The 88 Asia Collection is an exceptional sublabel of 88 films that specialises in Blu-ray releases of the finest Hong Kong action movies and remastered Shaw Brothers films. The world of Hong Kong cinema is a realm unto itself, a tapestry woven with vibrant colors, heart-stopping action, and unforgettable characters. Within this cinematic landscape, few names shine as brightly as Jackie Chan and the Shaw Brothers. Their contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry, and now, thanks to 88 Films, these legends are immortalized in all their glory. 

At fopp we have 2 for £15 on tons of Blu-ray from this incredible range, let’s dive into a few of our favourites…

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. 

• Restored HD Master in 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio

• 2.0 LPCM English Soundtrack

• 2.0 LPCM 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 by Frédéric Ambroisine

• Hong Kong Trailer

Hero

From director and writer Corey Yuen (Righting Wrongs, Red Cliff, The Transporter) comes this high-octane tale of criminal gangs, betrayal and greed. When brothers Ma Wing-jing (Taksehi Kaneshiro) and Ma Tai-cheung (Yuen Wah) flee their impoverished homeland to seek their fortune in Shanghai, they at first find more grinding penury when they are forced to work as lowly coolies, however Wing-jing soon becomes embroiled in the seedy world of big city triads and his once insignificant life becomes an arrogant lust for power. This fabulous remake of Cheh Chang’s classic The Boxer from Shantung (1972) from the legendary Shaw Brothers studios is given a 90s makeover chock full with stunts, fights and awe inspiring action sequences. A must for collectors of martial arts cinema.

• HD Transfer from the Original Negative in 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio

• High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation

• 2.0 DTS-HD MA Mono Cantonese with Newly Translated English Subtitles

• 2.0 DTS-HD MA Mono English Dub

• Audio Commentary by Kung Fu Experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema

Flying Gullotine Part ll

Follow up to Master of the Flying Guillotine, cited as one of Quentin Tarantino’s favourite movies, FLYING GUILLOTINE 2 AKA PALACE CARNAGE continues in the same vein as the original with its visceral mix of martial arts expertise and weapons-grade violence. To fight against the evil emperor’s reign of terror outlaw rebel Ma Teng joins a group of female freedom fighters, however, she soon finds herself embroiled not just in a battle with enemy forces but also in with group leader’s torn family loyalties. Brutal, fast and furious FLYING GUILLOTINE 2 is an even more off-kilter Shaw Brothers entry than usual, containing familiar tropes as well as unique elements, it is arguably the best of the Flying Guillotine sequels, rolling along at an impressively enjoyable pace.

• HD Transfer from the Original Negative in 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio

• High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation

• 2.0 Mandarin Audio with Newly Translated English Subtitles

• 2.0 English Audio

• Audio Commentary with Asian cinema experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema Frank Djeng and Actor / Martial Artist Michael Worth

• Reversible sleeve featuring original Hong Kong poster artwork

Come Drink with me

Though featuring the Shaw Brothers custom brand of martial arts mayhem, HUMAN LANTERNS also taps into the early 80s craze for the American slasher film and the earlier Hammer horrors by providing a grisly take on the serial killer feature in an inimitable Hong Kong style. When an unbalanced craftsman decides to get revenge on two Kung Fu masters by creating special lanterns constructed from the human skin of their dead relatives, all hell breaks loose in this gruesome tale of bloody retribution. Taking its inspiration from movies like Psycho and real cases like Ed Gein, HUMAN LANTERNS is clearly not for the faint-hearted with its over the top gore and sadistic qualities but this slice of darker than dark fantasy still manages to be both wonderfully horrible and impressively entertaining.

• HD Transfer from the Original Negative

• High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation

• 2.0 DTS-HD MA Mono Mandarin with Newly Translated English Subtitles

• Audio commentary by Kenneth Brorsson and Phil Gillon of the Podcast On Fire Network

• A Shaw Story – an Interview with Susan Shaw

• The Beauty and the Beasts – An Interview with Linda Chu

• Lau Wing – The Ambiguous Hero

• Original Trailer

Martial Club

A gloriously typical entry from Shaw Brothers, Martial Club starring Kara Wei (THE BRAVE ARCHER 2 and MAD MONKEY KUNG FU) and Gordon Liu (THE 36TH CHAMBER OF SHAOLIN) and directed by Lau Kar-Leung (LEGENDARY WEAPONS OF CHINA), affords us a fast-paced, cleverly choreographed piece of martial arts fun combining many elements that lovers of this kind of cinema will be more than appreciative of. Rival fight schools, an old master and beautifully designed set pieces tumble together in a colourfully kinaesthetic unceasing parade of flying fists and action set pieces.

• HD Transfer from the Original Negative in 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio

• High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation

• 1.0 DTS-HD MA Mono Cantonese Audio with Newly Translated English Subtitles

• Commentary with Asian cinema expert Frank Djeng and Actor / Martial Artist Michael Worth

• Instructors of Death – Grindhouse Presentation

• Kung Fu and Dancing – An Interview with Actor Robert Mak

• Born to Be Bad – An Interview with Actor Johnny Wang

• Disciples of Shaolin – An Interview with Stuntmen Hung Sun-Nam and Tony Tam

• The Right-Hand Man – An Interview with Producer Lawrence Wong

• Hong Kong Trailer

• Reversible sleeve featuring original Hong Kong poster artwork

The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter

• UNCUT HD restoration in original 1:85:1 aspect ratio

• English LPCM Mono

• Cantonese LPCM Mono

• Newly translated optional English Subtitles and SDH

• Introduction with Director Jamie Luk

• Audio Commentary with HK Cinema experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema

• Scenes From the Alternative Version

• Hong Kong Trailer

• Reversible sleeve with original Hong Kong poster artwork and brand-new artwork from R.P. “Kung Fu Bob” O’Brien

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.

• Restored HD Master in 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio

• English LPCM Mono 2.0

• Mandarin LPCM Mono 2.0

• Audio Commentary with Film journalist Samm Deighan

• “Open Hand Combat” – Interview with Journalist David West

• “Wong Ching at Shaw” – Interview with Actor Wong Ching by Frédéric Ambroisine

• US ‘Hammer of God’ Trailer

• Hong Kong Trailer

• Reversible sleeve with brand-new artwork from R.P. “Kung Fu Bob” O’Brien & Original Hong Kong poster artwork

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