Asian Cinema Thread

[BrokenPhoenix]

I've heard VERY good things about Mermaid Legend and was 100% expecting 88 films to get it after they did Evil Dead Trap.
I'm sure third window will do a great release though!

On a side not they did also say these will be available on Amazon at some point so maybe that signals an Arrow return there as well?
(I'm sure their sales have taken a MASSIVE hit since departing)

Yes, I think Mermaid Legend is the stand out title in this set of releases. I will probably end up getting all three still.

I heard this too. It'll be nice to have TWF back on Amazon. Not sure about Arrow coming back though.

 

[Jon O Fun]

Spotted on Amazon Prime that Baby Assassins is available on 'Channel 101' run by 101 Films.

Guess we can count that out of ever getting a blu ray release as 101 tend to sit on their Asian films (like Bad City & Gareth Evens' Merantau).

 

[BrokenPhoenix]

New announcement from Third Window Films today

https://twitter.com/x/status/1866815563944853577

 

[RaeDra]

Godzilla vs. Biollante

Diving into delirious realms of imagination, this second film of the Godzilla franchise’s 1980s resurgence showcased the towering beast for a new generation of fans. This time, Godzilla’s foe is one of the series’ most wondrously strange kaiju creations: Biollante—a mutant plant genetically...

www.criterion.com

Criterion are releasing Godzilla vs Biollante in North America, hopefully it will carry over to the UK like their other Godzilla releases. One to keep an eye on

 

[HWR]

88Films are releasing Miracles on 4K and Pinocchio 964 on BD as part of their Japanarchy line. I’m curious as to why they didn’t opt for a 4K release of the latter, as Media Blasters are planning do one for the US market. Will have to see how transfers stack up.

 

[Jon O Fun]

View attachment 37551
View attachment 37552
88Films are releasing Miracles on 4K and Pinocchio 964 on BD as part of their Japanarchy line. I’m curious as to why they didn’t opt for a 4K release of the latter, as Media Blasters are planning do one for the US market. Will have to see how transfers stack up.

I'd guess the lack of 4K for Pinocchio in the UK is purely down to the cost and demand.

No way they'd recoupe the cost of producing it. 4K is way more expensive, maybe if they'd got US rights as well but as you say they'd already gone.

TBH films like that really don't need a 4K, it's supposed to be grimey and gritty.
Same reason something like Blair Witch never needs a 4K.

 

[HWR]

That would make sense - I’ll likely pick up the 88Films release to support them, especially as I want more Japanarchy titles (though some are absolute pipe dreams where the BBFC are concerned.)

 

[Jon O Fun]

That would make sense - I’ll likely pick up the 88Films release to support them, especially as I want more Japanarchy titles (though some are absolute pipe dreams where the BBFC are concerned.)

We can all still hold out hope for 'Zombie Ass: Toilet of the Dead'.

There was recently a leak of a foreign Ichi The Killer 4K with most sites saying "someone" has the English license but they're not saying who.
Again one of those I'd ask does it need a 4K? Probably not, blu ray would be more than enough.
But if any Japanarchy release has the selling power to get a 4K its probably Ichi.
(Whether the BBFC would agree is a different story)

 

[HWR]

Ichi would be a must-buy as the only BD release I have isn’t good at all. What interests me is how far 88Films would be willing to take the sub-label, as there are certain franchises and films I imagine might be too difficult to put out.

 

[NormanicGrav]

Ichi would be a must-buy as the only BD release I have isn’t good at all. What interests me is how far 88Films would be willing to take the sub-label, as there are certain franchises and films I imagine might be too difficult to put out.

The Nikkatsu label I wasn't sure about but after seeing their latest picks for 2025 I want to look into those four new releases, hopefully I'm not too late.

I reckon Ichi the Killer should be fine uncut nowadays given the amount of titles that have managed to breakthrough without issue as of late. If 88 Films did get their hands on it then they should bundle the Episode 0 anime OVA also, though I do think the film as a whole is more in line with Arrow Video than 88 Films come to think of it.

 

[HWR]

I’d be curious to see if they’d ever be able to (or want to) give the Guinea Pig franchise a home release for the Japanarchy label, as the old DVDs are long OOP now. Might be a difficult one to get past the BBFC on, though.

 

[NormanicGrav]

88 Films have revealed plans to release Ching Siu-tung's The Witch from Nepal (奇緣) on Blu-ray in Spring 2025. This was likely an early reveal in response to Vingear Syndrome revealing a double pack with The Seventh Curse.

88 have also responded to some posts on Instagram confirming their plans to release two Category III films; Lam Nai-Choi's Her Vengeance (血玫瑰) and Lau Hung Chuen's Devil Fetus (魔胎). According to Wiki, the latter was not rated CATIII at the time of its release because the rating wasn't introduced until 1988, but since its setup this film was re-rated as such.

 

[RaeDra]

View attachment 37547

Godzilla vs. Biollante

Diving into delirious realms of imagination, this second film of the Godzilla franchise’s 1980s resurgence showcased the towering beast for a new generation of fans. This time, Godzilla’s foe is one of the series’ most wondrously strange kaiju creations: Biollante—a mutant plant genetically...

www.criterion.com

Criterion are releasing Godzilla vs Biollante in North America, hopefully it will carry over to the UK like their other Godzilla releases. One to keep an eye on

Godzilla vs. Biollante 4K Ultra HD

Buy Godzilla vs. Biollante 4K Ultra HD from Zavvi, the home of pop culture. Take advantage of great prices on Blu-ray, 4K, merchandise, games, clothing and more!

www.zavvi.com

Going live on various UK retailers, releases in the UK on the 24th of March.

 

[HWR]

John Woo, Chow Yun-fat Classics Among 156-Film Golden Princess Library Acquired by Shout! Studios (EXCLUSIVE)

Shout! Studios acquires 156 Hong Kong action classics from Golden Princess, including John Woo, Chow Yun-Fat hits like 'Hard Boiled' and 'The Killer.'

variety.com

Very exciting news!

 

[Jon O Fun]

John Woo, Chow Yun-fat Classics Among 156-Film Golden Princess Library Acquired by Shout! Studios (EXCLUSIVE)

Shout! Studios acquires 156 Hong Kong action classics from Golden Princess, including John Woo, Chow Yun-Fat hits like 'Hard Boiled' and 'The Killer.'

variety.com

Very exciting news!

Be interesting to see how they handle the UK as they have worldwide rights and Shout are not known for their friendship with UK labels.
But with 101 films suddenly losing all their Shout licenses on Jan 1st we might actually see them set up a UK branch!

Either way I'm their for it! It's fantastic news for John Woo fans but for me I'm more looking forward to releases of Tiger On The Beat and Aces Go Places that were locked in the Golden Princess prison.

 

[Geriatric hedgehog]

Hideaki Anno’s Love & Pop

Any chance that any of the Japan societies/associations are going to show this in UK?

 

[Type_VII]

Just finished off watching the A Certain Killer/A Killer's Key BD from Arrow. Really enjoyed both films, and the 30 min introduction on the disc was very nice too. Highly recommended for any fans of assassin films, especially those with a 60's vibe.

 

[BrokenPhoenix]

A Samurai in Time from Third Window Films: due out April 28th

 

[NormanicGrav]

New/recent announcements as of late from various distributors:



The Adventurers

• Release Date: 28th April 2025
• Distributor: Eureka Entertainment
• Limited Edition Blu-ray release

Spoiler: Info about the release

The Adventurers (大冒險家), directed by Ringo Lam, 1995.

Ringo Lam also directed:

• Burning Paradise, available on UK Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
• Full Alert, available on UK Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
• In Hell, available on UK Blu-ray by 88 Films.
• Maximum Risk, available on UK Blu-ray by 88 Films.
• Replicant, available on UK Blu-ray by 88 Films.
• Twin Dragons, available on UK Blu-ray by 88 Films.
• Wild Search, available on UK Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.

Audio/Specs:​	Film: 1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray from a brand new 2K restoration Original Cantonese mono and DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio options Optional English subtitles, newly translated for this release
On-Disc Extras:​	The Adventurers: New audio commentary by film critic David West Two Adventurers – new interview with Gary Bettinson, editor of Asian Cinema journal Previously unseen archival interview with writer and producer Sandy Shaw Theatrical trailer
Physical Extras:​	Limited Edition Exclusive: O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Time Tomorrow Collector’s booklet featuring a new essay by Hong Kong cinema scholar Aaron Han Joon Magnan-Park

Brother

• Release Date: 21st April 2025
• Distributor: BFI
• Blu-ray release

Spoiler: Info about the release

Brother (蜘蛛巣城), directed by Takeshi Kitano, 2000.

Takeshi Kitano also directed:

• Boiling Point, available on UK Blu-ray by BFI.
• Dolls, previously released on UK Blu-ray by Third Window Films.
• Getting Any?, previously released on UK Blu-ray by Third Window Films.
• Hana-bi, previously released on UK Blu-ray by Third Window Films.
• Kids Return, previously released on UK Blu-ray by Third Window Films.
• Kikujiro, previously released on UK Blu-ray by Third Window Films.
• Outrage, available on UK Blu-ray by Studio Canal.
• A Scene at the Sea, previously released on UK Blu-ray by Third Window Films.
• Sonatine, available on UK Blu-ray by BFI.
• Violent Cop, available on UK Blu-ray by BFI.
• Zatoichi, previously released on UK Blu-ray by Curzon Artificial Eye.

Audio/Specs:​	Film: Presented in High Definition English audio English subtitles for the Deaf and partial hearing
On-Disc Extras:​	Brother: The Green Flash (1988, 23 mins): Adam Davis’ short film about an encounter between a runaway and a gangster featuring a young Omar Epps in his first screen role
Physical Extras:​	Limited Edition Exclusive: Illustrated booklet featuring new writing on the film

Chungking Express

• Release Date: 21st April 2025
• Distributor: Criterion UK
• 4K Ultra HD release

Spoiler: Info about the release

Chungking Express (重慶森林), directed by Wong Kar-Wai, 1994.

Wong Kar-Wai also directed:

• 2046, available on Blu-ray by Criterion UK.
• As Tears Go By, available on Blu-ray by Criterion UK.
• Ashes of Time, previously released on Blu-ray by Curzon Artificial Eye.
• Days of Being Wild, available on Blu-ray by Criterion UK.
• Fallen Angels, available on Blu-ray by Criterion UK.
• The Grandmaster, available on Blu-ray by Metrodome.
• Happy Together, available on Blu-ray by Criterion UK.
• In the Mood for Love, available on Blu-ray by Criterion UK.

Audio/Specs:​	Film: 4K digital restoration, with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack, both supervised and approved by director Wong Kar Wai English subtitles
On-Disc Extras:​	Chungking Express: Interview from 2002 with cinematographer Christopher Doyle Episode of Moving Pictures from 1996 featuring interviews with Wong and Doyle Deleted scenes Trailer
Physical Extras:​	Extras: An essay by critic Amy Taubin Cover by Sarah Habibi, based on an original design by Nessim Higson

Jakoman and Tetsu

• Release Date: 21st April 2025
• Distributor: 88 Films
• Japanarchy Limited Edition Blu-ray release

Spoiler: Info about the release

Jakoman and Tetsu (ジャコ萬と鉄), directed by Kinji Fukasaku, 1964.

Kinji Fukasaku also directed:

• Battle Royale, available on UK 4K Ultra HD by Arrow Video.
• Battles Without Honour And Humanity, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
• Cops vs Thugs, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
• Doberman Cop, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
• The Fall of Ako Castle, available on UK Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
• Graveyard of Honor, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
• Hokuriku Proxy War, available on UK Blu-ray by Radiance Films.
• Japan Organised Crime Boss, available on UK Blu-ray by Radiance Films.
• Legend of the 8 Samurai, available on UK Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
• Message from Space, available on UK Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
• Samurai Reincarnation, available on UK Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
• Shogun's Samurai The Yagyu Clan Conspiracy, available on US Blu-ray by Discotek's Nihon Nights.
• Street Mobster, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
• Sympathy for the Underdog, available on UK Blu-ray by Radiance Films.
• The Threat, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
• Wolves, Pigs & Men, available on UK Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
• Yakuza Graveyard, available on UK Blu-ray by Radiance Films.

Audio/Specs:​	Film: High-Definition 1080p Presentation in 2.35:1 aspect ratio Standard Definition DVD also included Original Japanese Mono 2.0 audio New English subtitles
On-Disc Extras:​	Jakoman and Tetsu: Audio Commentary with Tom Mes & Jasper Sharp [New] Brand New Filmed Introduction by Mark Schilling Stills Gallery Trailer
Physical Extras:​	Limited Edition Exclusive: Booklet notes by Chris D. Numbered Obi-Strip Other Physical Extras: Scanavo packaging Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sean Longmore

Lady With a Sword

• Release Date: 21th April 2025
• Distributor: 88 Films
• 88 Asia Shaw Brothers Limited Edition Blu-ray release

Spoiler: Info about the release

Lady With a Sword (鳳飛飛), directed by Kao Pao-shu, 1971.

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 KUNG FU BOB

The Magnificent Chang Cheh

• Release Date: 28th April 2025
• Distributor: Eureka Entertainment
• Limited Edition Blu-ray release

Spoiler: Info about the release

Collection includes:

• The Magnificent Trio (邊城三俠), directed by Chang Cheh, 1966.
• Magnificent Wanderers (邊城三俠), directed by Chang Cheh, 1967.

Chang Cheh also directed:

• The Boxer from Shantung, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
• Boxer Rebellion, available on UK Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
• Chinatown Kid, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
• Crippled Avengers, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
• The Daredevils, coming soon to UK Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
• Disciples of Shaolin, available on UK Blu-ray by 88 Films.
• Five Shaolin Masters, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
• The Five Venoms, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
• The Flag of Iron, available on UK Blu-ray by 88 Films.
• Four Riders, available on UK Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
• Invincible Shaolin, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
• The Kid with the Golden Arm, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
• Magnificent Ruffians, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
• Marco Polo, available on UK Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
• Ode to Gallantry, coming soon to UK Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
• One-Armed Swordsman Trilogy, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
• The Pirate, available on UK Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
• Shaolin Temple, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
• The Singing Thief, available on UK Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
• Ten Tigers of Kwangtung, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.

Audio/Specs:​	Film: 1080p HD presentations on Blu-ray from masters supplied by Celestial Pictures Original Mandarin mono audio tracks Optional English dub for Magnificent Wanderers Optional English subtitles, newly translated for this release
On-Disc Extras:​	The Magnificent Trio: New audio commentary on The Magnificent Trio by East Asian film expert Frank Djeng (NY Asian Film Festival) and martial artist and filmmaker Michael Worth Magnificent Wanderers: New audio commentary on Magnificent Wanderers by action cinema experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema Chang Cheh Style – new video essay by Gary Bettinson, editor-in-chief of Asian Cinema journal
Physical Extras:​	Limited Edition Exclusive: O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Grégory Sacré (Gokaiju) Collector’s booklet featuring new writing on Chang Cheh by writer and critic James Oliver

Night of the Felines

• Release Date: 7th April 2025
• Distributor: 88 Films
• Nikkatsu Roman Porno Limited Edition Blu-ray release

Spoiler: Info about the release

Night of the Felines (牝猫たちの夜), directed by Noboru Tanaka, 1972.

Noboru Tanaka also directed:

• Watcher in the Attic, available on UK Blu-ray by 88 Films.

Audio/Specs:​	Film: High-Definition 1080p Presentation in 2.35:1 aspect ratio Standard Definition DVD also included Original Japanese Mono 2.0 audio New English subtitles
On-Disc Extras:​	Night of the Felines: Audio Commentary by Irene Gonzalez-Lopez and Jasper Sharp Brand New Filmed Introduction by Kei Chiba Pink Film vs Roman Porno, Brand New Interview with Actress & Director Yumi Yoshiyuki Stills Gallery Trailer
Physical Extras:​	Limited Edition Exclusive: 'Soap and the City' Booklet Essay by Caitlin Casiello Obi-Strip Other Physical Extras: Scanavo packaging Newly commissioned artwork by Silver Ferox

The Rapacious Jailbreaker

• Release Date: 19th May 2025
• Distributor: Radiance Films
• Limited Edition Blu-ray release

Spoiler: Info about the release

The Rapacious Jailbreaker (脱獄広島殺人囚), directed by Sadao Nakajima, 1974.

Sadao Nakajima also directed:

• Jean Blues No Future, available on US Blu-ray by Discotek's Nihon Nights.

Audio/Specs:​	Film: High-Definition digital transfer Original uncompressed Japanese PCM mono audio New English subtitle translation
On-Disc Extras:​	The Rapacious Jailbreaker: Audio commentary by yakuza film expert Nathan Stuart (2025) Visual essay on Sadao Nakajima by Tom Mes (2025) Stills Gallery
Physical Extras:​	Limited Edition Exclusive: Booklet featuring new writing by Earl Jackson and an archival review of the film Full-height Scanavo packaging with removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork

Throne of Blood

• Release Date: 19th May 2025
• Distributor: BFI
• 4K Ultra HD release

Spoiler: Info about the release

Throne of Blood (蜘蛛巣城), directed by Akira Kurosawa, 1954.

Akira Kurosawa also directed:

• Dreams, available on UK 4K Ultra HD by Criterion UK.
• High and Dry, available on UK Blu-ray by BFI.
• Ikiru, available on UK Blu-ray by BFI.
• Kagemusha, available on UK Blu-ray by Criterion UK.
• Ran, available on UK 4K Ultra HD by Studio Canal.
• Rashamon, available on UK Blu-ray by BFi.
• Seven Samurai, available on UK 4K Ultra HD by BFI.
• Stray Dog, available on UK Blu-ray by BFI.
• Yojimbo & Sanjuro, coming soon to UK 4K Ultra HD by BFI.

Audio/Specs:​	Film: Restored 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) Japanese audio English subtitles
On-Disc Extras:​	Throne of Blood: Audio commentary by Japanese film expert Michael Jeck Other Extras TBC
Physical Extras:​	Limited Edition Exclusive: TBC

V-Cinema Essentials: Bullets & Betrayal

• Release Date: 28th April 2025
• Distributor: Arrow Video
• Limited Edition Blu-ray release

Spoiler: Info about the release

Collection includes:

• Crime Hunter: Bullets of Rage (クライムハンター 怒りの銃弾), directed by Toshimichi Ohkawa, 1989.
• Neo Chinpira: Zoom Goes the Bullet (ネオ チンピラ 鉄砲玉ぴゅ～), directed by Banmei Takahashi, 1990.
• Stranger (夜のストレンジャー 恐怖), directed by Shunichi Nagasaki, 1991.
• Carlos (カルロス), directed by Kazuhiro Kiuchi, 1991.
• Burning Dog (襲撃 ＢＵＲＮＩＮＧ ＤＯＧ), directed by Yoichi Sai, 1991.
• Female Prisoner Scorpion: Death Threat (女囚さそり 殺人予告), directed by Toshiharu Ikeda, 1991.
• The Hitman: Blood Smells Like Roses (ザ・ヒットマン 血はバラの匂い), directed by Teruo Ishii, 1991.
• Danger Point: The Road to Hell (地獄への道), directed by Yasuharu Hasebe, 1991.
• XX: Beautiful Hunter (XX ダブルエックス 美しき狩人), directed by Masaru Konuma, 1994.

Toshimichi Ohkawa also written:

• Dirty Pair: From Lovely Angels with Love, to be released at some point by Nozomi Entertainment.
• Lupin the Third: Green vs Red, previously released on US DVD by Discotek Media.
• Lupin the Third: The Last Job, available on US Blu-ray by Discotek Media.
• Lupin the Third: Sweet Lost Night, available on US Blu-ray by Discotek Media.
• Lupin the Third: Swallowtail Tattoo, available on US Blu-ray by Discotek Media.

Banmei Takahashi also directed:

• DOOR & DOOR II: Tokyo Diary, available on UK Blu-ray by Third Window Films.

Shunichi Nagasaki also directed:

• Shikoku, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.

Yoichi Sai also directed:

• Kamui: The Lone Ninja, previously released on UK Blu-ray by Manga Entertainment.

Toshiharu Ikeda also directed:

• Evil Dead Trap, available on UK Blu-ray by 88 Films.
• Mermaid Legend, available on UK Blu-ray by Third Window Films.
• Scent of a Spell, available on UK Blu-ray by Third Window Films.

Teruo Ishii also directed:

• Abashiri Prison I-III, available on UK Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
• Blind Woman's Curse, previously released on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
• Detonation: Violent Riders, coming soon to UK Blu-ray by 88 Films.
• The Executioner I & II, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
• Horrors of Malformed Men, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
• Inferno of Torture, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
• Love and Crime, available on UK Blu-ray by 88 Films.
• Orgies of Edo, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
• Shogun's Joy of Torture, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
• Yakuza Law, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.

Yasuharu Hasebe also directed:

• Assault! Jack the Ripper, coming soon to UK Blu-ray by 88 Films.
• Black Tight Killers, available on UK Blu-ray by Radiance Films.
• Female Prisoner Scorpion: #701’s Grudge Song, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
• Massacre Gun, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
• Retaliation, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
• Stray Cat Rock: Delinquent Girl Boss, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
• Stray Cat Rock: Machine Animal, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.
• Stray Cat Rock: Sex Hunter, available on UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video.

Masaru Konuma also directed:

• Yumeno Kyusaku’s Girl Hell, coming soon to UK Blu-ray by 88 Films.

Audio/Specs:​	All nine films: High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentations of all films Original lossless Japanese mono audio on Crime Hunter: Bullets of Rage Original lossless Japanese stereo audio for all other films Optional newly translated English subtitles for all films
On-Disc Extras:​	Crime Hunter: Bullets of Rage & Neo Chinpira: Zoom Goes the Bullet: Newly filmed introductions to both films by Japanese film critic Masaki Tanioka Loose Cannon, a newly filmed interview with Crime Hunter: Bullets of Rage director Shundo Okawa Zooming Out, a newly filmed interview with Neo Chinpira: Zoom Goes the Bullet writer-director Banmei Takahashi Crime Hunter and the Dawn of V-Cinema, a brand new video essay on Crime Hunter: Bullets of Rage by Japanese cinema expert Tom Mes Original trailers for both films Stranger & Carlos: Newly filmed introductions to both films by Japanese film critic Masaki Tanioka Stranger than Fiction, a newly filmed interview with Stranger writer-director Shunichi Nagasaki From Manga to Movies, a newly filmed interview with Carlos writer-director Kazuhiro Kiuchi An Extra Round in the Chamber, a brand new video essay on Carlos by critic and Japanese cinema expert Jonathan Clements Burning Dog & Female Prisoner Scorpion: Death Threat: Newly filmed introductions to both films by Japanese film critic Masaki Tanioka Fire and Ice, a brand new video essay on Burning Dog by critic and Japanese cinema expert Mark Schilling Toshiharu Ikeda's Beautiful Monster of Vengeance, a brand new video essay on Female Prisoner Scorpion: Death Threat by film historian Samm Deighan Original trailers for both films The Hitman: Blood Smells Like Roses & Danger Point: The Road to Hell: Newly filmed introductions to both films by Japanese film critic Masaki Tanioka The Versatility of Teruo Ishii, a brand new video essay on The Hitman: Blood Smells Like Roses and its director Teruo Ishii by Japanese cinema expert Frankie Balboa The Road to V-Cinema, a brand new video essay on Danger Point: The Road to Hell by critic and Japanese cinema expert James Balmont Original trailer for The Hitman: Blood Smells Like Roses XX: Beautiful Hunter: Newly filmed introduction by Japanese film critic Masaki Tanioka The Sacred and the Profane, a newly filmed interview with screenwriter Hiroshi Takahashi They Brought Back the Sleaze, a brand new video essay on XX: Beautiful Hunter by critic and Japanese cinema expert Patrick Macias Original trailer
Physical Extras:​	Limited Edition Exclusive: Limited edition packaging with reversible sleeves featuring newly commissioned artwork by Chris Malbon Nine postcard-sized artcards Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing by Earl Jackson, Daisuke Miyao, and Hayley Scanlon

Yakuza Wives

• Release Date: 21st April 2025
• Distributor: 88 Films
• Japanarchy Limited Edition Blu-ray release

Spoiler: Info about the release

Yakuza Wives (極道の妻たち), directed by Hideo Gosha, 1986.

Hideo Gosha also directed:

• Samurai Wolf I & II, available on UK Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.
• Three Outlaw Samurai, available on UK Blu-ray by Criterion UK.
• Violent Streets, available on UK Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment.

Audio/Specs:​	Film: High-Definition 1080p Presentation in 1.85:1 aspect ratio Standard Definition DVD also included Original Japanese Stereo audio Improved English subtitles
On-Disc Extras:​	Yakuza Wives: [New] Filmed Introduction by Mark Schilling Exclusive Interview with Tattoo Artist Seiji Mouri Stills Gallery
Physical Extras:​	Limited Edition Exclusive: Booklet notes by Nathan Stuart Numbered Obi-Strip Other Physical Extras: Scanavo packaging Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sean Longmore

 

[HWR]

Asian cinema fans are Eating good - my Dragon Fist UHD has dispatched from 88Films early (Store exclusive).