Tuesday, February 15, 2022

88 FILMS detail 3/22 release of Monkey Kung Fu (1979) and Shaolin Mantis (1979) on Blu-ray!

MONKEY KUNG FU (1979)

SHAOLIN MANTIS (1978)

88 Films USA continues on it’s Classic Kung Fu odyssey in March!

Coming from 88 Films USA Label in partnership with MVD on March 22nd is another cult classic from the Shaw Brothers Studio. From director Mar Lo (Shaolin Thief), and starring Siu-Tung Ching (The Shaolin Boxer) Monkey Kung Fu is another Wuxia classic from the legendary Shaw Brothers studio.

When prisoner Ching is given half of a wooden keepsake by a one eyed-master about to be executed, he breaks out of prison to go in search of the other half to discover its purpose. However, on his quest he is pursued by a gang leader who will also stop at nothing find out its secrets. Embroiling mystical promise, an adventurous journey and a search for the truth into its winding storyline, Money Kung Fu AKA Stroke of Death is a uniquely satisfying late seventies delve into the magical world of martial arts Hong Kong cinema.

Included in the package are a LIMITED EDITION Slipcase with brand-new artwork from R.P. “Kung Fu Bob” O’Brien, Double-Sided A3 Foldout Poster, Extensive Booklet notes, Audio commentary by Kenneth Brorsson and Phil Gillon of the Podcast On Fire Network, Stunting Around - An Interview with Choreographer Tony Leung Siu-hung and rounded out with the original trailer.
 
Also out of the same date, March 22nd is the technical tour-de-force of Shaolin Mantis. Direct from the golden age of Hong Kong martial arts cinema comes Shaolin Mantis another fast paced fight fest, from the mighty Shaw Brothers studio. When scholar Wei Fung (David Chiang) is hired by the Emperor to infiltrate a clan of rebellious Ming loyalists, his mission goes adrift when he falls in love the clan leader’s granddaughter and his plans are discovered.

From legendary director and star Lau Kar Leung (The Spiritual Boxer, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin) Shaolin Mantis is another superlative entry from the never ending showcase of 70s martial arts productions. An absolute must for collectors of classic Shaw Brothers movies.

Included in this stacked package are a LIMITED EDITION Slipcase with brand-new artwork from R.P. “Kung Fu Bob” O’Brien, Double-Sided A3 Foldout Poster, 4 Collectible art-cards, Audio Commentary with Asian cinema experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema, Audio commentary with Asian cinema expert Frank Djeng, Complicated Families – David West on Shaolin Mantis Eighteen Weapons - David West on Legendary Weapons of China, Uncle Tien Chung – an Interview with John Cheung, Deadly Mantis Trailer and an Original Hong Kong Trailer.

MONKEY KUNG FU (1979)

Another cult classic from the Shaw Brothers Studio, The Flag of Iron is a quintessential Hong Kong tale of rivals, betrayal and family feuds.

From director Mar Lo (Shaolin Thief), and starring Siu-Tung Ching (The Shaolin Boxer) comes this fast-moving Wuxia classic from the legendary Shaw Brothers studio. When prisoner Ching is given half of a wooden keepsake by a one eyed-master about to be executed, he breaks out of prison to go in search of the other half to discover its purpose. However, on his quest he is pursued by a gang leader who will also stop at nothing find out its secrets. Embroiling mystical promise, an adventurous journey and a search for the truth into its winding storyline, Money Kung Fu AKA Stroke of Death is a uniquely satisfying late seventies delve into the magical world of martial arts Hong Kong cinema.

Special Features: 
- High Definition (1080p) Presentation in 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio
- 2.0 DTS-HD MA English Soundtrack
- 2.0 DTS-HD MA Cantonese Soundtrack with newly translated English Subtitles
- Audio commentary by Kenneth Brorsson and Phil Gillon of the Podcast On Fire Network
- Stunting Around - An Interview with Choreographer Tony Leung Siu-hung
- Original Trailer

SHAOLIN MANTIS (1978)

Wei Fung is hired to infiltrate a clan of rebellious Ming loyalists, but he falls in love the clan leaders granddaughter and his plans are discovered.

Direct from the golden age of Hong Kong martial arts cinema comes Shaolin Mantis another fast paced fight fest, from the mighty Shaw Brothers studio. When scholar Wei Fung (David Chiang) is hired by the Emperor to infiltrate a clan of rebellious Ming loyalists, his mission goes adrift when he falls in love the clan leader's granddaughter and his plans are discovered. From legendary director and star Lau Kar Leung (The Spiritual Boxer, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin) Shaolin Mantis is another superlative entry from the never ending showcase of 70s martial arts productions. An absolute must for collectors of classic Shaw Brothers movies.

Special features: 
- High Definition (1080p) Presentation in 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio
- 2.0 DTS-HD MA English Soundtrack
2.0 DTS-HD MA Mandarin Soundtrack with newly translated English Subtitles
- Audio commentary with Asian cinema experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema
- Audio commentary with Asian cinema experts Frank Djeng
- Complicated Families - David West on Shaolin Mantis
- Interview with Actor John Cheung
- US Trailer (The Deadly Mantis)
- Hong Kong Trailer