmmaker whose major credit thus far is a short film titled Vanished and serving as a co-producer on the live-action Tekken movie.

Although Justice remains shrouded in mystery at the moment, at least Cung Le keeps offering a steady stream of Facebook pics from the pre-production process.

Hopefully we’ll learn more about the project in the weeks to come. It appears that British actor Vinny Jones (Juggernaut in X-Men: The Last Stand) has a role as well. Either way, a pairing of Cung Le and Dolph Lundgren is something for fight fans to get excited about.

Update: Thanks to a tip from our reader Jox, it sounds like Justice - which may be called Certain Justice or Justice is Coming - is a bit of a passion project for Cung Le, as he discussed the screenplay four years ago before starring in 2009′s Pandorum. Cung describes Justice as an ‘amazing’ cross between First Blood and No Country For Old Men.

"Merantau" International Theatrical Poster

Recently, Twitch reported on a new film that martial arts buffs might be interested in. You’ll likely recall actor Laurent Buson as one of the two ‘evil white guys’ that Iko Uwais fought at the same time at the end of Merantau – Buson was the one with glasses. Well, the highly trained martial artist also belongs to a group of stunt people known as the Z Team. Their latest project together is a new fight movie called The Price of Success.

The premise is more than a little similar to the Thai movie BK: Bangkok Knockout, in which a bunch of highly trained fighters wake up after being drugged and are forced to fight each other for the whims of madman. However, the advertising for The Price of Success in particular goes out of its way to state that the filmmakers use no wires or computer effects for their action sequences. Don’t believe them? Just watch the trailer.