What’s next for Shout! Studio‘s continued release of films from China is Shaw Brothers Classics, Vol. 6. Fans can now pre-order this upcoming March release, and according to the marketing, this package will focus on the really hard to find films to watch. Since then, a quick check online shows that some of them are available on Amazon Prime (select countries) as individual works or on YouTube.
This week, the distributor also revealed all the new featurettes included in this set. The titles I’m excited to see are Finger of Doom, Na Cha And The Seven Devils, and The Young Avenger. The primary reason is that I haven’t watched these particular films yet. IUn a few entries will be some added notes (or an included trailer)
SWORDSWOMEN THREE
(1080p High-Definition Widescreen (2.35:1) / Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Dual Mono / 100 min.)
Although this title may seem misleading, that is because it’s not really about these three ladies. Instead, it’s concerned about Lo Lieh, who will stop at nothing to claim victory at a tournament between clans. And by the time these ladies are dealing out the hurt, the question of who is the best is hardly the plot.
Although these sisters–played by Essie Lin Chia, Shen Yi and Violet Pan Ying-Zi–do their best, the question is when will they challenge the patriarchy?
THE TWELVE GOLD MEDALLIONS
(1080p High-Definition Widescreen (2.35:1) / Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Dual Mono / 106 min.)
In the midst of a war, Wavering Swordmaster Miao Lung sets about tracking down a series of messengers bearing imperial decrees — each fashioned in the form of a golden medallion. This role is played by Hua Yueh (Come Drink With Me), an incredible talent who starred in may of this studio’s products. In what’s particularly notable is that he moved to Vancouver, BC and those lucky to work with him in radio had nothing but praise.
THE BLACK ENFORCER
(1080p High-Definition Widescreen (2.35:1) / Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Dual Mono / 96 min.)
When this film is perhaps the most elusive to find back during its initial release, fans will be glad this distributor secured the rights for legit releases. That’s because it is largely unheard of in America, and those people who manages to see it praise it for the fights! All that credit goes to cheorographer Leung Siu-Chung, and if the remastered clip doesn’t say it all (attached below), then I don’t know what will.
Synopsis: Lung is ordered to escort a murderer to prison, but his minions rescued the criminal, killing Lung’s mother and sister in the process. And so begins a classic tale of revenge as only the Shaw Brothers can deliver.
DUEL FOR GOLD
(1080p High-Definition Widescreen (2.35:1) / Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Dual Mono / 98 min.)
One of the reasons this film is notable is that the prolific Chor Yuen directed! According to scmp.com, he’s respected for the work put behind crafting fantastic looking sets, and when he’s adapting from previously written material, he insists on staying faithful. Here, the tale is just as the title suggests. Six talented and cunning warriors plot, betray, and outwit each other when a fortune in gold comes their way. Ivy Ling Po, Han Chin, and Lieh Lo star.
FINGER OF DOOM
(1080p High-Definition Widescreen (2.35:1) / Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Dual Mono / 96 min.)
Two swordsmen embark on a bizarre and supernatural adventure in order to find their missing brother … and along the way, they seek to uncover the secret of the mysterious kung fu style known as ‘Finger Of Doom’ in this highly unusual martial arts thrill ride.
But in what nobody knows about this film is that this technique turns its victims into zombies. When kung fu master, Suen Mao Neong, manages to create enough of an army, everyone else better look out! However, she’s not the only person who knows how to amass a horde. There’s her sifu and also Ivy Ling Po. It’s a film that has to be seen to be believed.
NA CHA AND THE SEVEN DEVILS
(1080p High-Definition Widescreen (2.35:1) / Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Dual Mono / 89 min.)
This precursor to the Ne Zha (2019, movie review) has its own merits for being a product of its time. While it does not look as good when compared to the modern digital retelling, there’s merit to see how the legend has been updated throughout the years, and interpreted. When Shaw Studios were simply all about pumping out as much a product as possible, sometimes quality can be lacking.
Plot Synopsis: The mischievous Na Cha is tasked with retrieving seven magical peaches before they are eaten by demons — who will then become immortal — in this lighthearted fantasy epic.
SHADOW GIRL
(1080p High-Definition Widescreen (2.35:1) / Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Dual Mono / 81 min.)
The impish and playful Yin Chu loves to play pranks — and has the added advantage of being able to turn herself invisible! But when she ruins a wedding party with her shenanigans, the father of the bride swears revenge on our see-through heroine.
SWORDSMAN AT LARGE
(1080p High-Definition Widescreen (2.35:1) / Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Dual Mono / 93 min.)
The quest for a legendary weapon is the central focus of this character-driven wuxia from director Teng-Hung Hsu (One-Armed Swordsman Vs. Nine Killers, The Invincible Sword).
THE BLACK TAVERN
(1080p High-Definition Widescreen (2.35:1) / Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Dual Mono / 87 min.)
In this under-the-radar gem, various ne’er-do-wells converge on a tavern in search of a rumoured treasure — only to discover that there’s much more awaiting them!
From Blood Brothers Film Review: “It’s a tight, effective thriller brimming with stunning martial arts fight work, fascinating characters, and a trimmed but sublime plotting that utilizes these elements in an almost perfect harmony.”
THE YOUNG AVENGER
(1080p High-Definition Widescreen (2.35:1) / Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Dual Mono / 86 min.)
A young woman seeks revenge after learning the mysterious ‘Dragon Sword’ technique in this tale that deftly balances thrilling action and strong character development.
CRAZY NUTS OF KUNG FU
(1080p High-Definition Widescreen (2.35:1) / Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Dual Mono / 98 min.)
A bandit agrees to be the bodyguard for an itinerant gambler. Running afoul of an evil warlord, they soon find themselves mixed up with a band of rebels with revolution on their minds.
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