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Matango
Tokyo Shock
Color 90 min
DVD Review By Allen F.
First off Kyonsi must say that this is a great example of how a Japanese classic horror DVD should be released stateside. The nicely packaged "Matango: Attack of the Mushroom People" is not only a must see for fans of Asian cinema but also for fans of classic '60's horror. Featured in both the original Japanese language as well as a English dubbed audio track this is one of the best Toho Japanese old school horrors to come out on DVD in sometime. I recall watching this as a kid and the film actually scared me then (I was very young). Today the film still stands out as an atmospheric horror film.

The tale of a sailing group of passengers that are shipwrecked and take refuge in a haunted looking old ship. The old schooner is actually alive with fungi growth and has the gross stuff growing all over it. Some of the marooned characters eat the fungi and its ingestion causes some horrifically monstrous transformations. Great sets, great costumes and good acting make this an enjoyable DVD that's a real treat to those that remember seeing it as kids (as well as new fans). This is a must see to believe monster film that spawned alot of thing like toys, figures and more. Go and out get it now and as for the mushrooms you may never eat one again. I am sticking to escargot from now on. Good to see this on US DVD and a big round of applause for Media Blasters. A+

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Chop Socky: Cinema Hong Kong
Docurama DVD
Color and B&W 55 min + extras
USA Documentary
DVD Review By Allen F.
This is a well done documentary on the martial arts genre. This is an amazing look into the actors of the genre as well as the history of the films and studios. Lots of footage from classic Shaw Brothers films (and many other films), a look at the old school studios where alot of movies were made is also a treat. combined with great interview footage from kung fu actors like Sammo (Spooky Encounters) Hung, Gordon (Shaolin Vs. Evil Dead) Liu, and many others. The DVD also shows an in depth look at the HK style of editing a film in the camera. This was needed back in the day due to limited budgets perhaps. I was impressed by this DVD make in association with the IFC. They also talk to some big name actors from the genre like Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Cheng Pei Pei, and action maestro John Woo. The DVD Has 3 short deleted interviews and the original short network clip (trailer). Great content and flawless clips from the Shaw archive make this a must have for the Asian and Chop Sockey film fan. A really sweet DVD. A+

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Red Wolf
Tokyo Shock
2-Disc Color 88 min + Lots of extras
DVD Review By Allen F.
This new release from Media Blasters is a double disc DVD set. Nicely packaged with cardboard cover (full color) over the standard keep case. The two discs are well designed with a load of extras on disc two. The DVD is a clear print and is well subtitled. Also the film is dubbed in english and that gives the DVD some added comedy that may not have been intended but makes it even more entertaining in some parts. The film has a english commentary also and that's a big plus as a rash of Asian films that have recently came out have commentary's only in there native language. The Tokyo Shock DVD is much better than a past DVD of this title from another company that had some glitches. This is the best version of Red Wolf we will see and for action fans its recommended.

The film itself may not be the best movie ever made yet this is the ultimate presentation of the film and I wish more companies would strive to do a good of a job as Media Blasters has done with this release. The film is reminiscent of the 1992 Steven Seagal film "Under Siege".The movie is like a HK version of "Under Siege" you could say with similar plot and action. The film stars the two Asian starlets (Christy Chung and Elaine Lui) that are fun to watch in the heated action. There's alot of gunplay in the film that will appeal to the fans of John Woo's shoot em up type HK films as well. The good against the bad here Security cop (Kenny Ho) Vs. some violent terrorists. All in all a fun action film to watch and the extras were great (the english commentary again a plus). The films not the best the east has to offer but the presentation (enhanced widescreen), decent colors, and both Cantonese and English versions make this a worthy action DVD release.

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Heroic Duo
Tartan Films US
Color 100 min
DVD Review By Allen F.
This film stars Ekin "Stormriders" Cheng, Leon Lai, and Francis Ng. An action buddy cop type film with some cool shoot outs and action sequences by Director Benny Chan. A good film for action fans and fans of cop dramas. The film reminded me of the Andy Lau film "Running out of time" but I actually liked that film better than this one. I like the actors and also like the director but this film did not move me too much. A been there seen that felling accompanied me thru out the film. It is good too see this hit US DVD though as its a good addition to the action genre, yet it has been done before. The Tartan US DVD has good quality and as always great packaging and some cool extras like a Making of featurette. A mediocre to good film recommended to Ekin fans mostly.

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Koma
Tartan US
Hong Kong
DVD Review By Allen F.
This is a Hong Kong film from the director of the film "Inner Senses". The movie mixes the Thriller and Mystery genres and is not a horror film in the literal sense. It does have some haunting moments and the film is sleek and well executed. Starring two great and attractive female film stars from the hits "Inner Senses" and "The Eye" Koma succeeds in what set out to accomplish. Thus creating a twisted tale of illness, organ thievery and a bizarre love triangle. Though not as gripping as say "The Eye" Koma is a good film and the presentation of the film by Tartan gets no complaints. The wide screen, subtitled film looks great and has spanish subtitles also (Most Tartan DVD releases do).The film has no ghosts or zombies in store for us but has a look into the worlds of some deeply troubled women and a strange possible link between them. Playing a bit on the old urban legend about kidney theft it also has some interesting plot twists and surprises up its sleeve. Recommended for fans of the thriller or mystery genres but this is not a straight horror film as it may seem. A sleek looking and interesting film with great acting and direction.

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A Snake of June
Tartan US
Japanese
Review By Allen F.
Far from a horror film yet from the talented Director of the Tetsuo: The Ironman films comes this bizarre off color shorter film (77 min's) now available in the US from the great Tartan Films USA. I personally found the film slow for my tastes and a bit too artsy. The presentation from Tartan is top notch yet the content of the film was not of my interest. The film deals with Blackmail, Voyeurism, and a strange game played by a stranger and a married woman. I can recommend this film for the great cinematography and use of surreal imagery and color tones only. A good film just not my bag.
Also you should check out some of Shinya Tsukamoto's more horror oriented efforts like the Tetsuo Films or the highly entertaining horror outing Hiruko: The Goblin. I will save the Hiruko details for an upcoming feature if Its submitted for review.

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Samaritan Girl
Tartan Video US
Color 97 min
DVD Review By Allen F.
A nice polished Korean Drama about 2 girls that start a brothel of sorts. One gets killed and the other goes about a sort of cleansing ritual to return the funds previously accepted for certain ,well, shall we say services. Almost like the surving girl is trying to reclaim her soul and cleanse it of her dirty deeds or something (yawn). A great presentation on DVD from Tartan but not an extreme film just an Asian drama. I found the film to be a bit confusing in some areas. Nice to have it available on US DVD at an affordable price. No horror elements and I found the so called revenge plot to be a bit of a bore.I will admit that, I am sticking to "OLDBOY" for now. Nice Presentation from Tartan and some memorable nice cinematography. A film for Drama fans only not bad just not my bag.