"Shadow Warriors" - The Complete First Season

[Daisho2004]

OK Great news the "Shadow Warriors" - The Complete First Season: starring Sonny Chiba is being released on DVD on April 17,2007' listing on Amazon.com is around $71.99

[kungfusamurai]

Awesome!! Big props to Cliff and BCI! Even if this doesn't have any extras, it'll still be worth having.

KFS

[cliffmac]

There is a new on-camera interview with Sonny Chiba and a twelve page booklet by Patrick Macias.

[venom mob]

Fantastic news! I can't wait to get my hands on that set! Thanks for the info!

[monque]

I have never seen this show. How good is the story & action? Is the action bloody ala Lone Wolf & Cub movies?

[kungfusamurai]

Kage No Gundan AKA Shadow Warriors has some great story telling and awesome fights. I would compare the style of choreography more to the HK style rather than the old Chambara film style. There isn't as much gore as in the Lone Wolf & Cub films but there are some moments of nudity (Hattori Hanzo runs a bathhouse, 'nuff said). Lots of flips, sommersaults, etc... And the swordfighting is great. Yasuaki Kurata makes an appearance in one episode.

A HIGHLY recommended series for anyone who likes either Japanese style or HK style choreography.

KFS

[morgoth]

I am gonna have to get this, but it is expensive. How many seasons are there? Do you think I could be satisfied just watchign 1 season?

[Daisho2004]

Just a recap DeepDiscount.com has it listed for:$43.55

[cliffmac]

Best Buy will have an exclusive on-pack of two additonal films - SHOGUN'S SHADOW & SHOGUN'S NINJA.
I think it should also be priced at around $50.00

[morgoth]

So Shadow Warriors is going to come with Shogun's Shadow and NInja? Do you know when?

[GwaiLoMoFo]

Got an email for deepdiscount saying my Shadow Warriors boxset has shipped. Then got a call from my wife moments later asking what I just spent $45 on!? :lol

[Linn1]

now that is some purse strings! :)

[Daisho2004]

cliffmac, where did you see this special offer listed at Best Buy, I went to there site and the Shadow Warriors was listed at $89.99 for pre-order I knew they would never beat DeepDiscount's price.

[cliffmac]

I'll find out what is up with the exclusive not being on the site.
Maybe it's instore only.

[GwaiLoMoFo]

now that is some purse strings!

Think thats bad, I had a buddy I worked with who's wife worked at a bank. We would go to lunch and on the way back his wife would call and ask him why/where he was spending money!! :rollin

[gfanikf]

BCI just sent me a set so does anyone want screenshots? :)

[monque]

bring on the screenshots

[gfanikf]

There coming in the next couple of days :) . I tell you this is the best timing possible because after today, I have about 26 days of vacation :) .

[Daisho2004]

GwaiLoMoFo, I just received my email saying it was shipped also. Looking forward to watching them.

[gfanikf]

I can tell you the box design is really nice and sturdy (despite using paper) and looks nice with the faux wood design. It uses slim cases for the 7 discs.

[tylerpistol]

I couldn't resist ordering this based solely on the virtue that it's a BCI title featuring Sonny Chiba. They have earned my trust to the point that I have no fear making a blind purchase of any product they release.

What do you think the chances are we'll see a release of the Yagyu Conspiracy TV series?

[cliffmac]

Ummmm.... the chances are pretty good :D

[gfanikf]

Well on a positive note lets kick off some screencap fun!

hkfilmnews.blogspot.com/2...ncaps.html (http://hkfilmnews.blogspot.com/2007/04/shadow-warriors-episode-1-screencaps.html)

[tylerpistol]

Those screengrabs and the hint from a highly credible source that we may be seeing Yagyu Conspiracy on DVD have made my day.

Can't wait for my Shadow Warriors DVD to arrive.

[GwaiLoMoFo]

Woohooo, got my boxset in the mail today! Havent seen any of this series myself, cant wait to start.

[Daisho2004]

GLMF, got mine also can't wait to watch them hopefully this weekend.

[hkpyanfar]

How is the tv series? just ok or a must get?

[inchilottaP]

If your a Chiba/Ninja fan i'd say it's a must buy.

[Linn1]

I agree.

[Daisho2004]

I have to agree with everyone about this series so far, good stories and a lot of Action. The only thing that bothers me is that you can see where they had commercials because the movie stops with Chiba throwing a Ninja Star into a tree for about (3) seconds it happens about (3) times in every episode. I don't know why they did that, doesn't make any sense to me.

[Linn1]

most likely it's because of contracts saying they couldn't cut anything. Also some fans would complain if they did. Fans of TV shows want bumpers and everything to do with the show intact.

[1budz4u]

Daisho2004 wrote:have to agree with everyone about this series so far, good stories and a lot of Action. The only thing that bothers me is that you can see where they had commercials because the movie stops with Chiba throwing a Ninja Star into a tree for about (3) seconds it happens about (3) times in every episode. I don't know why they did that, doesn't make any sense to me.

Those breaks were probably done to allow the tv broadcasting stations to use their sponsors for advertising.

Last year NGN rebroadcasted KNG I which I recorded for myself and it does have the breaks where Chiba is throwing a Ninja star. So I guess they kept everything intact and didn't cut anything out which is a good thing. I hate it when original films/tv series are cut/edited to hell.

[inchilottaP]

I like the bumpers.Let's me know were i'm at in an episode and it keeps the pacing of the show intact.


You always get those great moments were Chiba is like "Lets go kick some ass" or a ninja spy is revealed or something and then boom, bumper.

Just like watching it on tv back in the day! :)




Hopefully BCI/Ronin releases the rest of the seasons.They had a much better plan for releasing this show then MB did with Zatoichi and the anime style releases though I imagine Ichi cost a bit more to license.

[hkpyanfar]

thanks for the responses. I think I'll be picking this one up!

[sea kelp]

I'd suggest taking a look at this first, it's not pretty...

adg.invisionzone.com/inde...topic=1840 (http://adg.invisionzone.com/index.php?showtopic=1840)

[inchilottaP]

Wow I need to plunk down 400 dollars and get the Japanese dvds instead. ;)


FWIW Shurayuki is an awesome poster but theirs always something about his caps that make them come out way darker then the dvd actually ever looks when I watch it.



Like I said, $400 for the Japanese versions with no subtitles and mildly better picture quality or $40 for the US versions with subtitles and average pq.

[Daisho2004]

I don't have any problem with my episodes there good not the best but very good.

[Linn1]

while the first episode is the worst looking overall of the set, it's not that bad. Certainly what I see on my TV, isn't close to being as dark as those screencaps.

[tylerpistol]

The video quality is more than acceptible, considering the age of the show and the fact that it probably wasn't shot on the best qualtiy film.

I'm halfway through disc 2, and I'm glad I invested in this set. Each episode is like a mini Sonny Chiba film...same quality of stories and action! It's an excellent series.

[Dahnamics]

get it at best buy.. its 60 bucks and it comes with 2 bonus dvd movies, i forget which ones off the top.. lemme see if i can find out real quick actually..

[Dahnamics]

shogun's ninja and shogun's shadow


LMAO @ this guy

cgi.ebay.com/Shadow-Warri...dZViewItem (http://cgi.ebay.com/Shadow-Warriors-9-DVD-Set-Best-Buy-Exclusive-RARE-Japan_W0QQitemZ180116827809QQcmdZViewItem)

tryna charge people more than double.. rofl @ "rare"

[cliffmac]

Yes, those Brentwood (actually BCI) screengrabs are much darker than the actual disc.

Maybe those screen caps have been tinkered with......OR

Toei remastered the episodes after i licensed the show and didn't think to give us the new masters.

When we licensed the show, Toei had no plans to release the series on DVD....then all of a sudden they announced the show. Unfortunately, it's too late to do anything about it. We aren't going to go back and re-release the series at this point since the sales have been rather lukewarm.

[inchilottaP]

We aren't going to go back and re-release the series at this point since the sales have been rather lukewarm.


That sucks to hear although it kind of makes sense when you've got this boxset priced at $59.99 sitting next to 20 other different Sonny Chiba collections at Best Buy with price tags of $9.99


Not saying it is in anyway your fault Cliff or anyone at BCI/Ronin.
Just a sad observation. :(


Here's hoping the cumilative sales will build up over time and get the rest of the seasons brought over here.

[monque]

I just bought my set today at Best Buy. I had $15 in reward zone coupons and a 10% coupon that arrived in the mail today. I can't wait to check these discs out this weekend.

[bamboo spear]

How many seasons did Kage no Gundan air?

[Yakuza954]

5

[bamboo spear]

Wow, this could get expensive! I'm glad Netflix carries the Shadow Warriors series.

[Daisho2004]

bamboo, here is the complete list of all the Kage no Gundan movies: beyond.japanhero.com/samu...gundan.htm (http://beyond.japanhero.com/samurai-ninja/kage_no_gundan.htm)

[GwaiLoMoFo]

Been really enjoying watching this series. Only complaint I have is the horrendous music featured in it. The series theme is good, but the rest of the music doesnt fit (and its plain terrible). There are many times during action/fight sequences that the background music is a slow pop ballad. Very annoying to me!! Seems like they used mostly modern (at the time) music for a classic samurai/ninja series.

[Daisho2004]

Yeah I noticed that also, maybe that was the thing back then. Doesn't really get you into the fights as much

[inchilottaP]

I love the music.

Theirs one cue in the first couple episodes were the pop song is playing literally right up to the point chiba swings his sword for the final battle.
That sucked.


Most future episodes have it timed alot better i've noticed.

[1budz4u]

The pop ballad song you hear in the background I believe is sung by Hiroyuki Sanada.;) :)

[Daisho2004]

OK I've been watching this series and I made one fatal mistake when it comes to a Box Set I always check every single Disc to make sure there are no Damages to the Disc's and low & behold on Disc#6A it is all Scratched up from the case locks and the Disc's didn't become dislodged it is the way the case is setup its different from the other ones where they are equal when you close the case. Now I can't even watch this Disc and I have to try and get a new set from DeepDiscount. The only problem is that I've had them over the return policy time limit, I just want to know if anyone else had the same problem.
I'm going to email BCI and let them know about this problem.

[yumaoming]

I have brought The Shadow Warriors DVD First Season but still waiting it to arrive...can any one tell me The Yagyu Conspiracy TV series are out in DVD with English Subtitles?

[yumaoming]

Anybody have seen Sonny Chiba acting as a Blind Judo hero in the early 60s?

[yumaoming]

Can anyone tell me how to buy less expensive Shintaro The Samurai TV Series DVDs?

[5 Element Boxer]

I've been watching this series too. I'm up to episode #4. Good series so far.

[kungfusamurai]

Can anyone tell me how to buy less expensive Shintaro The Samurai TV Series DVDs?

I think this was released in Australia, english dubbed only. Check the aussie dvd websites.

KFS

[venoms5]

I have brought The Shadow Warriors DVD First Season but still waiting it to arrive...can any one tell me The Yagyu Conspiracy TV series are out in DVD with English Subtitles?

The first three volumes with two episodes on a disc are here. These are the best option until a legit English friendly version surfaces...

http://www.fareastflix.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Session_ID=e0cc1171f30abb89696c3179b2 0b4366&

[yumaoming]

Thank you guys!!!

[oldeschool17]

funny seeing this thread up being as i just got this @ bestbuy on sale(not listed). Looking forward to watching all of this and any word on when they will release the rest of the series?

[Yakuza954]

yumaoming, I might be a little late with this but I don't recommend buying the Yagyu Conspiracy disks from fareastflix because I doubt they'll ever finish releasing the series. I'm currently trading the entire series if anyone's interested, or you can get them from where I originally got them- http://www.quixium.com/fan/drama_dvdrlist.htm

There's also the possibility BCI might release it in the future. I remember there being murmurs about them acquiring it last year, and when they reported their future releases for this year, there was still a "big title" that was left out among them.

[venoms5]

yumaoming, I might be a little late with this but I don't recommend buying the Yagyu Conspiracy disks from fareastflix because I doubt they'll ever finish releasing the series. I'm currently trading the entire series if anyone's interested, or you can get them from where I originally got them- http://www.quixium.com/fan/drama_dvdrlist.htm

There's also the possibility BCI might release it in the future. I remember there being murmurs about them acquiring it last year, and when they reported their future releases for this year, there was still a "big title" that was left out among them.

The YAGYU series as well as KAGE 2 will be finished unless someone releases it legitimately. I highly doubt BCI will release KAGE 2,3,4 if it doesn't come out in Japan first. They don't seem to release anything that isn't already RESTORED from another source.

[Yakuza954]

Those 3 Yagyu Conspiracy disks have been up on Fareastflix for a while and the site only releases new stuff once in a blue moon. If it ever gets finished, it won't be any time soon. What's the point of having part of a series and not the whole thing? It's better to get the whole thing, even if it's not as good quality.

[venoms5]

Those 3 Yagyu Conspiracy disks have been up on Fareastflix for a while and the site only releases new stuff once in a blue moon. If it ever gets finished, it won't be any time soon. What's the point of having part of a series and not the whole thing? It's better to get the whole thing, even if it's not as good quality.

John has lots of stuff not listed on the site. Fareast isn't his only job. He has other projects he's working on at the same time. I'm performing the timing on the KAGE 2 discs and when those are finished the YAGYU shows are next or will be done in between. Sales are slow for these and I'm timing them for free because I want to see them come out. These come from digital transfers from Japanese television. Until someone decides to license the shows, these are the best quality versions out there. It's ultimately up to the buyer what they want, though.

[yumaoming]

Just wonder can we trade? I have around 30 DVD like Hitman and other current titles which can played region free....exact copy from the original...any chance we can trade?

[yumaoming]

Just received The Shadow Warriors DVD set....a bit disappointed about the package...they really look like 'bootlegs' especially the slip cases, haha!!
I am so surprised it contained NUDE scene in the first episode!!! Just wonder I have seen them in Hong Kong TV in the mid 80s???

[yumaoming]

Want to trade for complete Yagu Conspiracy TV series DVDs, have 50 different movies to trade for, like Rambo 4, The Mist, Bourne Ultimatum, The Transformer etc...all current hot movies!!!

[MrGranger]

> if anyone's interested, or you can get them from where I originally got >them- http://www.quixium.com/fan/drama_dvdrlist.htm

I just realized that these were created from VHS tapes, right? Is there any DVDs made from better masters? Nothing against your guy...they've got others that look fantastic. But I've never been totally happy with DVDs that come from VHS tapes as masters. There's only so much tweaking you can do.