House On Straw Hill Blu-ray & DVD (Severin Films)
RELEASE DATE: June 11, 2013
Severin Films presents the Blu-ray & DVD for 1976′s House On Straw Hill (aka Trauma or Expose). A paranoid writer (Udo Kier) is unable to get started on his second novel. He hires a secretary (Linda Hayden), and then his troubles really begin. On it’s original release, the movie sparked controversy due to graphic scenes of sex and violence. Now it’s fully restored, uncut and loaded with extras! Watch the trailer.
The House of Seven Corpses Blu-ray & DVD (Severin Films)
RELEASE DATE: June 11, 2013
Severin Films presents the Blu-ray & DVD for 1974′s The House of Seven Corpses. Eight graves! Seven bodies! – screamed the ads, One killer… and he’s already dead! Hollywood legends John Ireland, John Carradine and Howard Hughes paramour Faith Domergue star this much-loved 70s shocker film! Now transferred in HD from original vault materials, plus extra features!
Double Feature: Universal Soldier: The Return & Second in Command Blu-ray (Mill Creek)
Today’s Deal on Fire is for the Jean-Claude Van Damme Blu-ray Double Feature which contains 1999′s Universal Soldier: The Return (trailer), directed by Mic Rodgers (who is mostly known for his stunt work in movies like Braveheart and Sin City) & 2006′s Second in Command (trailer), directed by Simon Fellows (Until Death). For $6.99, this is some serious Van Dammage!
"Ip Man 3" Teaser Poster
Asian Movie Pulse relays news that Ip Man 3 will start production at the end of the year – in 3D! Star Donnie Yen will return in the titular role, alongside director Wilson Yip.
This time around, Ip Man’s most famous pupil – Bruce Lee – is set to have a much larger role in the story. “What is certain is that the film will begin with Bruce Lee becoming Ip Man’s disciple,” says screenwriter Edmond Wong. The production team is planning to search for a young actor capable of portraying a 16 or 17 year-old Bruce Lee.
Producer Raymond Wong claims the film will feature a much larger budget than the previous two films, with special 3D effects incorporated into the fight scenes.
Update: Chinese Films is running with the story now so, hey, the movie must really be happening! They say that the studio behind the Ip Man movies, Pegasus Motion Pictures, is hoping for a 2013 release for Ip Man 3 in 3D. Lynn Hung (Ip Man 2) and Yu Bo (known for TV roles in China) are set to join the cast.
Pegasus Motion Pictures is promoting the film at Cannes 2012. They’ve revealed the budget is set at $36 million. In addition, director Wilson Yip plans to scout the USA and Europe to find the best 3D technicians to use on the film. Producers are talking to Simon Yam to see if he’ll return for the third installment. Shooting should begin December 2012 with the hopes of releasing the film in late 2013.
BREAKING NEWS: It looks like Ip Man 3D may not make it off the ground after all. Now that Donnie Yen has launched his own production company, Super Hero Films, he gets to make the films he wants to make. Apparently director Wilson Yip has lost his desire to shoot Ip Man 3D now that Ip Man has become such a pop culture figure – with prequels and sequels from other filmmakers besides Donnie Yen and Wilson Yip. And Donnie says if Wilson doesn’t make Ip Man 3D, then neither will he.
Spaghetti Westerns Unchained Blu-ray Set (Blue Underground)
RELEASE DATE: May 21, 2013
Blue Underground presents Spaghetti Westerns Unchained Blu-ray set, which contains 1966′s Django (trailer) directed by Sergio Corbucci; 1967′s Django Kill… If You Live, Shoot! (trailer) directed by Giulio Questi; 1976′s Keoma (trailer) directed by Enzo G. Castellari; and 1966′s Texas, Adios (trailer) directed by Ferdinando Baldi. Don’t confuse this set with this.
"Once Upon a Time in Shanghai" Promotional Poster
Twitch Film reports on a new film from Wong Jing’s production company with an impressive pedigree. Once Upon a Time in Shanghai - not to be confused with in-development film starring Chow Yun Fat – is a martial arts film directed by Wong Ching Po (Let’s Go!, Revenge: A Love Story) with action choreography from the legendary Yuen Woo-ping (The Matrix, True Legend).
A teaser trailer is online now, but it doesn’t feature any actual footage from the movie itself. It does, however, seem to indicate that Once Upon a Time in Shanghai will be a throwback to the martial arts flicks of old. The cast includes Phillip Ng (Bodyguards & Assassins, Naked Soldier) and an actor you may have heard of named Sammo Hung. Stay tuned to Cityonfire.com for more details.
Update: Check out the latest poster for the film.
The Fernando Di Leo Crime Collection Vol. 2 Blu-ray (Raro Video USA)
RELEASE DATE: June 25, 2013
Raro Video presents Blu-ray & DVD for The Fernando Di Leo Crime Collection Vol. 2, which includes films: 1974′s Shoot First Die Later (watch clip), 1975′s Kidnap Syndicate (watch clip) and 1969′s Naked Violence (watch clip). Features: New HD transfer from original, original trailer, new and improved english subtitles and a fully illustrated booklet.
"Kick-Ass 2" Teaser Poster
THE MOVIE: A sequel to Kick-Ass – about a high school student who decides to become a super-hero even though he has no powers, training, or meaningful reason to do so – is currently in the works and will be titled Kick-Ass 2: Balls to the Wall. Matthew Vaughn, director of the original, will producer, while Jeff Wadlow (Never Back Down) will direct. Aaron Johnson, Chloe Moretz and Christopher Mintz-Plasse are returning.
Updates: Mark Millar says the movie will incorporate elements from his forthcoming Hit Girl spin-off comic book. | In an interview with Collider, Aaron Johnson states that the sequel will be rated R and that filming begins this fall. | AICN has some minor casting and plot details. Look for a Mark Strong-ish actor to step in as the Red Mist’s new criminal Uncle. | Cinema Blend reports that John Leguizamo has signed on to play Javier, who serves as the lead bodyguard of Red Mist.
Nothing totally exciting, but here’s a look at the first promotional Kick-Ass 2 poster. | Deadline reports that Jim Carrey has officially signed on to play vigilante The Colonel in Kick-Ass 2: Balls To The Wall. | Cinema Blend has a sneak peak at some of the pre-production set photos, including: Mother Russia, her giant knife and Hit-Girl’s ride.
Collider has new images of Chloe Moretz’s Hit Girl and Aaron Johnson. | Movie Web has photos of Donald Faison as Doctor Gravity. | Here’s the first look at Jim Carrey as The Colonel. | Collider has a few new photos from the set, which include: Aaron Johnson, Chloe Grace Moretz and Donald Faison. | Head over to Total Film for the official plot synopsis. Beware of minor spoilers. | Rope of Silicon has the first official photo of Jim Carrey as Colonel Stars and Stripes. | Enjoy three new images, courtesy of Collider. | Some individual character posters have hit the web. And don’t forget: the Red Band trailer for the film, plus the new poster.
BREAKING NEWS: Check out the new Red Band trailer. Then head over to Rope of Silicon for the latest Kick-Ass 2 trailer, which focuses on Hit Girl.
"Independence Day" American Theatrical Poster
THE MOVIE: Despite prior suggestions, there’s no work on an official Independence Day sequel, because the director can’t come up with a proper script until the project is actually greenlit. In the meantime, Emmerich plans to adapt Isaac Asimov’s Foundation novel series, and a Da Vinci Code-like thriller revolving around Shakespeare’s authorship entitled, “Anonymous”.
Updates: Dark Horizons reported that they now have enough material for two movies, which they might shoot back-to-back. And, in addition, they might consider moving on without Smith.
Comingsoon.net has an interview with Dean Devlin where he states: ”I can’t say that it’s going to happen, but I can say for the first time that for the first time in eleven years, Roland Emmerich and I are working together. There are a lot of moving pieces that are coming together. I don’t know if it will come together, but we want it to happen.” For the full article, visit Comingsoon.net.
20th Century Fox have pulled the plug on their 3D version of the ’90s box office smash ID4, which was supposed to hit screens on July 3, 2013. Total Film says their decision could suggest bigger repercussions for the future of the Independence Day franchise. On the other hand, The Playlist cites potential clashes with Roland Emmerich’s White House Down and Will Smith’s After Earth as possible reasons for shelving ID4 3D.
BREAKING NEWS: During an interview with EW, Roland Emmerich has revealed details about the upcoming ID4 sequels (ID Forever Part 1 and Part II), which will be set 20 years after the first film. The sequels will focus on a distress signal that the aliens sent back to their home planet during their first attack. Emmerich told EW: “The humans knew that one day the aliens would come back. And they know that the only way you can really travel in space is through wormholes. So for the aliens, it could take two or three weeks, but for us that’s 20 or 25 years.” Emmerich has hired James Vanderbilt (who wrote White House Down) to revise his first draft of the script. So far, Bill Pullman, who played the President of the United States in the first film, is the only actor returning.
In My End Is My Beginning DVD (Asian Media Rights)
RELEASE DATE: May 21st, 2013
Asian Media Rights presents the DVD for In My End Is My Beginning. When Jung-ha loses her husband in an accident, Naru, her husband’s secret lover, approaches Jung-ha and begs her to allow her to stay at her house. Jung-ha denies her at first, but eventually gives in to this strange arrangement, which gets stranger still when it turns into a lesbian relationship. Watch the trailer.
"Godzilla" Teaser Poster
THE MOVIE: Gareth Edwards, the director of the acclaimed indie creature flick Monsters, is set to relaunch the Godzilla franchise for Legendary Pictures and Warner Brothers. David Callaham (The Expendables), David S. Goyer (Dark Knight) and Max Borenstein (The Seventh Son) have been penned the script. Tentative release date set for May 16, 2014.
Updates: AICN teased a possible model of the new Godzilla. | Comic Book Movie noted that Max Borenstein has been hired to write. | CBM has some candid comments from Dean Devlin concerning his script for Roland Emmerich’s maligned 1998 Godzilla remake. | CBM has a look at recently rejected concept art. | ShockTillYouDrop has a description of the surprise teaser trailer revealed at this year’s Comic-Con.
The Playlist reports that the film is expected to be presented in 3D (though no word if it will be shot in the format). Director Gareth Edwards recently chatted with The Geek Files and said: “I’ve always been interested in Godzilla and the ideas around him. I really wanted to see another Godzilla film and jumped at the opportunity. My main idea was to imagine ‘If this really happened, what would it be like?’ I want to take a grounded, realistic approach to a Godzilla film.”
Deadline reports that The Mist writer/director and former The Walking Dead showrunner Frank Darabont has been hired to do a rewrite of the screenplay. It appears the film is finally gaining traction to begin shooting in March of this year, with an eye on a Summer 2014. The only trouble is a legal battle may be brewing between Warner Brothers/Legendary and a few former producers on the film.
Collider reports that Aaron Johnson (Kick-Ass) is being eyed for the lead. | Total Film reports that Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Elizabeth Olsen (Old Boy) reported to be in talks to join the project. Empire reports that The English Patient’s Juliette Binoche is currently in talks to join Godzilla. Collider reports that production has begun on Godzilla and Ken Watanabe (Bruce’s Fist of Vengeance, The Last Samurai) has joined the cast. | Collider has the first look at Aaron Taylor-Johnson in Godzilla, plus some behind the scenes videos from the set.
Collider reports that original Godzilla actor Akira Takarada will be in the reboot. In addition to appearing in the 1954 original, the Toho star has appeared in numerous Godzilla films including Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964) and Godzilla: Final Wars (2004).
BREAKING NEWS: Legendary Pictures has tweeted an on set photo of Akira Takarada and Gareth Edwards.
"Escape From New York" Japanese Theatrical Poster
For a little while there, it looked like we were going to get a reboot of Escape From New York reboot from New Line Cinema with Breck Eisner (Sahara) in the director’s chair and Gerard Butler wearing the eyepatch originally made famous by Kurt Russell. The project eventually fell through and New Line let the rights to the franchise expire. Now Hollywood mega-producer Joel Silver (Lethal Weapon, Predator) has swooped in to secure the rights to the 1981 cult film directed by John Carpenter.
The plan? To turn Escape From New York into its own trilogy of films, supposedly modeled after the Planet of the Apes films. There are no directors or actors attached to this potential remake so for now it’s in the early, early stages. Considering that the original Escape was only able to spawn one universally-disliked sequel, though, it’ll be interesting to see how Joel Silver plans to turn this into a trilogy.
Update: According to New York Daily News, Tom Hardy and Jason Statham are up for the role of Snake Plissken.
"Multi-Feature: Jackie Chan Blu-ray Set" Cover
Today’s Deal on Fire is the Multi-Feature: Jackie Chan Blu-ray Set, which contains Operation Condor (aka Armor of God 2), Operation Condor 2 (aka The Armour of God), Project A and Project A 2. Unfortunately, they’re the English-dubbed, slightly-cut versions; but at this price, who cares? Sit back and enjoy some of the best action ever put on screen!
Bangkok Revenge Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)
Greetings, folks! There are a ton of new releases to explore this week so let’s get cracking. 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 3/26/13:
ASIAN CINEMA
Dead Sushi (Blu-ray) – the latest and wildest slice of Sushi Typhoon madness, this 2012 horror/comedy shows what happens when the sushi of Japan becomes sentient. Co-stars “High Kick Girl” Rina Takeda. Now in hi-def!
Johnny Sokko and His Flying Robot (DVD) – the cult favorite late 60′s Japanese TV series is packaged together on DVD by Shout! Factory
Ichi Two-Pack (DVD) – Tokyo Shock presents both the uncut version of Takashi Miike’s 2001 cult favorite “Ichi the Killer” as well as the 2003 prequel “Ichi Origin,” which follows the crazed killer during his high school days
Possession in Japan (DVD) – “The Exorcist” meets J-horror with this 2011 Japanese horro film about demonic possession
Kill the Ugly TV (DVD) – distributor Tokyo Erotique presents this 2012 Japanese ‘pink’ film about an agoraphobic woman who never leaves her apartment and doesn’t realize she’s being watched online by hundreds of strangers via a hidden camera
Tatsumi (DVD) – this 2011 Japanese-language film celebrates the life and work of manga artist Yoshihiro Tatsumi, who revolutionized the Japanese comics industry during the 1950′s
Tokyo Noir (DVD) – explore the dark sexual underbelly of modern day Tokyo with this 2004 erotic drama, on DVD from Asian Media Rights
Fetish (DVD) – Asian Media Rights presents this 2008 drama about a Korean woman whose obsession with her new caucasian neighbor eventually leads to insanity
MARTIAL ARTS/ACTION
Bangkok Revenge (Blu-ray/DVD) – Jon Foo, star of “Tekken” and seen in “Tom Yum Goong,” stars in this 2011 martial arts revenge thriller. Directed by French filmmaker Jean-Marc Minéo but in the English language
Best of the Best 3: No Turning Back (Blu-ray) – there’s no turning back for Phillip Ree, who directs this entry in the “Best of the Best” series, as he goes up against the KKK in this 1995 actioner
Bounty Hunters (Blu-ray) – a slice of low-budget 1996 action, starring Michael Dudikoff of “American Ninja” fame. No in hi-def!
Attack Force & Into the Sun (Blu-ray) – it’s two recent Steven Seagal direct-to-video actioners on one Blu-ray, for only $8.99. Since “Into the Sun” takes place in Japan and features Seagal going up against the Yakuza, it has more of a following than some of his other recent efforts
FOREIGN
A Man Escaped (Blu-ray/DVD) – the Criterion Collection presents this 1956 film from acclaimed French director Robert Bresson, who was known for his austere and spiritual style of filmmaking
A Royal Affair (Blu-ray/DVD) – the Academy Award and Golden Globe winner for Best Foreign Picture in 2012 is this Danish-language production, a royal drama centering around King Christian VII and his wife
Easy Money (DVD) – this 2012 Swedish crime thriller stars Joel Kinnaman, star of TV’s “The Killing” and soon to be seen as Robocop in the big-screen reboot
Race 2 (DVD) – it’s more explosive action out of Bollywood with this 2013 sequel to the popular film “Race”
Bloodline: Vengeance From Beyond (DVD) – this grim and gruesome 2011 Italian horror film has been called a throwback to the glory days of Italian horror filmmakers such as Dario Argento and Lucio Fulci
MAINSTREAM
Lincoln (Blu-ray/DVD) – Daniel Day-Lewis took home an Oscar for his portrayal of President Lincoln in this 2012 biopic from Steven Spielberg
Killing Them Softly (Blu-ray/DVD) – Brad Pitt co-stars in this gritty 2012 crime thriller from the director of “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford”
The Comedy (DVD) – Tim Heidecker of TV’s “Tim & Eric” headlines this 2012 comedy about an aging hipster with no direction in life
Day of the Falcon (Blu-ray/DVD) – Antonio Banderas stars in this 2011 epic drama set in the Mideast
Stand Off (Blu-ray + DVD) – Brendan Fraser and Colm Meaney headline this 2011 crime/comedy about a small time heist that turns into big time trouble
NEW TO BLU-RAY
Jurassic Park (Blu-ray + DVD) – Steven Spielberg’s landmark 1993 dinosaur blockbuster receives a standalone Blu-ray release
Terminator Anthology (Blu-ray) – every film in “The Terminator” series, from James Cameron’s 1984 original through McG’s “Terminator: Salvation,” is gathered here for $44.86
The Lost World: Jurassic Park (Blu-ray + DVD) – Steven Spielberg directs this 1997 sequel to “Jurassic Park,” now available on standalone Blu-ray
Jurassic Park III (Blu-ray/DVD) – arguably the least popular entry in the franchise, 2001′s “Jurassic Park III” from “Captain America” director Joe Johnston receives a standalone Blu-ray
Iron Weeds (Blu-ray) – award-winning actors Jack Nicholson and Meryl Steep share the screen in this 1987 drama set during the Great Depression
CULT
Futureworld (Blu-ray) – the 1975 sequel to “Westworld,” co-starring Peter Fonda and Yul Brynner
When a Stranger Calls/Happy Birthday to Me (Blu-ray) – two cult horror films from the late 70′s/early 80′s are paired together on Blu-ray
Angel Brigade (AKA Seven From Heaven) (DVD) – this 1973 exploitation flick features a bevy of babes dishing out justice in “Charlie’s Angels” style. Co-starring Jack Palance (“Batman” ’89)
Virtual Weapon (DVD) – cult film actor Terence Hill (“My Name is Nobody”) stars in this 1997 direct-to-video actioner in the “Virtuosity” vein
Alley Cat (DVD) – this 1984 exploitation thriller arrives in the vein of “Street Angel” and “Ms. 45.” Part of the Katrina’s Kat Scratch Cinema label
The Death Wheelers (DVD) – a biker gang makes a deal with the devil and kills themselves, only to return from the grave as zombies in this 1973 exploitation flick
CLASSIC
Monsieur Verdoux (Blu-ray/DVD) – the Criterion Collection presents this 1947 film, directed by and starring cinema legend Charlie Chaplin
McLintock! (Blu-ray/DVD) – John Wayne’s most popular film vehicle of the 60′s was actually this raucous Western comedy from 1963
Panic in the Streets (Blu-ray) – Jack Palance co-stars in this 1950 noir action film shot on location in New Orleans
Little Fugitive (Blu-ray) – in hi-def from Kino Video, this 1953 American film was said to be an influence on classic French films like “The Red Balloon” and “400 Blows”
Ship of Fools/Lilith (Blu-ray) – Lee Marvin stars in this 60′s ensemble drama “Ship of Fools” while Warren Beatty headlines the dark story of “Lilith,” both featuring reportedly great hi-def transfers
China Gate (Blu-ray/DVD) – Sam Fuller writes and directs this 1957 film set during the tail end of France’s occupation of Vietnam. Historically, it was one of the first films to examine the conflict in that region
A Man Betrayed (Blu-ray/DVD) – cinema icon John Wayne stars in this 1941 noir tale of corruption and betrayal
Hell’s Half Acre (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 1954 noir film is set in…Hawaii, of all places. Explore the darker side of paradise, courtesy of Olive Films
HORROR
From Beyond (Blu-ray + DVD combo) – this legendary 1986 horror film from “The Re-Animator” director Stuart R. Gordon is a slimy and grotesque adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s work
Phantasm II (Blu-ray/DVD) – the Tall Man is back! Scream Factory presents this 1988 horror film, one of the few sequels to do its source material justice
The Collection (Blu-ray/DVD) – this gory 2012 horror film is a sequel to “The Collector,” from the writers of the “Saw” sequels
Immortality (Blu-ray) – Jude Law stars as an emotionally sedate vampire living in London in this 1998 horror movie
The Frankenstein Theory (DVD) – this 2012 ‘found footage’ horror flick follows a group of students trying to capture Frankenstein’s monster on film
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!
"G.I. Joe: Retaliation" Korean Theatrical Poster
THE MOVIE: Despite a lukewarm reception to the first film, the G.I. Joe franchise is back with a sequel that looks to inject some much needed fresh blood into the series. At the helm is director John M. Chu, joined by series newcomers Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Bruce Willis. In theaters on March 29th, 2013.
THE TRAILER: Courtesy of Apple Quicktime. Machinima has the newest trailer on Youtube.
Updates: CBM has a look at the Superbowl spot. | Check out the international trailer. | ComicBookMovie reports that popular Korean actor Lee Byung-hun (A Bittersweet Life, I Saw the Devil) will have a larger role in the sequel thanks to his improved mastery of the English language. This makes us at Cityonfire.com very happy.
Check out trailer #3, courtesy of YouTube. | A fresh batch of cool news pics, courtesy of Beyond Hollywood. | A cool new poster featuring Lee Byung-hun of I Saw the Devil fame as Storm Shadow. | Beyond Hollywood has some more great posters and images here. | Scope out three new posters for the film here.
G.I. Joe: Retaliation has been delayed until March 29, 2013 so Paramount can convert the film to 3D, which they feel will boost Retaliation‘s international box office. Today, AICN is speculating that the delay was due to a highly negative response from test audiences and a desire to increase Channing Tatum’s role after his increased popularity from 21 Jump Street and the upcoming Magic Mike.
In addition to Channing Tatum’s limited screen time (see above), Cinemablend reports that the studio has broken its silence and says that the movie couldn’t compete with Marc Webb’s The Amazing Spider-Man. And just like Ningen called out days ago (see comments), The Playlist reports that re-shoots will add more Tatum.
Check out the latest G.I. Joe: Retaliation international trailer. | Introducing the latest poster. | Watch the latest trailer! | “G.I. Joe should be gentlemen…” Two new TV spots for your viewing pleasure are here and here. | Check out a cool Stormshadow poster and a Stormshadow featurette over at ComingSoon. | There’s a 4-minute ninja fight from the movie on YouTube for your viewing pleasure.
BREAKING NEWS: Rope of Silicon has 21 new photos and some new clips.
"Pusher" Blu-ray Cover
RELEASE DATE: June 25, 2013
Anchor Bay presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Pusher, director Luis Prieto’s remake of the Nicolas Winding Refn 1996 cult classic. In London, a street dealer’s life spins out of control over the course of one week after he borrows money from his supplier on what’s supposed to be a sure thing. Pusher stars Richard Coyle, Bronson Webb and Agyness Deyn. Watch the trailer.
"The One" Blu-ray Cover
Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for 2001′s The One, directed by James Wong (Dragonball: Evolution). Jet Li stars as an officer who fights an alternate universe version of himself who grows stronger with each alternate self he kills. Also starring Carla Gugino, Delroy Lindo with fight choreography by Corey Yuen.
"Death Wish 3" Japanese Theatrical Poster
THE MOVIE: Paramount and MGM are bringing back the Charles Bronson-led thrillers, about a New York City architect who becomes a one-man vigilante squad after his wife is murdered by street punks. Back in 2006, Sylvester Stallone also expressed interest in a remake.
Update: In an interview with Collider, Joe Carnahan says he wants to set his version in L.A. On October 29, Carnahan tweeted (via Collider): “Thinking if ‘Death Wish’ isn’t next, I might knock out a 3 million dollar movie with my pal Jason Blum…stripped down, bare bones basics.” The movie he speaks of is an action movie called Stretch, which will star Watchmen’s Patrick Wilson.
Director Joe Carnahan has reportedly dropped out of the project because he did not agree with Paramount-MGM’s push to cast Bruce Willis in the lead role.
BREAKING NEWS: Variety reports that MGM and Paramount have entered into negotiations with Gerardo Naranjo (Miss Bala) to take over the project.
"Fist of Legend" Korean Theatrical Poster
Mixed-Martial Arts may be relatively new to the world of professional sports, but it’s already proved to be a fertile inspiration for filmmakers: from the Rocky-like underdog story of The Warrior with Tom Hardy to Michael Jai White’s fan favorite directorial debut Never Back Down 2. Now the South Korean film industry is getting in on the action with a new feature from Kang Woo-suk, the director of the popular Public Enemy films.
The movie is called Fist of Legend, a title that is burdened with a little bit of history seeing as how 1994′s Fist of Legend is arguably Jet Li’s most popular film. But we’re assured that the title is merely coincidence. Regardless, don’t miss the teaser trailer for this Korean Fist of Legend, which promises plenty of fights in the ring as well as City of Violence-esque street gang clashes. Fist of Legend arrives in Korean theaters on April 10th, 2013. Thanks to Twitch for the story.
Update: Here’s the latest theatrical poster, courtesy of Beyond Hollywood. | Check out the latest poster and a new trailer for the film. Thanks to Beyond Hollywood.
BREAKING NEWS: CJ Entertainment delivers a knockout punch! The company has announced a limited theatrical release for Fist of Legend in North America. The film opens in select cities on April 12th, including Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, New York, and Seattle. Here’s the North American trailer.
"Million Dollar Crocodile" Chinese Theatrical Poster
Director: Lin Li Sheng
Writer: Lin Li Sheng
Producer: Li Rui
Cast: Barbie Hsu Hsi Yuan, Guo Tao, Lam Suet, Shi Zhao Qi, Hung Yan Yan, Pu Ba Jia
Running Time: 87 min.
By HKFanatic
These days, the monster movie has a bad rap. A once fun and thriving subgenre of horror as been relegated to an endless string of ‘SyFy’ Channel movies in which mutated variations of animals and dinosaurs duke it out. Whatever happened to the sheer thrill of a classic like “Jaws” or even the guilty pleasure of an “Anaconda”? The genre has long grown dormant, although the 2009 Korean film “Chawz” tried to re-energize the formula with a healthy dose of comedy.
“Million Dollar Crocodile,” released Stateside as “Croczilla,” very much continues in this trend. Ostensibly a horror/comedy, “Croczilla” isn’t very funny but it’s clear that it wants to be. Upon returning home to China from an eight year sojourn making purses in Italy, Barbie Hsu has the misfortune of crossing paths with a giant, rampaging crocodile. The beast eats Barbie’s purse, which just so happens to contain her 8 year stockpile of a million Euros. Hence, the Million Dollar(?) Crocodile of the title.
While this set-up doesn’t exactly beg to be made into a movie, it’s a shame that the filmmakers force Barbie Hsu to play much of her role in hysterics, crying about her missing money and trying to convince other people of the giant croc’s existence, all while some Britney Spears-esque pop tune blares on the soundtrack.
Then again, nearly all the human characters in the film play second fiddle to the computer-animated croc. Actor Tao Guo is on hand as a provincial cop and struggling single father who must protect his mischievous young son from being eaten by the croc, while veteran Milkyway Image actor Lam Suet acts as the proprietor of a shady restaurant that traffics in crocodile meat. In fact, the only reason the titular croc is on the run and causing so much trouble in the Chinese countryside is because Lam Suet was planning to turn it into a dinner entree. The crocodile is actually portrayed in a more sympathetic light than most of the people around it.
The special effects in “Croczilla” show just how far the Chinese film industry has progressed on a technical level. Sure, the CG isn’t exactly photorealistic and never once are you fooled into believing you’re looking at a real crocodile, but the computer effects do the trick and you also never once feel like you’re watching one of those aforementioned SyFy movies. If nothing else, “Croczilla” sets the stage for another Chinese director to tell a worthwhile story using this same technology.
While there’s a certain amount of fun to be had in watching a monstrously sized crocodile creating panic in rural China, the relatively family friendly (read: PG-13) nature of the production means means that there are hardly any onscreen kills. It’s up to the cast to carry the film but their characters are such thinly drawn stereotypes and their acting so broad, it’s hard to register these people as more than caricatures. The viewer is forced to sit through a lot of fluffy, throwaway scenes of family bonding while they wait for the giant CG croc to rear its head and cause some property damage. You know, the kind of thing you’d like to see in a movie called “Croczilla.”
Although Amazon lists “Croczilla” as being dubbed in English, there is a 2.0 track available of the film’s original Chinese audio. The picture quality on the disc is subpar even for DVD but watchable. It’s great that Screen Media brought such a niche picture to North America but they could have put more effort into the visual transfer. Then again, the distributors may have watched the film themselves and thought ‘why bother?’ Your best bet is to save “Croczilla” for a night when you’re desperate for that modern monster movie fix.
HKFanatic’s Rating: 5.5/10
Cityonfire.com would like to thank Boulevard Movies for providing a copy of Croczilla for review purposes. Boulevard Movies has been keeping movie lovers stocked with their favorite cult classics and foreign films on Blu-ray and DVD since 2006.
"House of Flying Daggers" Blu-ray Cover
Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for 2004′s House of Flying Daggers, directed by Zhang Yimou (Hero). A romantic police captain breaks a beautiful member of a rebel group out of prison to help her rejoin her fellows, but things are not what they seem. Starring Zhang Ziyi (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), Takeshi Kaneshiro (Chungking Express) and Andy Lau (Fulltime Killer).
"The New World" Korean Theatrical Poster
Twitch has the scoop on a new cops-and-crooks thriller out of South Korea, titled New World. The story follows a cop who’s way, way undercover in a criminal organization when he’s caught between the gangsters’ power struggle and a police crackdown. New World features some of the biggest names in Korean cinema, actors whose faces should be recognizable to Western audiences as well: Lee Jung-Jae (The Housemaid) stars as the undercover cop, while Hwang Jung-min (The Unjust) is a gangster and none other than Choi Min-sik (star of Oldboy) plays a police superior.
The teaser trailer for New World is online now. You can find it and more in-depth informaiton on the project over at AsianWiki’s page. The movie is slated for release in South Korea at the end of next month, so expect a longer trailer in the coming weeks.
Updates: Beyond Hollywood has the official theatrical poster. Han Cinema has the full-length trailer.
Well Go USA is bringing the film to 15 theatrical markets in North America on March 22nd, 2013. City listings are on IndieWire and include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, Toronto, and more. | Here’s the full-length US trailer for the film, in select theaters this March 22nd.
BREAKING NEWS: The film opens in limited release tomorrow so Well Go USA has premiered a Red Band clip to entice viewers.
"The Shadow" Japanese Theatrical Poster
RELEASE DATE: June 4, 2013
Universal presents the Blu-ray for 1994′s The Shadow, directed by Russell Mulcahy (Highlander) and written by David Koepp (Jurassic Park). In 30′s New York City, the Shadow battles his nemesis, Shiwan Khan, who is building an atomic bomb. Starring Alec Baldwin (Hunt for Red October), John Lone (Year of the Dragon) and Penelope Ann Miller (Carlito’s Way). Watch the trailer.
"Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning" Unrated Director's Cut
Last year, director John Hyams made waves with Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning, the latest installment in the popular Universal Soldier series. Unforgivingly bloody and brutal, and loaded with adult content, Day of Reckoning pushed the “R” rating to its limit while helping to cement Scott Adkins’ popularity as an action star.
Now – in case the original just wasn’t bloody enough for ya – Hyams’ official, unrated Director’s Cut is available streaming on Amazon. This means the goriest moments that had to be cut to secure an “R” are back in the film!
Via Facebook, Hyams revealed he hopes the Director’s Cut will receive an official Blu-ray release but it’s unknown if it will at this point. In the meantime, Amazon is your best bet to catch Day of Reckoning uncensored.
With series mainstays Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren returning to share the spotlight with Scott Adkins, the film proves that the Universal Soldier series still has plenty of fight left in it.
Drive-In Double Feature: The Dungeon of Harrow & Death By Invitation DVD (Vinegar Syndrome)
RELEASE DATE: May 7. 2013
Vinegar Syndrome presents Drive-In Collection: The Dungeon of Harrow & Death By Invitation on DVD. 1962′s The Dungeon of Harrow follows two survivors of a shipwreck as they find themselves trapped on a remote island, run by a mad baron keen on torture. 1971′s Death By Invitation is an effectively gritty tale of 20th century witchery toped off with a pleasant touch of psychedelia. Watch the trailers.
The Telephone Book Blu-ray & DVD (Vinegar Syndrome)
RELEASE DATE: May 7, 2013
Vinegar Syndrome presents the Blu-ray & DVD for 1971′s The Telephone Book, which tells the story of a sex-obsessed hippie who falls in love with the world’s greatest obscene phone caller and embarks on a quest to find him. Features commentary with Merv Bloch, original music soundtrack, gallery and trailers. Watch the trailer.
"Gamera" Double Feature Blu-ray Cover
Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray Double Feature for 1995′s Gamera: Guardian of the Universe and 1996′s Gamera: Attack of the Legion. Both films are directed under the acclaimed direction of Shusuke Kaneko (Necronomicon) and written by Kazunori Itp (Ghost In the Shell). At about $3 a movie, this is truly a monster deal!
Bunohan: Return To Murder DVD (Oscilloscope Laboratories)
RELEASE DATE: May 7, 2013
Oscilloscope Laboratories presents the DVD for Dain Said’s Bunohan: Return To Murder. After a deathmatch in Thailand Adil, a kickboxer, is on the run from Ilham, a hitman (and his half-brother). The chase brings them to their hometown of Bunohan, where each man’s struggle leads to betrayal, corruption and murder. Check out the trailer.
"No One Lives" International Poster
THE MOVIE: Director Ryuhei Kitamura (Versus, The Midnight Meat Train) is back with an upcoming horror film titled No One Lives. This exuberantly gory thriller about a clan of backwoods road bandits whose latest victims are far less helpless than they seem.
No One Lives stars Luke Evans (Clash of the Titans); other cast members include Angus MadFadyen, Alexis Dziena, Laura Ramsey, Lindsey Shaw, America Olivo, Beau Knapp, Derek Magyar and Brodus Clay.
Update: In lieu of the film’s screening at the Toronto International Film Festival, the TIFF website has a few new stills from the film.
BREAKING NEWS: The International trailer managed to sneak its way online today.
Swamp Thing | Blu-ray (Shout! Factory)
RELEASE DATE: August 6, 2013
Shout! Factory presents the Blu-ray for Wes Craven’s 1982 classic Swamp Thing. According to Shout! Factory, it will be the 91 minute U.S. cut and not the 93 minute “unrated” international version, due to legal issues. But they promise some awesome extra features! Starring Louis Jourdan, Adrienne Barbeau and Ray Wise. Watch the trailer.
