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.
"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.
BREAKING NEWS: Another new poster has been revealed, plus head over to The Playlist for some new stills.
"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.
