88 Films has officially announced that it will release on Blu-ray Ngai Choi Lam and Sze Yu Lau's Saga of the Phoenix (1989). The release is scheduled to arrive on the market on December 16.
The Holy Maiden of Hell, Ashura (Gloria Yip, The Cat), is sentenced to reside for eternity inside a statue of a reclined Buddha after being caught practicing magic on Earth. She refuses her banishment because she can't exist without the Sun. Abbott Ji Ku (Shintarô Katsu, Zatoichi and the One-Armed Swordsman) and High Abbess (Yuko Natori, Crest of Betrayal) give her seven last days on Earth. Master Peacock (Yuen Biao, Project A), Lucky Fruit (Abe Hiroshi, Godzilla 2000), and others are sent to keep her from breaking her promise to return and serve her punishment. Ashura might not be their only problem.
Hell's Concubine (Ngai Suet, Ghost Ballroom) orders her demonic squad to Earth to kidnap Ashura so she can drain her rival's spirit and control other devils. Saga of the Phoenix is steeped in underworld intrigue and high-flying martial arts choreography, combined with quirky comedic moments.
Co-directed by Lam Nai Choi (Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky) and Lau Shut-Yue (Tales of the Flying Fox), Saga of the Phoenix is a unique mix of outrageous mystical fantasy and martial arts action. The characters trade blows that defy gravity, battle giant stone dogs, and unleash massive fireballs. And at the center of it all is a cartoonishly adorable genie who befriends Ashura, until the Hell's Concubine twists him into a soul sucking creature, pushing the film's fantasy into darker territory.
Special Features and Technical Specs:
NEW 2K RESTORATION FROM THE ORIGINAL CAMERA NEGATIVE
Remastered original Cantonese monaural soundtrack
Audio commentary by Frank Djeng and F.J. Desanto
Alternate Japanese footage
Image gallery
Original trailer
Newly created optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
Limited edition rigid slip case
40-page perfect-bound book
Limited edition premium artcard
U.S. AND CANADA STREET DATE: DECEMBER 14.
UK STREET DATE: DECEMBER 14.