Shaw Brothers films to be released on DVD in North America!!

[CodyJack]

Here is the press release...

www.image-entertainment.c...estors.cfm (http://www.image-entertainment.com/aboutUsInvestors.cfm)

Scroll down about half way. I wonder what sub-label will be releasing these?? I don't think "Image" themselves releases anything anymore, do they?

Image is also releasing a widescreen DVD of "Fearless Fighters" in January.

www.image-entertainment.c...ctID=33124 (http://www.image-entertainment.com/detail.cfm?productID=33124)

[David G Rees]

Shame its only 30 titles but its a start! Lets all hope for original mono and maybe an original English dubbed option?

[magicpoe]

Are these the releases you've been talking about or are this additional releases?


Glad to see this finally happen for region 1.

I'll support them as much as I can. Hope others will also.

[Firecrane]

This sounds pretty cool and hopefully the following will occur:

1) They start to release them early next year.
2) They contain the original English dub that we all seem to love.
3) Contain Mono for those people on this board that hate the 5.1
4) I can be able to rent them via Netflix or Blockbuster.
:D
5) Hopefully they can get more than 30 in the future.

[Linn1]

this is it! Image is the company I've been talking about releasing these. Many of them will be the horror and exploitation films. A couple of things: They will start releasing next year. They are getting mono tracks and dubs for films that have them last I heard. And they are trying to get get Celestial to track down extras and cut scenes. I know they've got some interviews with some directors and cast members planned. If they sell well, they will get more. If you thought when IVL released these in Hong Kong was a tough year, next year will be a banner year for kung fu lovers with this, Eastern Star, Rarescope, etc. I don't know how I'm going to get all the releases! Well, actually I do, as I'll be working on many of them. :b

[killer meteor]

Awesome!

[magicpoe]

Thank you for confirming this.

Glad this was made a sticky thread.

As I stated above, let's do our best to support them.

This is a great opportunity to finally get some of the movies we love released the way we want them.

[Linn1]

all those fans that bought up the bootleg dvds do what they say and buy these legit releases. If not, this will be a short experiment.

[magicpoe]

You mean the Red Sun's with the old dub and the Celestial WS picture?

[cinemastrikesback]

Sweet! Is Image still releasing an uncut Human Lanterns?

[cinemastrikesback]

Also can you fill me in on the details of why 2006 will be such a great year? First I've heard of Eastern Star and Rarescope. I've slept some since my last visit here. Thats awesome news your working on them. Big congratulations that someone out there has finally realized Ric Meyers ain't all that and a bag of chips.

[killer meteor]

My poor wallet...

[yryewhygsdbndsx]

oh hell yeah!!!
i have alot of image stuff, they range from no frills cheapies to carefully researched treasures. image ,along with blue-underground,anchor bay,synapse,shriek show, and criterion never seem to let me down.so i guess i will be spending alot of money with image in the near future. this after scouring my chicago china towns for any of the old vhs shaw brothers tapes i could find, i used to have a golden rental spot that had all the shaws stuff you could imagine. but they closed damnit.i found one place that actually carries the celestial dvds, and vcds, and was just about to buy an all region dvd player, but screw it ill wait for these!!!

[magicpoe]

The press release refers to Heaven and Hell as a "martial arts classic."

Don't get me wrong I like Heaven and Hell just fine but I wouldn't call it a "martial arts classic."

Just thought it was funny.

Be nice to get this english dubbed along with original language and original trailer.

Also the Brave Archer movies.

[monk sante]

I have most of the celestial dvd's but I hope these guys release all of the shaw brothers popular classics.

I'll be waiting with my credit card at hand! :eek

[Ministry88]

Wow! This is the best news I've read all day! Man, is the day where I put on a fully uncut, beautifully restored BOXER'S OMEN nearly upon me? And even more lost Shaw Brothers horror treasures like BEWITCHED and CORPSE MANIA? :eek

[limubai2000]

My wallet and credit cards are cowering in fear...

I have to figure out how to explain this to the old lady... 30 more DVDs.

[cinemastrikesback]

This is also great for the average North American consumer that has blindly bought many of the washed out dubbed bootleg-esque kung fu films via the Best Buys (and elsewhere) to finally get a taste of a restored uncut kung fu film. I hope "Boxer From Shantung" gets thrown into the mix or just a recent Chen Kuan-tai interview.

[cinemastrikesback]

Ok Linn answered all my questions over here. Check the bottom of the thread. Some seriously cool additional info from LH:
s8.invisionfree.com/MHVF/...topic=3880 (http://s8.invisionfree.com/MHVF/index.php?showtopic=3880)

[Chinatown Kid]

I sure hope KID FROM KWANTUNG is in there, that is my most anticipated release of them all!

[killer meteor]

I hope Blood Brothers and Golden Swallow are in there

[Harlem Shaw]

Just get me a complete China Town Kid, and a House of Traps and i can die happy:D

[teako170]

Just get me a complete China Town Kid,
That would be interesting. If CK was one of their titles, I wonder if it would be the same version IVL released or the version we all grew to know. It would be nice if it were the latter, but somehow I doubt it

[Chinatown Kid]

I sure would like to see the international version get the Celestial treatment. The version they did release sure did lesson the dramatic impact of the film. And please include the words in cantonese to the opening song instead of just the music, it was quite catchy!

[killer meteor]

AFAIK, the international edit we all know IS the Hong Kong edit. The one on the Celestial DVDs is an alternate edit, presumbly for Taiwan or Malaysia

[justkungfuman]

Great News!!
Seen this movie at the drive-in theater as a teen.
I can replace my bad quality dub!! Yea!!:rollin :lol

[yryewhygsdbndsx]

so we get 30 titles, from image, but then we have a long wait till we get more i take it?depending on how well these titles sell?
so if i was a true shaw brothers fanatic, id have a region free dvd player to play my image titles and then still be able to buy the region 3 dvds that arent gonna be released,on the image label. hmmmmm ,makes sence.

[Linn1]

if they do well, they will buy thirty more. If sales suck by about the 20th release or so, they won't buy anymore. :( But if everyone that wanted corrected soundtracks gets these, then they should be fine. The FIRST thing I talked to them about was correct mono soundtracks (english and original) and they are really driven to get them. The only problem is, while Celestial owns the English dub tracks, they do not have them all in properly cared for elements. Sooo, I might have to do some hunting. :)

[sevenhooks]

Sooo, I might have to do some hunting.



Well let me know if you need help hunting!




(I'm serious too. I'll fly to Clearwater Bay on my own dime if need be)

[dbtb]

Well let me know if you need help hunting!



Take him up on it Linn- Sevenhooks is Mr. Audio

[Linn1]

Here's some of the titles coming soon:

www.kaijushakedown.com/20...haw_b.html (http://www.kaijushakedown.com/2005/11/go_image_shaw_b.html)

[magicpoe]

Hey, it's a start.

I'll say this, at least someone is making an effort to give us region 1 releases. I'll buy at least 8 or 10 of the ones listed

Truely uncut Human Lanterns and 16X9 enhanced transfer.

Thanks for the link.

[fusheng007]

Hey Linn

Will the ORIGINAL TRAILERS be included?

[Markgway]

Obviously I'll have to wait and see how each title compares to the IVL I have... but these five...

INTIMATE CONFESSIONS OF A CHINESE COURTESAN
THE WATER MARGIN
LEGENDARY WEAPONS OF CHINA
HAVE SWORD WILL TRAVEL
SHAOLIN INTRUDERS

Would be nice to have with original mono tracks.

I suppose it partly depends on how much tampering was done with the 5.1 audio.

[killer meteor]

Woah, that's a list to die for!

[jumper5836]

Good news! I will definitely pick up any of the Martial Arts/Action English dubbed titles.

[Linn1]

they won't be using the 5.1 audio tracks. EVERY effort (and I mean every) is going to be used to have the original mono soundtracks on there. As for trailers, not sure. I can say you'll see some things that have NEVER been seen before as far as extras. And I truly mean that. I'm extreamly excited about what they plan to do for the extras. If everything works out, you guys will love it.

[sevenhooks]

Looking at that list and reading that they plan to release 2 titles per month starting from April '06...
...that would lead me to believe that these are all the titles we'll see in '06.

[Linn1]

but I'm pretty sure the titles listed may not be the EXACT ones released.

[bobo]

will the english dub be available on the kung fu flicks ?i think this is the main question on everybodies mind.

[Shaolin Patriot]

Above all, I'm looking forward to what Image can provide regarding the special features. I'm sure plenty of extras exist; it's only a matter of researching and locating the master source material. There is actually a good documentary on the Shaw Bros. Studio called "Fist of Fire," which includes a good interview with David Chiang, audition sessions with some of the minor female supporting actresses and sound effects mixing. This documentary is actually found on some of the Ventura/Video Asia releases.

[Linn1]

please read a couple of posts above yours for the answer on dubs. As for docs, I've told Image about a few period docs they should look for, but there's more of a chance you'll see something new on these. The ball will REALLY get rolling at the end of this week.

[Markgway]

I'm not too pissed about the IVL titles that have bird-virus (I can't afford to buy them all again!) but ones which have new fight foley (and synth music) like LEGENDARY WEAPONS OF CHINA & SHAOLIN INTRUDERS (off-hand) will be worth the mono upgrade.

Linn, do you know if Image will be including the original languages? I mean, quite often companies supply just one Chinese option regardless of whether it's the right one! There's a mix of Mandarin and Cantonese films on that list.

[sevenhooks]

Linn, do you know if Image will be including the original languages? I mean, quite often companies supply just one Chinese option regardless of whether it's the right one! There's a mix of Mandarin and Cantonese films on that list.


That's an interesting question.

[sevenhooks]

To be clear, I plan to buy every release to support Image in their noble endeavor, but.....

From the 18 titles listed thus far, I can't help but think there's too much of a leaning towards the very early (read: slow-moving action) titles.
While obviously I'd personally prefer more titles from '77-on, I'm more concerned with the average kung fu buying public who might be looking for stuff with the speed of a Venoms filck and get The WATER MARGIN instead.
Like I said, I plan to BUY EVERY title to support Image with the hope that more titles will be released.
But I know the American kung fu market very well and I just think that most of these titles (with the exception of about 5 or so) are just too SLOW, and might ultimately translate into SLOW sales.
I mean, INTIMATE CONFESSIONS OF A CHINESE COURTESAN?
Just an opinion. What do you think?


(also, Linn, I understand from what you're saying that these 18 might not be the first 18 to be released)

[Linn1]

as I said, original audio, aka they should have the correct tracks Mark. And please note Seven, those are not all the titles. There's more post-75 titles on the way. Also, in the case of Intimate...I think they'd be well served to promote it as a classic Hong Kong film (which it is) and not just a kung fu film.

[Firecrane]

There will be some titles that I will purchase again, because I really liked the movie. But like Sevenhooks mentioned, as in the case of slow film's like INTIMATE CONFESSIONS OF A CHINESE COURTESAN, there are some titles that I'm content just to have it, than buy it again just because the film has the english dub.

[Linn1]

that most of these films have NEVER been out on legit (or otherwise) video in the US. And the ones that have, perhaps under different titles. That's a LOT of people that haven't seen these. I mean, hardcore kung fu fans make up a VERY small percentage of the average population. For instance, Intimate... wasn't well known to even the average kung fu fan until it came out on HK dvd. It would cross over well with the Japanese and Hong Kong film fan, as well as fans of world cinema in general. It's one of a handful that would have made wonderful Criterion releases IMO. And before anyone asks, I came in after the titles had already been picked, so I had no say in what they got. With that, there's still only a couple of titles I wouldn't have picked up right away ie as part of the first 30.

[Linn1]

that most of these films have NEVER been out on legit (or otherwise) video in the US. And the ones that have, perhaps under different titles. That's a LOT of people that haven't seen these. I mean, hardcore kung fu fans make up a VERY small percentage of the average population. For instance, Intimate... wasn't well known to even the average kung fu fan until it came out on HK dvd. It would cross over well with the Japanese and Hong Kong film fan, as well as fans of world cinema in general. It's one of a handful that would have made wonderful Criterion releases IMO. And before anyone asks, I came in after the titles had already been picked, so I had no say in what they got. With that, there's still only a couple of titles I wouldn't have picked up right away ie as part of the first 30.

[sevenhooks]

And please note Seven, those are not all the titles. There's more post-75 titles on the way. Also, in the case of Intimate...I think they'd be well served to promote it as a classic Hong Kong film (which it is) and not just a kung fu film.

I understand that. My mentioning of CHINESE CORTESAN was more of an aside.

It's just that with only 30 titles to start with, I'm worried that they're beginning with far too many older, slow-as-molasas films that could potentially end Image's Shaw experiment before it really has a chance to start.

THE WATER MARGIN
VENGEANCE IS A GOLDEN BLADE
HAVE SWORD WILL TRAVEL
MONKEY GOES WEST
CAVE OF THE SILKEN WEB
WANDERING SWORDSMAN
BELLS OF DEATH

That's more than a third of the initial 18 titles.

I'm just saying, it's too bad that with SO MANY FAR BETTER EXAMPLES in the Shaw catalog, and with such a comparitively small amount of titles to start with, that they couldn't have acquired better titles than that.
I mean, I could pick 10 titles right now for EACH of those 7 I've listed that I KNOW would easily outsell them.
(and if you'd care to indulge me, just say the word)

I only pray their initial sales are good enough to where we have a chance to see more.

I guess that's really all I'm saying.


:(

I mean, hardcore kung fu fans make up a VERY small percentage of the average population.


So is that to suggest that Image might be looking to a market other than kung fu fans for these films?

THE WATER MARGIN
VENGEANCE IS A GOLDEN BLADE
HAVE SWORD WILL TRAVEL
MONKEY GOES WEST
CAVE OF THE SILKEN WEB
WANDERING SWORDSMAN
BELLS OF DEATH

If so, I'd be interested to know who they are.

If not, I'm afraid these are just going to be too slow for the average consumer.

[Linn1]

It's just that with only 30 titles to start with, I'm worried that they're beginning with far too many older, slow-as-molasas films that could potentially end Image's Shaw experiment before it really has a chance to start.

I understand that and agree to a point. While I think all of them are pretty good/fun films, we all had no say in the titles of course.

So is that to suggest that Image might be looking to a market other than kung fu fans for these films?

Um, I realize that we all want these to do well, and I'm not arguing with you. I do not talk for Image, I work indepedently for a reason. My point was that you can not ONLY gear all of these films towards kung fu fans, as that would perhaps make them mad at the series as a whole. If you sell these as action packed kung fu films, people will buy them and perhaps feel cheated. They DO have these titles, so they now they have to sell them. How would you do it Seven, if not trying to find other audences that would also be interested in them? I think I MIGHT sell it as simply the "Shaw Brothers Collection," with all the different genres there instead of making some sort of kung fu line, which this won't be. But I have no say in what they do in the end.

But for instance, the "Monkey" films would work well with the Mondo Macabro crowd who like crazy fantasy films, they would enjoy those more than the average joe or even the kung fu lover. I'm not saying leave out the kung fu fan, but market it in addition to the kung fu fan. I would take the films and release two a month alternating between genres and time period. In other words, have a film like Legendary Weapons...connected with a "lesser" title. That way, instead of releasing all the "good" stuff at once, and running out of these films, you carry them throughout the whole collection. So if one doesn't sell well, the other one picks you up. It was this idea that HKL never got. They released all their Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee titles all at once and then couldn't release the older films because they were afraid they wouldn't make the money of the Chan films. Had they alternated, they could have released the older films and the Lee and Chan films would have picked up the slack.

But in a way, this is the same problem that companies have argued with about Shaw Brothers films for years. Everyone wants the kung fu stuff, but anything else would be to slow or wouldn't be understood by the average viewer. At this point, the films are there, the idea is to figure out how to sell them to the public.

[sevenhooks]

Um, I realize that we all want these to do well, and I'm not arguing with you. I do not talk for Image, I work indepedently for a reason.


Sorry if I came off as contentious in any way.
It makes me wonder though exactly what the process was for Image when acquiring these specific titles.
Did they choose them? And if so, by what if any method did they go about in making their selections.
Or was it a case of Celestial saying in effect, "Here's what we're offering to you right now as a package - take it or leave it."



My point was that you can not ONLY gear these films towards kung fu fans, as that would perhaps make them mad at the series as a whole. If you sell these as action packed kung fu films, people will buy them and perhaps feel cheated. They DO have these titles, so they now they have to sell them. How would you do it, if not trying to find other audences that would also be interested in them? For instance, the "Monkey" films would work well with the Mondo Macabro crowd who like crazy fantasy films, they would enjoy those more than the average joe or even the kung fu lover.

Okay, that makes sense.
Although I can't help but detect a hint of ominous resignation in what you say.
Again, I just hope they sell well.


This is the same problem that companies have argued with swordplay films for years ie that they are too slow or can't be understood by the average viewer.


Yeah, I've heard the swordplay argument over the years too.
As I'm sure I remember you pointing out in the past, I tend to think that many of the Shaw sword pictures COULD do well here under the right circumstances.
And some of those titles I mentioned do in fact fall under that sub-genre - it's just that there are SO many better titles, even in that sub-genre.

Ah well, you work with what you have.



At this point, the films are there, the idea is to sell them to the public.


Ah well, you work with what you have.


:D

[Holy Robe of Shaolin]

Looks like I'll have to postphone my girlfriend's engagement ring for another year!

[gfanikf]

I can speak from experience those Monkey films are great I had the VCD set of all 3 till I gave it to SC. I cant wait till those pop up absoluetly wonderful films. I wonder if it will be dubbed that series would be great to hear with regulars.

Linn any idea if the Shaws ever had the Monkey trilogy or any film in it dubbed?

[killer meteor]

Interesting points about HKL - notice how often they now reissue stuff in boxsets. They do a lot of good work mind, but not very much if you're a old school fan - Legend of a Fighter, anyone?

[chen lung]

Would be good to make sure they are supplied with true anamorphic sources and making sure the DVDs are flagged progressive.

5.1 audio would be good for the defaulting original theatrical soundtrack if it was remixed sensibly by Image themselves (I.E. Mei Ah).

Perhaps by now, Celestial have found better materials for some movies and superior restoration equipment that can remove blobs and the infamous stains.

It's a shame Miramax have quite a lot of the MA ones but with scissorhands away, they maybe treated with respect:eek !

Thanks as ever, for the info Linn:) !

[killer meteor]

"5.1 audio would be good for the defaulting original theatrical soundtrack if it was remixed sensibly by Image themselves (I.E. Mei Ah)."

Nah, mono's good enough

[yryewhygsdbndsx]

why is everyone so concerned about english dubs?i would rather have the chinese soundtracks with sub's then have the goofy british accents.

[TheManInWhite]

"why is everyone so concerned about english dubs?i would rather have the chinese soundtracks with sub's then have the goofy british accents."

To nip this in the bud before we have another dubs vs. subs blowup, people (like myself) were introduced to these films thru those "goofy british accents" in the theaters and on TV. Call it nostalgic, call it set in our ways but that's how some of us prefer it. If you only like subs, that's great. In fact, I'm totally for subs since all the films weren't made with English dubs. Nonetheless, if dubs are available, I'm grabbing those.

[Senor Quack]

I'd also like to add that while the subs are "passable" on the R3 Celestials, some of them have been pretty bad. In addition to the English dubs, improved English subtitles would be another reason to buy. Not necessarily enough to make me double dip mind you, but if there are R3 titles I've held off on, I'd be much more likely to buy the R1 version if there was a chance of improved subtitles.

[bobo]

i have about 150 kung fu movies all of which are english dubs and i love them that way.call them hokey or cheesey or whatever but thats the way i prefer them. it was always fun making some dumb sounding quote from kungfu movies. the only oriental language one i have is KILLER CLANS and i hope to someday get an english dub version of that. i can just imagine the voices and how cool it would be to hear them. maybe KILLER CLANS will make the image list. lets hope:lol

[chen lung]

You're probably right James :) . But still, it would be a nice option to have if the materials are used sensibly and remain faithful to their ansestor;) .

[ironfistedmonk2003]

I think 7 is just expressing his concern that the older style of film making (not just Shaw Brothers) wont sell too well in todays market. I dont see people rushing out to buy Hitchcock films and putting them top of the best sellers list even though the guys films are considered all time classics. Whether he likes or dislikes the older films is irrelevant, what he is worried about is that alot of the titles are "old" style film making and if they dont sell then region 1 releases could dry up.

Yes the earlier films had better storylines but the storytelling back in the day was slow, I have the same problem with some of the older films dragging in places, I have a problem with the newer films moving at 100 mph too but that is what the new generation seems to like and that is the market most media seems to be geared to these days. I'm sure 7 and everyone else on here hopes that these films sell millions and we see a resurgance in Kung Fu/Hong Kong action cinema, its not about taking cheap shots at all.

[David G Rees]

As long as they are marketed right and the specs are good they should sell ok.
Just dont make the mistake Momentum made in the UK of sub par releases, i.e. non-anamorphic, no English dubs, no extras and high prices.
As a sidenote does anybody know if they plan to release anymore they have been silent on the issue?

[David G Rees]

No, i was refering to Momentum releasing more titles.....

[ToothbrushFu]

Since Momentum have removed all mention of their Shaw Bros titles from their website I'm guessing they've given up on them.

[sevenhooks]

No, i was refering to Momentum releasing more titles.....


Oh. They're finished. Have been for a minute now I think.

[mr HKmovie]

I have a Southgate original VHS of Bells of Death that I have been trying to sell for YEARS! I somehow doubt it will be a big seller on DVD here in the U.S.
And I've been to screenings of the older ('60s) Shaw "classics". Many people just laugh at them and complain about how slow they are. If you were outside the screening room you would think people were watching a bad comedy.

[Yakuza954]

I have a Southgate original VHS of Bells of Death that I have been trying to sell for YEARS! I somehow doubt it will be a big seller on DVD here in the U.S.
And I've been to screenings of the older ('60s) Shaw "classics". Many people just laugh at them and complain about how slow they are. If you were outside the screening room you would think people were watching a bad comedy. This is why movies like Charlies Angels: Full Throttle and Shrek 2 rule the American Box Office.

[FarEastPirate]

WHATS WITH @#%$ LIKE MONKEY GOES WEST.
tell Image to release House Of traps, kid with the golden arm & Chinese Super Ninjas.


Dont waste time on crap like that

[sevenhooks]

I have a Southgate original VHS of Bells of Death that I have been trying to sell for YEARS! I somehow doubt it will be a big seller on DVD here in the U.S.
And I've been to screenings of the older ('60s) Shaw "classics". Many people just laugh at them and complain about how slow they are. If you were outside the screening room you would think people were watching a bad comedy. <!--EZCODE QUOTE START--><blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>This is why movies like Charlies Angels: Full Throttle and Shrek 2 rule the American Box <hr></blockquote><!--EZCODE QUOTE END-->


I'm sure you'd agree that this sort of reaction is certainly not unique to America.
I'd say it's even worse in HK right now with nearly every film being marketed towards
the teeny bopper set in some way, shape or form.
That said, Mr. HKmovie is correct in his assessment.
And whether he's referring to US or HK audiences, the response will no doubt be the same, generally speaking.


(ps... I hope somebody over at Image is reading these posts)

[Linn1]

and can say the dvds will have untouched audio and the films that have dub tracks will have dub tracks. If you've ever seen the films dubbed, you'll see them again. As for this:

WHATS WITH @#%$ LIKE MONKEY GOES WEST.
tell Image to release House Of traps, kid with the golden arm & Chinese Super Ninjas.

It's because another company owns those. To be blunt, fans should be happy with the ones they are getting. They could be getting nothing and waiting for a company who doesn't give a damn about the films to release these titles at some "later date." The folks running this arm of IMAGE, HATE the audio tracks and will get the originals anyway they have to.

And I want to point out, I completely see Seven's point. To spell it out, you all know I love these films, but it WOULD have been smarter business to have gotten more of the "faster" kung fu films IMO. But Image were looking at getting a good cross section of Shaw Brothers films, not just kung fu. As such, I think the accomplished what they were looking to do, as this is a nice sampler of the Shaws output. And to be clear, I'm not saying every film here has to sell like gang busters for them to make money and get more. The films were bought as a package, so if Hex doesn't sell well, but Legendary Weapons...does, then that's great.

[Markgway]

Maybe HEX will sell better than LEGENDARY WEAPONS?

There's a lot of horror buffs out there...

[David G Rees]

You two obviously will never agree so can we get back on subject?

[TheManInWhite]

For the sake of everyone else who is interested in the forthcoming Image releases, these posts will be removed. Sorry guys! You can slug it out in the General Interest section if you wish or just set up a pay-per-view bout. :lol

[kenichiku]

I'm sure you'd agree that this sort of reaction is certainly not unique to America. I'd say it's even worse in HK right now with nearly every film being marketed towards
the teeny bopper set in some way, shape or form. That said, Mr. HKmovie is correct in his assessment. And whether he's referring to US or HK audiences, the response will no doubt be the same, generally speakingSorry for butting in but having screened some of these old films in three continents, I'd say you guys are accurate if they were gearing Shaws to commerical mulitiplexes for the Pavlovian youth demographic, but I'd like to think Image is not, given their past approach with the laser video product back in the days before DVD, when laserdiscs were a boutique collector's hobby, before they became mainstream like VHS and all the majors caught on. As a collector, do you know I still spin Image's big platter LDs of Russell's 'Gothic', Allen's 'Hannah & Her Sisters' and Gosha's 'The Wolves' every 3 years or so ever since they were first released? (I'm sure their execs would approve).

There are other cultural and historical significance that contribute to the goodwill of that title that these video outfits have banked their faith in. I think the less popular but more engaging titles of that same era can share the same goodwill on video to the guaranteed old fans and new ones if they are given the opportunity to rediscover them. Here in Region one, folks don't buy DVDs the way they're haggled and hawked about off the sidewalk like fresh fish or fake Rolexes along the dense streets of Mongkok. I like to think we are more discriminating than that but we do appreciate and purchase when we are catered correctly and not pandered to impersonally like robot consumers, with or without the value of the purchase. Image just has to curate, package, present and market them accordingly, especially when they're out to win over the new fan. Their success will correlate with the product's inherent merits, add crossover and 'legs' potential (fueled by media and blogs like us).

If their past were any indication, I think Image would like to capture mainstream numbers but they may be more successful attacking the niche academic, arthouse or festival movie-going market which happens to be a more mature stay-at-home bunch now (the Region 1 demographic is living and spending longer) with an empty nest, 3 beds, 2 baths, a Honda, an SUV & sacks of peat moss leaning against the garage, 2.4 TVs & a PC in their house, cocker spaniel optional. Having screened revivals myself of old obscure Japanese Chambara or exploitation films over here the past 20 years usually sponsored by Indie theatres, Universities or groups like the Japan Society or American Cinematheque and then having the experience of video outfits like Image, Criterion, Fantoma, Tokyo Shock or HVE/Janus release them in Region 1 (and I've bought a ton of them the past 10 years) actually gives me hope for the Celestial product, especially for older titles like 'Bells of Death', 'Temptress of 1000 Faces' or 'Cave of the Silken Web'. I mean, there's specialty titles for every fan base on DVD here in Region 1. If they can release diverse 60s films such as Fukusaku's 'Black Rose Mansion', Fodorosky's 'Fando & Lis' or Ginsberg's 'Coming Apart' here in Region 1, then I'm ever the more hopeful for Shaws in Region 1.

Do any of you think sacrilege if you dare dismiss 'Seven Samurai' action as sloppy with no technique just because it's been declared a classic? How about 'Come Drink With Me'? Then I'll do it for you, they're f**king sleepwalks if not for their cultural status thru the ages by those narrow standards! Shaws films don't carry the same weight as Kurosawa but they're in similar neighborhoods. If Image just does it right, me and properly courted uninformed others like me will still buy a ton more, slow fighting and all.

[gram]

[GwaiLoMoFo]

I am looking forward to ANY of the Shaw releases from Image. Unfortunately, Im not sure if the sales will be be enough to support Image buying another batch of titles. Ive had this discussion many times in the chatroom with other members numerous times. Maybe its just the area of the country I live in (Northwest), but Ive never met anybody personally who even knows who the Shaw Brothers are. I pray that I am 100% wrong, and its just my location. And it will also depend on how much Image plans to sell these titles for. Fox started releasing the better known Jackie and Sammo films (and others) with @ 4 titles every few months under $10. And the only thing theye released in a looong time is the Bruce boxset. I now see the Fox titles in clearance & bargain bins for like $5 everywhere. Were the sales that bad?

It's because another company owns those.

I dont think he understands what you mean by that Linn. If you know what I mean.;)

[Markgway]

The Fox films were put out cheap because they didn't cost anything rights wise. So really Fox could charge whatever they want and still make some profit. Many more titles have beem passed by the MPAA and will hopefully be out sooner rather than later.

[GwaiLoMoFo]

The Fox films were put out cheap because they didn't cost anything rights wise. So really Fox could charge whatever they want and still make some profit.

Good point. But my concern is more from the American consumer standpoint. Image will odviously have to charge much more to make a profit, and Im not sure if the average consumer will pay over $20 for these films. Obviously fanatics like us will, but will that be enough. I mentioned Fox because I kinda assumed that they stopped putting titles out because sales were down (not up to expectations). And if that was the case, one could reason that Image could easily run into the same problem. Especially if they have a more expensive and not as well known catalog of films. Not as widely popular or well known as Jackie and Sammo films. Im concerned support from fans alone will not make a big enough dent in the bottom line. Then again Ive always wondered how Criterion continues to be successful releasing these not as well known Samurai films for $30-$40 (hell they get me from time to time :lol ). Hopefully Im way off in my assumptions with Fox and they will continue to release these classics. And Image will follow suit and be a great success as well.

[bobo]

hi. i for one will gladly purchase kungfu tittles such as VENGEANCE IS A GOLDEN BLADE -DEADLY BREAKING SWORD -BIG BROTHER CHENG - HAVE SWORD WILL TRAVEL etc if they are remastered and available with the english dub from IMAGE. maybe if some of these tittles do well it will get miramax off their butts and release a few tittles as well.afterall from what i understand at least 150 or more shaw kungfu movies had english dubs and miramax has only 50 or so. so lets get as many as possible released and quite all the whineing.:lol >: :lol

[Linn1]

as for pricing, I can safely say they won't be above $20, and from what I understand, instore prices will be something around $15.



maybe if some of these tittles do well it will get miramax off their butts and release a few tittles as well.afterall from what i understand at least 150 or more shaw kungfu movies had english dubs and miramax has only 50 or so. so lets get as many as possible released and quite all the whineing.

Not really, Merryaxe didn't buy the soundtracks from Celestial as of about six months ago. Their plan was to create new English dubs supposedly and not have to pay the extra for any soundtracks. The move shocked Celestial, but not me. :)

[bobo]

you know i don,t think i,d mind them putting english dub to the movies that were never dubbed. but i,d like to keep the classic dubs the way they were.

[Johnnie freeze]

It's just that with only 30 titles to start with, I'm worried that they're beginning with far too many older, slow-as-molasas films that could potentially end Image's Shaw experiment before it really has a chance to start.

I totally agree! When I first saw the list of Shaws to be released I thought "there are way too many super old, super slow moving flicks on this list!". I wouldn'tve worried too much if these were just a warm up, but it seems more like a test, as if these don't sell big than the rest of them won't be released. Under these circumstances I don't know if putting out all the less desirable [or at least less known to the masses] titles is so smart.

[sevenhooks]

Shaws films don't carry the same weight as Kurosawa but they're in similar neighborhoods.


Really? I didn't realize they were even in the same state!!


If Image just does it right, me and properly courted uninformed others like me will still buy a ton more, slow fighting and all.


I certainly hope so.

[drunkenmantis13]

I totally agree! When I first saw the list of Shaws to be released I thought "there are way too many super old, super slow moving flicks on this list!". I wouldn'tve worried too much if these were just a warm up, but it seems more like a test, as if these don't sell big than the rest of them won't be released. Under these circumstances I don't know if putting out all the less desirable [or at least less known to the masses] titles is so smart.

Well there's still some great titles in the list. So if the slower and older ones sells badly but the good titles most people want does great, Image will realise this and might go for more of what sells simply! ;)

[jfinesse2000]

Don't know if I've missed it, but has any release date been announced yet?

[Linn1]

but sometime around Feb/March was what I've been told. ;)

[Mantis FIST]

Linn when is our board gonna get a world exclusive and have the other 12 titles announced? Just tell me men from the monastary. Since Celestial is taking so damn long to release it. That actually brings me to a question? ARe any of the films that Image and MM own titles that have not been released by IVl to this point?

Thanks!

[Linn1]

you'll get a world exclusive about another company in a couple of weeks. ;) And I'll see what I can do about the rest of the titles. And as for you questions, Men... aren't on the Image list and yes, Image have some things not released by IVL yet.

[killer meteor]

I noticed that Image has The Water Margin and that got me wondering; is there any chance that as an extra we could get the US version, 7 Blows Of The Dragon, which I'm told has extra scenes specially shot for US release

[m burlock]

I'll get ANY and ALL martial arts titles Image releases regardless of what "speed" they are!!

Excuse me for not being knowledgeable about Shaw Bro.s films but, besides: Legendary Weapons of China, Vengeance is a Golden Blade, The Deadly Breaking Sword, Big Brother Cheng, and Have Sword Will Travel, what other ones on the list of 18 are martial arts films? I'd be REALLY grateful if anyone could tell me. Thanks!!



m burlock

[Linn1]

I noticed that Image has The Water Margin and that got me wondering; is there any chance that as an extra we could get the US version, 7 Blows Of The Dragon, which I'm told has extra scenes specially shot for US release

IF all goes well, you'll be VERY happy! ;)

[killer meteor]

If Image was a woman, I'd kiss her! Let's hope she's not like Celestial which looks good but the audio, cuts etc. are the digital version of syphilis!

[sevenhooks]

Let's hope she's not like Celestial which looks good but the audio, cuts etc. are the digital version of syphilis!

Wow. Now THAT'S funny!!
I'll have to remember that one.

[limubai2000]

From Kaiju Shakedown -

GO IMAGE! SHAW BROTHERS DVD DETAILS

Shaw Brothers logoImage Entertainment has shared with us 18 of the titles (probably the first ones they'll release) in their recent 30 film deal with Celestial to re-release the Shaw Brothers classics in the US.

INTIMATE CONFESSIONS OF A CHINESE COURTESAN - Image wanted to do a new transfer of this one because some info is missing from the top of the Region 3 disc, but the original print is too damaged to do anything with. Still...
THE WATER MARGIN
THE MAGIC BLADE - lots of folks said that the best thing about the Celestial re-issues was the discovery of director Chor Yuen and a new appreciation for his work. And most of them claimed THE MAGIC BLADE was one of his best movies (although I prefer INTIMATE CONFESSIONS OF A CHINESE COURTESAN, which provided the plot for Clarence Fok's later, legendary NAKED KILLER)
LEGENDARY WEAPONS OF CHINA - considered one of the classic Shaw movies. There have been complaints that the Celestial disc has some awkward new foley effects, but it's reasonable to assume that Image might be taking these off.
VENGEANCE IS A GOLDEN BLADE - cult director, Ho Meng-hua, does a swordplay epic.
SHAOLIN INTRUDERS - I don't know much about this 1983 Shaw production but it stars Derek Yee, who just directed ONE NIGHT IN MONGKOK.
THE WANDERING SWORDSMAN
THE DEADLY BREAKING SWORD
BELLS OF DEATH
SUPER INFRAMAN - the delirious cult classic sci fi film finally on a Region 1 DVD. There will be dancing!
BIG BROTHER CHENG - bloody urban action starring the underrated Chen Kuan-tai.
HEAVEN AND HELL - this flick starts out with massively weird musical numbers/martial arts battles and then moves on to a sort of "Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers Guide to Buddhism" starring the Five Venoms.
THE KILLER SNAKES - this lurid and depraved Hong Kong roughie about a guy who uses snakes to kill is a masterpiece of sleaze and Image will be doing a new 16x9 transfer for their DVD.
HUMAN LANTERNS - I'll be the first to admit that some Shaw Brothers cult classics sort of sucked once you actually saw them, but HUMAN LANTERNS paid off in every way. This movie is absolutely great but one of the biggest complaints was that the Celestial DVD was an edited version of the movie. Not so the Image DVD which will do a new 16x9 transfer of the uncut original. (here's a long review which includes info on the edits that will presumably be restored)
BLACK MAGIC - Ho Meng-hua's crunky, gruesome horror flick.
HAVE SWORD WILL TRAVEL
MONKEY GOES WEST
CAVE OF THE SILKEN WEB - this and MONKEY GOES WEST are parts 1 and 3 of Shaw's adaptation of Journey to the West and they are mighty fine fantasy kung fu flicks, especially the spider vixen filled SILKEN WEB.

The Image discs will (hopefully) start releasing in April 2006 and there will be two per month. April will probably see the release of SUPER INFRAMAN with the other title to be determined. Not only will each disc feature all the extras from the Celestial discs, but there will be new special features that Image is keeping mum about for the time being.

---

I've been checking Amazon because they carry all the Image titles, for the pre-order and nothing is listed as of today. (The Super Inframan up there now is from a Z-shop and its an IVL/Celestial). I also went so far as to check the Image site and no Shaw titles are listed for March or April.

I would think next month (Feb) they should be up for pre-order and Image should start promoting them some kind of way, or at least I hope they would promote them.

Fearless Fighters from Image was up for pre-order about 60 days before release.

[HAZ74]

Any updates as to release dates? Its the end of feb & I haven't seen any pre-orders. Image better get going! soon its gonna be spring & I'm gonna be outside, not watching DVD's!:b

[Kung Fu Zombie]

I just scoured throught Images website and found these release dates

Black Magic 9-12-06
Boxers Omen 11-21-06
Intimate Confessions of a Chinese Courtesan 12-05-06
The Magic Blade 11-07-06
Super Inframan 10-03-06
The Water Margin 10-17-06

That's all I found listed.

[Kung Fu Zombie]

p081.ezboard.com/fkungfuf...81&stop=92 (http://p081.ezboard.com/fkungfufandomfrm24.showMessageRange?topicID=4128.t opic&start=81&stop=92)

Woops, I knew it was to good to be true that I found info here before somebody else. Got confused by the redundant threads.

[angryguest]

Found Black Magic release date 9/12 as stated above in
reel.com:


www.reel.com/reel.asp?nod...comingsoon (http://www.reel.com/reel.asp?node=dvd/comingsoon)

[m burlock]

PLEASE tell me where I can find a UP TO DATE and ACCURATE and COMPLETE list (including R1 RELEASE DATES) of ALL Shaw Bro.s martial arts titles that have been released and will be released by Image Entertainment in R1. Thank-you.



mburlock

[chen lung]

Don't want to jump the gun but HK Flix lists 'Mandarin' for this film. Is this correct or another mistake like 'Boxers Omen'?

[killer meteor]

It should be Cantonese. I think all of Lau's films from Dirty Ho onwards are Cantonese - though Martial Arts of Shaolin is a bit of an exception

[vengeanceofhumanlanterns]

Hi Linn,

Just was curious as to whether the translations for english subtitles were redone for the Image releases or are they the same as Celestials?

Hope this question wasn't already answered.

[bobo]

some future image shaw releases :BELLS OF DEATH-july/3----DEADLY BREAKING SWORD-nov/6----KILLER SNAKES- dec/4. no conformation yet if the english dubs are included.

[Stuntman Jules]

What the hell happened to INTIMATE CONFESSIONS OF A CHINESE COURTESAN?

[Bidou Laloge]

does linn1 the guy telling us image will have the best shaw dvds lmao, he should repay me my money

[chen lung]

He is merely trying to help the situation by providing info/sources (he doesn't work for them), only Image aren't bothering and what's more, their Celestial contract is dumb (so many limits and bitchyness).

[Blas]

This has probably been asked before, but...

DD is going to release Heroes of the East, right?

[Blas]

Heh, just got an email from Mr. Bey Logan...

"Hi Blas, yes, it's a great film (I was asking him about Call me Dragon, btw...Blas), let me see who has the rights, i'm prepping the Heroes Of The East commentary now. best, Bey"

Yay! :D

[The Little Dragon]

does anyone know if any distributor is going to release these movies apart from the bootleg company panmedia and are there any new distributors willing to release sb movies besides Dragon Dynasty, Media Blasters, BCI and Image

these movies im looking for

Men From the Monastery
Shaolin Martial Arts
Disciples of Shaolin
The Spiritual Boxer
The New Shaolin Boxers
Chinatown Kid
The Brave Archer 2
The Shadow Boxing
The Kid with the Golden Arm
The Daredevils
The Magnificent Ruffians
Five Super Fighters
The Fighting Fool
The Kid with a Tattoo
The Rebel Intruders
Legend of the Fox
The Boxer From the Temple
Coward Bastard
The Brave Archer 3
The Sword Stained with Royal Blood
Masked Avengers
Lion vs. Lion
My Rebellious Son
Cat vs. Rat
The Treasure Hunters
Kid From Kwantung
House of Traps
Ode to Gallantry
Shaolin Intruders
The Master Strikes Back
The Young Vagabond

thanks for the help

[bruiselee]

Image has released Shaolin Intruders already and has House of Traps coming out in September. Haven't heard anything about the other titles. Well Go USA is another company mentioned on here that will be releasing some Shaw titles.

[Chinatown Kid]

I'll be hoping a remastered international version of Chinatown Kid is in the works from one of these companies....

[The Little Dragon]

Image has released Shaolin Intruders already and has House of Traps coming out in September. Haven't heard anything about the other titles. Well Go USA is another company mentioned on here that will be releasing some Shaw titles.

im a dub fan im collecting all legit shaw titles that are coming out with english dub i really hope that after releasing the titles that Media Blasters currently has they will go on and just like Celestial release the martial arts movies from Shaw Brothers for the region 1 market with english dub that would be a dream coming true;)

of course the other titles that Dragon Dynasty do not have the rights to the list above im looking for i wanted to email them with this request but dont have their email anyone has their mail address?

thanks for the help

[wudangimmortal]

-can some1 post a list of the recently re-released shaw titles in the past few months up to now? id really appreciate it, gonna hit up best buy this weekend need to know what to look for :D

[magicpoe]

A nice sample from the past few months:

Dragon Dynasty:
Heroes of the East
Come Drink with Me


Media Blasters:
Heroes Two
The Master
Challenge of the Master (Might be on the shelf by now)


Well Go Usa:
Two Champions of Shaolin
Brothers Five

Image:
Bat Without Wings
The Magic Blade
Human Skin Lanterns
Intimate Confessions of a Chinese Courtesan

[wudangimmortal]

nice, thank you brother :D

[inframan]

Hope this isnt a re-post but I was looking a Dragon Dynasty on the web and found their wikipedia page has a list of copyrights that they supposedly have obtained the licenses to distribute:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_Dynasty

There are some great movies on that list!

[Morgoth]

A lot of people know about that list, but there are always new people coming to this forum so it is a good idea to repost it. Sadly I think Dragon Dynasty is done releasing older movies. At least that's the way it seems to me:(

[Black Dragon]

Just picked up House of Traps (English dub, yay), Challenge of The Master and The Master today. Well Go, the company that put out 2 Champions, has a 80's fantasy type movie called Journey of The Doomed with a small Kara Hui apperance. It's a strange flick but for those who want them all, eh.

[wilma]

thanks

[DeathFuMaster]

Anyone know when The Chinese Super Ninja release by Media Blasters will come out?

[PureKF]

Good stuff.
Amazon has two shaw titles up for pre-order:

Five Deadly Venoms (Release Date: Aug 18, 2009 Studio: Dragon Dynasty)
Flag of Iron (Release Date: Aug 25, 2009 Studio: Tokyo Shock)

Nice to see they are releasing great titles for Region 1.

[niro]

ya when i picked up my interest in the genre again last week it was a nice surprise to learn five deadly venoms was finally going to see a proper release

[PureKF]

Yep. For Chinese Super Ninjas - it's slated for October 27, 2009. (Under the title: Five Element Ninjas)

I just posted up a thread which has as many SB releases as I found. Name of thread: Shaw Brothers - North American Releases.

Patiently counting down the days for that one. One of the best SB films ever.

[kungpowmaster]

I was reading through this thread, and it seems a few DVDs have been released where the box does not make mention of an English dub, but one does exist on it. From what I have read here, Image's Legendary Weapons of China does have the dub.

Do any of the films of the Four Swords set have an unlisted dub too?
Is there is list of DVDs that have an unlisted English dub?

I prefer the old school dubs, but I can get along with subs too, but I think a "definitive" edition would have everything that can be found, even if it's not the best quality.

I was so mad when I bought NoShame's Last Days of Mussolini, because the case said it had the English dub, along with Italian, and then a message is on the screen saying they didn't include the dub because it was not accurate, that's BS. I wanted to play this film for my father, but he doesn't get on well with subs, and wow, that movie is like reading a novel.

[FUNi Rep Rojas]

Howdy guys. I'm Rojas, a representative from FUNimation. I just wanted to let you know about the Shaw Brothers acquisition below. If you have any questions, you can find me at blog.FUNimation.com (http://blog.funimation.com) or shoot me an email at feedback@funimation.com. And don't forget to watch the trailer below. :wink:

Flower Mound, TX – January 4, 2010 – FUNimation® Entertainment announced today that it now has U.S. home video distribution rights to 15 live action films from Celestial Filmed Entertainment, Inc.®’s expansive film collection featuring films by those known as “the Kung Fu masters”: the Shaw Brothers

FUNimation will release “Sword of Swords”, “The Duel”, “The Lady Hermit” , “The 14 Amazons”, “Shaolin Hand Lock”, “Invincible Shaolin”, “Soul of the Sword”, “Life Gamble”, “Shaolin Rescuers”, “Shaolin Prince”, “Bastard Swordsman”, “Opium and The Kung Fu Master”, “The Supreme Swordsman”, “Return of Bastard Swordsman” and “Hong Kong Godfather”.

FUNimation Entertainment is bringing these films to DVD in 2010 and 2011.

http://blog.funimation.com/2010/01/2010-roll-out-riot-day-1-of-5-hong-kong-connection/

47PtCeREAhM

[HAZ]

Howdy guys. I'm Rojas, a representative from FUNimation. I just wanted to let you know about the Shaw Brothers acquisition below. If you have any questions, you can find me at blog.FUNimation.com (http://blog.funimation.com) or shoot me an email at feedback@funimation.com. And don't forget to watch the trailer below. :wink:

Flower Mound, TX – January 4, 2010 – FUNimation® Entertainment announced today that it now has U.S. home video distribution rights to 15 live action films from Celestial Filmed Entertainment, Inc.®’s expansive film collection featuring films by those known as “the Kung Fu masters”: the Shaw Brothers

FUNimation will release “Sword of Swords”, “The Duel”, “The Lady Hermit” , “The 14 Amazons”, “Shaolin Hand Lock”, “Invincible Shaolin”, “Soul of the Sword”, “Life Gamble”, “Shaolin Rescuers”, “Shaolin Prince”, “Bastard Swordsman”, “Opium and The Kung Fu Master”, “The Supreme Swordsman”, “Return of Bastard Swordsman” and “Hong Kong Godfather”.

FUNimation Entertainment is bringing these films to DVD in 2010 and 2011.

http://blog.funimation.com/2010/01/2010-roll-out-riot-day-1-of-5-hong-kong-connection/

47PtCeREAhM

Wow! Thanks for posting. That's an impressive list. I hope your email box doesn't fill up too fast :wink:

[tdb]

No surprises here; it's a rescue of BCI's Shaw titles. It's still very welcome. Maybe if they sell well enough Funi will get some fresh titles from Celestial.

[kungpowmaster]

Maybe they will release:
Ultraman: Towards The Future
and:
Ultraman: The Ultimate Hero

And the dubbed series of Ultra 7, and Spectreman

I know it's OT, but hoping he reads this.

[DeathFuMaster]

Glad to see a rep here to give us information on this. I can't wait to see these on DVD here in the US. Hopefully Funimation will release more afterward.

[The Running Man]

People, please send an email to the Funimation address noted above and let them know to re-do the English subtitles on these releases and to also do them based on the official Chinese dialect track for the movies since not only do Celestial's English subs leave a lot to be desired, but they always base them on the Mandarin tracks regardless if it is the official track or not.

Please guys, strength is in numbers and if enough people demand it it will be done.

[DeathFuMaster]

Return of the One Armed Swordsman is up for preorder at amazon with a May 4 release date....It says its released by Vivendi, isnt that Dragon Dynasty?

http://www.amazon.com/Return-One-Armed-Swordsman-Jimmy-Wang/dp/B00368PSJQ/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1264900526&sr=8-12

[Fang Shih-yu]

Vivendi and Dragon Dynasty seem to be one and the same; that's how I gathered from pre-released info on "36th Chamber" sequel and Blu-ray "36th Chamber". How about if Image has any more Shaw reissues coming? Last I saw via their website, there doesn't appear to be any within the immediate future. What's the word on the street?