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.
Continued…

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.
Continued…

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.
Continued…

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.
Continued…

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.
Continued…

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.
Continued…

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.
Continued…

DVD and Blu-ray cover art for SEX & ZEN: EXTREME ECSTASY. Photo courtesy of Madman Entertainment. © 2011 One Dollar Production, Ltd.

Source: Madman Entertainment
Official Movie Site: 3dsexzen.com

On November 30th, the Hong Kong production SEX & ZEN: EXTREME ECSTASY (3D肉蒲团之极乐宝鉴, 2011) will be released on DVD (Region 4, PAL) and Blu-ray (Region B) in Australia by distributor Madman Entertainment. A new chapter in the legendary 1990s SEX & ZEN series, EXTREME ECSTASY hit $1 million (USD) at the box office in Aussie cinemas and broke the box office record in Hong Kong, beating the previous record holder, AVATAR. Madman’s DVD and Blu-ray will feature the uncut version of the film, not seen in cinemas, with 15 minutes of extra footage.
Continued…

SKETCH OF MUJO, the first documentary to be made in the wake of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, is one of six new Japanese films
screening during the “Premiere Japan 2011″ festival at the Barbican Centre.

Six New Japanese Films Screening November 25-27
Source: Barbican Centre, Sarah Harvey Publicity press release
Special Thanks to Liz Parkinson

Now in its seventh year in London, Premiere Japan comes to the Barbican for the first time from 25 to 27 November, screening six of the best and most recent features and documentaries from Japan. Highlights include Locarno Film Festival winner, TOKYO PARK featuring rising star Haruma Miura; the latest delight from Yazaki Hitoshi, SWEET LITTLE LIES adapted from Ekuni Kaori’s best selling novel, and SKETCH OF MUJO the first documentary to be made in the wake of the devastating earthquake and tsunami earlier this year. Each screening is preceded by a short film chosen from submissions made by students, both Japanese and non-Japanese, at the University of the Arts London.
Continued…

Source: Golden Media Group
Official Site: GooHead Internet Channel
Special Thanks to Roy McAree

Ten SFJ readers have won a DVD set of four classic films
featuring international star Sonny Chiba. © 1979-1984
Kadokawa Pictures, Inc.

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

It’s time to announce the winners of GooHead Internet Channel and SciFi Japan’s THE SONNY CHIBA COLLECTION giveaway. The following ten entrants were randomly chosen to receive a free DVD set containing the Shinichi “Sonny” Chiba films G.I. SAMURAI, RESURRECTION OF GOLDEN WOLF, NINJA WARS and LEGEND OF THE EIGHT SAMURAI…

James Babbo
Keith Marsh
Benjamin Haines
Tyler Collins
Lee Merritt
Andrew Stengele
Jordan Perry
Christopher Allen
Austin Buell
Mark Fitzpatrick
Continued…

Sawako (Hikari Mitsushima) takes stock of her life when she returns to her hometown to take care of her ailing father Tadao (Kotaro Shiga) in
SAWAKO DECIDES. Photo courtesy of Third Window Films. © 2010 PFF Partners

Source: Third Window Films, The Associates press release
Official Movie Site: kawasoko.com (Japan), thirdwindowfilms.com/sawako-decides (UK)
Special Thanks to Adam Torel

DVD cover art. Photo courtesy of Third Window Films.
© 2010 PFF Partners

Yuya Ishii’s award winning comedy SAWAKO DECIDES (川の底からこんにちは, Kawa no Soko Kara Konnichi Wa, 2010) is now available on DVD in the United Kingdom, courtesy of Third Window Films. The film stars Hikari Mitsushima, well known to tokusatsu fans for her roles in REBIRTH OF MOTHRA II (1997), ULTRAMAN MAX (2005) and the DEATH NOTE films (2006). In recent years she has established herself with quirky performances in international cult hits like LOVE EXPOSURE (愛のむきだし, Ai no Mukidashi, 2009) and KAKERA: A PIECE OF OUR LIFE (カケラ, Kakera, 2010).

Sawako (Hikari Mitsushima) has lived in Tokyo for five years, is working her fifth office job, and is dating her fifth boyfriend, who is also her boss at the office. Her life with her boyfriend Kenichi (Masashi Endo) and his daughter from a previous marriage, Kayoko (Kira Aihara), feels like a “compromise,” and she endures each day feeling distressed about her career and love life.One day, she receives word that her father, Tadao (Kotaro Shiga), who runs a freshwater clam processing business in her hometown, has fallen ill. There is a reason why Sawako would rather not go back home so easily, but she reluctantly decides to return at Kenichi’s insistence. But Kenichi, who had actually quit his job shortly before Sawako, uses this opportunity to come along with Sawako to her hometown with his daughter in tow. Thus Sawako’s ordeals continue. Still, she takes over her father’s clam processing company and begins to work there.
Continued…

Qiu Jin (Yi Huang) inspires revolution in the biopic THE WOMAN KNIGHT OF MIRROR LAKE. The movie opens this Friday in Los Angeles.
© 2011 National Arts Productions Limited.

US Theatrical Release Begins October 28th
Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Movie Site: funimation.com/the-woman-knight-of-mirror-lake (US)
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee

FUNimation Entertainment today announced it has acquired the home video, digital, mobile, television, and theatrical distribution rights for the live action film, THE WOMAN KNIGHT OF MIRROR LAKE (競雄女俠•秋瑾, Jingxiong Nüxia – Qiu Jin, 2011).

FUNimation has partnered with Eleven Arts to bring THE WOMAN KNIGHT OF MIRROR LAKE to the big screen in theaters across the U.S. starting this week as part of the worldwide release of the film. THE WOMAN KNIGHT OF MIRROR LAKE premiered in Hong Kong on October 13th and in Singapore on October 20th. The film will begin its U.S. theatrical run on October 28th in Los Angeles at the Culver Plaza Theatre. The film THE LEGEND IS BORN – IP MAN, will screen simultaneously at the Culver Plaza Theatre.
Continued…

It’s business as usual for the Busan underworld in A BETTER TOMORROW, the south Korean remake of the classic John Woo film. © 2010 CJ E&M Pictures

2010 Remake from Executive Producer John Woo
Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications press release
Special Thanks to Chrissy Walker, Doris Pfardrescher and Leif Hellend

Cover art for the A BETTER TOMORROW Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack.
Photo courtesy of Well Go USA. © 2010 CJ E&M Pictures

The accent is on action when Jin-mo Ju (A FROZEN FLOWER, THE WARRIOR) and Seung-heon Song (SO CLOSE, GHOST) star in the remake of John Woo’s 1986 cult classic A BETTER TOMORROW (무적자, Mujeokja, 2010), debuting on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack and DVD November 8 from Well Go USA.

Double-dealing among rival Thai and Korean mob syndicates provide the fuel for this fast-paced crime thriller that also stars Kang-woo Kim (MARINE BOY) and Han Sun Jo. Bonus materials include deleted scenes, a photo gallery, behind-the-scenes interviews with director Hae-sung Song and the film’s actors, and a 30-minute interview with executive producer John Woo. A BETTER TOMORROW will be available in a Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack for $29.98 SRP and on DVD for $24.98 SRP.

A BETTER TOMORROW has a runtime of approximately 124 minutes and is not rated.
Continued…

DVD Set of Four Classic Films Featuring the International Action Star
Source: Golden Media Group
Official Site: GooHead Internet Channel
Special Thanks to Roy McAree

Win a DVD set of four classic films featuring international
star Sonny Chiba. © 1979-1984 Kadokawa Pictures, Inc.

Earlier this month, the GooHead Internet Channel— a free streaming service for classic Asian feature films and television series— announced they would be adding eight new titles to their lineup of films featuring martial arts legend, Shinichi “Sonny” Chiba (THE STREET FIGHTER, KILL BILL VOL. 1). Now, GooHead is offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win a free DVD set of four Sonny Chiba films!

THE SONNY CHIBA COLLECTION brings together, for the first time ever, four Chiba classics, uncut and unedited…

• G.I. SAMURAI (戦国自衛隊 Sengoku Jieitai, aka TIME SLIP, 1979)
• RESURRECTION OF GOLDEN WOLF (蘇える金狼, Yomigaeru Kinro, 1979)
• NINJA WARS (伊賀忍法帖, Iga Ninpo-cho, aka BLACK MAGIC WARS, 1982)
• LEGEND OF THE EIGHT SAMURAI (里見八犬伝, Satomi Hakkenden, 1983)
Continued…

Epic Martial Arts Masterpiece Debuting on Blu-ray and DVD October 25
Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications press release
Special Thanks to Chrissy Walker, Doris Pfardrescher and Leif Hellend

Cover art for the Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack of SHAOLIN. Photo
courtesy of Well Go USA. © 2011 Emperor Motion Pictures

Andy Lau (HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS, FUTURE X-COPS), Nicolas Tse (THE STOOL PIGEON, STORM WARRIORS), and international superstar Jackie Chan (THE KARATE KID, RUSH HOUR trilogy) star in the martial arts drama SHAOLIN (新少林寺, Xīn Shàolín Sì, 2011), debuting on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack, DVD and Collector’s Editions DVD and Blu-ray October 25 from Well Go USA. In this remake of Jet Li’s SHAOLIN TEMPLE (1982), acclaimed director Benny Chan (CITY UNDER SIEGE) tells an epic tale of sadistic warlords squaring off against noble monks in “a tale of monstrous evil, spiritual transformation and ultimate self-sacrifice” (Mark Jenkins, NPR).

SHAOLIN will be available for $24.98 SRP (DVD), $29.98 SRP (Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack, DVD Collector’s Edition), and $32.98 (Blu-ray Collector’s Edition). The Collector’s Edition features extensive bonus materials including deleted scenes and a “Making of” featurette.
Continued…

DVD and Blu-ray cover art for TREASURE HUNTER. Photo courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © 2009 Chang Hong Channel Film & Video Co..

Taiwanese Action/Comedy Starring THE GREEN HORNET’s Jay Chou
Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee

Fans of The MUMMY need hunt no further for edge-of-your-seat thrills! Hong Kong Film Award winners, Jay Chou (THE GREEN HORNET) and Eric Tsang (INFERNAL AFFAIRS), star in THE TREASURE HUNTER (刺陵, Ci Ling 2009), a blazing adventure packed with action and stunning special effects. In November, the movie will be released on both DVD and Blu-ray in North America by FUNimation Entertainment.
Continued…

The Yamato races against time to save the Earth in the hit film SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, coming to DVD and Blu-ray from the Australian label Madman.
Photo courtesy of Madman Entertainment. © 2010 Space Battleship Yamato Production Committee.

Region 4 Home Video Release in December
Source: Madman Entertainment

On December 14th, the live action feature film SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO (宇宙戦艦ヤマト, Supeesu Batorushippu Yamato, 2010) will be released on DVD (Region 4, PAL) and Blu-ray (Region B) in Australia by Madman Entertainment. The movie is not currently scheduled for release in North America or the United Kingdom.

Directed by Takashi Yamazaki (RETURNER, the ALWAYS- SUNSET ON THIRD STREET films), the film is based on the hugely popular SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO anime franchise (originally shown in America as STAR BLAZERS). It topped the box office upon its release in Japan, earning $12 million (US) in just five days.
Continued…

Fifty-four high school girls commit a terrifying act in director Shion Sano’s SUICIDE CLUB, now available for the first time on DVD in the UK.
Photo courtesy of Cine du Monde. © 2001 Omega Project /Biggubito /For Peace Co., Ltd. /Fyuzu /Kadokawa Pictures

New Label Presents Controversial Horror Favorite from Director Shion Sano
Source: Cine du Monde
Official Site: cinedumonde.co.uk/suicideclub (UK)
Special Thanks to Andrew Kirkham

Cover art for the UK DVD release of SUICIDE CLUB.
Photo courtesy of Cine du Monde. © 2001 Omega Project
/Biggubito /For Peace Co., Ltd. /Fyuzu /Kadokawa
Pictures

Cine du Monde is a great new DVD/Blu-ray label launched in the United Kingdom. The company will focus on “Left-of-Centre Cinema”, giving well-deserved attention to films that do not generally receive mainstream recognition.

One of Cine du Monde’s first DVD releases is the uncut version of the controversial Japanese shocker SUICIDE CLUB (自殺サークル, Jisatsu Saakuru, 2002). Written and directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Shion Sano (LOVE EXPOSURE, COLD FISH), SUICIDE CLUB quickly became a favorite on the international film festivals, winning the Jury Prize for “Most Ground Breaking Film” at the 2003 Fantasia Film Festival. Despite the film’s cult status and critical attention, SUICIDE CLUB was not officially available in the UK until now.

54 high school girls throw themselves in front of a subway train. This appears to be only the beginning of a string of suicides around the country. Does the new all-girl group Desert have anything to do with it? Detective Kuroda tries to find the answer, which isn’t as simple as one could hope.
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Eight classic movies starring Sonny Chiba will be available for online streaming this month on the GooHead Internet Channel. © 1974-75 Toei Co., Ltd.

Eight Classic Titles Added in October
Source: Golden Media Group
Official Site: GooHead Internet Channel
Special Thanks to Roy McAree

For the past several months, the GooHead Internet Channel has been streaming— free of charge— classic Asian feature films and television series for viewers in the United States and Canada. In October, GooHead will add eight more movies starring martial arts legend Sonny Chiba (THE STREETFIGHTER, KILL BILL VOL. 1) to their lineup. starring martial arts legend Sonny Chiba (THE STREETFIGHTER, KILL BILL VOL. 1). Visit the channel this month for THE EXECUTIONER, KARATE BULLFIGHTER, KARATE BEARFIGHTER, KARATE FOR LIFE, SHOGUN’S SAMURAI, THE BULLET TRAIN, GOLGO 13: KOWLOON ASSIGNMENT, and VIRUS.
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Korean Horror Film Arrives October 10th
Source: Third Windows Films
Official Site: terracottadistribution.com/death-bell (UK)

Cover art for the UK DVD release of the Korean horror
movie DEATH BELL. © 2008 Core Contents Media

Terror Cotta, the new sub-label from Terracotta Distribution presents their first release, the Korean slasher-horror DEATH BELL (고死: 피의 중간고사, Gosa: Piui Junggangosa, 2008).

Students at an elite high school, preparing for mid-term exams, are held captive and forced into a series of sadistic games. The students find themselves plunged into a deadly test where they are picked off one by one and held in impenetrable traps where they must rely on the amazing intellects of their classmates to be released, every time a question is answered incorrectly, a classmate meets their torturous, grizzly death.

When it emerges that the students are being picked off according to a pattern, pupil Kang Yi-na understands exactly how much time she has to stay alive and figure out the mysteries of who is imprisoning them and what is the ghostly presence that stalks the school and seems to bind them all together, before the Death Bell rings for her.
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Korean student Cha Se-hui (Park Ji-Yeon) is trapped in school with a murderer in DEATH BELL: BLOODY CAMP. © 2010 Core Contents Media

Korean Horror Film Arrives in October
Source: Media Blasters, Inc.
Special Thanks to Carl Morano

DVD cover art for DEATH BELL: BLOODY CAMP. Photo
courtesy of Media Blasters. © 2010 Core Contents Media

On October 11th, Media Blasters will release the Korean horror film DEATH BELL: BLOODY CAMP (고사 두 번째 이야기: 교생실습, Gosa Du Beonjjae Yiyagi: Gyosaengsilseop, 2010) on DVD through their Tokyo Shock label.

DEATH BELL: BLOODY CAMP had its world premiere on July 23, 2010 as the closing film of the 14th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival. The Korean theatrical run began July 28, 2010, with more than 50,000 people seeing the film on its first day of release.

After the school swim star, Jeong Tae-yeon (Yoon Seung Ah), is found murdered, new teacher Park Eun-su (Hwang Jung Eum), student Cha Se-hui (Park Ji-Yeon) and their elite summer session class find themselves locked in the school with an ultimatum: find the murderer among you, or everyone dies. Their only clue is a message scrawled on the blackboard: “When an innocent mother is killed, what son would not avenge her death?”
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