"Actor: Pai WEI"

• Last Hurrah For Chivalry & Hand Of Death: Two Films By John Woo (Eureka Classics) Blu-ray edition | Blu Ray | (24/06/2019) from £15.05   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  Eureka Entertainment to release LAST HURRAH FOR CHIVALRY & HAND OF DEATH: TWO FILMS BY JOHN WOO, an essential pair of early films from one of the greatest action directors of all time, presented for the first time ever on Blu-ray in the UK in a 2-disc set taken from brand new 2K restorations. Released as part of the Eureka Classics range from 24 June 2019, the first 2000 copies will feature a Limited Edition Collector's booklet. A decade before he would change action filmmaking forever with A Better Tomorrow and The Killer, director John Woo was directing martial-arts films for the two biggest studios in Hong Kong, Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest. Under the mentorship of the great Chang Cheh (Five Deadly Venoms), Woo began to develop his signature style, films that featured slick, stylish and often violent choreography, with dramatic plots that revolved around brotherhood, honour and redemption. Presented here are two of his early works from this period. In Last Hurrah for Chivalry, two killers (Pai Wei and Damian Lau) agree to help a man exact vengeance upon a kung fu master. Woo's first cinematic masterpiece, Last Hurrah for Chivalry is a dark and violent revenge film, featuring lightning fast swordplay and stylish cinematography. In Hand of Death, a young Shaolin monk must train to defeat a dangerous Manchu warlord (James Tien) who is intent on wiping out the Shaolin once and for all. Featuring early performances from Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung (both also handled the film's stunts, along with third brother Yuen Biao), Hand of Death is an exquisitely stylish example of old school kung fu filmmaking. Obscure and largely unseen for many years, Eureka Classics is proud to present these two early films from one of action cinema's all-time greats for the first time ever on Blu-ray, from brand new 2K restorations. Features: Stunning 1080p presentation of both films on Blu-ray, from brand new 2K restorations Cantonese, Mandarin and English audio options Optional English subtitles Brand new audio commentaries on both Last Hurrah for Chivalry and Hand of Death, by martial-arts cinema authority Mike Leeder Archival interviews with director John Woo Trailers for both films Reversible inlay featuring original poster artwork Limited Edition Collector's booklet featuring new writing by film writer Matthew Thrift [First 2000 copies only]

• Prodigal Son | DVD | (29/07/2002) from £19.99   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  The classic 'The Prodigal Son' is based on a true story: a colourful and action-packed tribute to Wing Chun legend Leung Jaan one of China's most enduring martial arts heroes. From his early days through his training and heroic battles these are the adventures of a true hero who loses his innocence and gains strength and empathy in his pursuit of honour and martial arts mastery. A true classic...

• The Magnificent Butcher | DVD | (23/07/2001) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Based on the real-life exploits of Butcher Wing, Magnificent Butcher is an action-packed kung fu comedy filled with lowbrow physical slapstick and breathtaking, if repetitive fight scenes. Sammo Hung is the well-intentioned 19th-century butcher whose unerring ability to misread a situation leads to trouble. When Wing's long-absent brother comes to town, Ko Tai-Hoi (Hark-On Fung) imprisons his wife, and our hero joins forces with an old drunken kung fu master played by Siu Tien Yuen (reprising his title role from Drunken Master which brought Jackie Chan to fame). This is Siu Tien Yuen's last film and it's obvious he's been replaced by a stunt double at times, although it remains a fine tribute to his remarkable martial arts talent. Taking an unexpected turn with a brutal attempted rape and murder, farce gives way to bloody retribution. The gradual return of comical elements may seem at odds with the later more realistic violence. While the uneven tone jars, the film is an impressive showcase for some of the greatest talents in Hong Kong cinema. Director Woo-ping Yuen has since found fame as the kung fu/action choreographer on The Matrix (1999) and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000).On the DVD: Considering how poor most 1970s Hong Kong films looked on video, the anamorphically enhanced 2.35:1 image here is superb; pin sharp with accurate colours and barely a hint of grain. Unfortunately there is still a little of the image missing at the sides, though it is a vast improvement over any panned and scanned cassette. The mono audio is generally good, though the music distorts occasionally. There are two soundtracks: the original Cantonese with optional subtitles, and a bad English dub. Additionally there is an outstanding audio commentary by Bey Logan packed with fascinating information about martial arts, Hong Kong cinema and the historical characters the film is based on. A 12-minute interview with Sammo Hung and 20-minute interview with Woo-ping Yuen are both interesting, though are not specific to Magnificent Butcher. Beyond these there are detailed biographies of star and director, an extensive stills gallery, stills from deleted scenes, two trailers and text information and photos of the real Butcher Wing. Finally, making stylised ultra-violence look extremely cool, there are ten anamorphically enhanced widescreen trailers for further releases. When "Hong Kong Legends" say they want to produce the best quality DVDs in the world they clearly mean it. This is a fine package assembled with the loving care of true fans. --Gary S Dalkin

• The Young Master | DVD | (27/12/2002) from £16.98   |  Saving you £6.00 (42.89%)   |  RRP £19.99

  It's trouble all the way when Dragon (Jackie Chan) tries to save his brother from a life of crime and through a case of mistaken identity finds himself on the wrong side of the law!

• Last Hurrah For Chivalry | DVD | (16/04/2012) from £15.85   |  Saving you £2.14 (13.50%)   |  RRP £17.99

  From John Woo, the director of Hong Kong movie classics including Bullet in the Head and The Killer, comes the incredible Last Hurrah for Chivalry; his unique take on the Wuxia or heroic fantasy movie genre. This time the guns are replaced with swords but the trademark Woo themes of heroism and honour are much in evidence as the newly married swordsman Kao seeks revenge on the evil Pai for wiping out his family on his wedding night. Alone he cannot beat him so enlists the help of Chang and Green to exact justice upon Pai - John Woo style!This new brotherhood isn't as honourable as it first appears and the scene is set for a climactic deadly battle. This, like the rest of the film, is expertly choreographed and beautifully captured in John Woo's brutally inimitable style that will delight fans who prefer their action hardcore!