1 comments about Kung Fu Crusade.

1. This set contains 10 movies on 5 double-sided discs, including:
   
   * Vengeance Of Snow
   * Hurricane Sword
   * Black And White Swordsman
   * Magnificent Kick
   * Fighting Life
   * Bruce Li's Magnum Fist
   * Ninja Grand Masters Of Death
   * The Water Margin (AKA "Seven Blows Of The Dragon")
   * Kung Fu Of 8 Drunkards
   * Little Godfather (AKA "The Godfather Squad")

1 comments about Beginner's Guide to Bokken Wooden Sword.

1. I purchased the dvd hoping to gain some knowledge about using a bokken. What I got was a lesson in bad dvd authoring. The dvd is 50 minutes long and for the first 12-15 minutes the dvd plays fine, so you get the gripping and 8 basic stances. However, at this point the dvd begins to have pixelation problems, so the 8 cuts and transitioning are barely watchable, because the dvd begins to lag and stutter and freeze up for several seconds at a time. But the worst part was at 29 minutes the dvd starts over by itself, never covering the 8 basic forms and formalities at all! I was very disappointed with the quality of the product. From what I was able to see, Mr. Abbott presented good information, but after failing to play in three different dvd players, it was a total waste of my time

5 comments about Blackbelt Theatre: Brutal Boxer/Shaolin One.

1. At first I thought there was a mistake on the package or the company put the wrong film for Brutal Boxer.I couldn't see Jackie Chan.Then I spotted him-as a villian!This has got to be a first!Jackie is definitely in the film,and he does fight throughout.The second feature has young Jet Li doing some incredoble martial arts.I give this package 5 stars at 2 and a half stars per film.



2. Jackie is not even in the movie!!
   I sat for the whole hour and a half just waiting for him to come in and kick someone's but, but it never happens. the story is one of those late 70's gang films, with so so acting and even worse fights. horrible.

   the other movie "shaolin one" is just a documentary on shaolin kung fu. I actually liked this a lot, but thinking it was gonna be an old jet film i was dissapointed.

   Looks like the kung fu retailers pulled another one over our eyes.




3. The only thing good about this DVD is the Shaolin One documentary, but that was made back in the early 90's (evident as when it said Kids from Shaolin was Jet Li's latest movie). Still, it has some great martial arts footage of masters of many styles. The movie Brutal Boxer is a real let-down. The dubbing is low volume compared to the rest of the movie and the 70's gang fight thing just doesn't interest me at all. Jackie Chan is in this film, but it's just a gang member that never gets any real camera. The film is just an excuse to have one-on-many gang fights which are so messy you can't tell who is who. And once you see the first fight the rest are the same. What a stinker! I hated it. I had to stop 1/4 way into the movie.



4. Well if you are buying this dvd to see Jackie Chan, don't. He is a side villian who has nothing to do with the plot and is barely in the movie. Typical of Groundzero and Black Belt theatre the real title of this film is probably not even "Brutal Boxer", it is rare i will give them that. The audio is especially horrible. Every time the scene changes from fight to dialogue there is a drastic volume change. Not to mention it is extremely boring and doesn't really feature any special martial art techniques. There is a reason this film is rare and that is because no one wanted you to see it!!! "Shaolin One" is the only thing that redeemed this double feature. Luckily I only paid $4 for this or I would have really felt like I got screwed over.



5. Just to give a heads up, "Shaolin One" is actually the documentary "This is Kung Fu" with a new title. A must see for anyone who really enjoys authentic wushu and the artistry behind Chinese martial arts. The entire DVD is probably worth getting just for this film, but I can only give 3 stars as I have not seen "Brutal Boxer" (which is probably also a different movie renamed).

1 comments about Kings of Fists and Dollars.

1. Wow, I had no idea this movie was going to be so bad. I could tell right away it was going to be bad. Mark Long plays a student of The King of Fists, and he is incredibly annoying. Pearl Chang is good as always. She plays the king's daughter. And David Chiang rounds out this trio. He seems emotionless and gives an average performance at best. The story is incredibly bad, so luckily Chan Wai Man plays a villain. Him and Cliff Ching Ching were literally the only good things about this movie. Cliff Ching Ching played the villain in Ways of Kung Fu and Fighting Ace, and him and Chan Wai Man have a nice little fight. Chan Wai Man is just great in this movie, and it's a shame the rest of the movie is so bad. Danny Lee plays the main villain, the same Danny Lee who has never really proven himself as a good screen fighter. Danny Lee is best known for playing a cop in about 100 movies, including John Woo's The Killer. I guess I should talk about the story, but I am having trouble allowing myself to ever think about it again. It's just so boring. Danny Lee wants The King of Fists dead, and the king's students have to defeat the villains. Unless you are the biggest Chan Wai Man fan in the world, I suggest passing on this.
   
   2/5
   
   Picture quality is pretty good. As long as you don't expect perfection you should be more than happy. Partly widescreen and English dubbed. It says on the back of the DVD case that there are 3 bonus fights, but I couldn't find them. A bad movie like this could have really used at least 1 special feature.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   I should make a listmania of all the Rarescope releases, but those things just take forever to make. So instead I will list all of the Rarescope releases here and give my rating for each one.
   
   Showdown at the Cottonmill- 4.5/5
   Face Behind the Mask- 4.5/5
   Love and Sword- 4/5
   CLF Kung Fu- 3.5/5
   Elimination Pursuit- 3.5/5
   Drunken Dragon- 3.5/5
   Shaolin vs Ninja 3.5/5 Shaolin vs Tai Chi 3.5/5 double-feature
   Dream Sword 3.5/5 Sword Named Revenge 1.5/5 double-feature
   Lost Swordship- 3.5/5
   Ninjas and Dragons- 3/5
   Duel at the Supreme Gate- 2.5/5
   Along Comes a Tiger- 2/5 (though I consider this the least of the Rarescope movies, it does have the best special feature, a commentary with lead actor Don Wong Tao)
   
   I probably forgot at least 1 title. And there are still some I haven't seen. Cub Tiger From Kwangtung is the original version of Master with Cracked Fingers, before the footage of Dean Shek and Kwan Young Moon was added in. I didn't like Cracked Fingers, so I don't plan on seeing the original version. I heard that both movies in the Duel of Karate/Chinese Godfather 2-pack are bad, and I am hoping to see the Soul of Chiba/Fighting Fists 2-pack soon. Soul of Chiba looks like a lot of good cheesy Chiba fun. As for the UK Rarescope's, don't miss out on Warriors of the Water Margin. Best drunken style ever put to film? Watch it and tell me what you think.

5 comments about Night Hunter.

1. I know the stars and the Title don't match but this is a great movie. My friends and I rented this movie and laughed the whole way through. Trust me you'll want this movie after you watch it just so you can show everyone out there that a movie htis bad really does exist.



2. I know the stars and the Title don't match but this is a great movie. My friends and I rented this movie and laughed the whole way through. Trust me you'll want this movie after you watch it just so you can show everyone out there that a movie htis bad really does exist.



3. Not much Maria Ford. She does some kind of accent which is cute.
   They shake the camera every time theres a fight. Should have had a lot more Maria. For those who don't know Maria ford might have the best legs in the world.



4. Not much Maria Ford. She does some kind of accent which is cute.
   They shake the camera every time theres a fight. Should have had a lot more Maria. For those who don't know Maria ford might have the best legs in the world.



5. Jack Cutter (Don Wilson), is the son of a vampire hunter. When his parents are killed, Jack inherits a book which lists the remaining vampire bloodlines. Jack must kill the remaining vampires before before they get a chance to reproduce. Sound like your typical vampire plot? Yep, but, okay I actually LIKED Night Hunter. I expected it to be just another cheesy martial arts flick, but instead, there was actually a fairly decent plot line. Don Wilson was good as the flawed, and lonely Jack Cutter. The vampires themselves were good-looking bunch (not the skinny white nosferatu type), with actual motivation (a desire to breed), and some fairly decent acting on all parts. I was rather pleased by the cast selection. Usually in less expensive films, the vampires are ugly to make the hero look good!

   Towards the end, this flick petered out a bit, and became one endless fight scene, which had me knocking off a star. There was also a few thinly veiled S&M catfight scene between the main heroine and the lesbian vampire which seemed to be added to tittilate the audience. YAWN. (Must this happen to the heroine in EVERY vampire movie?) Still, this was a worthy vampire flick, worth viewing. (Although I could wish for a little bit more exploration into the lives of the vampires and the vampire King's love for the French woman).

   Worth seeing, for some decent character development early on and a cast of good-looking vampires. Ultimately disappointing because of its uninspired ending.

4 comments about The Fatal Flying Guillotine.

1. This is a kung fu classic. The Emperor has one of his henchmen create a weapon which is thrown thru the air, lands on someone's head and beheads them. He then has a dozen killers trained to use it, and starts executing people. After a few killings one of the trained killers decides he wants out, and the hunt is on to kill him.

   The movie has some jerky-ness to it, as the film they used was not in great shape, but for those who watched kung fu theartre on saturday afternoons as a kid this is a must have. Second only to Jade Claw.




2. Being the mark that I am for movie gimmicks, I purchased this film in hopes of seeing more of the flying guillotine which I have become so fond of over the years. ... It's nothing more than a jug attached to a chain. Granted, we're talking about a flying guillotine but come on. If you want to see a real flying guillotine movie, wait a month or so and watch "master of the flying guillotine." I beleive it comes out into theatres next month.



3. You know how some movies are so absolutely worthless that they end up being mind numbingly brilliant? That is Fatal Flying Guillotines. The fight scenes...silly and comical and poorly choreographed...the acting...ahahah...the acting...ahahahahahahahha....it really is amazing...the dubbing helps too...it adds a whole new level to the bad/goodness of this flick. the story? do you really need a story? the main character in this movie has a "technique" that basically consists of flying giant bells on ropes out to sever people's heads, because his heart condition has driven him insane. I think I've said enough. Now you need to purchase this so you can show it to your friend and impress them with your knowledge of little known, yet devastatingly funny "kung fu" movies. cuz im not really sure this is kung fu. Its bell fu. Look at me, still rambling. Anyways...buy this.



4. watch carter wong dodge guillotines for 5 minutes at a time. the guillitines move AT ABOUT 1-2 MILES PER HOUR. It is so freaking boring when the action actually happens. Luckily they mix in some hand to hand, but I honestly think that THIS movie has the most close up flips that I have ever seen in a movie. Flying guillotine 1, 2, and wang yu's are good but this doesn't even fall into the same category.

1 comments about Defend or Die: Defensive Skills for Street Combat.

1. This DVD changed the way I trained. After years of Traditional Martial Arts training I thought I knew it all, but the simplistic elements of defensive strategy presented by Sammy Franco gave me instant modification that works.
   
   For the complete beginner to the advanced martial artist/self defense practitioner. Regardless of what you currently know about defensive techniques, you need this instruction. This quality training DVD gets straight to the point and can be understood instantly.
   
   This DVD not only covers the positives of training with a CFA mindset (which is quickly understood), but also exposes major flaws in existing techniques currently being taught as viable defensive options. I have already changed some of my long term skills for the better since viewing this DVD. One view will change your training, without a doubt.
   Without a solid defense, an effective offense can't be initiated. I recommend this DVD to anyone wanting the real deal.

3 comments about Classic Judo: 6 DVD Box Set.

1. Hal Sharp is an American Judo treasure. He wrote the first book I ever bought back in 1965 and it still holds up today! Now Hal has taken hundred of hours worth of 16mm films he made in the 50's while stationed in Japan and put them on DVDs. These are rare and include judo legends like Mifune, Kotani, Okano, Kimura, Diago, and many more. Hal narrates the action with his personal memories of what it was like to be there. Thank You Hal for doing this.



2. A great series of Judo history by Hal Sharp. A must for Judo players.



3. I would try to find this product cheaper. Over-priced for what you get. A lot of narration that is monotone. Good info about Judo history though.

No comments about Emei Water Tai Chi.

5 comments about Project A.

1. Dear Ragini !
   
   Thank's for your email UNFORTUNATELY the DVD that I received yesterday is
   not the same that I bought from you.
   This is A JET LI movie with a BAD QUALITY ....I'm sure this product is
   PIRACY.
   What can we do now? I'm very dissaponited with AMAZON.....
   
   Best,
   
   Roberto



2. Where to begin? This is a terrific movie, and one of Jackie Chan's very best. Full of imaginative fights and stunts, Jackie's athleticism will amaze even those already familiar with him. It also features fantastic moments from Yuen Biao, Sammo Hung, and a couple of Shaw Brother's alumni in Dick Wei and Lee Hoi San.
   
   Jackie is Dragon Ma, a naval officer in early 20th century Hong Kong. His navy is taking crap from the police for losing ships and not capturing the pirate, Lo Sam Pau (Wei) and his henchmen. After they lose two more ships, the navy is forced to merge with Yuen Biao and the police department to fight local corruption, and THEN go after the pirates.
   
   Those in the know say that the uncut, remastered version from Fortune Star is the way to go. That being said, this version from Dimension does have a very good, widescreen picture with some bad English dubbing and no subtitle options. For Dimension, the dubbing is actually pretty good. If you want bad, check out any of the many Jet Li films that they've released. This one does have Danny Trejo as the voice of Lo Sam Pau. So if you're into pirates but have a hard time getting through those long, narcolepsy-inducing Johnny Depp films, give "Project A" a shot. This one has good fights AND pays homage to Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd. 4.5/5 and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
   
   1983



3. I asked for and paid for Project A. What I recieved was a dvd cover of project A with a dvd labled Project A. In fact the dvd contained a copy of Project A 2 - the sequel. This is not acceptable. Another point I would raise was that I checked the box to wait until all the dvd's in my order where all ready to be shipped together, they were shipped in two packages over two different periods. Please explain.



4. INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT A:
   
   Jackie Chan is an underestimated genious outside his own reputation, the historical importance of his legacy trascends his best known image as a comedian and daredevil acrobat: There's a talented Director and visionary, a man who changed the Action film industry in Honk Kong forever with his personal touch and style in the early 80's, by creating the perfect fusion of goofy physical comedy and incredible restless action with some of the most impressive and dangerous stunts ever displayed on film. This 1982 period film about sailors, police and pirates, was the consolidation of Chan as a star in Asia after his major breakthrought with Yuen Woo Ping's kung fu classic "Drunken Master", and a movie that started an influence to follow from there on in the industry.
   
   This is a true milestone, considered by critics not only as the first important Honk Kong action comedy , but one of the best productions of the genre next to Chan's second best directed film, the timeless classic "Police Story". Besides being one of his most entertaining and funny movies, the film contains some of Jackie's best stunts ever. We've all seen the reckless and almost imprudent asian stuntmen falling on their heads and backs from the roof to the solid floor in many occasions in 80's HK action movies, but no one can get used to watch Jackie climbing handcuffed to a flag pole, jumping to the top of a clock tower, and then falling to the ground with no protection but a couple of cloth roof tops. And he did it at least three times, two of them registered in this film. Even the MTV idiots getting their private parts bitten by baby alligators, thinks that its totally insane. Outstanding comedy and action, great period scenarios, enjoyable classic soundtrack: This movie defines an era.
   
   So Jackie became a hughe international star and the world embraced this delightful character and action hero that he is, and then came the re-releases of his early and most important work to satisfy the needs of us fans. Among those DVD releases, unfortunately we can find editions like this one. Check this out:
   
   THE PROBLEMS:
   
   - Incomplete, cutted version with english dubbing, and the worst of all, the original amusing and perfectly synchronized music score was replaced by a new, awful synthesized random score, killing the comedy and sucking the joy out of the movie by trying to turn it into the current action flick. I mean, the "updated" new cover of the DVD speaks for itself.
   
   - The Classic Golden Harvest presentation and original opening sequence with credits, was replaced by a computer generated pirate flag : Jackie Chan's Project A, the new title, makes clear that this release is a mere vehicle to show Jackie to new audiences, with no respect for anything else.
   
   - The bar fight sequence is incomplete: The whole "spaghetti" incident was excluded, along with precious seconds of the brawl. Nice.
   
   - The scene in the gambling house in wich the Sammo Hung's character is introduced to the movie, was completely excluded. Now, he just happens to know everyone. Awesome.
   
   - From the Police training sequence, the "shower" scene is missing.
   
   - The intro of Sammo, Jackie and Yuen Biao in the arrest sequence at the club house is missing. The fight sequences are chopped off too.
   
   - The intro of the rifle robbery on a boat at night perpetrated by Sammo and Jackie, conceived as a Pekin Opera satire, is chopped off and ruined by the lack of score, waysting the rhymes and the joke intended.
   
   - The pirate assault to the english ship sequence, chopped off.
   
   - From then, everything is in place, till the new ending credits. By this time, only sadness for the lost original music score and impotence for the waysted money remains.
   
   Honestly, the picture and sound are decent. But that's it. The intention of this DVD edition is to introduce new audiences to Jackie's glorious past, and in that part only, it delivers. But this is not the final choice for any collector or faithful fan, not for a moment.
   
   THE SOLUTION:
   
   A couple years ago, FORTUNE STAR released a flawless remastered ALL-REGION DVD Edition, including the complete version in Cantonese DTS, 5.1, and original 2.0 mono soundtrack (Hurra!) with original character voices and music score, all the deleted scenes and outtakes, original HK trailer, and photo galleries. More than any fan could ask for, i tell you.
   
   Dear Customer: Look for this edition in Asian DVD stores online, and forget about this Edition. Don't be afraid, they're just as safe and efficient as here, i guarantee.



5. The worst of Jackie Chan's movies. The fight scenes are good, as expected. But the movie has a poor, or non existent, storyline. It just drifts along propelled by poor acting all around. What a disappointment.