Asian Cinema Thread

A copy of a South Korean set I saw for sale would be great.
It had all 3 films and the DVDs were presented in what was designed to look like a book. Very smart looking.

I don't know if it's controversial but A Better Tomorrow 2 is my favourite.
Probably because of the Leslie Cheung plot.
 
Mini-update on the upcoming Third Window slate.

The Angel Guts box set will feature most of the films. The first film, High School Co-Ed, was unavailable due to issues with one of the actresses not allowing the film to be re-released. The box set will include the rest; the second film Red Classroom (previously released in the UK cut, but this release will now be uncut), the third film Nami (not yet rated by the BBFC atm), the fourth film Red Porno (rated 18 uncut), and the fifth film Red Vertigo (also not yet rated). While the sixth film Red Flash (Red Lightning on Wikipedia) is with the Takashi Ishii: Four Tales of Nami box set, it will also be included here as a bonus disc for those who didn't pickup the Ishii release.

For some context, Angel Guts is a manga series written by Takashi Ishii which was adapted into various films as part of Nikkatsu's Roman Porno series from directors Chūsei Sone (one of the writers for Seijun Suzuki's Branded to Kill), Noboru Tanaka (Watcher in the Attic), Toshiharu Ikeda (Evil Dead Trap) and Takashi Ishii himself.

Nothing has been said yet for Kaizo Hayashi box set but we do know that his 1993 film The Most Terrible Time in My Life was rated earlier in the year under Third Window. One of Kaizo's films To Sleep so as to Dream is available on Blu-ray from Arrow Video for those interested.
 
I don't know if this is a good topic, but are you able to buy the movie "Ran' from Amazon.co.uk?


I've been fighting with the Amazon team for 2 weeks, because there's supposedly an option to buy it, but it turns out there's no option in the basket and they don't know what's going on.
 
Radiance Films have announced a boxset focused on Japanese Filmmaker Nagisa Oshima titled Radical Japan Cinema and State.

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Details below:
Radical Japan: Cinema and State

The start of an ongoing series, this first volume of Radical Japan explores the films of new wave icon Nagisa Oshima (Cruel Story of Youth, Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence). One of the most vital, challenging and admired bodies of work in cinema history, this boxset presents Blu-ray premieres of Oshima’s finest features across seven discs.

In The Catch (1961), a village in World War II is shaken by the capture of a pilot; in Death by Hanging(1968), a failed execution throws the justice system into disarray; Diary of a Shinjuku Thief (1969) strikingly captures Tokyo’s 1960s counter-culture; Boy (1969) is a vivid portrait of a family surviving through scams; The Man Who Left His Will on Film(1970), Oshima’s reaction to the protest movement; The Ceremony (1971), a meditation on how traditions oppress the young; and Dear Summer Sister (1972), which questions Japan’s colonial relation to Okinawa.

LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY FEATURES

  • 4K restorations of Death by Hanging, Diary of a Shinjuku Thief, Boy, The Man Who Left His Will on Film and The Ceremony
  • High-Definition digital transfers of The Catch and Dear Summer Sister (exclusive to this edition)
  • Uncompressed mono PCM audio for each film
  • Audio commentaries by Samm Deighan on Death by Hanging, Tony Rayns on Diary of a Shinjuku Thief, and Jasper Sharp on The Ceremony
  • Introductions and appreciations of the films by film historians and scholars Luk Van Haute, Jennifer Coates, Rie Tsukinaga, and filmmaker Yang Yong-hi
  • Archival interviews with Oshima (1986 & 1995)
  • Interviews with actors Tadanori Yokoo and Kazuo Goto (2025)
  • Interview with critic and author Junichi Konuma on composer Toru Takemitsu (2025)
  • Extensive interview with critic Tony Rayns on Oshima’s life and career (2025)
  • Yunbogi’s Diary - Oshima’s short film about street children in Seoul (1965, 25 mins)
  • 100 Years of Japanese Cinema - Oshima's documentary celebrating the centenary of cinema (1995)
  • Japanese Cinema: New Territories - a documentary by Hubert Niogret on the Japanese cinema of rebellion and renewal, charting the emergence of independent filmmakers of the 1960s to the 1990s featuring interviews with Oshima, Kiju Yoshida, Shohei Imamura and others (2011)
  • Newly improved English subtitle translation for each film
  • Reversible sleeves featuring original and new artwork based on designs by distributor ATG’s magazines
  • Limited edition 160-page book featuring new writing by Rea Amit, Espen Bale, archival articles by Donald Richie and Alexander Jacoby, plus writing by and interviews with Oshima
  • Limited Edition of 5000 copies, presented in a rigid box with full-height Scanavo cases and removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings
 
More Asian Cinema news revealed by 88 Films.

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Revealed a while back but will recap here again. This January we have a new release for Alfred Cheung Kin-Ting's 1988 film On the Run (亡命鴛鴦) starring Yuen Biao. Released a few years back as a deluxe collector's edition release, this new limited edition is the same disc but with new artwork done by Sean Longmore and will also mark its availability in the US region as well.

Directed by Alfred Cheung and starring the legendary Yuen Biao (THE PRODIGAL SON, RIGHTING WRONGS), noir crime drama ON THE RUN remains a classic staple of the thriller genre from Hong Kong. In the aftermath of his wife’s brutal murder, struggling cop Heung Ming (Yuen Biao) is forced to go into hiding after discovering corruption in the ranks. His only ally is a deadly assassin Chui (Pat Ha) as they each try to avoid arrest, and even death.

EXTRAS

• Stunning New 2K Transfer from Original Film Elements
• High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
• Cantonese Mono
• Newly remastered English subtitles
• Audio Commentary with Kenneth Brorsson and Phil Gillon of the Podcast On Fire Network
• Audio Commentary with Asian Cinema Experts Frank Djeng and FJ DeSanto
• Running Away - An Interview with Alfred Cheung
• Predicting the Future - An Interview with David West
• Alternate Ending
• Hong Kong Trailer
• Reversible sleeve with original HK poster artwork and new art by Sean Longmore

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Also scheduled for January are two more additions to the Shaw Brothers collection on Blu-ray with Chang Cheh & Pao Hsueh-Li's 1972 film The Delightful Forest (快活林) featuring new artwork by Aurelio Lorenzo and Tony Lou Chun-Ku's 1984 film Secret Service of the Imperial Court (錦衣衛) featuring new artwork by KUNG FU BOB. Both will be packaged in their scanavo cases, reversible artwork and o-card slipcases.

From martial arts master Chang Cheh and co-director Pao Hsueh-li comes The Delightful Forest, a ferocious Shaw Brothers tale of honor, vengeance, and explosive retribution. After being imprisoned for avenging his family’s disgrace, legendary hero Wu Sung (Ti Lung) befriends a compassionate prison officer who spares him from certain death. When a corrupt thug known as “Door God” seizes his friend’s tavern, Wu vows to repay his debt — and restore justice — the only way he knows how: through unstoppable, bone-crunching combat. Brimming with Chang Cheh’s trademark intensity, Ni Kuang’s sharp storytelling, and stunning action choreography by Lau Kar-Leung (Drunken Master II), The Delightful Forest delivers heroic bloodshed, loyalty, and pure Shaw Brothers spectacle at its finest.

EXTRAS

• High Definition Blu-ray presentation in 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio
• Original Mandarin and Cantonese Mono 2.0 audio tracks with newly translated optional English Subtitles
• English dubbed Mono
• Audio Commentary by David West
• Warrior Lady - An Interview with Yu Feng
• Image Gallery
• Re-issue Trailer
• Reversible sleeve with brand-new artwork from Aurelio Lorenzo and original Hong Kong art

During the Ming Dynasty, the Emperor’s elite Chin Yi Secret Service was created to crush rebellion — but under the corrupt rule of Eunuch Wang Chun (Lau Wing), it has become a weapon of tyranny. Loyal captain Chao Pu-Fan (Leung Kar-Yan) faithfully carries out brutal orders until he realizes he’s merely a pawn in Wang’s reign of terror. When he defies the command to murder innocents, Pu-Fan becomes the hunted, forced to fight his own family and the empire itself to reclaim his honor.

Packed with breathtaking martial arts, political intrigue, and tragic heroism, Secret Service of the Imperial Court stands as one of Shaw Brothers’ most gripping and emotionally charged epics.

EXTRAS

• High Definition Blu-ray presentation in 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio
• Original Mandarin and Cantonese Mono 2.0 audio tracks with newly translated optional English Subtitles
• Reversible sleeve with brand-new artwork from R.P. “Kung Fu Bob” O’Brien and original Hong Kong art

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Revealed for February one by one we have Jackie Chan's 1982 film Dragon Lord (龍少爺) coming to 4K Ultra HD after being released as a limited edition Blu-ray a few years back. Two editions will be available; the standard deluxe limited edition packaging featuring new artwork by Sean Longmore and a web exclusive variant with the original Japanese poster artwork. Both editions will have the same contents which includes a 40-page booklet and double-sided postcard.

Following the breakout success of The Young Master (1980), Jackie Chan returned with Dragon Lord—an ambitious, stunt-packed spectacle that pushed the limits of action cinema. Famous for earning a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most takes ever required for a single scene, the film showcases Chan’s relentless pursuit of perfection. The story follows childhood friends Lung (Jackie Chan) and Ngau (Mars), whose carefree days of dodging schoolwork and stirring up mischief take a dangerous turn when they stumble into a ruthless gang smuggling priceless Chinese artifacts out of the country. What begins as lighthearted adventure quickly escalates into a fight for survival, delivering breathtaking action and trademark Jackie Chan innovation in stunning 4K UHD.

// LIMITED EDITION 4-DISC SET //
• O-Ring featuring classic Japanese and International Artwork
• Rigid Slipcase featuring new artwork by Sean Longmore
• Collectable Double-sided Postcard
• 40-page perfect-bound book featuring new writing on the film by Thorsten Booze, Will Blaik, David West, Andrew Heskins & CJ Lines

// FEATURES //
• Brand-new 4K restorations in 2.35:1 aspect ratio from the Original 35mm Camera Negatives
• Presented in Dolby Vision High Dynamic Range (HDR10 Compatible)
• 4K (2160p) UHD presentations
• High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray discs also included
• 96 minute Original Hong Kong Theatrical Cut
• 91 minute English Export Cut
• 103 minute Extended Cut - released in limited territories, featuring approximately 15 minutes of exclusive extended/alternate footage
• 111 minute Hybrid Cut (HD)
• Original Theatrical Cantonese Mono
• 1982 English Export Dub [approx 5 mins presented in English-subtitled Cantonese for undubbed portions]
• Alternate Home Release Cantonese Mono Mix
• 2003 English 5.1 mix
• Newly translated English subtitles & a simplified subtitle track [Applies to the “Jianzi” shuttlecock match only, this subtitle set simplifies the dialogue in that scene, allowing you to focus on the action]

// EXTRAS //
• Brand new audio commentary by East Asian film experts Frank Djeng (NY Asian Film Festival) & F.J. DeSanto [HK Cut]
• [Brand New] Interview with Mars Cheung on Dragon Lord
• [Brand New] Interview: Dragon Lord Titbits with Angie Chen
• The Insider: Interview with Louis Sit • The Fall Guy: An Interview with Mars
• The Master Returns: An interview with Wong In-Sik • Behind-The-Scenes Teaser
• Hong Kong Trailer
• English Trailer
• Reversible sleeve with alternative Hong Kong artwork

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Also scheduled for February is Wu Ma's 1988 film Picture of a Nymph (畫中仙) starring Yuen Biao and Joey Wong Cho-Yin coming to Blu-ray in a deluxe collector's edition packaging similarly to their recent editions like Peacock King and Rosa. The set features new artwork by Sean Longmore, a booklet and art cards.

A hauntingly beautiful tale of love, art, and the supernatural, Picture of a Nymph (1988) stars Yuen Biao in one of his most tender and visually stunning roles. Set in ancient China, the story follows a gentle scholar whose chance encounter with a mysterious young woman leads to a love that transcends the boundaries of life and death. But when he unwittingly releases a vengeful demon from centuries of imprisonment, the spirit of his beloved becomes the demon’s only hope for regaining power.

To protect her, the scholar paints her likeness, allowing her to hide within the portrait — but his devotion soon draws the wrath of dark forces. Blending romance, fantasy, and dazzling martial arts spectacle, Picture of a Nymph is a visually rich masterpiece of Hong Kong cinema that captures the eternal struggle between passion, sacrifice, and destiny.

EXTRAS
  • Brand new 2K restoration from the Original Negative
  • High-Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation in original 1.85:1 aspect ratio
  • 2.0 Cantonese mono with newly translated English subtitles
  • 2.0 English mono dub
  • Audio commentary by HK cinema expert Frank Djeng
  • Audio commentary by HK cinema expert David West
  • Image Gallery
  • Original Trailer
  • Reversible sleeve featuring new art by Sean Longmore and original Hong Kong artwork

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Revealed today is their March slate, which includes James Glickenhaus's 1985 film The Protector starring Jackie Chan and Danny Aiello coming to 4K Ultra HD after being released as a limited edition Blu-ray a few years back. Like Dragon Lord there will be two version available; a standard deluxe limited edition packaging featuring new artwork by Sean Longmore and a web exclusive variant. UPDATE: This release will also include both the Hong Kong (Jackie Chan cut) and Japanese Extended versions on this release in 4K.

After the kidnapping of a wealthy businessman's daughter, maverick New York City cops Billy Wong (Jackie Chan) and Danny Garoni (Danny Aiello) are sent to garner leads in Hong Kong, but the pair find themselves beset by the local police and crime boss, Harold Ko (Roy Chiao) who will stop at nothing in ensuring the continuity of his drug empire.

// LIMITED EDITION 4-DISC SET //
• O-Ring and Rigid Slipcase featuring artwork by Sean Longmore
• Art Cards, Double-sided poster and 80 Page Book featuring new writing on the film by William Blaik and Thorsten Boose plus interview with cinematographer Henry Chung

// FEATURES //
• Brand-new 4K restorations in 1.85:1 aspect ratio from the Original 35mm Camera Negatives
• Presented in Dolby Vision High Dynamic Range (HDR10 Compatible)
• 4K (2160p) UHD presentations
• High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray discs also included
• US/International Version: approx. 95 minutes
• Hong Kong Version (Jackie Chan's personal edit): approx. 92 minutes
• Japanese Extended Version: approx. 104 minutes
• 2.0 Stereo Soundtrack
• 5.1 DTS-HD MA Remixed Soundtrack
• English SDH Subtitles
• Cantonese with English Subtitles [Japanese & HK cuts]

// EXTRAS //
• Brand new audio commentary by East Asian film experts Frank Djeng (NY Asian Film Festival) & F.J. DeSanto [HK Cut]
• Audio Commentary by George Clarke & Mike Leeder [HK Cut]
• Mars Cheung on The Protector [15.44]
• Hard Edge: Interview with Writer/Director James Glickenhaus [24.21]
• Follow the Puck: Interview with Cinematographer Mark Irwin [33.43]
• A Tale of 2 movies with Steve Lawson: A side-by-side comparison of the HK cut and the US cut of the film [18.19]
• Archive Behind the Scenes Featurette [5.10]
• International Trailer
• Japanese Trailer
• Hong Kong Trailer
• Japanese Teaser Trailer
• Reversible sleeve featuring new art by Sean Longmore and original Hong Kong art

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Also scheduled for March are two more additions to the Japanarchy collection on Blu-ray with Mika Ninagawa's live-action film adaptations for 2006's Sakuran (さくらん), which is based on Moyoco Anno's manga, and 2012's Helter Skelter (ヘルタースケルター), based on Kyoko Okazaki's manga. Both will be packaged in their scanavo cases, Radiance Films style sleeves, reversible artwork, and booklet.

Ancient Edo’s legendary Yoshiwara red-light district is brought back to life in Sakuran, the dazzling debut of acclaimed photographer Mika Ninagawa (Helter Skelter), based on the popular manga by Moyoco Anno. Anna Tsuchiya (Kamikaze Girls) is Kiyoha, sold into a brothel at a tender age and put to training as a courtesan. As Kiyoha’s rebellious spirit and renowned beauty provoke the jealous rivalry of the other girls in the establishment, the possibility of romance raises its head, but can love provide a genuine possibility of escape for a young woman in her position, in a refined sensual world where looks and deportment are everything? With its super-saturated colors and striking art design, Sakuran is a delicious feast for the eyes.

EXTRAS
  • High-Definition Blu-Ray Presentation In 1.85:1
  • Aspect Ratio
  • Original Stereo Audio With New English Subtitles
  • Audio Commentary By Josh Slater-Williams
  • Brand New Filmed Introduction By Amber T.
  • Stills Gallery
  • Trailers
  • Booklet Essays By Jasper Sharp
  • Original And Newly Commissioned Artwork By Luke Insect

Top model and fashion idol Lilico (Erika Sawajiri) is used to being the centre of attention – the living epicentre of her own universe and of a multimedia-saturated hyperreality in which everything is airbrushed and colour-adjusted to perfection. When she begins to suffer traumatic side effects from her repeated illegal cosmetic surgery sessions, she finds fame comes at a cost, as she is plunged into a nightmarish world where her sense of self-image and identity begins to fracture.

This lurid body horror, based on a manga by Kyoko Okazaki and directed by critically acclaimed photographer and filmmaker Mika Ninagawa (Sakuran), is a candy-colored nightmare, presenting both an assault to the senses and to the picture-perfect world of the fashion and advertising.

EXTRAS
  • High-Definition Blu-Ray Presentation In 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio
  • Original Stereo Audio With New English Subtitles
  • Audio Commentary By Tori Potenza And Amber T.
  • Interviews With Erika Sawaji And Director Mika Ninagawa
  • Behind The Scenes Footage Of The Making Of Helter Skelter
  • Production Site Press Conference
  • Japanese Premiere Stage Greeting
  • Opening Day Stage Greeting
  • Taipei Film Festival Introduction By Mika Ninagawa
  • Stills Gallery
  • Teasers And Trailers
  • Booklet Essay By Violet Burns
  • Original And Newly Commissioned Artwork By Luke Insect
 
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