Upcoming 88 Films Blu-ray Releases
HomeUpcoming 88 Films Blu-ray Releases
Posted May 3, 2021 09:50 PM by Webmaster
This summer, British distributors 88 Films will add a number of new titles to their Blu-ray catalog. Amongst them are: Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky (1991), Robotrix (1991), The Chinese Boxer (1970), and The Flag of Iron (1980).
Please note that exact technical specs and supplemental features to be included on these upcoming releases havenot yet been finalized. They will be revealed later on.
The Chinese Boxer
Synopsis: From the golden age of Kung Fu movies, the legendary Shaw Brothers bring you an action-packed tale of revenge, mayhem and flying fists. When his martial arts school is viciously attacked by a rival gang of Japanese thugs, Lei Ming swears to bring them down with violent justice. Written, starring and directed by Jimmy Wang Yu, The Chinese Boxer (1970) is a fabulously fast-paced feature full of exquisite set-pieces and mind-blowing fight choreography.
A huge influence on the likes of Tarantino's Kill Bill (2003) and Bruce Lee's Fist of Fury (1972) this entertainingly savage story of resilience, skill and a battle against the odds, is one of the first true modern classics of the genre, focussing as it does on physical prowess and athletic proficiency over the more mythical elements of the wuxia era. An undoubted cult classic, this is a must for any serious collector of extreme Asian cinema and martial arts madness.
Special Features:
The Flag of Iron
Synopsis: Another cult classic from the Shaw Brothers Studio, The Flag of Iron is a quintessential Hong Kong tale of rivals, betrayal and family feuds. When the master of the Iron Flag clan is killed by a mysterious assassin known only as Spearman, it sets off an explosive chain of events which pits two brothers against each other in an action-packed adventure of fist flying fury.
Directed by Chan Cheh (The One-Armed Swordsman, Five Venoms), this kinetic and highly influential Kung Fu picture, mixes traditional storytelling with more modern presentation techniques, layering acrobatics, the use exotic weaponry and quick as lightening fight sequences to produce a sure fire entertaining hit, which no serious collector of martial arts movies can be without.
STREET DATE: SEPTEMBER 20.
Disciples of Shaolin
Synopsis: Another Kung Fu vehicle from the infamous Shaw Brothers Studio, Disciples of Shaolin AKA Hong quan xiao zi, delivers a typically power-packed Hong Kong tale of enemy gangs and super cool fight scenes. When shaolin disciple Kuan Fung Yi (Sheng Fu) takes a job at a textile factory he soon becomes embroiled in a bitter and violent clash with the rival Manchu clan who run a neighboring mill.
As well delivering some impressive martial arts set pieces, Disciples of Shaolin also provides a political punch, underlining the abuse of workers and the corruption of cruel bosses. Fast, fierce and thought provoking, this is a must for collectors of extreme Asian cinema.
STREET DATE: SEPTEMBER 20.
Rome Armed to the Teeth a.k.a. The Tough Ones
Synopsis: Umberto Lenzi, legendary director of Cannibal Ferox, kicked off the Italian police film craze with this hyper-kinetic, ultra-violent, brain-blasting action thriller. Maurizio Meril stars as an Italian Dirty Harry, punching and shooting his way through the sleazy drug, sex and crime infested cesspool of mid-'70s Rome, on the trail of a sadistic, machine gun-toting hunchback, played by Tomas Milian (star of The Big Gundown).
Boasting a state-of-the-art 4K transfer of Lenzi's uncensored director's cut, the new edition of The Tough Ones includes an incredible slate of special features and a "Grindhouse Version" of the US Brutal Justice release.
STREET DATE: SEPTEMBER 6.
Doll of Satan
Synopsis: After her uncle dies unexpectedly, Elizabeth Balljanon inherits his sprawling castle. The walls are crumbling, the electricity doesn't work and there's a fully equipped torture chamber in the cellars but interior decoration is the least of her worries: a black-gloved killer haunts the halls at night and, even worse, the tales she's been told about the castle's ghosts might not be stories after all...
Part giallo, part modern-dress Gothic, The Doll of Satan is a gloriously ripe slice of Italian horror, heady with atmosphere and steamy eroticism too. 88 Films are very proud to present this rediscovered genre gem in the UK for the very first time.
STREET DATE: AUGUST 30.
Snapshot
Synopsis: Angela (Sigrid Thornton) is a young hair-dresser having a hard time making ends meet. Looking for a fast way to earn some extra money, she accepts a job working as a model. Soon, however, she gets the feeling that someone is watching her; following her...stalking her. Is it her deranged ice cream truck driving ex boyfriend? A psychotic admirer? Or someone more sinister... As Angela delves further into her new and sordid lifestyle, she finds herself growing closer and closer to the deadly truth.
Director Simon Wincer's (Harlequin) slow burn psychological thriller, Snapshot, melds character drama with moments of shocking violence and nail biting suspense. Featuring atmospheric scope photography by Vincent Monton (Road Games) and a pounding soundtrack from Brian May (Mad Max), Snapshot is a forgotten piece of Ozploitation and is proudly presented on Blu-ray by 88 Films, newly restored from its original 35mm camera negative.
STREET DATE: AUGUST 30.
Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky
Synopsis: Director Lam Ngai Kai (Erotic Ghost Story/Saga of the Phoenix), brings us a tour de force story of incarceration and injustice laced with super charged action sequences and mounting prison-based tension. Set in the year 2001, where all correctional facilities have been privatised, martial artist Ricky finds himself victim to the corrupt system when he is found guilty of the manslaughter of an infamous crime boss. Once in jail he must fight for his own survival when he is thrown into a world of enemies vying for his blood.
Based on the Japanese Manga by Masahiko Takajo and Tetsuya Saruwatari, this cinematic adaptation also follows closely in the footsteps of a host brutal prison dramas like Brute Force (1947), Escape from Alcatraz (1979) and Scum (1979) but of course it's all delivered with a distinctive Hong Kong style powerhouse punch.
Special Features:
Robotrix
Synopsis: From the heady days of early 90s Hong Kong exploitation cinema comes Robotrix, a hi-octane, fast and furious science fiction romp, packed with glorious action sequences and bonkers plotlines. When evil inventor Ryuichi Sakamato (Chung Lin) transfers his mind into that of a powerful cyborg, he becomes a murderer and rapist. But when one of his victims, Police officer Selena Lin (Chikako Aoyama) becomes super robot Eve-27, she teams up with android sidekick Ann (Amy Yip) and together they seek to bring the criminally insane scientist to justice.
Like a crazy mix of The Terminator (1981), The Power Rangers and of course, Robocop (1987) Robotrix, combines the mad doctor movie with extreme martial arts to deliver a sexy, seductive, bionic tale of lust and violence given a uniquely Asian futuristic spin.
Special Features:
***
The distributors have also detailed two, previously confirmed as upcoming, releases: So Sweet... So Perverse (1969) and The Violent Professionals (1973).
The Violent Professionals
Synopsis: Tough cop Giorgio (Luc Merenda, Torso) doesn't like to play by the rules, going as far as gunning down a ruthless criminal in broad daylight. After he's suspended from the force and his boss is murdered, he goes on a brutal undercover dive into the criminal underworld to expose a criminal organization with no respect for authority.
Starring Richard Conte (The Godfather) with a powerhouse score by the great composers Guido and Maurizio De Angelis (Street Law), this blistering Italian crime classic blazes onto Blu-ray with every car chase and gunshot more mind-blowing than ever. Directed by cult filmmaker Sergio Martino (The Great Alligator).
Special Features and Technical Specs:
So Sweet... So Perverse
Synopsis: Following the international success of Orgasmo, the second Umberto Lenzi/Carroll Baker collaboration is a kinky retelling of Diabolique featuring lush Paris locations, trippy flashbacks, a swinging score by Riz Ortolani (Cannibal Holocaust) and an all-star EuroCult cast that includes Jean-Louis Trintignant (The Great Silence,), Erika Blanc (Kill, Baby...Kill!), Horst Frank (The Cat O' Nine Tails) and Helga Liné (Nightmare Castle). Executive produced by Sergio Martino (The Violent Professionals) from a screenplay by Ernesto Gastaldi (2019 - After The Fall Of New York), this "full-blown classic giallo and one of Lenzi's best" (B-Mania) is now fully restored in a new 2k scan from the original negative.
Special Features and Technical Specs:
Please note that exact technical specs and supplemental features to be included on these upcoming releases havenot yet been finalized. They will be revealed later on.
The Chinese Boxer
Synopsis: From the golden age of Kung Fu movies, the legendary Shaw Brothers bring you an action-packed tale of revenge, mayhem and flying fists. When his martial arts school is viciously attacked by a rival gang of Japanese thugs, Lei Ming swears to bring them down with violent justice. Written, starring and directed by Jimmy Wang Yu, The Chinese Boxer (1970) is a fabulously fast-paced feature full of exquisite set-pieces and mind-blowing fight choreography.
A huge influence on the likes of Tarantino's Kill Bill (2003) and Bruce Lee's Fist of Fury (1972) this entertainingly savage story of resilience, skill and a battle against the odds, is one of the first true modern classics of the genre, focussing as it does on physical prowess and athletic proficiency over the more mythical elements of the wuxia era. An undoubted cult classic, this is a must for any serious collector of extreme Asian cinema and martial arts madness.
Special Features:
- Interview with David West
- AND MORE...
The Flag of Iron
Synopsis: Another cult classic from the Shaw Brothers Studio, The Flag of Iron is a quintessential Hong Kong tale of rivals, betrayal and family feuds. When the master of the Iron Flag clan is killed by a mysterious assassin known only as Spearman, it sets off an explosive chain of events which pits two brothers against each other in an action-packed adventure of fist flying fury.
Directed by Chan Cheh (The One-Armed Swordsman, Five Venoms), this kinetic and highly influential Kung Fu picture, mixes traditional storytelling with more modern presentation techniques, layering acrobatics, the use exotic weaponry and quick as lightening fight sequences to produce a sure fire entertaining hit, which no serious collector of martial arts movies can be without.
STREET DATE: SEPTEMBER 20.
Disciples of Shaolin
Synopsis: Another Kung Fu vehicle from the infamous Shaw Brothers Studio, Disciples of Shaolin AKA Hong quan xiao zi, delivers a typically power-packed Hong Kong tale of enemy gangs and super cool fight scenes. When shaolin disciple Kuan Fung Yi (Sheng Fu) takes a job at a textile factory he soon becomes embroiled in a bitter and violent clash with the rival Manchu clan who run a neighboring mill.
As well delivering some impressive martial arts set pieces, Disciples of Shaolin also provides a political punch, underlining the abuse of workers and the corruption of cruel bosses. Fast, fierce and thought provoking, this is a must for collectors of extreme Asian cinema.
STREET DATE: SEPTEMBER 20.
Rome Armed to the Teeth a.k.a. The Tough Ones
Synopsis: Umberto Lenzi, legendary director of Cannibal Ferox, kicked off the Italian police film craze with this hyper-kinetic, ultra-violent, brain-blasting action thriller. Maurizio Meril stars as an Italian Dirty Harry, punching and shooting his way through the sleazy drug, sex and crime infested cesspool of mid-'70s Rome, on the trail of a sadistic, machine gun-toting hunchback, played by Tomas Milian (star of The Big Gundown).
Boasting a state-of-the-art 4K transfer of Lenzi's uncensored director's cut, the new edition of The Tough Ones includes an incredible slate of special features and a "Grindhouse Version" of the US Brutal Justice release.
STREET DATE: SEPTEMBER 6.
Doll of Satan
Synopsis: After her uncle dies unexpectedly, Elizabeth Balljanon inherits his sprawling castle. The walls are crumbling, the electricity doesn't work and there's a fully equipped torture chamber in the cellars but interior decoration is the least of her worries: a black-gloved killer haunts the halls at night and, even worse, the tales she's been told about the castle's ghosts might not be stories after all...
Part giallo, part modern-dress Gothic, The Doll of Satan is a gloriously ripe slice of Italian horror, heady with atmosphere and steamy eroticism too. 88 Films are very proud to present this rediscovered genre gem in the UK for the very first time.
STREET DATE: AUGUST 30.
Snapshot
Synopsis: Angela (Sigrid Thornton) is a young hair-dresser having a hard time making ends meet. Looking for a fast way to earn some extra money, she accepts a job working as a model. Soon, however, she gets the feeling that someone is watching her; following her...stalking her. Is it her deranged ice cream truck driving ex boyfriend? A psychotic admirer? Or someone more sinister... As Angela delves further into her new and sordid lifestyle, she finds herself growing closer and closer to the deadly truth.
Director Simon Wincer's (Harlequin) slow burn psychological thriller, Snapshot, melds character drama with moments of shocking violence and nail biting suspense. Featuring atmospheric scope photography by Vincent Monton (Road Games) and a pounding soundtrack from Brian May (Mad Max), Snapshot is a forgotten piece of Ozploitation and is proudly presented on Blu-ray by 88 Films, newly restored from its original 35mm camera negative.
STREET DATE: AUGUST 30.
Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky
Synopsis: Director Lam Ngai Kai (Erotic Ghost Story/Saga of the Phoenix), brings us a tour de force story of incarceration and injustice laced with super charged action sequences and mounting prison-based tension. Set in the year 2001, where all correctional facilities have been privatised, martial artist Ricky finds himself victim to the corrupt system when he is found guilty of the manslaughter of an infamous crime boss. Once in jail he must fight for his own survival when he is thrown into a world of enemies vying for his blood.
Based on the Japanese Manga by Masahiko Takajo and Tetsuya Saruwatari, this cinematic adaptation also follows closely in the footsteps of a host brutal prison dramas like Brute Force (1947), Escape from Alcatraz (1979) and Scum (1979) but of course it's all delivered with a distinctive Hong Kong style powerhouse punch.
Special Features:
- Audio Comm with Kim and Sean Hogan
- Audio Comentary with Audi Sorlie
- Trailer
- Interview - Louis Fan
- Tim Murray Booklet
- AND MORE...
Robotrix
Synopsis: From the heady days of early 90s Hong Kong exploitation cinema comes Robotrix, a hi-octane, fast and furious science fiction romp, packed with glorious action sequences and bonkers plotlines. When evil inventor Ryuichi Sakamato (Chung Lin) transfers his mind into that of a powerful cyborg, he becomes a murderer and rapist. But when one of his victims, Police officer Selena Lin (Chikako Aoyama) becomes super robot Eve-27, she teams up with android sidekick Ann (Amy Yip) and together they seek to bring the criminally insane scientist to justice.
Like a crazy mix of The Terminator (1981), The Power Rangers and of course, Robocop (1987) Robotrix, combines the mad doctor movie with extreme martial arts to deliver a sexy, seductive, bionic tale of lust and violence given a uniquely Asian futuristic spin.
Special Features:
- Mike and Arne Commentary
- Trailer
- Tim Murray Booklet
- Deluxe Rigid Slip Edition
- AND MORE...
***
The distributors have also detailed two, previously confirmed as upcoming, releases: So Sweet... So Perverse (1969) and The Violent Professionals (1973).
The Violent Professionals
Synopsis: Tough cop Giorgio (Luc Merenda, Torso) doesn't like to play by the rules, going as far as gunning down a ruthless criminal in broad daylight. After he's suspended from the force and his boss is murdered, he goes on a brutal undercover dive into the criminal underworld to expose a criminal organization with no respect for authority.
Starring Richard Conte (The Godfather) with a powerhouse score by the great composers Guido and Maurizio De Angelis (Street Law), this blistering Italian crime classic blazes onto Blu-ray with every car chase and gunshot more mind-blowing than ever. Directed by cult filmmaker Sergio Martino (The Great Alligator).
Special Features and Technical Specs:
- INCLUDES ENGLISH AND ITALIAN CUTS OF THE FILM
- Audio Commentary with Kim Newman and Barry Forshaw
- Out For Justice - An Interview with Actor Luc Merenda
- Story of Ex - An Interview with Actress Martine Brochard
- Conceiving a Giallo - An Interview with Writer Ernesto Gastaldi
- A Violent Professional - An Interview with Director Sergio Martino
- Luciano Rossi: A Video Tribute - By Kier-La Janisse
- Original Trailer
- Rigid Slipcase with new artwork by Thomas Walker
- 40-Page Perfect bound book
- Fold-Out Poster
- REGION-FREE
So Sweet... So Perverse
Synopsis: Following the international success of Orgasmo, the second Umberto Lenzi/Carroll Baker collaboration is a kinky retelling of Diabolique featuring lush Paris locations, trippy flashbacks, a swinging score by Riz Ortolani (Cannibal Holocaust) and an all-star EuroCult cast that includes Jean-Louis Trintignant (The Great Silence,), Erika Blanc (Kill, Baby...Kill!), Horst Frank (The Cat O' Nine Tails) and Helga Liné (Nightmare Castle). Executive produced by Sergio Martino (The Violent Professionals) from a screenplay by Ernesto Gastaldi (2019 - After The Fall Of New York), this "full-blown classic giallo and one of Lenzi's best" (B-Mania) is now fully restored in a new 2k scan from the original negative.
Special Features and Technical Specs:
- NEW 2K RESTORATION FROM THE ORIGINAL 35MM CAMERA NEGATIVE
- Audio Commentary By Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson
- Alternate Title Sequences
- Original Trailer
- Audio:
- English LPCM Soundtrack
- Italian LPCM Soundtrack with optional English Subtitles
- Reversible Sleeve
- REGION-FREE
