HOME VIDEO: Media Blasters’ SB classics

Media Blasters has joined Image Entertainment and Dragon Dynasty in bringing newly re-mastered Shaw Brothers classics to home video in the U.S. This week sees the release of THE MASTER, Media Blasters’ second SB kung fu classic after HEROES TWO arrived last month. It is one of at least 10 SB titles in the pipeline from the distrib.

THE MASTER (aka THREE EVIL MASTERS) stars one of the genre’s all-time greats, Chen Kuan-tai, as a kung fu master in hiding who trains a young pupil, played by future Jet Li stunt double and prolific action director Yuen Tak (FONG SAI YUK, KISS OF THE DRAGON). The film is routine by genre standards but provides dependable old school action nonetheless.

Media Blasters has dedicated their run of SB titles to Linn Haynes, Kung Fu Cinema’s former forum manager who passed away earlier this year. Joined by Mike Leeder, Linn had been working behind-the-scenes on putting together bonus content for the releases.

I haven’t seen a list of extras for THE MASTER yet but HEROES TWO contained an audio commentary by Linn, a “Three Styles of Hung Fist” featurette, Chen Kuan-tai interview, alternate English opening, stills, and trailers. Next to the releases of Dragon Dynasty, Media Blasters’ SB titles appear to be up to higher standards that collectors will undoubtedly appreciate.

CHALLENGE OF THE MASTERS is the next title to be released and hits stores on July 29th. Other upcoming SB releases from Media Blasters include the following:

• Black Magic 2
• The Brave Archer
• The Deadly Duo
• Five Element Ninjas
• Flag of Iron
• Martial Club
• The Ten Tigers of Kwangtung

Animeigo releases the black and white, ninja classic SHINOBI NO MONO 2: VENGEANCE (1963). This sequel to SHINOBI NO MONO (1962) continues the story of ninjas caught up in the turmoil of Japan’s Sengoku period. Ninjas in this series are taken more seriously than in more recent productions, such as SHINOBI – HEART UNDER BLADE, a romantic fantasy with ninjas that arrives on Blu-ray from Funimation. The 1963 film provides an interesting contrast although some viewers may find the dramatic tone less interesting and the many historical references confusing.

TKO (aka URBAN ASSAULT) arrives from Lionsgate. It’s an urban action film from director Declan Mulvey, an action filmmaker who showed a lot of promise with a short film called PRISON WARZ that was featured on this site several years ago. The plot looks routine. In the city where image is everything, the criminal underworld holds a fight tournament where legends are born, and the men who own them rule the streets. The film stars Andre “Chyna” McCoy (PIT FIGHTER, RANDOM ACTS OF VIOLENCE) and Daz Crawford (BLADE 2). In their review, Geeks of Doom suggests watching the film with no less than a case of beer on hand.

TKO (aka URBAN ASSAULT)

There are no import releases to discuss this week.

Next Week:
• Circadian Rhythm (York Home Video)
• A Dirty Carnival (Genius Products)
• Zatoichi Collection 2 (Animeigo)