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Asian Cinema,

Upcoming Asian Cinema releases – include 2 of my favourite films; Battle Creek Brawl & Tetsuo: The Iron Man as well as; Tetsuo II: Body Hammer, My Lucky Stars, Kotoko, Story Of Ricky, The Scorpion King, Magnificent Butcher, Mr Vampire

Upcoming Asian Film releases include two of my favourite films as well as a plethora of must sees such as; Battle Creek Brawl & Tetsuo: The Iron Man as well as; The Admiral, Tetsuo II: Body Hammer, My Lucky Stars, Kotoko, Story Of Ricky, The Scorpion King, Magnificent Butcher and Mr Vampire.

My first favourite from this batch is the film that introduced Jackie Chan to me – the legendary Battle Creek Brawl or The Big Brawl as I knew it growing up. Directed by Robert Clouse, probably most well known for making Bruce Lee hits like; Enter the Dragon and Game of Death and too a lesser extent the post apocalyptic Yul Brynner action film The Barony or The Ultimate Warrior as I knew it growing up.

Battle Creek Brawl was the first Mixed Martial Arts fighting film to make it to the big screen as Honest Joe Jerry Kwan played by Jackie Chan gets tangled up with the 1930s Chicago mob and drawn into a mixed fighting style ring that ends with a big brawl amongst the toughest guys from all over that takes place at Battle Creek. Battle Creek Brawl really showcases Jackie Chan’s astounding physical ability and is full of his characteristic physical humour and action, as well as romance, genuinely threatening villains hanging over proceedings and some epic battles!

I’m unsure if there is anything new to this re-release from my existing Hong Kong Legends Special Collectors Edition DVD of Battle Creek Brawl but it’s great to see Battle Creek Brawl back in the spotlight and getting another release.

Battle Creek Brawl
In his first historic feature for a Western audience, Jackie takes up the role of Jerry Kwan, a flamboyant Kung Fu expert, forced to compete in a no-holds-barred street-fighting tournament by heavy-hitting syndicate mobsters.
Crafted by the director and producer that brought you the Bruce Lee classic Enter the Dragon, BATTLE CREEK BRAWL is a stunning showcase for the remarkable physical prowess of Jackie Chan. Performing some of the fastest and most powerful Wing Chun hand techniques ever recorded on film, Jackie also stops the show with a multi-point bicycle-kick performed effortlessly without the aid of a wire!


Combining action, romance and Chan’s remarkable physical comedy, BATTLE CREEK BRAWL is a dynamic martial-arts extravaganza, which is a resounding hit with fans all over the World. Now fully restored with a selection of collectable features, including a candid and revealing interview with Jackie Chan, this is one DVD that no self-respecting action-cinema devotee should be without!!

Special Features:
- Digitally Re-mastered and Restored DVD Transfer
- 16:9 Anamorphic Version Enhanced for Widescreen TVs
- English Language Feature
- Animated Biography Showcase
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- UK Promotional Trailer
- Interview with Jackie Chan
- Production Photo Gallery


Definitely not for everyone but another favourite of mine is the extreme and hardcore Tetsuo: The Iron Man visually its raw and gritty but conceptually it is a great tale of a man transforming into a machine.

Tetsuo: The Iron Man and Tetsuo II: Body Hammer
Two of the most talked-about Japanese cult films of all time make their way onto a double-disc blu-ray set for the first time in the world with a brand new high definition transfer supervised by Shinya Tsukamoto!

Tetsuo The Iron Man Blu-ray

Tetsuo: The Iron Man
A strange man known only as the "metal fetishist", who seems to have an insane compulsion to stick scrap metal into his body, is hit and possibly killed by a Japanese "salaryman", out for a drive with his girlfriend. The salaryman then notices that he is being slowly overtaken by some kind of disease that is turning his body into scrap metal, and that his nemesis is not in fact dead but is somehow masterminding and guiding his rage and frustration-fueled transformation.


Tetsuo II: Body Hammer
More of a companion piece to Tetsuo: The Iron Man than a sequel, Tetsuo II: Body Hammer sees Tsukamoto’s disturbing vision of a world populated by man-machines explode into a stunning colour interpretation.

This 2 disc Blu-ray and DVD set will include a brand new exclusive interview with Shinya Tsukamoto as well as the first English-subtitled release in the world of his 45 minute pre-Tetsuo student film ‘The Adventures of Electric Rod Boy’ which has also been remastered

DVD/BLU-RAY Special Features:
- New High Definition Transfer supervised by Shinya Tsukamoto
- Exclusive interview with Shinya Tsukamoto
- 'The Adventures of Electric Rod Boy' - Shinya Tsukamoto's early film
- New UK Trailer
- Japanese Theatrical Trailers for both Tetsuo I & II

The release will feature both a slipcase as well as a reversible sleeve so fans can choose whether they’d rather have an image from Tetsuo I or II on the front of their box.

Tetsuo: The Iron Man - Japan / 1989 / 67 Mins / In Japanese with English subtitles / B&W / 16mm
Tetsuo II: Body Hammer – Japan / 1992 / 83 minutes / In Japanese with English subtitles / Colour / 16mm

Out on DVD October 8th, 2012 To coincide with the DVD/Blu-ray release of Tsukamoto’s newest film ‘Kotoko’


The Admiral
The Admiral is an action packed masterpiece that explores one man’s and one nation’s turmoil: what must be sacrificed for country and for duty.


Japan, 1941: With war raging in Europe, Japan’s imperial command sees an opportunity to advance their nation’s standing in the world. The plan to attack Pearl Harbour was drawn up, and one man was tasked with its implementation: Admiral Yamamoto. Opposed to the plan, Yamamoto must nevertheless carry out his orders and commit one of the biggest military mistakes in history.

The Admiral Blu-ray

The Admiral arrives on Blu-ray, DVD & VOD , 24th September


My Lucky Stars
A HK$ 30,000,000 Asian box-office smash-hit, featuring crackerjack comedy and ground-breaking action from three of the greatest Martial Arts Legends of all time: Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung & Yuen Biao.


Jackie Chan heads up an all-star cast in this outrageous crime-caper involving two Hong-Kong cops sent to Tokyo to apprehend an ex-colleague and recover a fortune in stolen diamonds. When one is captured by the Yakuza-gang protecting the rogue cop, the other enlists the services of his shady orphanage buddies, including the irrepressible ‘Fastbuck’ (Sammo Hung) to help break the case. Not surprisingly, all hell breaks loose, as the craziest assortment of degenerate misfits ever assembled embarks on a non-stop, ‘anything-goes’ action-adventure which will have you reaching for the ‘rewind’ button, time and time again!

Jackie Chan My Lucky Stars DVD

Special Features:
- Digitally Re-mastered and Restored DVD Transfer
- 16 x 9 Anamorphic Version Enhanced for Widescreen TVs
- Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio
- Dual Language Format (English Dubbed and Cantonese with Re-mastered English Subtitles)
- Feature-length audio-commentary with Hong Kong Film Expert Bey Logan
- Interview Gallery Including Talent Showcase with Co-star and Leading Hollywood Stuntwoman Michiko Nishiwaki
- Fully Animated Themed Menus
- Trailer Archive

My Lucky Stars arriving in UK stores and online stockists 15 October 2012


Kotoko A film by Shinya Tsukamoto
The ONLY Japanese Film to ever win the ‘BEST FILM’ award in the Orrizonti of the Venice Film Festival!

Shinya Tsukamoto Kotoko

Shinya Tsukamoto, the cult director of the cyberpunk Tetsuo series, presents an unnerving film about mental instability. Kotoko (folk-singer Cocco), a young single mother, lives alone with her baby son. Suffering from an unknown illness that makes her see double – especially people – and not knowing which version of the person is real, it severely impacts her day-to-day life, often leading to her to lash out violently. As her situation worsens and she becomes a liability, her son is taken from her a put in the care of her sister. Kotoko is left alone with her own thoughts – and for a person with an already broken mind that is a very scary place indeed.


DVD/BLU-RAY Special Features:
- Exclusive interview with Shinya Tsukamoto
- UK Trailer
- Japanese Theatrical Trailer

Kotoko out on DVD October 8th, 2012


Isn't Anyone Alive?
A film by Sogo Ishii (Gojoe, Burst City, Crazy Thunder Road)

Isn't Anyone Alive? DVD

When people talk about a bizarre urban myth at a University hospital people start dying inexplicably one after another... With the air of this 'energy void' throughout, the world of this absurd black comedy, based upon the theatre play of the same name, starts to take over the world.


With 'Crazy Thunder Road' (1980), 'Burst City' (1982), 'The Crazy Family' (1984), 'Angel Dust' (1994), 'Electric Dragon 80,000V' (2001) and more, Gakuryu Ishii (previously known as Sogo Ishii) has been amusing us with his talent of totally overstepping genre boundaries with striking images and music. In his latest feature film he has adapted the Shiro Maeda play 'Isn't Anyone Alive', an avant-garde story of 18 young students dying one after another.

Isn't Anyone Alive? out on DVD October 22, 2012


Story Of Ricky
Extreme ‘Manga-in-Motion’ fantasy action-adventure. Banned in many countries around the World. Now totally uncut on DVD for the first time ever!! A radical fusion of brutal martial artistry, extreme violence and dark visuals, STORY OF RICKY is one of the most infamous and disturbing film projects in the history of Asian Cinema.

Story Of Ricky

Based on the Japanese comic-strip ‘Riki Oh’, the movie is set in a futuristic prison where Riki is mistakenly locked up and then systemically tortured by the sadistic warden and his cohorts. Through his radical actions and selfless attitude, Riki quickly becomes a hero for the rest of the inmates and initiates a daring plan to break free from the brutal regime in which he is incarcerated.


Featuring some of the most extreme violence ever recorded on film, STORY OF RICKY is the holy grail of horror and manga fans all over the World. Gore-hounds who indulge in the dubious pleasures of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Ichi the Killer and I Spit on your Grave! will be in Seventh Heaven!!

Special Features:
- Digitally Re-mastered and Restored DVD Transfer
- 16 x 9 Anamorphic Version Enhanced for Widescreen TVs
- Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio
- Dual Language Format (English Dubbed and Cantonese with Re-mastered English Subtitles)
- Feature-length audio-commentary by Hong Kong Stuntman Jude Poyer and Critic Miles Wood
- Trailer Archive
- Interview with Leading Man Fan Siu-wong
- Martial Arts Showcase with Leading Man Fan Siu-wong

Story Of Ricky arriving in UK stores and online stockists 15 October 2012

The Scorpion King
Visually resplendent, emotive, action-packed adventure from David Lai, visionary director of cult-classic, Saviour of the Soul

The Scorpion King

Produced by Sammo Hung, this gripping tale details the adventures of Fai Yuk-Su, an idealistic young hero, who lives vicariously through the legendary martial arts heroes which he illustrates on the back of his class-book. When he rescues a beautiful young girl from a prostitution racket headed by a local police chief, he is drawn into a dangerous web of deceit, protected by the formidable fighting skills of THE SCORPION KING.

With his heroic illustrations as inspiration and a real Kung-Fu master to guide him, Fai Yuk-Su must draw on all his courage, strength and skill to overcome the incredible kicking power of THE SCORPION KING.


Showcasing jaw-dropping physical performances from Korean Tae-kwon-do phenomenon Won Jin, Hong Kong Stunt-God Chin Ka Lok, and ‘Shaw Brothers Legend’ Lau Kar Leung, this rip-roaring martial-arts adventure is one of the most innovative and compelling ever made. A genuine classic!!

Special Features:
- Digitally Re-mastered and Restored DVD Transfer
- 16:9 Anamorphic Version Enhanced for Widescreen TVs
- Dual Language Format (English Dubbed and Cantonese with Re-mastered English Subtitles)
- Feature-length audio-commentary with Hong Kong Cinema Expert Bey Logan
- Trailer Gallery
- Biography Showcase for ‘Shaw Brothers Legend’ Lau Kar Leung
- Talent Showreel for Korean Kicking-genius Won Jin
- Interview Gallery with Leading Men Chin Ka Lok and Won Jin

The Scorpion King arriving in UK stores and online stockists15 October 2012


Magnificent Butcher
MAGNIFICENT BUTCHER saw the first collaboration between Action-Legend Sammo Hung and ace director Yuen Woo-ping, who recently shot to fame in the West, courtesy of his stunning action choreography in both The Matrix and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Magnificent Butcher

A fast-paced, feral martial arts action-adventure inspired by the legend of Wong Fei-hung, as immortalised in the Once Upon a Time in China movies, MAGNIFICENT BUTCHER concentrates on the adventures of Wong’s ‘larger than life’ student Lam Sai-wing. When Lam is framed for murder by students of a rival clan, he must race against the clock to track down the real assassin and clear his name.


Sammo’s trademark physique combined with his amazing speed and agility guarantee the definitive portrayal of the legendary Lam Sai-wing. The final showdown where Sammo matches his ‘five animals’ style against Lee Hoi-san’s ‘five elements’ is one of the defining moments of contemporary Martial Arts Action Cinema.

Special Features:
- Digitally Re-mastered and Restored DVD Transfer
- 16:9 Anamorphic Version Enhanced for Widescreen TVs
- Dual Language Format (English Dubbed and Cantonese Language with Re-mastered English Subtitles)
- Feature-length audio-commentary with Hong Kong Cinema Expert Bey Logan
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- UK Promotional Trailer
- Animated Biography: Sammo Hung & Yuen Woo-ping
- Interview Gallery with Sammo Hung & Yuen Woo-ping

Magnificent Butcher arriving in UK stores and online stockists15 October 2012


Mr Vampire
Inspired by Pu Song-ling’s legendary collection of horror stories in Liaozhai Zhiyi, MR VAMPIRE is a multi-levelled, kaleidoscopic action-adventure which combines the supernatural, elements of black comedy and award-winning action in one of the most successful Hong Kong pictures ever made.

Mr Vampire

A sell-out attraction at many film festivals around the World, MR VAMPIRE continues to be one of the classics of the genre, and has become a firm favourite with Television audiences in the UK, attracting impressive ratings each time it is shown.


Now re-mastered for the first time ever on DVD, enjoy the physical brilliance of leading-man Chin Siu-ho, the stunning art design of Lam Sai-kan and the innovative direction of Ricky Lau in this flamboyant and thoroughly entertaining fable of the Chinese supernatural, which was so successful that it spawned an entire sub-genre of movies, laying tribute at its door!

Special Features:
- Digitally Re-mastered and Restored DVD Transfer
- 6:9 Anamorphic Version Enhanced for Widescreen TVs
- Dual Language Format (English Dubbed and Cantonese with Re-mastered English Subtitles)
- Feature-length audio-commentary with Hong Kong Cinema Expert Bey Logan
- The Vampire’s Lair
- Biography Showcase
- Trailer Gallery
- Interview Gallery with Chin Siu-ho and Moon Lee

Mr Vampire arriving in UK stores and online stockists15 October 2012

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The Establishing Shot: UPCOMING ASIAN CINEMA RELEASES – INCLUDE 2 OF MY FAVOURITE FILMS; BATTLE CREEK BRAWL & TETSUO: THE IRON MAN AS WELL AS; TETSUO II: BODY HAMMER, MY LUCKY STARS, KOTOKO, STORY OF RICKY, THE SCORPION KING, MAGNIFICENT BUTCHER, MR VAMPIRE