Q1 2024 Solicitations for UK Asian Cinema Home Video Releases

In this post, we’ll go over the list of upcoming Asian Cinema releases from various independent distributors in the UK region. These are primarily going to be covering the latest home video releases for Japanese, Chinese, and Korean films via distributors such as 88 Films, Arrow Video, Eureka Entertainment, Radiance Films, Third Window Films and more.

This batch will cover all of the releases scheduled for January, February & March of 2024. Any delays will be listed under the release date adjustments section above the line-up. Artwork featured is the finalised version when available.

The schedule below is updated as of Saturday 30th March 2024.


Disclaimer: Amazon links included in this post are affiliated so if you decide to order them, I’ll earn a small percentage if they dispatch. Other retailer links are not affiliated. International shipping restrictions may apply for select items.

RELEASE DATE ADJUSTMENTS:
  • The Beauty of Beauties – Moved from 11th March to 8th April due to production issues.
  • Suzhou River – Moved from 25th March to 29th April due to production issues.

15th January:

Killing

斬、
Directed by Shinya Tsukamoto
Japan – 2018

Format:Price (SRP):Availability:
Standard Edition
Blu-ray
£19.99Amazon UK
Arrow Video
Terracotta
Audio/Presentation:
– Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
– Optional English subtitles
On-Disc Extras:
– Audio Commentary by Tom Mes
– Interview with Shinya Tsukamoto
– Trailer

22nd January:

When Taekwondo Strikes

跆拳震九州
Directed by Huang Feng
Hong Kong – 1973

Format:Price (SRP):Availability:
First Print Edition
[2000 Units]
Blu-ray
£19.99Amazon UK
Eureka Ent.
Terracotta
Audio/Presentation:
– 1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray of the original Hong Kong theatrical cut from a brand new 2K restoration
– Original Mandarin mono audio
– “Classic” English dubbed mono audio
– Optional alternate English audio track with different music cues
– Optional English Subtitles, newly translated for this release
On-Disc Extras:
– Brand new feature length audio commentary by film historian and author Samm Deighan
– The Best of the Martial Arts Films (1990, dir. Sandra Weintraub. 91 mins) – feature-length documentary presented by John Saxon
– Trailer
Physical Extras:
First Print: Limited edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Darren Wheeling
First Print: Limited edition collector’s booklet featuring new writing by James Oliver

29th January:

Fight Back to School Trilogy

逃學威龍 / 逃學威龍2 / 逃學威龍3之龍過雞年
Directed by Gordon Chan & Wong Jing
Hong Kong – 1991-1993

Collection Includes:
– Fight Back to School
– Fight Back to School II
– Fight Back to School III
Format:Price (SRP):Availability:
Standard Edition
Blu-ray
£29.9988 Films
Amazon UK
Terracotta
Audio/Presentation:
– High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray™ presentation in 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio
– Cantonese DTS-HD MA 5.1
– Lossless 2.0 Cantonese Mono
– Newly Translated English Subtitles and SDH
On-Disc Extras:
Fight Back to School:
– Audio Commentary by Hong Kong Film Experts Frank Djeng and F.J. DeSanto
– Truant Hero – An Interview with Director Gordon Chan
– ”Man’s Talk” Interviews Gordon Chan
– Original Theatrical Trailer

Fight Back to School II:
– Audio Commentary by Hong Kong Film Experts Frank Djeng and F.J. DeSanto
– Return of the Truant Hero – An Interview with Gordon Chan
– Second Chance to Graduate – An Interview with Scriptwriter Yuen Kai-ch
– Mr Mumble Meets the King of Comedy – An Interview with Comedian Michael Chow
– Theatrical Trailer

Fight Back to School III:
– Audio Commentary by Hong Kong Film Experts Frank Djeng and F.J. DeSanto
– The Artist and the Businessman – An Interview with Actor Anthony Wong
– Philip Chan – A Life in Movies
– Chinese New Year Teaser Trailer

I, The Executioner

みな殺しの霊歌
Directed by Tai Kato
Japan – 1968

Format:Price (SRP):Availability:
Limited Edition
[3000 Units]
Blu-ray
£17.99Amazon UK
Radiance
Terracotta
Audio/Presentation:
– High-Definition digital transfer
– Uncompressed mono PCM audio
– Newly translated English subtitles
On-Disc Extras:
– A Serial History – a visual essay on Japanese serial killer films by Jim Harper and Tom Mes (2023, 16 mins)
– Appreciation by filmmaker Kenta Fukasaku (2023, 20 mins)
– Trailer
Physical Extras:
Limited Edition: Booklet featuring new writing by Tony Rayns and a new translation of archival writing on the film.
Limited Edition: Reversible sleeve featuring original newly commissioned artwork by Time Tomorrow.
Limited Edition: Presented in full-height Scanavo packaging with removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings.

Kung Fu Cult Master

倚天屠龍記之魔教教主
Directed by Wong Jing
Hong Kong – 1993

Format:Price (SRP):Availability:
First Print Edition
[2000 Units]
Blu-ray
£19.99Amazon UK
Eureka Ent.
Terracotta
Audio/Presentation:
– 1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray of the original Hong Kong theatrical cut from a new restoration of the original film elements
– Original Cantonese audio track
– Optional English subtitles
On-Disc Extras:
– Brand new feature length audio commentary by Asian film expert Frank Djeng
– Archival Interview with Sammo Hung from 2004 by Frédéric Ambroisine
– Trailer
Physical Extras:
First Print: Limited edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Darren Wheeling
First Print: Limited edition collector’s booklet featuring new writing by Simon Abrams

Mad Cats

Directed by Reiki Tsuno
Japan – 2023

Format:Price (SRP):Availability:
Regular release
Blu-ray
£24.99Amazon UK
Arrow Video
Terracotta
Audio/Presentation:
– Japanese audio
– Optional English subtitles
On-Disc Extras:
– Interview with director Reiki Tsuno
– Director feature audio commentary
– Behind the Scenes
– Rehearsal vs Fight comparison footage
– Trailer
Physical Extras:
– Reversible sleeve

Samurai Wolf 1 & 2

牙狼之介 / 牙狼之介 地獄斬り
Directed by Hideo Gosha
Japan – 1966-1967

Collection Includes:
– Samurai Wolf
– Samurai Wolf II
Format:Price (SRP):Availability:
First Print Edition
[2000 Units]
Blu-ray
£26.99Amazon UK
Eureka Ent.
Terracotta
Audio/Presentation:
– Presented in 1080p HD from restorations of the original film elements by Toei
– Uncompressed original Japanese Mono audio
– Optional English subtitles
On-Disc Extras:
Samurai Wolf:
– Audio commentary on Samurai Wolf by film historian and writer Chris Poggiali
– Outlaw Director – Hideo Gosha featurette with Tomoe Gosha
– Brand new interview with film critic Tony Rayns

Samurai Wolf 2:
– Brand new audio commentary on Samurai Wolf II by Jasper Sharp
Physical Extras:
First Print: Limited edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Tony Stella
– A collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Japanese cinema expert Tom Mes
– Reversible sleeve featuring original poster artwork

The Sting of Death

死の棘
Directed by Kōhei Oguri
Japan – 1990

Format:Price (SRP):Availability:
Limited Edition
[3000 Units]
Blu-ray
£17.99Amazon UK
Radiance
Terracotta
Audio/Presentation:
– High-Definition digital transfer
– Uncompressed mono PCM audio
– Newly translated English subtitles
On-Disc Extras:
– Documentary on the Japanese film renaissance of the 1990s featuring interviews with Kohei Oguri, Kiyoshi Kurosawa, Kaneto Shindo and others (Hubert Niogret, 2011, 52 mins)
– Interview with film scholar Hideki Maeda (2023)
– Trailer
Physical Extras:
Limited Edition: Booklet featuring a newly translated interview with director Kohei Oguri.
Limited Edition: Reversible sleeve featuring designs based on original posters.
Limited Edition: Presented in full-height Scanavo packaging with removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings

Tokyo Decadence

トパーズ
Directed by Ryū Murakami
Japan – 1992

Format:Price (SRP):Availability:
Japanarchy Edition
[2500 Units]
Blu-ray
£16.9988 Films
Amazon UK
Terracotta
Audio/Presentation:
– High Definition Blu-ray ™ (1080p) Presentation in 1.66:1 Aspect Ratio
– Original Japanese Mono 2.0 Audio
– New improved subtitles by Hayley Scanlon
On-Disc Extras:
– Audio commentary by Japanese film specialists Jasper Sharp and Tom Mes
– Original Promotional Featurette
– Trailers
Physical Extras:
Limited Edition: Booklet essay by critic Hayley Scanlon
Limited Edition: Presented in full-height Scanavo packaging with OBI strip

12th February:

River

リバー、流れないでよ
Directed by Junta Yamaguchi
Japan – 2023

Format:Price (SRP):Availability:
Regular release
Blu-ray
£19.99Amazon UK
Arrow Video
Terracotta
Audio/Presentation:
– Japanese audio
– Optional English subtitles
On-Disc Extras:
– 1 hour long Making Of
– Interview with director Junta Yamaguchi
– Trailer

19th February:

Slaughter In San Francisco (Yellow Faced Tiger)

黃面老虎
Directed by Lo Wei
Hong Kong – 1974

Format:Price (SRP):Availability:
First Print Edition
[2000 Units]
Blu-ray
£19.99Amazon UK
Eureka Ent.
Terracotta
Audio/Presentation:
– 1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray of both the original Hong Kong theatrical and US export versions from brand new 2K restorations
– Original Mandarin mono audio
– “Classic” English dubbed mono audio
– Optional English Subtitles, newly translated for this release
On-Disc Extras:
– Brand new feature length audio commentary by Asian film expert Frank Djeng & Michael Worth (Hong Kong theatrical)
– Brand new feature length audio commentary by Mike Leeder & Arne Venema (US export version)
– New featurette by martial artist and actor Michael Worth
– Trailer
Physical Extras:
First Print: Limited edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Sam Gilbey
First Print: Limited edition collector’s booklet featuring new writing by James Oliver

Yakuza Wolf 1 & 2

狼やくざ 殺しは俺がやる / 狼やくざ 葬いは俺が出す
Directed by Ryuichi Takamori & Buichi Saitô
Japan – 1972

Collection Includes:
– Yakuza Wolf: I Perform Murder
– Yakuza Wolf II: Extend my Condolences
Format:Price (SRP):Availability:
First Print Edition
[2000 Units]
Blu-ray
£26.99Amazon UK
Eureka Ent.
Terracotta
Audio/Presentation:
– 1080p presentations of both films across two Blu-ray discs, from new restorations of the original film elements by Toei
– Original Japanese mono audio
– Optional English subtitles
On-Disc Extras:
– Brand new feature length audio commentaries on both films
– Brand new featurette by Howard Hughes looking at the spaghetti Western influences on Yakuza Wolf, and the broader influence Japanese cinema had on the Western genre
– Original theatrical trailers
Physical Extras:
First Print: Limited edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Chris Malbon
First Print: Limited Edition collector’s booklet featuring new writing by Tom Mes and Howard Hughes

26th February:

Black Tight Killers

俺にさわると危ないぜ
Directed by Yasuharu Hasebe
Japan – 1966

Format:Price (SRP):Availability:
Limited Edition
[3000 Units]
Blu-ray
£17.99Amazon UK
Radiance
Terracotta
Audio/Presentation:
– High-Definition digital transfer
– Uncompressed mono PCM audio
– Optional English subtitles
On-Disc Extras:
– Audio commentary by Jasper Sharp
– Archival interview with director Yasuharu Hasebe
– Trailer
Physical Extras:
Limited Edition: Booklet featuring new writing by Japanese cinema expert Chris D.
Limited Edition: Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Time Tomorrow.
Limited Edition: Presented in full-height Scanavo packaging with removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings.

By A Man’s Face Shall You Know Him

男の顔は履歴書
Directed by Tai Kato
Japan – 1966

Format:Price (SRP):Availability:
Limited Edition
[3000 Units]
Blu-ray
£17.99Amazon UK
Radiance
Terracotta
Audio/Presentation:
– High-Definition digital transfer
– Uncompressed mono PCM audio
– Newly translated English subtitles
On-Disc Extras:
– Visual essay on Noboru Ando by Nathan Stuart
– Appreciation by filmmaker Kenta Fukasaku
– Original trailer
Physical Extras:
Limited Edition: Booklet featuring new writing
Limited Edition: Reversible sleeve featuring original newly commissioned artwork by Time Tomorrow
Limited Edition: Presented in full-height Scanavo packaging with removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings

Evil Dead Trap

死霊の罠
Directed by Toshiharu Ikeda
Japan – 1988

Format:Price (SRP):Availability:
Japanarchy Edition
[2500 Units]
Blu-ray
£16.9988 Films
Amazon UK
Terracotta
Audio/Presentation:
– High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) Presentation in 1.66:1 Aspect Ratio
– Original Japanese Mono 2.0 Audio
– Improved English Subtitles
On-Disc Extras:
– Audio commentary by critics Jasper Sharp and David Flint
– Archive interview with director Toshiharu Ikeda
– Original Storyboards
– Stills gallery
– Behind the Scenes Stills
– Trailer
Physical Extras:
Limited Edition: Booklet essay by Jim Harper
Limited Edition: Original and newly commissioned artwork by Ilan Sheady
Limited Edition: Presented in full-height Scanavo packaging with OBI strip

Evil Dead Trap II: Hideki

死霊の罠2ヒデキ
Directed by Izo Hashimoto
Japan – 1992

Format:Price (SRP):Availability:
Japanarchy Edition
[2500 Units]
Blu-ray
£16.9988 Films
Amazon UK
Terracotta
Audio/Presentation:
– High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) Presentation in 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio
– Original Japanese Mono 2.0 Audio
– Improved English Subtitles
On-Disc Extras:
– Audio commentary by critics Jasper Sharp and David Flint
– Brand new interview with screenwriter Chiaki Konaka
– Brand new video essay by Jim Harper, author of Flowers From Hell: The Modern Japanese Horror Film
– Stills gallery
Physical Extras:
Limited Edition: Booklet essay by Amber T.
Limited Edition: Original and newly commissioned artwork by Ilan Sheady
Limited Edition: Presented in full-height Scanavo packaging with OBI strip

His Motorbike, Her Island

彼のオートバイ彼女の島
Directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi
Japan – 1986

Format:Price (SRP):Availability:
Standard Edition
Blu-ray
£19.99Amazon UK
Arrow Video
Terracotta
Audio/Presentation:
– Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
– Optional English subtitles
On-Disc Extras:
– Audio Commentary by Tom Mes
– Archival interview with Nobuhiko Obayashi
– Original Trailer

So Close

夕陽天使
Directed by Corey Yuen
Hong Kong – 2002

Format:Price (SRP):Availability:
First Print Edition
Blu-ray
£16.9988 Films
Amazon UK
Terracotta
Audio/Presentation:
– High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray™ presentation in 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio
– English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
– Cantonese 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
– Mandarin 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
– English Subtitles
– English SDH for English Audio
On-Disc Extras:
– Interview with Karen Mok
– Interview with Shu Qi
– Interview with Vicky Zhao Wei
– Hong Kong Promotion Featurette
– Japanese Press Conference
– Yasuaki Hurats’s Action commentary
– Cantonese Trailer
– English Trailer
Physical Extras:
First Print: Silver-Board Glossy O-Ring

11th March:

The Inspector Wears Skirts II

神勇飛虎霸王花
Directed by Wellson Chin
Hong Kong – 1989

Format:Price (SRP):Availability:
First Print Edition
Blu-ray
£16.9988 Films
Amazon UK
Terracotta
Audio/Presentation:
– 2K Remaster from the Original Negatives presented in High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray in 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio
– Original Cantonese Mono
– English Mono Dub
– English Subtitles
On-Disc Extras:
– Audio Commentary by Frank Djeng
– Leading the Top Squad – An Interview with Director Wellson Chin
– An Interview With Stuntman Go Shut Fung
– Hong Kong Trailer
Physical Extras:
First Print: Double Walled O-Ring featuring new artwork by Sean Longmore
First Print: Double-sided foldout poster featuring New and Classic Poster Art
– Reversible cover with new artwork by Sean Longmore and original HK Poster Art

One-Percenter

リバー、流れないでよ
Directed by Yudai Yamaguchi
Japan – 2022

Format:Price (SRP):Availability:
Regular release
Blu-ray
£19.99Amazon UK
Arrow Video
Terracotta
Audio/Presentation:
– Japanese audio
– Optional English subtitles
On-Disc Extras:
– Audio Commentary by Arne Venema and Mike Leeder
– Making Of
– Trailers
Physical Extras:
– Reversible sleeve

18th March:

Bodyguard Kiba 1 & 2

ボディガード牙 / ボディガード牙 必殺三角飛び
Directed by Ryuichi Takamori
Japan – 1973

Collection Includes:
– Bodyguard Kiba
– Bodyguard Kiba 2
Format:Price (SRP):Availability:
First Print Edition
[2000 Units]
Blu-ray
£26.99Amazon UK
Eureka Ent.
Terracotta
Audio/Presentation:
– 1080p presentations of both films across two Blu-ray discs, from new restorations of the original film elements by Toei
– Original Japanese mono audio
– Optional English subtitles
On-Disc Extras:
– Brand new feature length audio commentaries on both films
– The Bodyguard – alternate US version of Bodyguard Kiba
– Viva Chiba! – Brand new documentary featurette looking at Sonny Chiba’s Bodyguard Kiba films
– Original theatrical trailers
Physical Extras:
First Print: Limited edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Chris Malbon
First Print: Limited Edition collector’s booklet featuring new writing by Jasper Sharp

Dark Water

仄暗い水の底から
Directed by Hideo Nakata
Japan – 2002

Format:Price (SRP):Availability:
Limited Edition
4K Ultra HD & Blu-ray
£29.99Shop Exclusive Artwork Variant:
Arrow Video

Regular Artwork Variant:
Amazon UK
Arrow Video
HMV
Zavvi
Audio/Presentation:
– 4K (2160p) Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
– Original lossless 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
– Optional English subtitles
On-Disc Extras:
– Ghosts, Rings and Water – interview with director Hideo Nakata
– Family Terrors – interview with author Koji Suzuki
– Visualizing Horror – interview with cinematographer Junichiro Hayashi
– Archive interviews with actors Hitomi Kuroki & Asami Mizukawa and theme song artist Shikao Suga
– Original ‘making-of’ documentary
– Trailers and TV Spots
Physical Extras:
Limited Edition: Packaging featuring two artwork options
Limited Edition: Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring writing on the film by David Kalat and Michael Gingold
– Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Peter Strain

The Swordsman of All Swordsman

一代劍王 / 雙馬連環
Directed by Joseph Kuo
Taiwan – 1968-1979

Collection Includes:
– The Swordsman of All Swordsman
– The Mystery of Chess Boxing
Format:Price (SRP):Availability:
Limited Edition
[2000 Units]
Blu-ray
£26.99Amazon UK
Eureka Ent.
Terracotta
Audio/Presentation:
The Swordsman of All Swordsman:
– 1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray from a 2K digital restoration completed by the Taiwan Film Institute
– Original Mandarin audio
– Optional English subtitles

The Mystery of Chess Boxing:
– 1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray, scanned from the only known surviving print of the film supplied by collector Dan Halsted (Head Programmer at the Hollywood Theatre, Oregon)
– Original Mandarin, Cantonese and “classic” English dubbed audio options
– Subtitled are burnt-in due to the materials
On-Disc Extras:
The Swordsman of All Swordsman:
– Brand new feature length audio commentary by Asian film expert Frank Djeng and film writer John Charles (The Hong Kong Filmography, 1977–1997)
– Archival interview with director Joseph Kuo

Limited Edition Bonus Blu-ray DiscThe Mystery of Chess Boxing:
– Brand new feature length audio commentary by Asian film expert Frank Djeng and martial artist / filmmaker Michael Worth
– Brand new feature length audio commentary by action cinema experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema
Physical Extras:
Limited Edition: O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Grégory Sacré (Gokaiju)
Limited Edition: Collector’s booklet featuring new writing on both films by James Oliver
Limited Edition: Set of facsimile lobby cards and Double-sided poster featuring original release posters
Limited Edition: Reversible artwork by Darren Wheeling

25th March:

The Bounty Hunter Trilogy

賞金稼ぎ / 五人の賞金稼ぎ / 賞金首 一瞬八人斬り
Directed by Shigehiro Ozawa & Eiichi Kudo
Japan – 1969-1972

Collection Includes:
– Killer’s Mission
– The Fort of Death
– Eight Men to Kill
Format:Price (SRP):Availability:
Limited Edition
[3000 Units]
Blu-ray
£36.99Amazon UK
Radiance
Terracotta
Audio/Presentation:
– High-Definition digital transfer of each film presented on two discs, made available on Blu-ray (1080p) for the first time in the world
– Uncompressed mono PCM audio
– Optional English subtitles
On-Disc Extras:
– Audio commentary on Killer’s Mission by Tom Mes
– Interview with film historian and Shigehiro Ozawa expert Akihito Ito about the filmmaker
– Visual essay on Eiichi Kudo by Japanese cinema expert Robin Gatto
– Series poster and press image gallery
– Trailers
Physical Extras:
Limited Edition: Booklet featuring new writing by samurai film expert Alain Silver, an obituary of Eiichi Kudo by Kinji Fukasaku and an interview piece on Shigehiro Ozawa after his retirement from filmmaking
Limited Edition: Reversible sleeves featuring artwork based on original posters
Limited Edition: Six postcards of artwork from the films
Limited Edition: Presented in a rigid box with full-height Scanavo cases and removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings

A Story Written With Water

水で書かれた物語
Directed by Kiju Yoshida
Japan – 1965

Format:Price (SRP):Availability:
Single Pressing Only
[3000 Units]
Blu-ray
£17.99Amazon UK
Radiance
Terracotta
Audio/Presentation:
– High-Definition digital transfer
– Uncompressed mono PCM audio
– Newly translated English subtitles
On-Disc Extras:
– Archival interview with director Kiju Yoshida (2008)
– New interview with star Mariko Okada (2023)
– Interview with scholar Jennifer Coates, author of Making Icons: Repetition and the Female Image in Japanese Cinema, 1945-1964 (2023, 22 mins)
– Trailer
Physical Extras:
Limited Edition: Booklet featuring new writing by scholar and author Alexander Jacoby
Limited Edition: Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork
Limited Edition: Presented in full-height Scanavo packaging with removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings
Other Notes:
A single pressing of 3,000 copies. Once sold out, this will not be re-released in a standard edition.

Tags for this post:

Comments

One response to “Q1 2024 Solicitations for UK Asian Cinema Home Video Releases”

  1. Nick Else Avatar
    Nick Else

    Quality content as always! Nice one mate.

    Like

Leave a comment

Blog at WordPress.com.