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Frank Djeng giving Manfred Wong a copy of Eureka's Duel to the Death. Manfred was one of the scriptwriters of the movie.

Sweet!

Wow! Beautiful art. But I thought you were referring to the Shout! posters- which I'm now remembering are sent rolled, so my assumption made no sense. Are these pieces on paper or fabric? I'm not sure how to remove creases from this type of art. If I had to guess, I'd get a tube about 4 inches through and wrap these around it tightly (not inside it), one over another. Then wrap something non-abrasive around them to keep them safe. You'd be better off Googling the best way though rather than following my guesses. I haven't opened it yet, but I was looking at the 4K DRAGONS FOREVER and sort of amazed such a thing exists. Way back in January 1998 when Tai Seng video released the film on VHS I thought I was in Heaven because of that. Not only was it the correct aspect ratio, but it had big, easy to read subtitles and impressive picture quality. I was working part time in a big video store in Philly and I pre-ordered a subbed copy for myself and convinced my boss to order one to rent for the store, but he decided the English dubbed version would be best for that. I hadn't ever seen it dubbed, so I took it home to watch (and copy for my collection) and was shocked that it included different scenes! And, they were great bits with Yuen Biao! It always irked me that whichever way I watched it I'd be missing something. The same wound up happening with RIGHTING WRONGS and MILLIONAIRE'S EXPRESS- with the subbed and dubbed versions footage containing variations. 25 years later and fans can now see these films with all the footage combined in one version thanks to @OldPangYau's "Hybrid Cuts", plus all available audio tracks, and even special features because of the combined work of fellow fans like @Irongod2112, @chen lung, @Mike Leeder, @Karlos, Frank Djeng (who was working at Tai Seng when those VHS releases came out), and many others. The respect for these Hong Kong films and the incredible work and editions produced by 88 Films (and others) is simply amazing. I'm thankful that I get to be a part of this, and thrilled to have these films in prestigious editions to help me escape- to temporarily leave behind the woes of life.

Coming soon from 88 Films…

Hell yeah!

Two new special features on the Mr. Vampire Sequels release…

https://www.instagram.com/p/CqAwKlTNfET/?hl=en Per 88's Instagram the In the line of duty boxsets are making their way across the pond to the States

A new blu ray from Third Window Films and a UHD + BD dual format of a classic anime

I finally pulled the trigger on Iron Dragon Strikes Back before it sold out. It makes me wish I would have found Gold Ninja Video sooner to get all of the Asian Related Stuff. There work is amazing and this release is packed with incredible bonus content. I will watch the actual film this weekend. It looks amazing as I am unfamiliar with this Director. I will order Revengeful Swordswoman when I am able to. Great Release!!!!!! We need more companies like Gold Ninja Video 🎥🥋🌋🐲❗

Captain Ultra - I know it's available as RAW in the usual places, but I couldn't pass this up, although bloody expensive and still lack of English subs. Still, it just reminds me of that 60s sci fi show - Lost in Space.

Gun Brothers (1968) Shouxian or Shou County is located roughly 270 or so miles west-northwest of Shanghai, China and is the birthplace of film director Cheng Kang. An interesting subject, Cheng would have very little formal education; but his interest in drama and films led to extensive reading -and later a successful career as a writer and director in the motion picture industry. Here, Cheng does double duty for Shaw Studios -wielding both his pen and camera for the 1968 action feature: Gun Brothers. Deployed to modern day occupied China during the Second Sino-Japanese War, Gun Brothers opens in a small village with its residents bound and interrogated on a hillside. Questions about a rebel “Gun Brother”, whose exploits have foiled many of the corrupt, Japanese military plans, are asked. A brazen response from a woman at her limit results in the death of not only herself but also her young child. Meanwhile, the Gun Brother -Chi Yiu Tung (Ling Yun), remains at-large and currently challenging the skills of a small Japanese platoon. The use of wits, resourcefulness, and skills in battle allow our hero to single-handedly destroy the detachment. Credits role as we witness Chi escape the remaining soldiers amidst a backdrop of firing bullets, sirens, and an Elmer Bernstein-like theme. Using a combination of disguise, cunning and sheer determination Chi manages to return, formally dressed, to a party -of which we can infer- he originally left with no notice of absence. A frustrated administration is notified of the Gun Brother’s recent exploits, leading the clever and suspicious Inspector Ma Tak Li (Tien Feng) to set up a trap. The attempt fails however, arousing suspicion from Ma that the Gun Brother is an insider as only two other officials besides himself knew of the plan - Governor Cha (Goo Man Cheung) and Deputy Lee (Fang Mian). Little is known about Chi Yiu Tung until a fourth-way into the feature, where we learn that he is very wealthy and hides behind the persona of a womanizing playboy. His flirtations, however, have purpose, and it is rather unfortunate that the women become pawns in a chess match. Garnering interest from flower girl Chau Ku (Fan Ying) to housekeeper Mei Sheng (Shirley Wong Sa Lee) and even the governor’s wealthy, entitled daughter Cha Hau Yuan (Shen Yi), Chi Yiu Tung is an enviable character. (Flower girl Chau Ku is my personal choice; she appears in the screen shot below.) As events become too coincidental, Inspector Ma suspects Chi Yiu Tung to be the Gun Brother. His plan to prove this almost comes to fruition as he manages to wound the mustache-disguised Chi with a slice to the left cheek. The rebellion appears to conclude as the wound that Chi endures will take time to heal, and even so will produce a visible scar. As hope fades, from nowhere appears Chi Yiu Nam (Ling Yun in a dual role) -the lesser but identical brother of Chi Yiu Tung. As the brothers meet, a plan is formed. However a question arises: Will anyone be able to know the difference? Gun Brothers has good intentions, and Ling Yun manages to handle the dual role quite admirably, especially that of the naive brother Yiu Nam. The story line is tight and manages for the most part to keep on a level track. Cheng Kang carefully weaves in anti-Japanese sentiments, while at the same time placing responsibility for the country’s then condition on its own people, especially its leaders. And while the nation appears to be waiting for a hero to step up against Japanese occupation, it also realizes that the deeds of one man will not be enough. Evenly paced, Gun Brothers centrifuges a bit of action, intrigue, and twists into 90 minutes worth of nitrate print, with the only real gripe being the sudden introduction of Yiu Nam that almost appears as an afterthought. While viewing Gun Brothers, one can only wonder if Zorro, The Gay Blade (1981) was based on this Shaw film? Both feature a brother with identical features filling the role for an injured one. While not intending to be a comedy, Gun Brothers does manage to have some light-hearted moments; especially when Yiu Nam discovers his older brother’s lifestyle and reputation. Shaw regular Goo Man Cheung plays the inept governor, while Fang Mian complements Goo as the clueless Deputy Lee. In sharp contrast to the two is the cunning Inspector Ma, well portrayed by screen veteran Tien Feng. And while watching the film, see if you can spot Ku Feng in a quiet, lesser role.

I know Bruce Lee movies have been getting countless of releases in the past. But NONE have been perfect (kudos to Criterion though, they came real close). Now's the time to get things corrected the way they should. And I'm glad Arrow gets that honor.

Come Drink With Me Hi everyone, first time replier here…. And lets just start with a big THANK YOU for imparting your knowledge onto my little pea brain. I totally love this genre and it’s a joy and completely fulfilling reading all of your opinions, knowledge and speculation regarding these films. The last Shaw movie I watched was Come Drink with Me (Arrow). Its probably the 3rd time I have seen it, and every time is a thrill. For some reason I am compelled to articulate my thoughts on this film. There is something regal about this film. I find it measured and centered compared to other films. The characters just blow me away. Golden Swallow is absolutely gorgeous and her movements are both graceful and fierce. Jade face tiger is so cool and cunning it hurts. Drunken Cat is somehow intelligent and innocent as well has humbled and vain all at the same time. Drunken Cat’s brother, (who’s characters name is escaping me) is manly and mean and the perfect foil for the diminutive Drunken Cat. And my favorite character of all, Smiling Tiger, because he is so unassumingly frightening. The guy looks like pennywise from IT, without make up! I find all the fight scenes completely enthralling as well as the whole film itself due to the original and artful camera work. The soundtrack matters so much in the film, mostly due to its perfectly placed silence that completely benefits the already heady atmosphere. I love that the movie starts off with some epic kills with lots of bravado and gore and then transitions the fight scenes to something seemingly more sophisticated nuanced . As a martial art genre enthusiast (on and off for the last 25 years +) I find this film to be top of the food chain and very different in both tone and presentation than most of the genre going forward. Admittedly although, I have not watched much from the 60’s other than the One Armed Swordsman trilogy when it was released by IVL. The weird thing for me is I have seen A touch of Zen, twice… and I don’t feel the same about it as CDWM. It kind of bores me, maybe it just goes over my head. I have only seen Hark’s remake of Dragon Gate Inn. I really do appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts about this it with everyone.

Good question... I have got a bit of work to do on that still, and so I'm focussing on the two classic shapes films Snake in the Monkey's Shadow and Dance of the Drunk Mantis at the moment.

I had no idea that SPACE SHERIFF GAVAN was released until I saw your post @Yihetuan! How did this (time)slip past my Sonny Chiba fanatic radar? I ordered it immediately and got it the very next day (Yes, Amazon came through as promised and without damaging the item for a change). I had a ripped to DVD compilation of the six Chiba-centric episodes (though he's only in these few out of the 44 episodes, his JAC team created the karate beat-downs on the aliens, and his stamp is all over it) thanks to @wigsplitta as @Karlos reminded me (damn my foggy old brain), but it's really cool to now have the whole series. The PQ looks fantastic and the set features excellent subtitles that translate dialogue, song lyrics, credits, and all on-screen text (signs, newspaper headlines, etc.). I viewed the first two episodes and they're a gas!

RUN AND KILL is a no-nonsense crime thriller where through a series of events a regular family guy winds up in serious trouble with some very bad people. It's got some extreme brutality in it, with one scene (no spoilers please people) in particular being infamous among Hong Kong movie fans. It stars Kent Cheng (the heavy-set actor that played Jackie Chan's partner in CRIME STORY and Butcher Wing in ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA), Simon Yam (TIGER CAGE, BULLET IN THE HEAD, FULL CONTACT, NAKED KILLER), Melvin Wong (RIGHTING WRONGS, TWINKLE TWINKLE LUCKY STARS), and Shaw Brothers veteran Johnny Wang Lung-Wei. RED TO KILL is a horror film about a psychotic, sadistic rapist, from the same director as RUN AND KILL, Billy Tang Hin-Shing. Man, this is a tough film that is extremely unpleasant and vicious and had me literally squirming in my seat. This is a heavy-duty exploitation film that would rank up there in the top 10 worst first date movies. The strong performances in it heighten the horrific events depicted, elevating the depravity to an even more cringe-worthy level. FATAL TERMINATION is an action thriller full of gunfights, car chases, explosions, and if I remember correctly (it's a long time since I've seen it) some hand-to-hand fighting. Weapons smuggling is the big plot thing here, and I seem to recall some rocket-launcher mayhem. Arguably the cutest badass to ever throw down, Moon Lee (ANGEL, MR. VAMPIRE, ZU: WARRIORS FROM THE MAGIC MOUNTAIN), is front and center here with Ray Liu (MIRACLES, LORD OF EAST SEA CHINA, PROJECT A PART II) in a plot that's as subtle as a dump truck crashing into a volcano (one of the few crazy things that doesn't happen in this film). This film is famous for a notorious, jaw-dropping stunt sequence (again, please avoid spoiling it for others- highlight any spoiler and use/click the eyeball icon to give readers a choice) where a CHALLENGE OF THE LADY NINJA was once released on DVD by Ground Zero as CHINESE SUPER NINJAS 2 (no, it's not a sequel to that film) and is a crazy, colorful, imaginative, Taiwanese exploitation martial arts movie. Far out costumes and frantic fight sequences from director Lee Tso-Nam (director of THE HOT, THE COOL & THE VICIOUS, SHAOLIN INVINCIBLE STICKS, EAGLE'S CLAW). It'll be fantastic to finally see a nice print of this in its proper aspect ratio. IMPERIAL SWORD is a wuxia-pan from 1977 starring Chia Ling. Though I've owned it for decades it's one of the films I still haven't watched yet. I saw one or two of the CHILD OF PEACH/MAGIC OF SPELL movies decades ago, but all I can recall is that they were swordplay films filled with lunacy. I don't recognize the (presumably) Japanese film. Hope this all helps.

A friend messaged me about this release. Is this for real?! It's gotta be real, ain't no April Fools' Day yet. This avalanche of releases really makes you wonder, is there anything better at the moment than being a kung fu movie fan and living in 2023? For me, no.

😁😁 A New 2k Restoration . Saw this on Blu-ray.com , no details on which label will put it out , but it looks nice !

This is very good news! It's been confirmed that Avenging Eagle will have English subs.

Looks like Arrow have done new restorations for the Bruce Lee titles: Forbidden Worlds Film Festival is proud to be premiering the new 4K restoration of The Way of the Dragon from Arrow Video, ahead of its release on Blu-ray and 4K UHD this summer. The Way of the Dragon has been exclusively restored in 4K from the best existing film elements by Arrow Films and is presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1.

thanks to Clive Martin Davies & Darren Victorian Strongman for the invite

A very original movie that includes exciting and hilarious martial arts and the message "Lets all be kind to each other" was recognized for it's merits. Can we focus on that extremely positive thing instead of somehow being angry or finding some negative aspect of this to fixate on?

This showed up today. Thanks to the collectors (whoever they are) for giving us the original audio and English Dub. The 5.1 is a remix with added sfx, right?

Kidnap 4 friends are having money trouble and come up with brilliant plan to solve issue. Capture son of wealthy man(who happens to be boss of Lo Lieh, one of four) and demand ransom. As they have no experience in crime, things go soon wrong. They eventually get the funds but do they get away.....that is what every1 who is fan of crime movies should find out. 2 hours did fly with this. There is minimal amount of action but strong story and good acting performances makes sure concentration does not slip. Most of supporting cast are unknown for me but there are some oldtimers whose faces are familiar from MA movies.

I thought the same thing and was surprised that they didn't say "BTW, I'm bickle14 on the forum" when I spoke to them. I see that you edited your post to make it clear now. Thanks. Error 4444 have gone way off the beaten path, running through the (licensing) jungle, hacking and slashing away to get to the cinematic gems and oddities hidden in the darkness. I'm excited to get these releases for myself, and thrilled that people that aren't deep-dive collectors, like some of us that have these titles on VHS, laser disc, and VCD, will finally be able to see them (or even hear of them) for the first time. I entered the wonders of Hong Kong and Asian cinema via Bruce Lee, Shaw Brothers, Jackie Chan, Godzilla, and other more mainstream titles, but I cherish the memories of deep diving in Chinatown shops and mail-order tape companies to explore the more esoteric titles and the people making them. So it's a welcome surprise that some of these "rare cuts" are getting deluxe HD treatment. Great stuff! I wish Travis Crawford was still here to both enjoy and further contribute to the company. R.I.P. my friend.

I've had the pleasure of seeing this version in Italy, it's a great movie, better than most reviews would have you believe, not to mention a turning point in Kuo's career and a big hit in both Taiwan and Hong Kong, even Korea according to some. Was about to ask @Irongod2112 the same thing. If there are plans for vol. 2, The Swordsman of all Swordsmen should definitely be on there.

The wife and I took this in last night. I was absolutely stunned. This movie is an action fan's wet dream. I was super happy that Zaror's role was fairly significant and not just a throwaway henchman. Yen is hypnotic to watch. Sanada radiates calm charisma. Adkins...oh my word! He was a blast as Killa, and his fight with Keanu did not disappoint in its run time, which I was concerned might be the case. It had some comical moments, but was very brutal. Keanu is just awesome as always. The thing that really struck me was the settings and scenarios. These were not momentary or locales to just wade through. Stahelski selects an arena of combat and then considers all the different scenarios and dynamics, and spends time playing with it and showcasing the action. The gallery, the roundabout, the nightclub, the stairs, etc. This movie is a buffet! A smorgasbord, even!!! I was stuffed at its conclusion, and wanted more. (And they trimmed about 45 minutes off the film?)

There was some trouble at the PO with these two, but they eventually found my address.

I think it's so funny that these people think we care about that their rating of the movie itself. We just want a technical review of the physical media release. We can look plenty elsewhere for reviews of how good the movie is 😉

And Flag of iron too ! We, Shaws' and martial arts movies fans, are living GREAT TIMES after so many years without any new releases and now with all these Shaws' and other martial arts movies surfacing everywhere ! I should say Everywhere, Everything, All at Once !!

Film Art has been teasing Avenging Eagle for the longest time but looks like it's finally going to be available as it's undergoing final QC testing. It should be up for pre-order within the next two weeks. The cover below is the final artwork. Technical specs and audio options TBD.

Not sure of the current status on a Vol. 2 but contact with Joseph Kuo was made and he does still own the rights to a number of his films and was up for making a deal so it's quite possible we get some more titles or another box set in 2024.

The Invincible Fist (1969) John Chiang Da Wei was born into an entertainment family and quickly followed in the footsteps of his parents with child roles in the early 50s. However, it was during his stint in the Shaw stable that he was noticed by famed director Chang Cheh and given the opportunity to showcase his talents on the silver screen. Chiang was seen as the possible successor to the recently departed and embittered Wang Yu. Given the forename “David”, Chiang would indeed carve out a successful career on his own merits under the Shaw banner. Here he has an early role of significance playing the younger brother of Lo Lieh in The Invincible Fist. Interspersed between the opening credits is the scene of a robbery at the residence of Gung Bai Wan -the large estate of a wealthy family. Four men in black (no, not those guys) infiltrate the grounds, handily dispose of the security and manage to escape in a horse drawn carriage with a few boxes of gold taels. From this evil act of greed that transpired, the violators prove to be both skilled and well informed. In pursuit of these felons is Tieh Wu Ching (Lo Lieh) -Chief Constable of Tsang Chou Village- along with his younger brother Tieh Er Long (David Chiang) and a small assembly of men, among them being the Four Little Iron Men. As a detachment comes to meet a scout at a street vendor’s stand, the first of four central antagonists makes an appearance -Iron Bat Tso Yin Chung (Chan Sing)- disguised as a peddler. The small group separates to locate the carriage, leaving behind Third Brother (Wong Kuang Yu). An exchange takes place between Tso, the scout and Third Brother. The latter two are extinguished, but not before Third Brother delivers a messenger pigeon warning Tieh Wu Ching. As the film progresses, we slowly meet the remaining leaders behind the robbery and murder of the Gong family: Southern Geese Peng Yun Chiang -aka Cripple Peng, the pipa player (Ku Feng), Golden Abacus Lee Bu Lok (Cheung Pooi Shan), and the group leader - Deadly Rope Killer Ma Wai Jia (Fang Mian). Skirmishes between the two parties manage to divide time in this game of wits and guile. Lives are lost, people are silenced and difficult decisions are made. The situation becomes problematic when a severely wounded Tieh Wu Ching happens upon the kindness of a lonely, blind girl, Kuei Ku (Li Ching) -the daughter of Ma Wai Jia. A distressing strain of loneliness seeps through this story, making for an incredibly “dark” feature; the abundant rainfall also elevates this feeling. Separations constantly occur as both parties look to gain advantage in this cat and mouse chase. But as one would have it, this usually signifies the death of the isolated character. It is not so much that unity is emphasized but rather the reality that no one can truly reach their goal alone. Even as Constable Tieh is a man lauded for his wit and his sword, he too required the assistance and self-sacrifice of others. As the rain seems to represent ambition, a balance is required: enough will bring forth that which is needed, but possessing too much will become destructive. Perhaps more pitiful is the character of Ma Wai Jia, who despite being a doting father to his daughter, cannot come to terms with his greedy, diabolical actions. Though skilled in the art of fighting, Ma often relies on cowardly moves. He lives a lie and is unable or perhaps unwilling to reveal the truth to his daughter. In short, his character is doomed. It is thus Kuei Ku’s benefit in this manner to be blind -not so much physically as in the awareness of her father’s deeds. Lo Lieh gives a terrific performance as the battle-tested, unrelenting Constable Tieh while David Chiang shines in the supporting role of brother Er Long. Shaw regulars Ku Feng, Chan Sing, Cheung Pooi Shan and Wu Ma are memorable in limited roles as are Wong Kuang Yu, Cheng Lui and Baby Queen Li Ching -who I felt deserved a bit more screen time. A tip of the hat goes to Fang Mian -a veteran actor at this point able to play characters along the entire spectrum. And give yourselves a bonus point for spotting Wong Chung as one of the evil henchmen. To all that add the beautiful sets, and intense close-up shots ala Sergio Leone, this Chang Cheh vehicle is definitely a gem in the rough at the close of the 60s, and deserves a special tier in the Shaw Brothers' showcase.

The Boxer's Omen (1983) - When your film has a gratuitous shot of a pair of boobs being smooshed again glass and that isn't the highlight, you know you're doing something right. I'll be honest, I've never really delved in Shaw Brothers horror. Unless you count Human Lanterns and The Bloody Parrot. So this was my virgin voyage. What a WILD ride this film is! I absolutely loved it. It's batshit bonkers, gooey as fuck and has Phillip Ko of all people in the lead role. Ko's never had a ton of charisma and usually works better as a menacing villain. But he's great here. I was surprised. You want a plot? Strap in. Ko's character is a boxing manager who also happens to be a boxer. His brother (Wang Lung Wei) is paralyzed in a post-boxing fight brawl (his opponent is Bolo Yeung) and so, a while later, Ko travels to Thailand to challenge Bolo. While there, he goes to a Thai temple and is told that he's the spiritual twin of the abbot. The abbot has recently been killed (??) by black magic and it's up to Ko to become a monk and seek revenge. It's nuts but I'll be damned if it doesn't work. Once he'd become a monk, I said to myself, "Now time for revenge!" It was then I realized I still had AN HOUR of the film to go. I had no idea what I was in store for. Alas, no more smooshed boobs. Instead, I was treated to utter chaos. And I mean this is the best of ways. Do we get a man eating his own vomit? Yes we do. Do we get popping pustules? You better believe it. Do we get floating green alien heads? Damn right. This film may very well be one of the most insane films Ever made. As a side note, I have to say that's not for those with a weak stomach. The Boxer's Omen is fucking gross at times. But if you can keep your lunch down, you're in for an absolute treat. Sit back and enjoy the trip.

Final cut German Mandarin with German subs Mandarin with English subs

Benny Chan's A Moment of Romance is going to be released by Radiance and will include a commentary from Frank Djeng.

An interesting clip from 2019 taken from Arirang TV of Hwang Jang Lee training a foreigner. The narration feels a little embellished, claiming that he featured in 340 Hong Kong movies (!?) & created the drunken fighting style (although I think the narrator may have misinterpreted what he was saying for this one), but still great to see HJL in action! - https://fb.watch/j4W84znt3e/?mibextid=2Rb1fB

Unwilling to revisit Mercenaries from HK or Boxers omen now from Scope#2, as needed MA action rather saw Rebel Intruders 50th time or so... Apparently there is war going on and 3refugees(lo meng, kuo chui and chiang sheng) enter to town controlled by leader of spear unit, Lu Feng. And he has some dangerous right hand men who also (obviously) are martial arts experts. Eventually our heroes will get into trouble and want to leave town but that of course is not so easy. Movie is little slow at first but there is dazzling action later. Among best choreography in Venom movies. Wang Li does fights terrific he is just as talented as Lu, Kuo and Chiang when it comes to acrobatics and weapons. Sun Chien is sadly given even less to do than usually.It´s probably in top5 of Venoms although barely. Competition is tough...

Even though it's not particularly movie related, I decided to include the Ted Thomas book which I tracked down after reading about his passing.

Totally different to me. In times of streaming services and loveless single disc releases in cheap keep cases (if at all) the physical extras of certain medias are the main attraction for me as a collector. And I'm willing to spend a lot of money for that. Thank goodness there are some folks who think like me. Otherwise, at some point everything will only be available in digital form and you are 100% at the mercy of the streaming providers.