Slumbering Fist

Have mine on pre-order at Amazon (coupons of course) and they now have it on delay, so no telling when I'll actually get it. I was figuring on posting a review in the review database, but another opinion is always welcome. My all time favorite Liu Chai Liang-Gordon Liu film, and probably my favorite old school film, period. It charms me like no other.

As far as Masked Avengers, I've just read that people who pre-ordered it still havent gotten it, but I think it is on B&M shelves, Sam Goody's and such... I've been dying for a Blazing Temple review, but havent run across one yet. Never seen it . Carter Wong is the main star and he's a guy most people are lukewarm on, but the film is supposed to be pretty good.

Slumbering Fist

Okay here you go...

Duel to the Death
http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=2873
Shaolin King Boxer
http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=2850
Shaolin Kung Fu Mystagogue
http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=2814
Enter The Invinceable Hero
http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=2834
Shaolin Chastity Kung-Fu
http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=2836
Sleeping Fist
http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=2837
10 Magnificent Killers
http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=2841
18 Fatal Strikes
http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=2899
Fury in Shaolin Temple
http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=2915
Revenge of The Patriots
http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=2923

benedict

.... if you've not yet seen it, check out this post in the DVD Bargains Forum: link

elengineer

Did anybody pick up this DVD yet? If so, is it actually widescreen/OAR? How is the pic quality?

Thx!

HKFlix

The Venom Mob Films (Crash Cinema/Ventura Distribution) DVD of "Invincible Pole Fighter" is full screen with English dub. It also features cast/crew info. (fairly thorough at that) and something called "photo gallery", which is just a series of stills from the film. An excellent film.

Slumbering Fist

Sorry...behind on my updating...

Invincible Pole Fighter
http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=3004

Fists of Legends II
http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=2998


The Rage of Wind
http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=2967

reviews for Snake in the Monkeys Shadow and Avenging Warriors of Shaolin will be up shortly.

elengineer

Thx.

full-screen =

Slumbering Fist

The bane of a kung fu lovers existence.

Still its better than the vhs I used to watch it on. Never heard of Pole Fighter getting a good vhs release that didnt look like it was 3rd or 4th generation. So, you know...the good, the bad...It'll have to do for the time being.

JHosk

Just received my invincible pole fighter and crying freeman dvds.

The invincible pole fighter is decent. It is full screen like mentioned before. Its up to par with some of the better ground zero releases, but it still looks better than the VHS copy I had seen before. Its probably around the same as Chineese Super Ninjas....I wasn't expecting much so I was pleasantly surprised. One thing I did notice though was the transfer on the opening credits is really bad...but after that inital two minutes it gets alot better. Also, it doesn't seem to suffer form being full screen as some other kung-fu dvds I have. That is the action is centered nice on the screen and there are only a few instances where you miss the entire picture so to speak.

AS far as the movie is concerned, if you are a kung-fu fan this is a must. Its easily on my top five. There are alot of fight sequences in teh movie. However they never get boring or repetitive like in other kung-fu flicks. The choreography is exceptional and ahead of its time. The story is a little cookie cutter but the movie is paced nicely and has alot of different characters doing alot of fighting.

All in all, I say rush out and get this dvd.

Also, Crying Freeman was a pleasant surprise too. I know its not a old skool kung-fu flick, but I thought I would mention it.

Later,
J

elengineer

JHosk - Thx for commenting on the framing for IPF. I was wondering about that, but haven't had any time to consider it since HKFlix was kind enough to tell me it was full-screen.

Once things become a little less hectic I will have to pick up this flick.

Slumbering Fist

Ran across a poll some guy did on martial arts films, pretty good results, m=nice to see many of the classics were prominent and not swallowed up by the new wave stuff... Also, such a pain to see that Pedicab Driver is at the top, yet its still nowhere near in sight of a DVD release...


THE HONG KONG MOVIE RECOMMENDATION POLL RESULTS
TRADITIONAL KUNG FU RECOMMENDATIONS
(compiled by Shingster 27/11/01)
TITLE YEAR AVERAGE VOTES


1. Pedicab Driver
(1989) 9.625 [8]
2. Drunken Master 2 (1994) 9.28 [18]
3. Mr Vampire (1985) 9.25 [12]
4. 8 diagram pole fighter (1983) 9.25 [4]
5. Heroes of the East (AKA Shaolin Challenges Ninja) (1978) 9.25 [4]
6. Prodigal Son (1983) 9.2 [10]
7. Odd Couple (1979) 9.2 [5]
8. Warriors Two (1978) 8.83 [6]
9. Invincible Armour, The (1977) 8.8 [5]

10. Encounters of the Spooky Kind (1980) 8.67 [15]
11. Broken Oath (1977) 8.67 [3]
12. Knockabout (1979) 8.4 [5]
13. Fist of Legend (1997) 8.38 [17]
14. Fist of Fury (1972) 8.29 [25]
15. Dance of the Drunk Mantis
(1979) 8.25 [4]
16. Hell's Wind Staff, The (1979) 8.25 [4]
17. Mad Monkey Kung fu (1979) 8.25 [4]
18. King Boxer (AKA: Five Fingers of Death) (1971) 8.2 [5]
19. Snake in the Eagle's Shadow (1978) 8.18 [17]

20. Crippled Avengers (1978) 8.17 [6]
21. Five deadly Venoms (1978) 8.17 [6]
22. Invincible Shaolin (1978) 8.17 [6]
23. Magnificent Butcher (1979) 8.16 [19]
24. Encounters of the Spooky Kind II (1980) 8.14 [7]
25. Legend of a Fighter (1982) 8.07 [15]
26. 36th Chamber of Shaolin
(1978) 8 [6]
27. Shaolin Martial Arts (1974) 8 [4]
28. Drunken Master (1978) 7.92 [25]
29. Dirty Ho (1979) 7.83 [6]

30. Iron-Fisted Monk (1977) 7.82 [11]
31. Young Master (1980) 7.8 [15]
32. Dreadnaught
(1981) 7.8 [5]
33. Martial Club (1981) 7.75 [4]
34. Secret Rivals 1 (1976) 7.75 [4]
35. Thundering Mantis (1980) 7.75 [4]
36. Touch of Zen, A (1969) 7.67 [6]
37.Ninja in the Dragon’s Den (1982) 7.67 [3]
38. Shaolin Temple (The old Shaw Bros Film) (1976) 7.67 [3]
39. Enter the Fat Dragon (1978) 7.5 [8]

40. Executioners of Shaolin (1977) 7.5 [4]
41. Return to the 36th Chamber (1980) 7.5 [4]
42. Born Invincible (1978) 7.4 [5]
43. Drunken Tai-Chi (1984) 7.33 [6]
44. Mr. Vampire 3 (1987) 7.33 [3]
45. Snuff Bottle Connection (1977) 7.33 [3]
46. Bare Footed Kid (1993) 7.29 [7]
47. Buddha Assassinator, The (1979) 7.25 [4]
48. Secret Rivals 2 (1977) 7.25 [4]
49. Hand of Death (1975) 7.2 [5]

50. Legendary Weapons of China (AKA: Legendary Weapons of Kung Fu)
(1982) 7.2 [5]
51. Master of Disaster (AKA Treasure Hunters) (1982) 7.2 [5]
52. Dead and the deadly (1982) 7.17 [6]
53. Fearless Hyena (1979) 7.13 [8]
54. Hitman In The Hand Of Buddha (1980) 7 [6]
55. One Armed Swordsman (1967) 7 [4]
56. Disciples of Shaolin (1975) 7 [3]
57. Wing Chun (1994) 6.88 [8]
58. Shaolin Temple, The (The Jet Li film) (1979) 6.83 [6]
59. Buddhist Fist, The (1980) 6.8 [5]

60. Dirty Tiger and Crazy Frog (1978) 6.8 [5]
61. Miracle Fighters (1982) 6.8 [5]
62. Shaolin Temple 3: Martial Arts of Shaolin (1986) 6.67 [6]
63. Kid With the Golden Arm (1979) 6.67 [3]
64. My Young Auntie (1980) 6.5 [4]
65. Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires (1974) 6.43 [7]
66. Big Boss, The (1971) 6.42 [21]
67. New One Armed Swordsman
(1971) 6.4 [5]
68. Mr. Vampire 2 (1986) 6.33 [9]
69. Lethal Lady (AKA: She Shoots Straight) (1990) 6.33 [3]

70. Kung Fu Cult Master, The (1993) 6.17 [6]
71. Snake & Crane: Arts of Shaolin (1978) 6.14 [7]
72. Dragon Lord (1982) 6 [8]
73. 5 Element Ninjas (1982) 6 [5]
74. Blood Brothers (1972) 6 [4]
75. Skyhawk (1974) 6 [3]
76. Duel of Fists (1971) 5.5 [2]
77. Legend of the Wolf (1997) 5.33 [3]
78. Shaolin Temple 2: Kids from Shaolin (1983) 5 [6]
79. Boxer From Shangtung (1972) 4.8 [5]

80. Drunken Master 3 (1995) 4.17 [6]
81. Circus Kids (1994) 4 [3]
82. Fearless Hyena Part II (1983) 2.75 [4]

PeterInTheUK

Hey guys This is a poll that a couple of guys over on the DVD Forums compiled from all our votes. We did a 'Modern Day', 'Fantasy', 'Horror' and a few other categories. The rest can be seen here

Pete

Cornfed

What are some good recommendations for Hwang Jang Lee films on DVD? I have HKL's Snake in the Eagle's Shadow aned I am thinking about getting Dragon's Claw. I keep hearing things about Snuff Bottle Connection but can't find it at all on DVD.

HKFlix

With Geoff's permission, I've added DVDTalk-HKFlix links for all available products on this list. Buying from these links supports DVDTalk.

1. Pedicab Driver (1989) 9.625 [8]
2. Drunken Master 2 (1994) 9.28 [18]
3. Mr Vampire (1985) 9.25 [12]
4. 8 diagram pole fighter (1983) 9.25 [4]
5. Heroes of the East (AKA Shaolin Challenges Ninja) (1978) 9.25 [4]
6. Prodigal Son (1983) 9.2 [10]
7. Odd Couple (1979) 9.2 [5]
8. Warriors Two (1978) 8.83 [6]
9. Invincible Armour, The (1977) 8.8 [5]

10. Encounters of the Spooky Kind (1980) 8.67 [15]
11. Broken Oath (1977) 8.67 [3]
12. Knockabout (1979) 8.4 [5]
13. Fist of Legend (1997) 8.38 [17]
14. Fist of Fury (1972) 8.29 [25]
15. Dance of the Drunk Mantis (1979) 8.25 [4]
16. Hell's Wind Staff, The (1979) 8.25 [4]
17. Mad Monkey Kung fu (1979) 8.25 [4]
18. King Boxer (AKA: Five Fingers of Death) (1971) 8.2 [5]
19. Snake in the Eagle's Shadow (1978) 8.18 [17]

20. Crippled Avengers (1978) 8.17 [6]
21. Five deadly Venoms (1978) 8.17 [6]
22. Invincible Shaolin (1978) 8.17 [6]
23. Magnificent Butcher (1979) 8.16 [19]
24. Encounters of the Spooky Kind II (1980) 8.14 [7]
25. Legend of a Fighter (1982) 8.07 [15]
26. 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978) 8 [6]
27. Shaolin Martial Arts (1974) 8 [4]
28. Drunken Master (1978) 7.92 [25]
29. Dirty Ho (1979) 7.83 [6]

30. Iron-Fisted Monk (1977) 7.82 [11]
31. Young Master (1980) 7.8 [15]
32. Dreadnaught (1981) 7.8 [5]
33. Martial Club (1981) 7.75 [4]
34. Secret Rivals 1 (1976) 7.75 [4]
35. Thundering Mantis (1980) 7.75 [4]
36. Touch of Zen, A (1969) 7.67 [6]
37. Ninja in the Dragon’s Den (1982) 7.67 [3]
38. Shaolin Temple (The old Shaw Bros Film) (1976) 7.67 [3]
39. Enter the Fat Dragon (1978) 7.5 [8]

40. Executioners of Shaolin (1977) 7.5 [4]
41. Return to the 36th Chamber (1980) 7.5 [4]
42. Born Invincible (1978) 7.4 [5]
43. Drunken Tai-Chi (1984) 7.33 [6]
44. Mr. Vampire 3 (1987) 7.33 [3]
45. Snuff Bottle Connection (1977) 7.33 [3]
46. Bare Footed Kid (1993) 7.29 [7]
47. Buddha Assassinator, The (1979) 7.25 [4]
48. Secret Rivals 2 (1977) 7.25 [4]
49. Hand of Death (1975) 7.2 [5]

50. Legendary Weapons of China (AKA: Legendary Weapons of Kung Fu) (1982) 7.2 [5]
51. Master of Disaster (AKA Treasure Hunters) (1982) 7.2 [5]
52. Dead and the deadly (1982) 7.17 [6]
53. Fearless Hyena (1979) 7.13 [8]
54. Hitman In The Hand Of Buddha (1980) 7 [6]
55. One Armed Swordsman (1967) 7 [4]
56. Disciples of Shaolin (1975) 7 [3]
57. Wing Chun (1994) 6.88 [8]
58. Shaolin Temple, The (The Jet Li film) (1979) 6.83 [6]
59. Buddhist Fist, The (1980) 6.8 [5]

60. Dirty Tiger and Crazy Frog (1978) 6.8 [5]
61. Miracle Fighters (1982) 6.8 [5]
62. Shaolin Temple 3: Martial Arts of Shaolin (1986) 6.67 [6]
63. Kid With the Golden Arm (1979) 6.67 [3]
64. My Young Auntie (1980) 6.5 [4]
65. Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires (1974) 6.43 [7]
66. Big Boss, The (1971) 6.42 [21]
67. New One Armed Swordsman (1971) 6.4 [5]
68. Mr. Vampire 2 (1986) 6.33 [9]
69. Lethal Lady (AKA: She Shoots Straight) (1990) 6.33 [3]

70. Kung Fu Cult Master, The (1993) 6.17 [6]
71. Snake & Crane: Arts of Shaolin (1978) 6.14 [7]
72. Dragon Lord (1982) 6 [8]
73. 5 Element Ninjas (1982) 6 [5]
74. Blood Brothers (1972) 6 [4]
75. Skyhawk (1974) 6 [3]
76. Duel of Fists (1971) 5.5 [2]
77. Legend of the Wolf (1997) 5.33 [3]
78. Shaolin Temple 2: Kids from Shaolin (1983) 5 [6]
79. Boxer From Shangtung (1972) 4.8 [5]

80. Drunken Master 3 (1995) 4.17 [6]
81. Circus Kids (1994) 4 [3]
82. Fearless Hyena Part II (1983) 2.75 [4]

Slumbering Fist

Well, while not the best DVD, you can pick up Eagle Vs Silver Fox for around/under $5 at most KMarts, WalMArts, and standard B&M DVD stores. .

elengineer

Is Heroes of the East (AKA Shaolin Challenges Ninja) really better or at least very comparable to Odd Couple, Warriors Two, and Prodigal Son???

I know that different people will have different opinions, but I would like to hear some feedback on this one. Thanks.

Slumbering Fist

Well, its all relative really. Particularly, Shaolin Challenges Ninja is a landmark film in terms of its plotting, its relationship and cultural misunderstanding themes, so it was really groundbreaking in those terms. Its the same way with, say, One Armed Swordsman- while there may be better revenge or swordplay films, One Armed Swordsman was the sort of the first, the groundbreaker in terms of plot and brutality, it set the standard. In the long line of recycled plots, Shaolin Challenges Ninja really does stand out, and that (combined with some good action from arguably the greatest classic kung fu director and star) is why it has its place amoung the best.

elengineer

Query - Has anybody heard anything more definitive (such as release dates/titles) of the supposedly remastered, widescreen, subtitled official versions of the Shaw Brothers library coming from um....Celestial, I believe? I saw something on some site somewhere that said Celestial is supposed to be putting out stuff in "the Spring of 2002".


Comment - If any of you that hang out in here haven't yet seen Kung Pow: Enter the fist, do so.

I found that movie to be much funnier and lots better than the commercials let on. If you take/have taken martial arts and/or have watched a lot of old kung fu videos/movies then you should laugh heartily.

Disclaimer: If neither one of the above applies, you probably won't get a lot of the jokes and you might think it to be the stupidest movie on the face of the earth.

The movie is a dead-on parody of a lot of the old conventions found in some of the movies we discuss in here. They took an old flick from the 70's (Tiger and Crane Fists if memory serves), cut it, re-dubbed certain spots, added newly shot footage, some CG effects (ala Forest Gump-type actor insertions), and made a great kung-fu parody film IMO.

Real funny flick.

Slumbering Fist

Still no firm announcement. Their claim is to have access to a huge list of titles, but so far no word on any specific ones, so... Well, file me under- "VERY CURIOUS" and "I'll believe it when I see it". I wouldnt be surprised if we find the releases delayed until Summer or Fall just becasue they are getting their footing as far as the Shaw catalog is confirmed. I

Manco

Will Broken Oath with Angela Mao ever be on DVD?

Slumbering Fist

Some Upcoming Releases (very tentative dates)

Ground Zero
February 5
Executioners From Shaolin (1977, already at my local Sam Goody’s)
Five Superfighters (1978)
Double Features- Brutal Boxer/Shaolin One
Mantis Fist/Duel of the Brave Ones
Shaolin Traitor/Amazing Masters

March 5
Snake Shadow, Lama Fist
Shaolin Drunkard (1983)
Kung Fu of Eight Drunkards (1977)
Fearless Master

March 26
Chinatown Kid (1977)
Dragon Lives (1978)
Kung Fu Warlords (1978)
Shaolin Rescuers (1979)
Two Champions of Shaolin (1980)


and Columbia/TriStars versions of Jackie Chan’s New Fist of Fury (1976) Snake and Crane Arts of Shaolin (1978) and To Kill With Intrigue (1977) in March and Drunken Master (1978) in April.

Slumbering Fist

Some newer reviews in the database...

The Heroes
http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=3349
Fatal Needles Vs Fatal Fists
http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=3336
Revenge of the Dragon
http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=3420
True Game of Death
http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=3421

Teremei

Hi, I decided to pop in finally. Well I just bought Chinese Super Ninja, thanks to Slumbering Fist and others. That was one of the very first favorite HK films I watched as a kid. And after seeing it again I remember why. I wanted to ask. Since I loved that movie, what others should I check out? I really like the fantasy and elemental ninjas in the movie, plus the revenge.

Invincible Pole Fighter
Fist of the White Lotus
Five Deadly Venoms
Nine Demons
Shaolin Challenges Ninja
Shaolin Rescuers
Shaolin Master Killer

I have my eye on all of those/ Anyway reccomend some others please, I really want to try to feel simular to what I felt watching Chinese Super Ninja. I heard some talk about Chang Cheh's acid trip days. Well if the films Attack of the God of Joy and Human Lanterns are anything like CSN I'll love em. What other films has more than a few heros fighting at the climax overcoming odds and fighting for revenge? I like a film that saves all of it's varied special skills users for the very end. Not killing them off one by one.

Slumbering Fist

Well, as far as "special skills" and "revenge" goes- that is pretty much the key element in all kung fu films. And there are many group oriented fighting films, and off the wall, " fantasy" themed fight films.

I guess you would really want to start with Chang Cheh and the Venoms first film Five Deadly Venoms, since it encompasses everything you seem to like, group fighting, revenge, and special/fantasy skills. Its easily considered one of the top five/top ten kung fu films of all time.

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (aka Master Killer, Shaolin Master Killer)- is a classic in regard to its training sequences, the bulk of the film dedicated to the hero undergoing rigorous, brutal training in order to get the skills to seek revenge.

Drunken Master- is a classic because it was the first time Jackie Chan really shined, mixing in elemets of comedy with the traditional master/student relationaship and amazing fights.

The Shaw Bros and Golden Harvest studios produced hundreds of films, so there are many to choose from. I'd say take a shot at the ones suggested, classics like Pole Fighter, 5 Deadly Venoms, Master Killer, Shaolin Challenges Ninja, Masked Avengers, Avenging Warriors of Shaolin, Legendary Weapons of Kung Fu/China, Avenging Eagle, eventaully you'll find your niche.

oh, and good info on The Venoms, thier films and DVD releases can be found at The VenomsResource.

Slumbering Fist

Here is a good article from the LA Times about Celestial Pictures adn their Shaw Bros restoration and DVD releases.

LINK

Thanks to DVDCult Kung FU Forum... apparently, according to the article- they plan mass genre releases (kung fu, swordplay, horror, drama, comedy, erotic), totaling 20 films a month! Good, very overwhelming news.