Asian Cinema Thread

I've just seen listings on Planet of Entertainment for a couple of standard Third Window Film releases that were only available on previous limited edition sets:

1739879813546.png

The Island Closest to Heaven (due out March 24th 2025) - previously only available in the Nobuhiko Obayashi’s 80s Kadokawa Years set. All four of the films in that set will have had a standard release once this one comes out.

1739880099244.png

Shark Skin Man & Peach Hip Girl (due out April 14th 2025) - previously only available in the Katsuhito Ishii Collection
 
Just finished watching Scent of a Spell which I thought was absolutely fantastic. Bought it along with Bumpkin Soup and Mermaid Legend as they came out recently and am really looking forward to watching those as well.

I think I already know the answer but I'm assuming it's worth getting round to buying the other Director's Company release from Third Window Films?

Did have a laugh thinking if only all the erotic thrillers Channel 5 used to show back in the day were as good story-wise as this was 😂
 
Just finished watching Scent of a Spell which I thought was absolutely fantastic. Bought it along with Bumpkin Soup and Mermaid Legend as they came out recently and am really looking forward to watching those as well.

I think I already know the answer but I'm assuming it's worth getting round to buying the other Director's Company release from Third Window Films?

Did have a laugh thinking if only all the erotic thrillers Channel 5 used to show back in the day were as good story-wise as this was 😂

I'd highly recommend Typhoon Club and The Crazy Family from the previous rounds of Directors Company releases.

If you like horror/slashers then Door 1 is worth a watch as well, the sequel isn't quite as good imo (as is usually the case with sequels).
 
I'd highly recommend Typhoon Club and The Crazy Family from the previous rounds of Directors Company releases.

If you like horror/slashers then Door 1 is worth a watch as well, the sequel isn't quite as good imo (as is usually the case with sequels).

Thanks for the info, I'll add them to my "to buy" list.
 
Just finished watching Scent of a Spell which I thought was absolutely fantastic. Bought it along with Bumpkin Soup and Mermaid Legend as they came out recently and am really looking forward to watching those as well.

I think I already know the answer but I'm assuming it's worth getting round to buying the other Director's Company release from Third Window Films?

Did have a laugh thinking if only all the erotic thrillers Channel 5 used to show back in the day were as good story-wise as this was 😂

If you've enjoyed the Director's Company titles it's worth taking a look at some of 88 Films' Japanarchy releases like Evil Dead Trap. There's also Arrow's J-Horror Rising and V-Cinema box sets that are worth looking into.
 
Anyone who is eyeing up that Throne of Blood release, be warned that BFI have a habit of not translating songs. That would be a minor issue in most movies, but Throne of Blood's inciting incident is a lengthy prophetic song that wasn't translated in their BD release.
 
New/recent announcements as of late from various distributors:

88 Films - Armour of God II 4K Ultra HD 1.jpg

Armour of God II: Operation Condor
  • Release Date: 23rd June 2025
  • Distributor: 88 Films
  • Deluxe Collector's Edition 4K Ultra HD release
Armour of God II: Operation Condor (飛鷹計劃), directed by Jackie Chan, 1991.

Jackie Chan also directed:
  • Armour of God, available on Blu-ray by 88 Films.
  • Dragon Lord, available on Blu-ray by 88 Films.
  • Fearless Hyena, available on Blu-ray by 88 Films.
  • Miracles: The Canton Godfather, available on 4K Ultra HD by 88 Films.
  • Police Story, available on 4K Ultra HD by Eureka Entertainment.
  • Police Story 2, available on 4K Ultra HD by Eureka Entertainment.
  • Project A, available on 4K Ultra HD by 88 Films (USA) & Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
  • Project A Part II, available on 4K Ultra HD by 88 Films (USA) & Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
  • The Young Master, available on Blu-ray by 88 Films.
Audio/Specs:
Film:
  • Details TBC
On-Disc
Extras:
Armour of God II: Operation Condor:
  • Extras TBC
Physical
Extras:
Limited Edition Exclusive:
  • Details TBC

81PkDnrdx4L._AC_SL1500_.jpg


The Bells of Death
  • Release Date: 19th May 2025
  • Distributor: Eureka Entertainment
  • Limited Edition Blu-ray release
The Bells of Death (奪魂鈴), directed by Griffin Yueh Feng, 1968.

Audio/Specs:
Film:
  • Original Mandarin mono audio
  • Optional English dub
  • Optional English subtitles, newly revised for this release
On-Disc
Extras:
The Bells of Death:
  • New audio commentary by East Asian cinema expert Frank Djeng (NY Asian Film Festival)
  • New audio commentary by action cinema experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema
  • For Whom the Bell Tolls – a new interview with Wayne Wong, editor of Martial Arts Studies
  • Theatrical trailer
Physical
Extras:
Limited Edition Exclusive:
  • O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Grégory Sacré (Gokaiju) [2000 copies]
  • Collector’s booklet featuring new writing on The Bells of Death by East Asian cinema expert Camille Zaurin [2000 copies]

81INGiJ30aL._AC_SL1500_.jpg


Come Drink With Me
  • Release Date: 23rd June 2025
  • Distributor: 88 Films
  • 88 Asia Shaw Brothers Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD release.
Come Drink With Me (大醉俠), directed by King Hu, 1966.

King Hu also directed:
  • Dragon Inn, available on Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
  • The Fate of Lee Khan, available on Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
  • Legend of the Mountain, available on Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
  • Raining in the Mountain, previously released on Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
  • A Touch of Zen, available on Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
  • The Valiant Ones, available on 4K Ultra HD by Eureka Entertainment.
Audio/Specs:
Film:
  • Details TBC
On-Disc
Extras:
Come Drink With Me:
  • Extras TBC
Physical
Extras:
Limited Edition Exclusive:
  • Details TBC

88 Films - Crime Story 4K Ultra HD 1.jpg

Crime Story
  • Release Date: 26th May 2025
  • Distributor: 88 Films
  • Deluxe Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD release
Crime Story (重案組), directed by Kirk Wong, 1993.

Audio/Specs:
Film:
  • Details TBC
On-Disc
Extras:
Crime Story:
  • Extras TBC
Physical
Extras:
Limited Edition Exclusive:
  • Details TBC

88 Films - Devil Fetus Blu-ray 1.jpg

Devil Fetus
  • Release Date: 23rd June 2025
  • Distributor: 88 Films
  • CATEGORY III Limited Edition Blu-ray release
Devil Fetus (魔胎), directed by Lau Hung-Chuen, 1983.

Audio/Specs:
Film:
  • Details TBC.
On-Disc
Extras:
Devil Fetus:
  • Extras TBC
Physical
Extras:
Limited Edition Exclusive:
  • Details TBC

88 Films - Gate of Flesh Blu-ray 1.jpg

Gate of Flesh
  • Release Date: 23rd June 2025
  • Distributor: 88 Films
  • Japanarchy Limited Edition Blu-ray release
Gate of Flesh (肉体の門), directed by Shôgorô Nishimura, 1977.

Shôgorô Nishimura also directed:
  • Apartment Wife: Affair In the Afternoon, available on UK Blu-ray by 88 Films.
Audio/Specs:
Film:
  • High-Definition 1080p Presentation in 1.85:1 aspect ratio
  • Original Japanese Mono audio
  • New English subtitles
On-Disc
Extras:
Gate of Flesh:
  • Audio Commentary by Amber T. & Jasper Sharp
  • Brand New Filmed Introduction by Earl Jackson
  • Exclusive Interview with Toei Tattoo Artist Seiji Mouri
  • Stills Gallery
  • Trailer
  • Teaser
Physical
Extras:
Limited Edition Exclusive:
  • Booklet notes by Robin Gatto & Irene Gonzalez-Lopez
  • Numbered Obi-Strip
Other Physical Extras:
  • Scanavo packaging
  • Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Ilan Sheady

88 Films - Her Vengeance Blu-ray 1.jpg

Her Vengeance
  • Release Date: 23rd June 2025
  • Distributor: 88 Films
  • CATEGORY III Limited Edition Blu-ray release
Her Vengeance (血玫瑰), directed by Lam Nai-Choi, 1988.

Lam Nai-Choi also directed:
  • Erotic Ghost Story, available on UK Blu-ray by 88 Films.
  • Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky, available on UK Blu-ray by 88 Films.
  • The Seventh Curse, available on UK Blu-ray by 88 Films.
Audio/Specs:
Film:
  • Details TBC
On-Disc
Extras:
Devil Fetus:
  • Extras TBC
Physical
Extras:
Limited Edition Exclusive:
  • Details TBC

88 Films - Lady of the Law Blu-ray 1.jpg

Lady of the Law
  • Release Date: 19th May 2025
  • Distributor: 88 Films
  • 88 Asia Shaw Brothers Limited Edition Blu-ray release
Lady of the Law (女捕快), directed by Stanley Siu Wing & Shen Chiang, 1975.

Audio/Specs:
Film:
  • High-Definition 1080p Presentation in 2.35:1 aspect ratio
  • Original Mandarin Mono 2.0 audio
  • New English subtitles
On-Disc
Extras:
Lady With a Sword:
  • Audio Commentary by David West
  • Stills Gallery
  • Trailer
Physical
Extras:
Limited Edition Exclusive:
  • Slipcase
  • Folded Poster
Other Physical Extras:
  • Scanavo packaging
  • Reversible sleeve with original and newly commissioned artwork by Rob Bruno

88 Films - Sunset Warriors Blu-ray 1.jpg

Sunset Warriors
  • Release Date: 19th May 2025
  • Distributor: 88 Films
  • Limited Edition Blu-ray release
Sunset Warriors (九死一生), directed by John Woo, 1984.

This is the original cut for Heroes Shed No Tears (1986). This new release won't include the previous version of the film so best to keep hold of it if you want different cuts of the film.

John Woo also directed:
  • Hand of Death, available on UK Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
  • Hard Target, available on UK 4K Ultra HD by Universal.
  • Last Hurrah for Chivalry, available on UK Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
Audio/Specs:
Film:
  • Details TBC
On-Disc
Extras:
Sunset Warriors:
  • Extras TBC
Physical
Extras:
Limited Edition Exclusive:
  • Details TBC

88 Films - Witch From Nepal Blu-ray 1.jpg

Witch From Nepal
  • Release Date: 23rd June 2025
  • Distributor: 88 Films
  • Limited Edition Blu-ray release
Witch From Nepal (奇緣), directed by Tony Ching Siu-Tung, 1986.

Tony Ching Siu-Tung also directed:
  • Dr. Wai in the Scripture with No Words, available on UK Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
  • Duel to the Death, available on UK Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
Audio/Specs:
Film:
  • Details TBC
On-Disc
Extras:
Witch From Nepal:
  • Extras TBC
Physical
Extras:
Limited Edition Exclusive:
  • Details TBC

88 Films - Zebraman Blu-ray 1.jpg

Zebraman
  • Release Date: 23rd June 2025
  • Distributor: 88 Films
  • Japanarchy Limited Edition Blu-ray release
Zebraman (ゼブラーマン), directed by Takashi Miike, 2004.

Takashi Miike also directed:
  • 13 Assassins, available on UK Blu-ray by Curzon Artificial Eye.
  • Audition, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
  • Blade of the Immortal, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
  • Dead or Alive Trilogy, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
  • First Love, available on UK Blu-ray by Signature.
  • For Love's Sake, previously released on UK Blu-ray by Third Window Films.
  • Graveyard of Honor, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
  • The Great Yokai War, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
  • The Happiness of the Katakuris, previously released on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video & soon to be released on US Blu-ray by Nihon Nights.
  • Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai, available on UK Blu-ray by Icon Film Distribution.
  • Lesson of Evil, previously released on UK Blu-ray by Third Window Films.
  • Ley Lines, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
  • One Missed Call, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
  • Rainy Dogs, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
  • Shinjuku Triad Society, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
  • Terra Formars, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
  • Yakuza Apocalypse, available on UK Blu-ray by Manga Entertainment.
  • Yatterman, previously released on UK Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
  • Zebraman 2: Attack on Zebra City, soon to be released on UK Blu-ray by 88 Films.
Audio/Specs:
Film:
  • High-Definition 1080p Presentation in 1.85:1 aspect ratio
  • Original Japanese Stereo & 5.1 Surround Sound Audio Tracks
  • Optional English Audio Track
  • New English subtitles
On-Disc
Extras:
Zebraman:
  • Brand New Filmed Introduction by Tom Mes
  • "Making Of" Documentary
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Zebraman Premiere
  • Archive Interview with Takashi Miike
  • Archive Interview with Show Aikawa
  • 1978 TV Series Trailer
  • Zebraman Theme Song
  • Theatrical Trailer
  • TV Spot
  • Stills Gallery
Physical
Extras:
Limited Edition Exclusive:
  • Booklet Essay by Mark Player
  • Numbered Obi-Strip
Other Physical Extras:
  • Scanavo packaging
  • Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Lucas Peverill

88 Films - Zebraman Attack on Zebra City Blu-ray 1.jpg

Zebraman 2: Attack on Zebra City
  • Release Date: 23rd June 2025
  • Distributor: 88 Films
  • Japanarchy Limited Edition Blu-ray release
Zebraman 2: Attack on Zebra City (ゼブラーマン ゼブラシティの逆襲), directed by Takashi Miike, 2010.

Audio/Specs:
Film:
  • Details TBC
On-Disc
Extras:
Zebraman 2:
  • Extras TBC
Physical
Extras:
Limited Edition Exclusive:
  • Booklet
  • Numbered Obi-Strip
Other Physical Extras:
  • Scanavo packaging
  • Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Lucas Peverill
 
Back
Top