Check out our pick of the latest new DVD releases.

May 08

‘Girls Rebel Force Of Competitive Swimmers’ on English subtitled DVD

The title alone makes this worthy of a mention. Kôji Kawano's ‘The Girls Rebel Force of Competitive Swimmers’ (aka Undead Pool) is up for release on English subtitled DVD. This total orgy of J-horror fun stars AV idol Handa Sasa as a high school swimmer preparing for an upcoming competition.

She convinces her friends to join the team as well, but their trophy dreams are rudely interrupted by a virus that is quickly spreading through the school and a causing a series of mysterious events. Thrown into grave danger as the sinister truth is slowly revealed, the girls of the swim team decide to fight back with everything they've got......And Chainsaws.

Order the DVD

'Three Kingdoms: Resurrection Of The Dragon' up for pre-order on English subtitled DVD

This definitely seems the week for news on big Chinese period epics arriving on DVD. Next to hit the shelves in June is Daniel Lee’s (Dragon Squad) ‘Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon.’ Sporting a huge all star cast including Andy Lau (The warlords), Maggie Q (Mission: Impossible III) and Hong Kong veteran Sammo Hung, the film is based on the sprawling 14th-century novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Synopsis: His country torn asunder by civil war, Zhao (Andy Lau), a commoner, heeds the call of duty. From the humblest of roots, he rises through the ranks on wings of courage to command an army charged with liberating the land from an evil warlord. Inspired by action, honour and a dream of unifying his divided nation, Zhao's heroism becomes a legend. But as the years pass and the throne changes hands, the war still rages on. When the newly enthroned king decides peace can only be achieved by defeating all the warlords once and for all, Zhao embarks on his last & greatest campaign - a road to adventure that will crown his name in glory for all time.

Three Kingdoms (Official site)

Pre-order the DVD

'An Empress and the Warriors' on DVD

Cantonese Pop icon Kelly Chen dons her armour to take the lead in Tony Ching Siu Tung's BIG budget epic 'An Empress and the Warriors.' Tung who previously handled the action for Zhang Yimou's Hero and House of Flying Daggers manages to create a lavish old school action (with a touch of romance) pic, that is a true feast for the eyes. Chen's co-stars include Leon Lai and action superstar Donnie Yen.

Yan Feier (Kelly Chen) is thrust into the role of empress when her father the King is viciously murdered by his own nephew, Wu Ba (Guo Xiao Dong). His treachery unknown to Feier, Wu Ba plots to gain control of the kingdom for himself. Meanwhile, Feier turns to legendary warrior Brother Hu (Donnie Yen) to instruct her in the ways of warfare. But Wu sends assassins after Feier, and she's poisoned by an assassin's dart before being lost in the woods. Her absence throws the kingdom into chaos, and Brother Hu must maintain morale, all the while carrying a hidden love for his missing empress. Meanwhile, Feier is found and nursed back to health by Duan Lanquan (Leon Lai), a doctor who lives in a secluded forest treehouse. Lanquan awakens the woman within the warrior's armor, and given the alternative of a peaceful life without war, Feier must eventually make a difficult choice. Should she choose love, and remain just a woman? Or should she choose her kingdom, and return to being an Empress?

An Empress and the Warriors (Official site)

Order the DVD

April 08

Umberto Lenzi's 'Nightmare City' on R1 DVD

Umberto Lenzi's 1980 take on the zombie sub-genre, (originally titled 'Incubo sulla città contaminata') 'Nightmare City' is getting an R1 DVD release through Blue Underground. Fast zombies were nothing new to Italian horror movie fans in the 80s. They're not only fast, these bad boys use knifes and guns.

Hugo Stiglitz, Mel Ferrer (Eaten Alive) and Francisco Rabal star in this wild splatterfest. Originally released in U.S as the heavily-edited City Of The Walking Dead, this new version of Nightmare City has apparently been transferred from original vault materials and is now presented completely uncut.

When a radioactive spill causes mass contamination, 1000s of infected citizens are transformed into bloodthirsty undead fiends. But these are not your standard stumbling gut-munchers; this is an all-out attack by fast-moving, flesh-ripping, ass-kicking maniacs that can only be stopped by a bullet to the brain. Get ready for an orgy of gunfire, gore and gratuitous aerobics where zombies run, chaos reigns and heads explode.

Nightmare City tailer

Order the DVD

'Jade Warrior' on R2 DVD!

A real treat for R2 martial arts fans. A.J.Annila’s ‘Jade Warrior’ hits R2 DVD next week. Warrior is Finland's first ever martial arts film, blending traditional Chinese swordplay with distict Wuxia overtones - mixed with elements from Finland's sprawling national epic, the Kalevala. Annila blends his genres, using both his own heritage and the conventions of Asian film making to tell the legend of The Sampo. This pic is visually stunning and was an unexpected but well deserved hit across Scandinavian/Asian box-offices. The movie stars Chinese actress Zhang Jingchu (Seven Swords, Rush hour) and Markku Peltola.

In modern day Finland, Kai a blacksmith charged with the task opening an ancient metallic cask found with the mummified remains of a four thousand year old man. The antique case is of craftsmanship well beyond anything that could possibly have been imagined in its era, a case that responds to Kai's touch, opening to release a powerful being within and triggering waves of visions that clearly link Kai to an ancient legend and to an all-powerful evil...

DVD Extras: 4 Behind-the-scenes documentaries; Director’s Commentary; Teaser & Trailers; Music Video; Photo Gallery.

Jade Warrior (Official site)

Order the DVD

Period J-Horror 'Kaidan' on English subtitled DVD

Nakata Hideo, the director of Ring and Dark Water, returns to the genre for the period horror Kaidan. Based on a 19th-century story by Sanyutei Encho, Kaidan evokes the classical horrors of the 1950s and 1960s. Kabuki star Onoe Kikunosuke takes the lead, with a strong line-up of actresses that includes Kuroki Hitomi (Tokyo Tower), Seto Asako (Death Note), Aso Kumiko (Nada Sou Sou), and Inoue Mao (Gegege no Kitaro).

Synopsis: Years ago, a debt collector was slain by a samurai. Before falling to his death, the debt collector placed a curse on the samurai who went on to kill his wife and himself. Years later, the samurai's son Shinkichi (Onoe Kikunosuke) is now a tobacco seller, and as cruel fate would have it, he falls in love with the debt collector's daughter Toyoshiga (Kuroki Hitomi) who is years his senior. Toyoshiga's jealous nature, however, drives a wedge in their relationship, and he accidentally injures her during a quarrel, inflicting a wound similar to that which killed her father. After she dies, Shinkichi runs off with one of her students (Inoue Mao), hoping to start anew, but Shinkichi can't seem to escape Toyoshiga's resentful spirit and all the women who cycle relentlessly in and out of his life.

Kaidan trailer (Youtube)

Order the DVD

Sammo Hung's FATAL MOVE on English friendly DVD

Director Dennis Law (Fatal Contact) assembles a top notch cast of stars, starting with Sammo Hung, Simon Yam, and Wu Jing, reteaming after the wildly popular Sha Po Lang. Joining them are Danny Lee, actress Tien Niu and genre regulars Lam Suet, Maggie Siu, Eddie Cheung, and Pinky Cheung also along for the ride. Fatal Move is an underworld saga rich with themes of brotherhood and betrayal, but director Law makes sure to give the audience what they really want. Fatal Move delivers visceral eye-opening action choreographed by Li Chung Chi, and earns its Category III (the highest rating there is in Hong Kong) rating due to exceptional violence. Those who enjoy their gangster sagas bloody, should be quite happy with what Law has cooked up here.

Fatal Move trailer (Youtube)

Order the DVD

Argento's ‘Mother of Tears’ arrives on R2 DVD

A heads for Italian horror fans in R2 land. ‘Mother of Tears,’ Dario Argento’s conclusion to the horror trilogy he began with ‘Suspira’ and ‘Inferno’ two decades before, hits the streets on DVD next week. Argento's daughter Asia (Land of the dead) joins the gory fun in the lead and the pic also stars Udo Kier (Blade), Daria Nicolodi, Adam James and Cristian Solimeno.

An ancient urn is unearthed and opened in Rome, mysterious and evil-looking women from all over the world begin to arrive in the city and violent crime increases dramatically. Leading this horrific army is the Mater Lacrimarum (Mother of Tears) – the third and last of three powerful witches whose demonic ways have terrorized innocents for centuries. All that stands in their way is an art student who seems to possess supernatural abilities of her own.

Mother of Tears trailer

Order the DVD

Kiyoshi Kurosawa's J-Horror 'Retribution (aka Sakebi)' on R1 DVD

My my, we are almost being spoilt this month with swathe of great Asian horror turning up for release on R1 DVD. Latest to show up on the Radar is the horror pic by acclaimed director Kiyoshi Kurosawa (Pulse, Cure), ‘Retribution.’ A film festival favorite, named the "Official Selection" of the New York Asian Film Festival, FantAsia Film Festival and the Fantastic Fest. ‘Retribution’ is a slow burning creepy crime thriller with a hint of the supernatural, that shows Kurosawa back on top form after his so-so and rather messy horror flick ‘Loft,’ released back in 2005.

Detective Yoshioka is investigating the drowning death of a young woman in a red dress. Lying face down in a muddy puddle, her stomach is found to be full of sea water. As the investigation progresses, clues begin to appear that point to him being the murderer - as his fingerprints are found on the body and some of his personal items are found at the murder scene. As more bodies turn up, killed in the same way, even the detective begins to wonder whether he may be the very murderer that he is pursuing.

Retribution (Official Japanese site)

Order the DVD

Korean horror 'Black House' on R1 DVD

Korean director Shin Tae-ra’s (Brainstorm) critically acclaimed film adaptation of the modern gothic Japanese horror novel ‘Black House,’ is due for an R1 DVD release through Genius Products. 'Black House' details the struggle between a smart, upright insurance company rep Juno and a cruel and possibly murderous psychopath.

When insurance investigator Juno (Hwang Jung Min) arrives at the scene of his latest case, a run-down house in the middle of nowhere, he is greeted with the sight of a little boy hanging from the ceiling. The child's father, Park Chung Bae, is jumpy, shifty, and eager for insurance compensation, while frail and grieving mother Shin Yi Hwa bears signs of physical abuse on her body. The police close the case as suicide, but Juno suspects Park of foul play and fears that his wife may well be the next target. Projecting his own troubled past into the case, Juno wants to help Shin escape from danger, but he soon discovers the shocking repercussions of digging too deeply into other people affairs.

Black House trailer

Order the DVD

Korean serial killer thriller 'Our Town' on English subtitled DVD

Director Jung Gil Young's latest film Our Town is about two serial killers living in one town and when it comes to serial killiers, two is a crowd. One is the original killer and the other, a copycat. Starring Oh Man Seok (The Man in the Vineyard), Ryu Deok Hwan (My Son, Like A Virgin), and Lee Seon Gyun (A Cruel Attendancer), Our Town delves deeply into the twisted world of copycat murders. As the mystery unravels, the plot reveals a shocking revelation about the relationship between the two killers.

Homicide detective Jae Shin is called in to investigate five accounts of murder that occurred within the same town. Based on the nature of the killing methods, the detective concludes the case as a serial murder. However, despite his efforts, the killer still remains at large. Concerned over his friend's frustration, Jae Shin's longtime friend Kyung Joo, a mystery novelist lends a helping hand - perhaps his sharp wit can shed some light into the matter. But Kyung Joo is shocked when he discovers that the killer has been fashioning the murders exactly as they appear on his novel. The truth is, Kyung Joo himself committed a murder ten years ago, but has been successful in repressing his killing urge for some time. Now, with his past secret on the verge of discovery, Kyung Joo knows time is running out.

Our Town trailer

Order the DVD

March 08

'The Mist' on R1 DVD

The screen version of Stephen King's 'The Mist' is out on R1 DVD this week. Reasons to be excited: It's King. Frank (no-one does King better) Darabont (The Shawshank, Green Mile) directed the movie and wrote the Screenplay. Best of all, it's a rare beast these days, an R rated horror film.

Following a violent storm, artist David Drayton and a small town community come under vicious attack from creatures prowling in a thick and unnatural mist. Local rumors point to an experiment called the 'The Arrowhead Project' conducted at a nearby top-secret military base, but questions as to the origins of the deadly vapor are secondary to the group's overall chances for survival. Retreating to a local supermarket, Drayton and the survivors must face-off against each other before taking a stand against an enemy they cant even see.

The Mist (trailer)

Order the DVD

Japanese horror 'Kabe Otoko' (The Wall Man) on English Subtitled DVD

Based on Morohoshi Daijiro's eponymous manga, The Wall Man (a.k.a. Kabe Otoko) is a moody and mysterious horror from writer/director Hayakawa Wataru. Hayakawa previously directed 7/25 nana-ni-go, which screened at the Cannes Festival International Critics' Week in 1999 and picked up awards at the Vancouver, Torino, and Belfort Film Festivals. Returning with his second film eight years later, he shows no sign of rust, effectively drawing viewers into the sinister and spellbinding secrets that lie beyond the walls. Starring Sakai Masato (Sukiyaki Western) and Ono Mayumi (Premonition).

Acting on an anonymous suggestion, television reporter Kyoko (Sakai Masato) decides to do a feature on the "Wall Man", a mysterious creature, neither human nor demon, that lives in walls and observes the world. Her report is a big success, inspiring lots of audience interest in the myth. What started out as interest, however, turns into obsession as the people around Kyoko become increasingly fixated with the topic and start to exhibit strange behavior. Kyoko's own boyfriend, cameraman Nishina (Ono Mayumi), can't seem take his eyes or lens away from the walls, endlessly snapping pictures. What does he see in the blank walls?

The Wall Man (Official site)

Order the DVD

Stephen Chow's CJ7 up for pre-order on DVD

Four years in the making, CJ7 - Chow's first film since 2004's Kung Fu Hustle is now available to pre-order on English friendly DVD. Chow's last two films, Hustle and 2001 'Shaolin Soccer,’ are ranked one and two on the all-time list of highest-grossing Hong Kong films, and CJ7 is quickly making its way up to the top of the list. CJ7 sees Hong Kong's favorite leading man and director enter a new stage in his career as he tackles sci-fi for the first time. The disc is released in April 3rd.

Synopsis: Construction worker Ti (Chow) lives in a ramshackle shanty and salvages everything from shoes to toys from the trash dump. Despite his state of abject poverty, the earnest, lesson-spouting Ti is determined to send his son Dicky (Xu Jiao) to a posh private elementary school. Dicky, however, is a lot more interested in playing than studying, and he'd like nothing more than a CJ1 robot dog to show up his bullying classmate. Unable to afford a CJ1, Ti brings home "CJ7", a curious rubbery green ball he found at the dump. His son isn't impressed - until the ball shows its true alien form, morphing into a little green dog whose penchant for mischief gives Dicky a run for his money.

CJ7 (Official site)

Pre-order the DVD

Hong Kong horror 'Yes, I can see dead people' now on DVD

Hong Kong horror ‘Yes, I Can See Dead People’ is up to order on English subbed DVD. Directed by David Lee, as the title might suggest 'I See' has moments of comedy to lighten its otherwise creepy premise, but it still features tense atmosphere and plenty of scares. Steven Cheung departs from his usual sidekick roles to play the lead and is joined by Mandy Chiang (Whispers and Moans) Kris Gu (The Eye 10) and Kathy Yuen.

Synopsis: Nam is a slacker who has the power to see dead people - and he seems to be pretty okay with it. From departed friends to ghostly children, the undead populate the corridors of Nam's housing estate, and he's used to their presence, disturbing though it should be. Things change when his brother Tung (Kris Gu) begins acting distant, and Nam thinks that there may be more going on than just his brother's lack of self control. Estate security guard Fok (Lau Kong) clues Nam in: there are dangerous ghosts too, and one of them is starting to mount his own terror campaign by possessing Nam's neighbors and family. Fok also teaches Nam that those who possess ghost-seeing powers must bear the responsibility to use them properly. But can Nam learn the tricks of the ghost-busting trade before the evil spirits take his brother, for good.

I Can See Dead People trailer (Youtube)

Order the DVD

Makoto Tanaka's 'The Vanished' on English subtitled DVD

Japanese horror The Vanished (aka Ame no Machi) is getting an English friendly DVD release. Based on a short story by Kikuchi Hideyuki, the writer of Vampire Hunter D, Demon City Shinjuku, and Wicked City, the pic is directed by Tanaka Makoto, whose credits include producer of Casshern, artwork for Devil May Cry, and animator on My Neighbor Totoro. ‘The Vanished’ stars Wada Toshihiro (Battle Royale II), Maki Yoko (Sway), and Riko Narumi (Shindo).

Thirty-five years ago, a group of young school children disappeared in the Japanese woods. In present day Japan, a lazy young reporter is tasked to write a story on a child who is found dead with gory injuries and inexplicable missing organs. Suddenly, the child rises from the dead, and takes the journalist on a journey into the woods to unravel a decades-old mystery of what happened to these missing children. With the help of a beautiful young city office clerk, he soon discovers that the children are undead, and have not aged in the 35 years since their disappearance, haunting their families who are intent on ending this cycle of violence.

The Vanished trailer

Order the DVD

New Zealand horror 'The Ferryman' arrives on R2 DVD

As you know we do like to bring you news of films from far flung places, so how about a horror pic from New Zealand? Kiwi Indy horror the ‘The Ferryman’ lands on R2 DVD next week. Directed by Chris Graham and starring John Rhys-Davies (Lord of the Rings), Kerry Fox (Shallow Grave) and Tamer Hassan (Eastern Promises).

The film is slow to get going, but once the pace picks up (and of course people start dying) 'The Ferryman' turns into a good little horror flick. The disc also comes with a pretty robust selection of extras & outtakes, listed below. 'The Ferryman' streets on March 17th.

‘The Ferryman’ follows a group of twenty something couples as they charter a boat for the trip of a lifetime into the South Pacific. Things take a turn for the worse when the group responds to a distress signal of what first appears to be a deserted boat. As the mystery unfolds, they begin to realise that the boat, and its mysterious crew, are inflicted with a terrible curse. Stranded in the middle of the ocean, with no one within hundreds of miles, they discover that The Ferryman is coming…and payment is due!

• Special Features
• Deleted & Alternate Scenes
• Intro to the film with director Chris Graham
• The Ferryman and the Dionysus featurette
• Improvisation with John Rhys-Davies
• Bloopers & Out-takes
• Behind the Scenes of The Ferryman
• Theatrical Trailer

The Ferryman (Official site)

A gameshow with a dark twist: '13: Game of Death' arrives on R1 DVD

It's becoming clear that the buyers at Dimension Extreme know their stuff when it comes to great horror. Next out on DVD from the label is the superb Thai horror '13: Game of Death' aka '13 Beloved.' Universally praised by critics, '13' was crowned best of show at last years Puchon Intl. Fantastic Film Festival (PiFan) and won best Asian Film award, from the European Fantastic Film Festival Federation.

'13' tells the story of Pusit who is having the worst day of his life. He just lost his job and is in serious debt. But that's all about to change when he receives a mysterious call with a tempting offer, to become a contestant in a challenging game show. Those playing the game can agree to accept tasks the show offers, but once accepted they must be completed. Completing the task means big rewards, the more you finish the harder the tasks get, but the rewards are far far greater. The harder they get, the darker and more sinister they become.

To see some stills and a trailer, you can check out the still active Thai official site.

13 Game of Death (Official Thai site)

Order the DVD

'Kung Fu Dunk' on English subtitled DVD!

Taiwanese superstar Jay Chou's latest offering, the glossy basketball youth film Kung Fu Dunk hits English subbed DVD this month. Released to hefty box office receipts, the film is loosely based on the popular manga Slam Dunk, but with an added kick of kung fu fun choreographed by award-winning action director Ching Siu Tung (Hero, The Warlords). Hong Kong veteran Eric Tsang co-stars as a sinewy agent, along with Wilson Chen (Blue Gate Crossing) and Twins' Charlene Choi (Simply Actors), looking good as Chou's romantic interest.

Abandoned as an infant, Fang Shi Jie (Jay Chou) grew up in a martial arts school and has acquired himself some impressive fighting skills. He can also throw with amazing accuracy, a talent that grabs the attentions of con man Zhen Li (Eric Tsang). Unwittingly pulled into Zhen's hustling plans, Fang crosses the wrong people and gets kicked out of his martial arts school. Zhen then enrolls Fang into First University in hopes of turning him into a basketball star. After some quick training, Fang and team are tearing through the league to the championships, but some foes from Fang and Zhen's past have money staked on the game, and they're more than willing to play dirty to get their way.

Kung Fu Dunk trailer

Order the DVD here

February 08

Indy Zombie horror 'Automaton Transfusion' hits R1 DVD

It has to be said we aren't liking many of the covers Dimension are putting out on their 'Extreme' label DVD's. We are however loving what films they are releasing. Next out on the label is Steven C. Millers low budget, but great looking, Zombie gore fest 'Automaton Transfusion.'

Synopsis: In the early 1970s when everyone in America was worrying about what was going on in Vietnam, the United States Army was secretly developing a way to reanimate the dead. The hope was to have the dead fight instead of the living, but the experiments were shut down when the reanimated corpses were unable to control their hunger for human flesh. Thirty years later the army has decided to reopen the project. Grover City, because of its remote location, would be the home of their main testing facilities. Without warning the experiments go horribly wrong in Grover City and the DEAD are now on the rampage, eating everyone in sight. With the town overtaken by Zombies, a group of High School seniors take it upon themselves to fight back and find a cure for this deadly disease. The four friends battle their way through swamps, forests, blood, and ZOMBIES to survive!

Voted 7th in Fango's top 10 horror pics of 2006, Automatons slick looks belie its small budget origins. 'Automaton Transfusion' is released on March 4th.

Automaton Transfusion trailer

Order the DVD

'The Backwoods' (aka Bosque De Sombras) finally reaches DVD

Great news. Spanish horror thriller 'The Backwoods' (Bosque De Sombras) starring Gary Oldman, is finally making its way to R1 DVD.

Set in the Summer of 1978 'The Backwoods' tells the story of an English couple Lucy (Virginie Ledoyen) and Norman (Paddy Considine) who are going through a difficult patch in their relationship. They decide to spend some time at the house that their friends Paul (Gary Oldman) and his wife Isabel (Aitana Sanchez-Gijón) have bought in the north of Spain. Hidden away in the middle of a forest, and very much off the beaten track, the house seems ideal for some peaceful holidays. Their tranquil summer turns to horror when they discover a girl with horribly mutilated hands in a house in the forest. The locals aren't happy with the outsiders interference and for taking the girl from the house, and soon cultural differences start a whirlpool of violence between them.

'The Backwoods' has received mixed reviews, but we'd say it should be worth a watch, even just to see Oldman (who rarely disappoints with a performance) in action.

The Backwoods site

Pre-order the DVD

Katsuhiro Otomo’s live-action fantasy 'Mushishi ' on R2 DVD

Katsuhiro Otomo’s (‘Akira’ 'Steamboy') latest foray into film making, the beautifully crafted live action fantasy ‘Mushishi,’ is getting an R2 DVD release through Revolver Entertainment. Adapted from a hugely successful Manga novel, ‘Mushishi’ is visually mesmerizing, dark and at times a little bit disturbing. The DVD is released February 25th.

Synopsis: Ginko is a mushishi (bug master) a gifted healer who expertly manipulates the mushi, small, supernatural bugs, in touch with the essence of life and death. Whilst travelling through pre-modern Japan he meets the beautiful Tanyu, a crippled bugmaster who records the history of the mushi by locking them into scrolls. When the mushi escape Tanyu’s scrolls and attack her, Ginko must save Tanyu and at the same time rescue the traces of a vanishing age.

Mushishi trailer

Order the DVD

'Legend of the Black Scorpion' aka 'The Banquet' on R1 DVD

Dragon Dynasty are to release Feng Xiaogang’s stunningly beautiful wuxia epic ‘The Banquet,’ on R1 DVD. Quite why they have decided to re-name the movie with the title 'Legend of the Black Scorpion' eludes us, but the fact that its actually being released is reason enough for celebration.

Loosely based on Shakespeare's Hamlet, the story is set in ancient China during the period of Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms. Against the backdrop of internal turmoil and external threat poised by the neighboring Khitan Empires, lives Empress Wan (Zhang Ziyi ). As beautiful as she is deadly, she harbors forbidden desires for her stepson Crown Prince Wu Luan (Daniel Wu). When the Emperor dies of reasons undetermined and his younger brother Li takes the throne, Wan marries Li to protect Wu Luan and seal her own position in the ruling body. But Li is not a fool and dispatches assassins that ultimately fail to kill Wu Luan. When Emperor Li proclaims a big banquet, Wu Luan and Wan realize it is time to strike.

‘The Banquet’ isn't an all out martial arts action packed pic, so if the likes of House of Flying Daggers or Curse of the Golden Flower wasn't you cup of Java, this wont be for you. However, if jaw dropping cinematography, sumptuous sets, costumes and stunningly choreographed fight scenes are your thing, then 'The Banquet/Scorpion' is a must see. Released as a two-disc Ultimate Edition, the DVD streets on February 26th.

The Banquet trailer

Order the DVD

'Shinobi' finally arrives on UK R2 DVD!

Great news for UK genre fans. Ten Shimoyama's martial arts epic 'Shinobi,' finally arrives on your shores on DVD through Optimum releasing. Now, it has to be said we think this film absolutely rocks, so we'll try to provide you with all the facts without gushing too profusely.

Synopsis: For centuries there lived warriors of darkness with strange powers and arcane skills, living only for battle. They were the Shinobi. The year is 1614 and Japan has been united under the first Shogun. Peace is returning to the land after many years of war. Even the Koga and the Iga, Ninja tribes and bitterest of foes have been bound to live in peace. That is, however, until the nefarious Shogun hatches a plan to rid his kingdom of their power forever. He plots a battle- five Ninja from each Village must fight to the death until just one victorious Ninja survives and has then earned the right to name the next Shogun. Caught in the crossfire of imperial plotting and family honour are Gennosuke (Joe Odagiri) and Oboro (Yukie Nakama) who have fallen deeply in love despite being the heirs of the warring tribes. Their tragic fate is to decide whether to live in honor, or love. With no concern for the star crossed lovers the order forbidding conflict is lifted, the elders choose their best Ninjas and the stage is set for a battle to end all battles.

While there are definite Romeo and Juliet elements to 'Shinobi,' that in no way means it’s lacking in action. The love story acts mainly as a backdrop to the main back plot of unresolved hatred between two ninja clans. It is that hatred that finally erupts into in all out war. With some spectacular effects, and superbly choreographed fight sequences, this is a must for fans of the genre. ‘Shinobi goes on sale today.

Extras: Visual FX of Shinobi Featurette / Visual FX explanation Featurette / Weapons of Shinobi Featurette / Storyboards / Original Trailers / Character Gallery / Stills Gallery

Tech Specs: Feature Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 / Dolby Digital 5.1 / Japanese with English Subtitles.

Shinobi trailer (English subtitled)

Shinobi trailer (Hi-Def)

Order the DVD

Korean thriller 'A Bloody Aria'

Korean director Won Shin-yun’s thriller ‘A Bloody Aria’ is due for release on R1 DVD through ImaginAsian Pictures. At its core ‘Aria’ is a dark comedy, with a twist in the tale of bloody revenge. Throughout the film Won blends his genres from thriller, to full on raw bloody horror. The result is an absolute classic. The movie stars Oh Dal-su (Oldboy, The Host) and Han Seok-gyu (Shiri). ‘A Bloody Aria’ goes on sale Feb 26th.

Synopsis: When a music professor, Yeong-sun (Lee Byuong-jun), takes his beautiful young student, In-jeong (Cha Ye-ryun) for a joyride into the countryside, all hell breaks loose. In-jeong flees the clutches of her would-be-rapist professor only to land in the hands of four disturbed and unsavory local men, with a taste for violence and sadistic humor. It isn’t long before she is back with the professor and it then becomes clear that both Yeong-sun and In-jeong are meant to be pawns in the gang’s cruel psychological games.

A Bloody Aria (Official DVD site) Order the DVD

Royal Tramp 1 & 2 on R1 DVD

Bursting with high-energy action Royal Tramp and its sequel Royal Tramp 2, land on DVD February 12, under the Dragon Dynasty label from The Weinstein Company. Stephen Chow (Kung Fu Hustle, Shaolin Soccer) stars as a fast-talking conman who manages to avoid death, all the while trying to save the Ming Dynasty from falling. Based on the book The Deer & The Cauldron, Royal Tramp 1 & 2 are pure Hong Kong action and over the top comedy, at its best.

In ROYAL TRAMP, Wilson Bond (Chow) is a lovable con artist who finagles his way into the confidence of the Ming Court while fomenting a pro-Ching rebellion--and participating in frequent sexual escapades. The courty con man returns for more comic adventures in ROYAL TRAMP 2. This time around, he helps resist an attempt to overthrow the Ching Dynasty and destroy the Heaven and Earth Society.Released together for the first time as a double feature, the two-disc DVD includes commentaries by Hong Kong expert Bey Logan, original theatrical trailers and an interview with ROYAL TRAMP 2’s writer/director Wong Jing.

Royal Tramp 1 trailer

Order the DVD here