This Time It’s War
Source: Madman Entertainment press release

Australian DVD cover for BATTLE ROYALE II: REQUIEM.
Photo courtesy of Madman Entertainment. © 2003 The
“Battle Royale” Production Committee

BATTLE ROYALE II: REQUIEM (バトル・ロワイアル II～鎮魂歌（レクイエム）～, Batoru Rowaiaru II: Chinkonka, 2003), the follow-up to the cult classic BATTLE ROYALE (バトル・ロワイアル, Batoru Rouaiaru, 2000), will be released on Region 4 DVD in March by Madman Entertainment. The new release will be a “director’s cut” (also known as BATTLE ROYALE II: REVENGE) with 25 minutes of extra footage. Never before seen in Australia, the extended version ups the stakes in every way.

It’s three years after the events of the original BATTLE ROYALE, and Shuya Nanahara (DEATH NOTE’s Tatsuya Fujiwara) is now an internationally-known terrorist determined to bring down the government. His terrorist group, Wild Seven, stages an attack that levels several buildings in Tokyo on Christmas Day, killing 8000 people.

Exactly one year afterward, the government enacts the “New Century Terrorist Counter-Measure Alternative” program, a.k.a. the BRII act, and sends the forty-two students of Shikanotoride Junior High Class 3-B to hunt Nanahara and his cohorts down in their island stronghold. Shiori Kitano (Ai Maeda, GAMERA 3), the daughter of the late headmaster of Nanahara’s Battle Royale, signs up for the program, to avenge her father. In order for the government to study the benefits of “teamwork”, the new students work in pairs, with their collars electronically linked so that if one of them is killed, the other dies as well. They must kill Nanahara in three days — or die.
Continued…

Loan shark Aiichiro Fukuhara (Tomokazu Miura) and slacker law school student Fumiya Takemura (Joe Odagiri) walk across Tokyo in director
Miki Satoshi’s award-winning comedy ADRIFT IN TOKYO. Photo courtesy of Third Window Films. © 2007 Adrift in Tokyo Film Partners

Acclaimed Comedy Streets February 27th
Source: Third Window Films
Official Movie Site: tokyosanpo.jp (Japan), thirdwindowfilms.com/adrift-in-tokyo (UK)
Special Thanks to Adam Torel

Cover art for the UK DVD of ADRIFT IN TOKYO. Photo
courtesy of Third Window Films. © 2007 Adrift in Tokyo
Film Partners

Joe Odagiri (MASKED RIDER KUUGA, BRIGHT FUTURE, AIR DOLL) stars in director Miki Satoshi’s (TURTLES ARE SURPRISINGLY FAST SWIMMERS, INSTANT SWAMP) comedy ADRIFT IN TOKYO (転々, TenTen, 2007), coming to DVD in the United Kingdom on February 27th from distributor Third Window Films. The film has not been released on DVD or Blu-ray in the United States.

Leading a lazy life, Fumiya Takemura (Odagiri) has been a university student for 8 years and owes money to loan sharks. One day, a man named Aiichiro Fukuhara (Tomokazu Miura – ALWAYS-SUNSET ON THIRD STREET) comes to collect the loan, which Fumiya cannot pay. So Fukuhara makes a proposition: He will cancel the debt as long as Fumiya agrees to walk with him across Tokyo to the police station of Kasumigaseki, where he intends to turn himself in for a crime he deeply regrets. Not having much choice, Fumiya accepts the deal. Thus begins their journey which will lead them to various unusual encounters, most of all with themselves.
Continued…

Packaging for the DVD and Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack of BLADE OF KINGS. Photos courtesy of Well Go USA. © 2004 Emperor Entertainment Group

Donnie Yen, Jackie Chan and Bing Bing Fan Star in an Epic Tale with Cutting Edge Martial Arts
Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications
Special Thanks to Leif Hellend

Donnie Yen (IP MAN), Jackie Chan (SHAOLIN, 1911) and Bing Bing Fan (SHAOLIN, MY WAY) star in the epic action adventure BLADE OF KINGS (千機變II花都大戰, Chin gei bin 2: Fa dou daai jin, aka THE TWINS EFFECT II, 2004), debuting on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack and DVD March 6th from Well Go USA Entertainment.

The all-star cast also includes Charlene Choi (TRIPLE TAP, THE JADE AND THE PEARL), Gillian Chung (VAMPIRE EFFECT), and Hong Kong Film Award nominee for Best Newcomer Jaycee Chan (1911) in the tale of Charcoal Head, a humble boy born to rule an empire who must first undertake his journey to claim his throne in the mythical land of Huadu. Nominated for four Hong Kong Film Awards, including Best Visual Effects, the film was directed by Patrick Leung and Cory Yuen.
Continued…

It’s Time for the Final Showdown
Official Site: tekken-bloodvengeance.com (Japan)
Source: The Associates press release

UK DVD cover art. Photo courtesy of The Associates.
© 2010 Studio Bicolor Co., Ltd

Seiji Chiba, director of the cult hits NINJA GIRL, ALIEN VS NINJA and ROGUE NINJA, brings a further helping of period-set ninja action to the screen with NINJA BATTLE (忍邪, Sengoku: Iga No Ran, 2010), starring Aiko Ito (ULTRAMAN MENIUS & ULTRAMAN BROTHERS; BLAST-DRAGON TASK FORCE ABARANGER), Shuji Kashiwabara (ALIEN VS NINJA), Daisuke Nagakura (BIG MAN JAPAN), Kentaro Shimazu (ROBO-GEISHA; TOKYO GORE POLICE; THE MACHINE GIRL) and Ben Hiura (ALIEN VS NINJA; ZATOICHI).

A cerebral ninja movie full of twists and intrigue, NINJA BATTLE also capably delivers the martial arts and swordplay action promised by its title as once again Seiji Chiba proves himself to be one of the genre’s leading cult directors.

NINJA BATTLE (cert. 15) will be released on DVD (Region 2, PAL) in the United Kingdom by MVM on February 6th.
Continued…

Modern girl Akari Yoshiyama (Riisa Naka) travels back in time to 1974 in TIME TRAVELLER: THE GIRL WHO LEAPT THROUGH TIME,
the live-action adaptation of the classic novel. © 2010 Time Traveller Film Partners

Source: Asian Crush, Media Blasters, Inc.
Official Movie Site: tokikake.jp (Japan)

DVD cover art. © 2010 Time Traveller Film Partners

The live-action feature film TIME TRAVELLER: THE GIRL WHO LEAPT THROUGH TIME (時をかける少女, Toki o Kakeru Shojo, 2010) is coming to DVD in North America on January 24th. It is the newest adaptation of the original 1967 novel The Girl Who Leapt Through Time by Yasutaka Tsutsui, previously the basis for a classic 1983 live-action movie and an award winning 2006 animated film.

TIME TRAVELLER: THE GIRL WHO LEAPT THROUGH TIME is the first movie from director Masaaki Taniguchi (SNOW FLAKE). The film stars Riisa Naka (ZEBRAMAN 2: ATTACK ON ZEBRA CITY), who provided the voice of the lead character, Makoto Konono, in the anime adaptation. Riisa was named “Rookie of the Year” at the 2011 Japanese Academy Awards and “Best New Artist” at the 2010 Nikkan Sports Film Awards.

TIME TRAVELLER: THE GIRL WHO LEAPT THROUGH TIME will be released by the home video label Asian Crush, a division of Asian Media Rights. Asian Crush titles are distributed by Media Blasters.
Continued…

New Documentary Series Examines the Dynamic Film Scene of China, Taiwan, India, Korea and Iran
Source: Madman Entertainment press release

Cover art for the CINEMA ASIA DVD. Photo courtesy of
Madman Entertainment. © 2010 SCANNÁIN INBHEAR

CINEMA ASIA is a five-part documentary series that takes the viewer into the most dynamic film scene on the planet. Asia houses some of the world’s biggest film industries: India boasts that it is the Number One film producing country in the world, while China, at Number Three is nipping closely at Hollywood’s heels. Taiwan, Korea and Iran have film industries that are smaller, but no less vibrant. Punching far above their weight these national cinemas have taken their place on the international stage. Long trapped within their own national boundaries, these national cinemas have in recent years burst onto international screens. They have even taken the charts Number One slot in the home of cinema itself – Hollywood.

CINEMA ASIA offers the viewer a rich mix of clips from some of the most important films produced in recent years. Interviews with their makers provide a unique window not only on the world of film-making, but on the cultures that have made them. In an age of incessant and irresistible globalization these programmes show how national cinemas fight against the Hollywoodization of global cinema.

CINEMA ASIA will air on Australia’s public broadcasting network SBS (Special Broadcasting Service) in January and February, 2012. Madman Entertainment will release the complete series on DVD on March 21st.
Continued…

Veteran homicide detective Cho Sang-gil (Song Kang-ho) and eager rookie detective Cha Eun-young (Lee Na-young) investigate a series of bizarre murders.
Photo courtesy of CJ Entertainment and Opus Pictures. © 2011 CJ Entertainment, Opus Pictures

Additional Promotional Materials for the Upcoming Korean Thriller
Author: Kim Song-ho
Source: CJ Entertainment, Opus Pictures
Official Website: howling2012.co.kr

Korean theatrical poster for HOWLING. Photo courtesy
of CJ Entertainment and Opus Pictures. © 2011 CJ
Entertainment, Opus Pictures

CJ Entertainment and Opus Pictures recently released a new trailer, behind-the-scenes clip and several new stills for HOWLING (하울링), a new thriller that opens February 9 in Korea.

HOWLING is about a series of murders, presumably committed by a wolfdog, and two detectives who pursue the real culprit. Song Kang-ho, of MEMORIES OF MURDER (살인의 추억, Salinui chueok, 2003), THE HOST (괴물, Gwoemul, 2006), SECRET SUNSHINE (밀양, Milyang, 2007) and THIRST (박쥐, Bakjwi, 2009) fame, stars as Cho Sang-gil, a veteran detective and Lee Na-young, who is well known for her starring roles in WHO ARE YOU? (후아유, 2002), SOMEONE SPECIAL (아는 여자, Aneun yeoja, 2004) and MAUNDY THURSDAY (우리들의 행복한 시간, Urideul-ui haengbok-han shigan, 2006), plays Cha Eun-young, a rookie detective.

HOWLING is based on the Japanese novel The Hunter (凍える牙, Kogoeru Kiba, 1996) by Asa Nonami, which won Naoki Prize, one of the most prestigious literary awards of Japan. It is the new film by poet-turned-director Yoo Ha, whose filmography includes ONCE UPON A TIME IN HIGH SCHOOL (말죽거리 잔혹사, Maljukgeori janhoksa, 2004), A DIRTY CARNIVAL (비열한 거리, Biyeolhan geori, 2006) and A FROZEN FLOWER (쌍화점, Ssang-hwa-jeom, 2008).
Continued…

The international cult classic BATTLE ROYALE will finally be released on Blu-ray and DVD in North America.
Photos courtesy of Anchor Bay Entertainment. © 2000 The “Battle Royale” Production Committee

Available for the First Time in North America on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download
Source: Anchor Bay Entertainment, Sue Procko Public Relations press release
Special Thanks to Ed Peters and Eric Becker

BATTLE ROYALE. A title that has shocked, thrilled and unnerved audiences. A film whose fiendishly simple premise has inspired many imitations, including the upcoming THE HUNGER GAMES motion picture. Based on the 1999 global best-seller by Koushun Takami, the futuristic tale first came to the screen in 2000, directed by the legendary Kinju Fukasaku. Authors, filmmakers and film fans the world over consider the film and its 2003 sequel BATTLE ROYALE II: REQUIEM sacred cinematic classics. And now, fans can own them on high-definition Blu-ray and DVD!

On March 20th, Anchor Bay Entertainment proudly brings the BATTLE ROYALE: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION to Blu-ray and DVD for the first time in North America. Featuring state-of-the-art HD transfers, hi-res audio and a wealth of bonus features that delve deep into this truly international phenomenon – the three disc Blu-ray plus bonus DVD set has an SRP of $49.99 and an SRP $44.98 for the four disc DVD. BATTLE ROYALE will also be released separately on Blu-ray for an SRP of $29.99 and DVD for an SRP of $24.98. Pre-Book on both is February 22. BATTLE ROYALE will be available digitally via select outlets including iTunes and Xbox LIVE.

42 students, Three days, One survivor – No Escape. Welcome to the world of BATTLE ROYALE!
Continued…

One-eye the Tyrannosaur corners two young Tarbosaurs. Photo courtesy and © 2012 Dream Search C&C, Inc., EBS and Olive Studio, Inc.

New Korean 3D Dinosaur Feature Debuts this Month, International Release to Follow
Author: Kim Song-ho
Source: Dream Search C&C Inc., EBS, Olive Studio Inc.
Official Website: blog.naver.com/jumbagi2012

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

Theatrical poster art, courtesy and © 2012 Dream
Search C&C, Inc., EBS and Olive Studio, Inc.

The production companies Dream Search C&C, Inc., EBS and Olive Studio, Inc. have jointly announced the release of SPECKLES THE TARBOSAURUS¹ (점박이: 한반도의 공룡 3D, Jumbagi: Hanbandoui gongryong 3D, literal translation “Speckles: Dinosaurs in the Korean Peninsula 3D”), which opens January 26, 2012 in Korea.

SPECKLES THE TARBOSAURUS is a 3D, computer-animated feature based on KOREANOSAURUS (한반도의 공룡, Hanbandoui gongryong, Dinosaurs in the Korean Peninsula), a 2008 nature documentary that aired on the Korean TV channel EBS (Educational Broadcasting System). Both the documentary and the new film follow the life of Speckles (Jumbagi in Korean), a fictional Tarbosaurus that lived in Korea during the Cretaceous period (about 70 million years ago). Speckles must protect his family, not only from One-eye (Aekunun in Korean), a violent, vengeful Tyrannosaurus, but also an impending disaster that could change the face of the planet.

The film will be distributed in Korea by CJ Entertainment. The North American theatrical, DVD/Blu-ray, digital, Video on Demand, and television rights for SPECKLES THE TARBOSAURUS have been acquired by distributor Well Go USA Entertainment.
Continued…

A class of 42 high school students is chosen for a deadly game in the cult classic BATTLE ROYALE.
Photo courtesy of Madman Entertainment. © 2000 The “Battle Royale” Production Committee

42 Students, Three Days, One Survivor, No Rules
Source: Madman Entertainment

Australian DVD cover for BATTLE ROYALE. Photo courtesy
of Madman Entertainment. © 2000 The “Battle Royale”
Production Committee

Kinji Fukasaku’s acclaimed and controversial cult hit BATTLE ROYALE (バトル・ロワイアル, Batoru Rouaiaru, 2000) will be released on Region 4 DVD in February by Madman Entertainment. The new release will be a “director’s cut” version never before available in Australia.

In the near future, Japan is in a state of collapse. With high unemployment and a generation of youth out of control, the government enacts the Battle Royale programme. Each year, a randomly chosen school class is pitted against itself on an abandoned island in a cruel game of survival. With a former teacher (Takeshi Kitano) overseeing the game, this is a fight to the death with only one winner. The rules are simple: It lasts 3 days – Each player starts with food, water and a random weapon – If more than one player survives, everyone dies – There is no escape.

As the roll call begins, each kid grabs a backpack and stumbles away towards death or murder. As the game progresses, terror and panic challenge the students’ fragile trust in each other. Some suspect everyone, blindly striking down those who cross their paths. Others form alliances dreaming of a peaceful solution with multiple survivors. Despite the game’s brutality, the adolescent players maintain their school obsessions with crushes, petty grudges and their dreams. But as the game approaches its shocking final stages, even this semblance of normality disintegrates.
Continued…

Rookie homicide detective Cha Eun-young (Lee Na-young) joins veteran Cho Sang-gil (Song Kang-ho) to solve a string of killings that may have been caused by an animal.
Photo courtesy of CJ Entertainment. © 2011 CJ Entertainment

New Trailer and Photos for Film Based on Best-Selling Japanese Crime Novel
Author: Kim Song-ho
Source: CJ Entertainment
Official Howling Facebook pages: Sang-gil Version and Eun-young Version

Song Kang-ho, the prolific Korean actor who starred in MEMORIES OF MURDER (살인의 추억, Salinui chueok, 2003), THE HOST (괴물, Gwoemul, 2006), SECRET SUNSHINE (밀양, Milyang, 2007) and THIRST (박쥐, Bakjwi, 2009), among others, leads a new thriller called HOWLING (하울링), which opens in February in Korea.

Song plays Cho Sang-gil, a veteran homicide detective who is under pressure for his low arrest record. Because of this, he desperately seeks clues to a series of murders, presumably committed by a wolfdog. Joining Sang-gil on the investigation is rookie detective Cha Eun-young (Lee Na-young), who suspects there is something elusive behind the case.
Continued…

Packaging for the DVD and Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack of WAR OF THE ARROWS. Photos courtesy of Well Go USA. © 2011 Lotte Entertainment

The $40 Million International Box Office Smash Comes to North America
Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications
Special Thanks to Leif Hellend

Award-winning writer/director Kim Han-Min (HANDPHONE, PARADISE MURDERED) unsheathes the lavish historical action epic WAR OF THE ARROWS (최종병기 활, Choejongbyungki Hwal, 2011) on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack and DVD February 21st from Well Go USA Entertainment. The international box office success stars Hae-il Park (THE HOST) as the best archer in Korea who is forced to go up against the Qing Dynasty in order to save his younger sister (Moon Chae-Won) from Mongolian invaders.
Continued…

Packaging for the DVD and Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack of OCEAN HEAVEN. Photo courtesy of Well Go USA.
© 2010 Edko Films Limited

Jet Li in His First Starring Dramatic Role
Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications
Special Thanks to Leif Hellend

Martial arts superstar Jet Li (THE EXPENDABLES, HERO, LETHAL WEAPON 4) reveals his talent for heartfelt drama in OCEAN HEAVEN (海洋天堂, Hǎiyáng Tiántáng, 2010), debuting on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack and DVD February 7th from Well Go USA Entertainment. Bonus features include deleted scenes, an extensive photo gallery and a poignant interview with Jet Li on Autism.

The film, which screened at five major North American festivals including the Toronto International Film Festival, features Li as a terminally ill father attempting to teach his autistic son the necessary life skills to survive on his own before he himself passes away. First time writer/director Xue Xiaolu based the film on her experiences over the last 14 years as a volunteer with Beijing Stars and Rain, a non-governmental educational organization for autistic children. OCEAN HEAVEN was awarded Best Picture, Best New Director and Best Actor at the Shanghai Media Awards.
Continued…

A disturbed 14 year old boy named Yuichi Sumida (Shota Sometani) is loved by his equally damaged classmate Keiko Chazawa (Fumi Nikaido) in director
Sion Sono’s HIMIZU. © 2012 Himizu Film Partners

UK Theatrical Release Coming in April 2012
Source: Third Window Films
Official Movie Site: himizu.gaga.ne.jp (Japan)
Special Thanks to Adam Torel

Venice Film Festival advert for HIMIZU. © 2012 Himizu
Film Partners

Third Window Films are pleased to announce the acquisition of Sion Sono’s latest work HIMIZU (ヒミズ, 2012).

Sion Sono’s LOVE EXPOSURE and COLD FISH have both been previously released by Third Window Films, and they are proud to continue promoting the works of one of the most talented directors in contemporary Japanese cinema. HIMIZU had its world premiere at the 2011 Venice Film Festival where it played in competition and won the Marcello Mastrioanni award for Best Young Actor and Best Young Actress.

Based on the famous manga of the same name by Minoru Furuya (Ping-Pong Club), the film tells the story of a teenager who aspires to be “ordinary” and “normal” in this world of chaos. But after an incident that can never be erased from his life, his wish becomes something impossible to achieve, turning him into a person obsessed with sanctioning all the evil people in society…

HIMIZU will have its theatrical release in Japan on January 14th, 2012. The UK will see it open on the 27th of April 2012. The UK DVD release date will be in July.

Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Special Thanks to Scott Lonski

Theatrical poster for GIRL$. © 2010 Local Production
Ltd. and Big Pictures

FUNimation Entertainment has acquired the U.S. home video rights to the Hong Kong live action feature GIRL$ (囡囡, Nam Nam, 2010).

Directed by Kenneth Bi (RICE RHAPSODY), GIRL$ follows four young women— Icy (Michelle Wai), Ronnie (Seli Xian), Gucci (Minyi Wang) and Lin (Una Lin)— and their experiences in the world of “compensated dating”, where the girls are paid to date and not necessarily have sex.

Of course, sex is an inevitable byproduct of the business, and the girls are subject to the same dangers: diseases, perverted clients, and even a killer who’s out there murdering and dismembering the working girls. Nonetheless, the girls forge on because they need to pay the bills and make a living.

FUNimation Entertainment will release the DVD in fall 2012.
Continued…

Ring in the new year with some Hong Kong mutant mayhem! Photo courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © 2010

Hong Kong Sci-Fi Action Flick Arrives December 27th
Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Movie Site: funimation.com/city-under-siege (US)
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee

Combo Pack art for CITY UNDER SIEGE. Photo courtesy of
FUNimation Entertainment. © 2010

On December 27th, the Hong Kong science fiction action movie CITY UNDER SIEGE (全城戒备, Chun Sing Gai Bei, 2010) will be released in a 2-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack by FUNimation Entertainment. The film follows a group of circus performers who go on a rampage after accidental exposure to chemical gas left by the Japanese army in WWII grants them superhuman abilities.

Innocent citizens flee mutant marauders in this electrifying tale from famed director – and frequent Jackie Chan collaborator – Benny Chan (NEW POLICE STORY, FIST OF FURY, HEROIC DUO) Featuring a star-studded cast including Aaron Kwok (seven-time Hong Kong Film Awards nominee), Shu Qi (Hong Kong Film Award winner), Collin Chou (THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM, THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS, THE MATRIX RELOADED, and JET LI’S FEARLESS) and Qi Shu (THE TRANSPORTER). This thrilling flick packs a serious punch thanks to action sequences concocted by legendary choreographer Chung Chi Li (RUSH HOUR, NEW POLICE STORY).
Continued…

DVD and Blu-ray cover art for the UK release of TROLL HUNTER. Photos courtesy of The Associates. © 2010 Filmkameratene AS

Source: The Associates press release
Official Site: trollhunterfilm.com

One of the biggest hits with audiences at this year’s Film4 Frightfest and a major critical success during its subsequent UK theatrical release in September 2011, which saw it earning Four Star reviews in Empire (“spectacular fun”), Total Film (“a true one off… it will quite simply blow you away”) and Time Out (“shot through with an unexpected, often unsettling, humour”), the horror-comedy TROLL HUNTER (Trolljegeren, 2010) bursts its way on to DVD and Blu-ray on 9th January 2012.
Continued…

The Criterion Collection’s DVD and Blu-ray cover art for THREE OUTLAW SAMURAI. Photos courtesy of The Criterion Collection. © 1964 Shochiku Co., Ltd.

Hideo Gosha’s Classic Chambara Film Streets in February
Source: The Criterion Collection, Image Entertainment
Official Site: criterion.com/three-outlaw-samurai
Special Thanks to Jonathan Saba

On February 14th, 2012, THREE OUTLAW SAMURAI (三匹の侍, Sanbiki no Samurai, 1964) will be released in digitally restored DVD and Blu-ray editions by The Criterion Collection.

This first film by the legendary Hideo Gosha (SWORD OF THE BEAST) is among the most canonized chambara (sword-fighting) films. An origin-story offshoot of a Japanese television series phenomenon of the same name, THREE OUTLAW SAMURAI is a classic in its own right. In it, a wandering, seen-it-all ronin (Tetsuro Tamba) becomes entangled in the dangerous business of two other samurai (Isamu Nagato and Mikijiro Hira), hired to execute a band of peasants who have kidnapped the daughter of a corrupt magistrate. With remarkable storytelling economy and thrilling action scenes, this is an expertly mounted tale of revenge and loyalty.
Continued…

Cover art for the DVD and Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack of TRIPLE TAP. Photos courtesy of Well Go USA.© 2010 Polybona Films

Director Derek Yee’s Action Thriller Explodes on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack and DVD December 6th
Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications
Official Site: wellgousa.com/detail-tripletap (US)
Special Thanks to Liza Nedelman and Leif Hellend

Two-time Best Director Hong Kong Film Award winner Derek Yee’s (ONE NIGHT IN MONGKOK, SHINJUKU INCIDENT) latest action-packed thriller TRIPLE TAP (鎗王之王, Qiang Wang Zhi Wang, 2010) debuts on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack and DVD December 6 from Well Go USA. Louis Koo (TRIAD ELECTION, FLASH POINT) plays a champion shooter who becomes a hero after fatally-shooting a band of armed bank robbers, but is soon suspected to be the mastermind behind the heist by a crack shot police officer (Daniel Wu, SHINJUKU INCIDENT). TRIPLE TAP will be available in a Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack for $29.98 SRP and on DVD for $24.98 SRP, and is packed with explosive extras, including deleted scenes, director and actor interviews, a behind-the-scenes featurette, a photo gallery and an optional English dub.

To add to the fun, Well Go USA is offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win a free DVD of TRIPLE TAP! Read on for details.
Continued…

“Wisdom is the mightiest weapon”
Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Movie Site: kongzi.sina.com (China), funimation.com/confucius (US)
Special Thanks to Scott Lonski

Theatrical poster for CONFUCIUS, starring Chow Yun-Fat
as the iconic philosopher. © 2010 Dadi Film Media.

FUNimation Entertainment has acquired the U.S. home video rights to CONFUCIUS (孔子, Kong Zi, 2010).

This $23 million dollar budget biopic film financed by the Chinese government, stars Chow Yun-Fat as the iconic philosopher, Confucius, whose teachings and philosophy have deeply influenced life in Asia and beyond. Directed by Hu Mei, best known for her work in the acclaimed historical drama series YONG ZHENG DYNASTY and THE EMPEROR IN HAN DYNASTY and captured on Film by Oscar-winning Director of Photography Peter Pau (CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON) this cinematic masterpiece will be a must have for lovers of history.

The film begins with Confucius as an old man, reflecting back on his life. Through flashbacks, we see him in his early 50s being promoted from Major to Minister for Law in his home state of Lu. He battles with ethical issues after saving a slave boy who was sentenced to be buried alive with his recently deceased master. A series of complex political decisions and war result in Confucius being outcast and relegated to become a wandering scholar. This film details his epic journey of numerous hardships and losses as Confucius perseveres to earn his place as one of China’s revered philosophical figures.

The DVD will be released March 27, 2012.
Continued…

Cover art for the DVD and Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack of 1911. Photos courtesy of Well Go USA.© 2011 Jackie and JJ Productions/Shanghai Film Group

Jackie Chan’s 100th Movie to be Released in Multiple Formats
Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications press release
Official Movie Site: mediaasia.com/1911, 1911movie.com (US)
Special Thanks to Leif Hellend and Liza Nedelman

Legendary action star Jackie Chan (POLICE STORY, PROJECT A, RUSH HOUR trilogy) marks the milestone of his 100th film with 1911 (辛亥革命, Xin Hai Ge Ming), debuting on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack and DVD January 10 from Well Go USA Entertainment.

From the walls of the Forbidden City to the battlefields of China, with no expense spared in production and no detail ignored in its quest for historical accuracy, 1911 is a true epic in every sense of the word. The film details a key moment in modern Chinese history — the fall of the Qing Dynasty — and the violent rebellion that brought it down. In addition to Chan (who also co-directed with cinematographer Zhang Li), the film also stars Li Bing Bing (TRIPLE TAP), Winston Chao (THE WEDDING BANQUET, EAT DRINK MAN WOMAN), Joan Chen (THE LAST EMPEROR, LUST, CAUTION) and Jaycee Chan (BREAK-UP CLUB).
Continued…

The Troll Hunter tangles with a gigantic Jotnar. © 2010 Filmkameratene AS

You’ll Believe It When You See It
Source: Madman Entertainment
Official Site: trollhunterfilm.com

The Norwegian fantasy film TROLL HUNTER (Trolljegeren, 2010) will be released on DVD (Region 4, PAL) and Blu-ray (Region B) in Australia on December 14, courtesy of distributor Madman Entertainment. The SFX-laden mockumentary was among the top five most popular film at the 2011 Melbourne Film Festival, also played every major festival in Australia throughout 2011. A Hollywood remake is being developed by Chris Columbus (HOME ALONE, HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE) for a tentative release in 2014.
Continued…

Photos courtesy of Showbox Media Group. YAMADA- WAY OF THE SAMURAI © 2010 Epic Pictures Group. THE BIG BOSS, GAME OF DEATH and GAME OF DEATH 2 © 1971-1981 Golden Harvest.

Source: Showbox Media Group press release
Special Thanks to Louise Rivers

The UK home video label Cine-Asia has announced their release schedule for January 2012. Highlighting the month will be DVD and Blu-ray editions for YAMADA- WAY OF THE SAMURAI. Also on tap are “Hong Kong Legends” Special Edition DVDs for the Bruce Lee classics THE BIG BOSS and GAME OF DEATH plus the sequel GAME OF DEATH 2.
Continued…

Kung Fu champion Dennis To is the young Ip Man in THE LEGEND IS BORN – IP MAN, coming to Blu-ray and DVD in December. © 2010 Mei Ah Entertainment.

Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Movie Site: IpManLegendMovie-us.com (US)
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee

Combo Pack art for THE LEGEND IS BORN – IP MAN. Photo
courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © 2010 Mei Ah
Entertainment.

On December 13th, THE LEGEND IS BORN – IP MAN (葉問前傳, Yip Man Chinchyun, 2010) will be released on DVD and in a 2-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack by FUNimation Entertainment. The semi-biographical film is based on the early life events of Wing Chun master Yip Man, famous for mentoring Bruce Lee, and acts as a prequel to the hit films IP MAN and IP MAN 2.

THE LEGEND IS BORN – IP MAN is helmed by director Herman Yau and stars Dennis To (the youngest World Kung Fu Champion of Hong Kong) in the title role. It features fight choreography by martial arts legends Sammo Hung, highlighted by a battle between Hung and Yuen Biao. The film includes an appearance by 86-year-old Ip Chun, Ip Man’s real life son, as one of the wing chun master’s mentors. Ip Chun also acted as an advisor to the film. THE LEGEND IS BORN – IP MAN was nominated for a 2011 Hong Kong Film Award in the category of Best New Performer (Yu–Hang To).

Packed with Kung Fu combat and thick with drama, THE LEGEND IS BORN – IP MAN follows Ip Man as he grows from a promising young pupil into an unstoppable force. When political corruption threatens his temple, his friends, and his honor, Man single-handedly challenges a swarm of shinobi in an ultimate showdown.
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The J-idol band Momoiro Clover get trapped in a haunted house in the mockumentary SHIROME. Photo courtesy of Zipangu Fest. © 2010 Shirome Project Partners

Festival of Nuclear Reactions, Retro, Anime and Horror Kicks Off November 18th in London
Source: Zipangu Fest, Third Window Film press releases
Official Site: zipangufest.com

The second Zipangu Fest— celebrating the best of cutting edge and avant garde Japanese cinema— will be held at London’s Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) and Café Oto from November 18th to 24th, before moving to venues around the UK. The festival will showcase a selection of Japan’s finest features, documentaries, shorts, animation and experimental films… most of which have never been seen before in the UK and this festival will probably be the only chance to see them in the near future.
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Beat Takeshi and Kippei Shiina in OUTRAGE, coming to theaters in America this December. Photo courtesy of Magnet Releasing.
© 2010 Bandai Visual, TV Tokyo, Omnibus Japan and Office Kitano

Now On Demand; Theatrical Run Starts December 2nd
Source: Magnolia Pictures
Official Site: office-kitano.co.jp/outrage (Japan), magnetreleasing.com/outrage (US)

US poster art for OUTRAGE. Photo courtesy of Magnet
Releasing. © 2010 Bandai Visual, TV Tokyo, Omnibus
Japan and Office Kitano

Several subsidiary bosses gather at a lavish lunch with “Mr. Chairman,” the head of the ruling Sanno-kai crime organization which controls the Greater Tokyo area. Sannokai underboss Kato warns Ikemoto about his overt dealings with family outsider Murase, an old-timer with whom he recently made a pact in prison. In an effort to ease Mr. Chairman’s suspicions, Ikemoto asks fellow boss Otomo to do his dirty work for him by making a minor but obvious move against Murase.

Otomo’s actions are the start of a ruthless series of conflicts and betrayals. Before long, several yakuza clans are out for blood in their constant battle for power and money. The rival bosses fight to rise through the ranks by scheming and making short-lived allegiances. In this corrupt world where there are no heroes, it’s Bad Guy vs. Bad Guy in a spiraling outrage of gang warfare…

The Japanese crime thriller OUTRAGE (アウトレイジ, Autoreiji, 2010) is being distributed in the United States by Magnet Releasing, a division of Magnolia Pictures (THE HOST, LET THE RIGHT ONE IN, MONSTERS, TROLLHUNTER). The film is written, stars, and directed by internationally renowned “Beat” Takeshi Kitano (KIKUJIRO, BROTHER, BATTLE ROYALE, ZATOICHI).

OUTRAGE is now available on Video On Demand and starts a limited theatrical run on December 2nd.
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Jim Danforth with a jewel dragon from THE WONDERFUL WORLDS OF THE
BROTHERS GRIMM. Photo courtesy of Loren Portillo.

Dinosaurs, Dragons, & Drama—The Odyssey of a Trickfilmmaker—Volume One —An Illustrated Memoir by Jim Danforth.
Author: Loren Portillo
Special Thanks to: Ernest Farino
Official Website: Archive Editions

One of the most anticipated Book/CD on stop motion animation, and the incredible career of special effects genius Jim Danforth, will finally be made available to the public this month, on November 13 2011.

To stop motion fans the world over, this memoir (Vol 1) will cover Jim’s career from his humble beginnings as young artistic teenager, to his work with Art Clokey on the famed GUMBY series. This book also will cover Jim’s early film work such as JACK THE GIANT KILLER and end with his work on WHEN DINOSAURS RULED THE EARTH. Lavishly produced, the book has an incredible array of never before published photographs from Jim’s personal collection. This is a must have for all stop motion aficionados, as well as those who appreciate the artistic genius of one of the greatest Special Effects men ever.
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Cover art for The Criterion Collection releases of BRANDED TO KILL and TOKYO DRIFTER. Photos courtesy of The Criterion Collection.
© 1966-67 Nikkatsu Corporation

New Editions of BRANDED TO KILL and TOKYO DRIFTER Coming in December
Source: The Criterion Collection, Image Entertainment
Special Thanks to Jonathan Saba

On December 13th, The Criterion Collection will reissue BRANDED TO KILL (殺しの烙印, Koroshi no Rakuin, 1967) and TOKYO DRIFTER (東京流れ者, Tokyo Nagaremono, 1966) in new high-definition, digital restored DVD and Blu-ray editions. Both films were directed by Seijun Suzuki at the end of his tenure at Nikkatsu. The studio found Suzuki’s work “incomprehensible” but TOKYO DRIFTER and BRANDED TO KILL are now seen as high-water marks from the Japanese New Wave movement of the 1960s.
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A pack of unemployed salarymen help housewife Mayumi Okada (Kyoko Koizumi) in “The House Full of ‘Abandoned’ Businessmen”, one of four segments in the
new Japanese comedy QUIRKY GUYS AND GALS. Photo courtesy of Third Window Films. © 2011 Sabi Otoko Sabi Onna Production Committee

Source: Third Window Films press release
Official Movie Site: sabisabi.jp (Japan), thirdwindowfilms.com/quirky-guys-and-gals (UK)
Special Thanks to Adam Torel

Lovers of Japanese film have seen quite a few omnibus efforts over the years, with 2008’s TOKYO! standing out as a particularly bizarre and interesting example. Yet this film, drawing together some of Japan’s best comedic directors, tops even that three-part work. Approaching the surrealism of its predecessor, QUIRKY GUYS AND GALS (サビ男サビ女, Sabi Otoko, Sabi Onna, 2011) ties together four stories of people searching for a spark in their lives.

The film (cert. 12) is now available on DVD (Region 2, PAL) in the UK from Third Window Films.
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SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO is just one of thirty movies making their Australian premiere at the 15th Japanese Film Festival.
Photo courtesy of Japan Foundation. © 2010 Space Battleship Yamato Production Committee.

Source: Japan Foundation, Sydney press releases
Official Site: japanesefilmfestival.net
Special Thanks to Evon Fung and Amanda Thompson

Not long now until the 15th Japanese Film Festival hits Sydney and Melbourne with their biggest line-up to date. Featuring 30 films – all Australian premieres – the festival lineup includes the live action feature SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, Koki Mitani’s new comedy A GHOST OF A CHANCE, Studio Ghibli’s box office smash ARRIETTY, Takahisa Zeze’s latest LIFE BACK THEN, OBA: THE LAST SAMURAI (with director Hideyuki Hirayama and actor Yutaka Takenouchi in attendance), ABACUS AND SWORD, Yoshihiro Nakamura’s A BOY AND HIS SAMURAI, VILLAIN, GANTZ and GANTZ: PERFECT ANSWER.
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