DVD - May 07

Billy O'Brien's "Isolation" on R1 DVD

Director Billy O'Brien’s atmospheric horror film 'Isolation' about farm livestock going on a killer rampage, will be released on R1 DVD on June 26th. The movie stars John Lynch, Essie Davis, Sean Harris, Ruth Negga, Marcel Iures.

Synopsis: “In the middle of a cold winter night, a mournful sound echoes through the darkness of the Irish countryside. Farmer Dan Reilly (John Lynch) waits as one of his cattle is about to give birth. The noise of her labour resonates through the barn. The animal’s agony weighs heavily on Dan’s mind, as he has reluctantly allowed a bio-tech corporation to run tests on his livestock in return for financial aid for his debt-ridden ranch.

Camped in a nearby field are Mary and Jamie . The young couple is running away, hoping to get to London for a fresh start. After giving them a surly warning to get off his land, Dan backpedals and asks them for assistance with the troublesome birth. In the dank straw, the warm breath of new life appears on the cold air - and the group is plunged into a blind panic at the realization that something has gone horribly wrong.”

'Isolation' (Official Site)

Flash Gordon "Saviour" R1 edition coming to DVD in August

U.S fans of hugely over the top Sci-fi, look out. Heroic earthling Flash Gordon will save the world again in a new remastered DVD special edition due out August 7th. Flash must do battle with the nefarious Ming the Merciless in this lavish, intentionally camp adaptation of the famous sci-fi comic strip.

The story is as basic as space operas get: Ming (Max von Sydow) has developed a plan to destroy the Earth, and Flash (Sam J. Jones) and his attractive companion Dale Arden (Melody Anderson) are called upon to stop him. Along the way, Flash must battle Ming's goons and the temptations of a luscious space princess.

Previously the basis for a more straight-faced 1930s adventure serial, Flash's story is here mined for exaggerated, cartoon humor by screenwriter Lorenzo Semple Jr., a central figure in the similarly camp 1960s Batman television series. The simplistic plot mainly serves as an excuse for spectacular sets and cartoonish action sequences, all set to an appropriately over-the-top rock score by Queen.

Certainly not a film to turn to for serious excitement, fine (although 'Brian Blessed' as Prince Vultan is fantastic) performances, or character development, Flash Gordon has nevertheless developed a legion of cult fans who admire the film's humorous approach and the detailed, colorful production design.

Alejandro Jodorowsky 6 disc DVD Boxset!

Not satisfied with just releasing Alejandro Jodorowsky’s cult classic ‘El Topo” on DVD, Tartan video has now gone all out with a huge 6 disc edition of all of the directors major work. Arriving uncut and uncensored for the very first time are three of the visionary director’s most celebrated yet rarely seen films - El Topo, Holy Mountain and Fando & Lis. All have been digitally restored and remastered, under the close supervision of the director himself, and presented along with an array of superb extra features, including a rare 1957 short, original trailers and deleted scenes.

Revered for his work as an underground filmmaker, Jodorowsky has also garnered a worldwide reputation as a prolific author, playwright, graphic novelist (in collaboration with high-profile artists such as Jean ‘Mœbius’ Giraud), and a learned Tarot reader. However, it is for his controversial and groundbreaking films that he is best known, and for which he is hailed, alongside other visionary auteurs such as Fellini, Buñuel and Lynch, as a cult director. As challenging and unique now as when they were made, these previously “lost” masterpieces are certain to excite a new generation of film fans, whilst offering a welcome opportunity for others to rediscover these legendary films. DVD specs.

For those in region 1 land, Anchor Bay has just released a similar box set in the U.S.

New UK DVD label highlights Asian Cinema

Great news for UK fans of Asian film. Third Window Films is a new movie distribution company whose aim is to bring select overlooked and underrated films from the Far East to the attention of a UK audience. This includes films from indie and cult catagories as well as from established directors in the whole range of genres.

First up on their release schedule will be three Korean movies due out May 21st: 'Guns and Talks,' 'Say Yes' & 'No Blood No Tears.' Not happy with just that, they are soon to follow those up with 'Wild Card' & 'Green Fish,' out on June 4th. And to top all of that, Third Window has organised a theatrical release for Johnnie To's 'PTU' at the ICA Cinema, starting June 22nd for one week at 9pm nightly. It's dvd release will be approximately one month after.

For more info on current & future releases, check out their website here.

Danny Pangs "Forest of death" on DVD

The Pang Brothers have earned a reputation for making quality horror films, emerging as prominent directors in the Hong Kong film industry. Instead of telling a ghost story again, their latest piece, Forest of Death, unfolds an X-Files-like supernatural tale with some sci-fi elements, something new for a Pang Brothers movie.

Produced by both and directed by Danny Pang alone, Forest of Death sees Shu Qi as a female detective investigating a case in a creepy forest. Ekin Cheng plays a botanical scientist who develops a theory about plants being able to feel and talk. The movie also stars Lawrence Chou (Happy Birthday), Rain Li (On the Edge), and veteran Lau Siu Ming (Re-Cycled).

'Forest of Death' (Official Site)

Order the Region free DVD here

"Circle of iron" gets 2 disc special edition DVD release

Distributor 'Blue Underground' are to release a "Circle of Iron" 2-Disc DVD Special Edition on May 29th. At the height of his international fame, the legendary Bruce Lee - along with his friend and student James Coburn and Oscar -winning screenwriter Stirling Silliphant - began to write what he believed would be the greatest achievement of his film career. Five years after his mysterious death, Lee's vision would finally be realized.

David Carradine, Christopher Lee, Roddy McDowall and Eli Wallach star in this acclaimed cult hit that brings Lee's personal philosophy to the screen with a potent combination of mysticism, humor and martial arts mayhem. Circle of Iron -also known as The Silent Flute - has now been remastered from its original negative and features exclusive extras, including an all-new interview with the star David Carradine.

'Circle of Iron' Trailer