The VHS Archives: Sun Chung's A FIST FULL OF TALONS (1983)

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A FIST FULL OF TALONS

Sun Chung's Hu ying (1983)

The VHS Archives Factsheet

Label: Ocean Shores Video Limited

Catalog: OS-306

Box Type: Clamshell

Year of Release: 1986

Runtime: 82:32

Print: 1.33:1 / English / No subs

Extras: Trailers for Super Power, and The Big Risk

About the Film

Director: Sun Chung

Year of Release: 1983

Country of Origin: Hong Kong

Stars: Billy Chong, Whang In-Shik, Liu Hao-yi, Bai Ying

AKAs: A Fistful of Talons, Tiger Hawk, Wind Forest Fire Mountain

Verbatim Box Synopsis

A classic of the Chinese cinema! Directed by the "David Lean of China," Sun Chung, and starring the amazing Billy Chong, it has the sweep and grandeur befitting it's subject: the creation of the Republic of China. But more than just a majestic epic, it is a thrilling martial arts showcase with some of the best fights ever put to film. If you're never seen a kungfu movie, this is the one to see! If you've never liked kungfu movies, this is also the one to see. And, if you love kungfu movies, you have to see this one!

U.S. Ocean Shores Video Limited sleeve!

 U.S. Ocean Shores Video Limited sales sheet!

U.S. Ocean Shores Video Limited sales sheet;

this one features alternate artwork and plot synopsis!

Variety trade ad, promoting the film's Cannes screenings!

And its 42nd St. marquee, double-billed with Kung Fu Zombie!

A highlights compilation, uploaded by "Mimikoooooooo." Includes

the entire berserk ending, complete with kung fu eagle bisection. 

Looking for A Fist Full of Talons on VHS? The Ocean Shores tape isn't readily available, but you can get the crappy Ground Zero cheapie release if you want it. There's also a bunch of budget DVDs, including this one paired with Kung Fu Zombie. 

Investigate more titles with Project: Ocean Shores!

For a look at other labels, check out The VHS Archives!

© 2014 -- Bruce Holecheck. All Rights Reserved.

The VHS Archives: Yuen Woo-Ping's TAI-CHI MASTER (1984)

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TAI-CHI MASTER

Yuen Woo-Ping's Siu Tai Gik (1984)

The VHS Archives Factsheet

Label: Ocean Shores Video Limited

Catalog: OS-554

Box Type: Clamshell

Year of Release: 1988

Runtime: 90:11

Print: 1.33:1 / English / No subs

Extras: Trailer for The Demon Fighter

About the Film

Director: Yuen Woo-Ping

Year of Release: 1984

Country of Origin: Hong Kong

Stars: Donnie Yen, Yuen Cheung-Yan, Yuen Shun-Yee, Yuen Yat Chor, Lydia Shum

AKAs: Drunken Tai Chi, Laughing Tai Chi, Drunken Tai Chi Master

Verbatim Box Synopsis

"Tai-Chi Master" stars Donny Yen, a new young martial arts star with brilliant athleticism and technical skill.

A young man eludes the killer who murdered his father and brother, meets an eccentric showman / master of Tai-Chi and his fighting 250lbs wife, in the end faces the enemies out to kill him in a series of showdown fights.

The action's thrilling some-times while it's hilarious too. Stunts are choreographed in the style of an Indiana Jones adventure.

This new film is a must for the kung fu lover and action-movie fan.

U.S. Ocean Shores Video Limited sleeve!

Quick action clip, uploaded by "bikekungfu"!

Looking for Tai-Chi Master on VHS? It's not readily available, but there is a cheapo DVD from Ground Zero that offers a nice ltbx print as Drunken Tai Chi.

Investigate more titles with Project: Ocean Shores!

For a look at other labels, check out The VHS Archives!

© 2013 -- Bruce Holecheck. All Rights Reserved.

The VHS Archives: Ling Pang's BRUTAL SORCERY (1983)

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BRUTAL SORCERY

Ling Pang's Du gu (1983)

The VHS Archives Factsheet

Label: Ocean Shores Video Limited

Catalog: OS-218

Box Type: Clamshell

Year of Release: 1984

Runtime: 85:44

Print: 1.33:1 / English / No subs

Extras: None

About the Film

Director: Ling Pang

Year of Release: 1983

Country of Origin: Hong Kong

Stars: Lily Chan, Lai Hon-Chi, Kwon Hoi-Shan

AKAs: Poison, Death Magic

Verbatim Box Synopsis

A story of demonic possession by black magic; where the loyal & faithful husband is dragged into a pit of adultery & despair in his vain attempt to overthrow the bestial & lustful influences of "Brutal Sorcery"

U.S. Ocean Shores Video Limited sleeve! 

 Hong Kong Ocean Shores VCD cover, courtesy of Backyard Asia!

Japanese AVA Nippon sleeve, also courtesy of Backyard Asia! 

Spanish Omni Video sleeve! 

There's a tape from Argentina's Video Uno that's labeled Brutal Sorcery, but according to Raro VHS it's actually something else. If anyone has any additional information on what film this really is (the box synopsis and photos apparently neither describe nor illustrate the movie contained on the cassette), please let us know!

The opening scene, uploaded by "vanillaiceyou"!

Investigate more titles with Project: Ocean Shores!

For a look at other labels, check out The VHS Archives!

© 2012 -- Bruce Holecheck. All Rights Reserved.

The VHS Archives: Cheung Yan-Git's DEVIL (1981)

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DEVIL

Cheung Yan-Git's Xie mo (1981)

The VHS Archives Factsheet

Label: Video City Productions (Chop-'Em-Ups Video)

Catalog: VC5075

Box Type: Big Box

Year of Release: 1986

Runtime: 82:24

Print: 1.31:1 / English / No subs

Extras: Trailer for Mob War

About the Film

Director: Cheung Yan-Git

Year of Release: 1981

Country of Origin: Taiwan / Hong Kong

Stars: Sherman Chow Shiu-Dung, Chen Hung-Lieh, Wong Bo-Yuk, Lau Yin-Seung

AKAs: The Devil, Devil's Express

Verbatim Box Synopsis

Inhuman beasts stalk the night in search of hosts for their unspeakable cravings!

Your skin will crawl with sheer terror as helpless victims turn into brutal, flesh-eating monsters, stopping at nothing in their orgy of fiendish lusts!

A shocker that will leave you gasping with dread.

Definitely not for the squeamish!

 

U.S. Video City Productions big box cover!

Tokuma Japan Video sleeve, courtesy of Backyard Asia!

Video review with clips, put together by So Good Reviews!

An especially gross set-piece, also uploaded by So Good Reviews!

Looking for Devil on VHS? It's available on Amazon here, if you've sold your soul to afford it. If you're just wanting to see the film, a much cheaper option is VideoAsia's DVD as Devil's Express, paired with Chuen Yee-Cha's The Rapist (1994) as part of their 'Tales of Voodoo' series. The print is VHS quality, but it's fully letterboxed and probably the best available outside of owning the original Japanese prerecord. 

Investigate more titles with Project: Video City!

For a look at other labels, check out The VHS Archives!

© 2012 -- Bruce Holecheck. All Rights Reserved.

The VHS Archives: Yi-Jung Hua's KUNG FU ZOMBIE (1981)

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KUNG FU ZOMBIE

Yi-Jung Hua's Wu long tian shi zhao ji gui (1981)

The VHS Archives Factsheet

Label: Ocean Shores Video Limited

Catalog: OS-303

Box Type: Clamshell

Year of Release: 1986

Runtime: 78:05

Print: 1.33:1 / English / No subs

Extras: None

About the Film

Director: Yi-Jung Hua

Year of Release: 1981

Country of Origin: Hong Kong

Stars: Billy Chong, Lau Chan, Yeong-mun Kwon, Kang-Yeh Cheng

AKAs: ? 

Verbatim Box Synopsis

A strange and spooky adventure starring the Great Billy Chong and chock-full of wizards, zombies, black magic, and, of course, martial arts! These fantastic ingredients are stirred together in a giant cauldron and the result is a scorching, bubbling stew called Kung Fu zombie -- the most original and interesting Kung Fu film in years!

U.S Ocean Shores Video Limited sleeve! 

Alternate U.S. Ocean Shores Video Limited sleeve!

I checked this tape's runtime, and it's identical to my other release. I'm unsure which came first, or if they're concurrent. The box text and copyright are the same; however, the fax number listed is different -- and different from the rest of the Ocean Shores tapes I checked. Misprint?

Japanese Daiei Video sleeve, originally scanned by "ed209vscain"!

 Dutch Standard Video sleeve!

German American Video sleeve!

42nd Street marquee photo, courtesy of The Faces of Fu!

Rare trailer, uploaded by "15SteelCity"!

Looking for Kung Fu Zombie on VHS? It's available on Amazon here. There's also a cheapy DVD from Ground Zero. 

Investigate more titles with Project: Ocean Shores!

For a look at other labels, check out The VHS Archives!

© 2012 -- Bruce Holecheck. All Rights Reserved.

The VHS Archives: Yeung Chun Bong's NINJA HOLOCAUST (1985)

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NINJA HOLOCAUST

Yeung Chun Bong's Tou Qing Ke (1985)

The VHS Archives Factsheet

Label: Mogul Communications, Inc.

Catalog: MOG1020

Box Type: Clamshell

Year of Release: 1987

Runtime: 95:21

Print: 1.33:1 / English / No subs

Extras: None

About the Film

Director: Yeung Chun Bong

Year of Release: 1985

Country of Origin: South Korea, Hong Kong

Stars: Michael Chan, Casanova Wong, Richard Harrison, Philip Ko

AKAs: 108 Golden Killers, City Ninja, Ninja Strike, Rocky's Love Affairs

Verbatim Box Synopsis

NINJAS also known as the Black Society deal in death. In this all action thriller the mystical Ninja clan, for for their expertise in the use of deadly weapons and combat skills, are hired to assassinate Tai Lung and steal important necklaces with numbers inscribed on them of a secret Swiss bank account.

Murder follows murder as the evil gangsters eliminate each other in probably the greatest martial arts / Ninja movie ever. 

U.S Mogul Communications sleeve!

Awesome fight clips, uploaded by TheGialloGrindhouse!

Looking for Ninja Holocaust on VHS? It's available on Amazon here.

Investigate more titles with Project: MOGUL!

For a look at other labels, check out The VHS Archives!

© 2012 -- Bruce Holecheck. All Rights Reserved.

The VHS Archives: Lu Po Tu's BIG BOSS II (1978)

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BIG BOSS II

Lu Po Tu's Jie quan da dong kau (1978)

The VHS Archives Factsheet
Label: All American Video
Catalog: AAV105
Box Type: Clamshell
Year of Release: 1985
Runtime: 91:43
Print: 1.33:1 / English / No subs
Extras: None

About the Film
Director: Lu Po Tu
Year of Release: 1978
Country of Origin: Hong Kong
Stars: Dragon Lee, Lik Cheung, Bolo Yeung
AKAs: Dragon Lee Fights Again, Bruce Lee Fights Again, Big Boss 2, Chinese Goliath, Muscle of the Dragon

Verbatim Box Synopsis

In the dark ages of the Chinese Republic, Warlords in the north hired fierce and brutal Japanese as assassins in their fight against revolutionaries and insurgents, led by the honourable and brave, Fok. When Fok saves the life of Lee Hansang, the two join forces to fight the notorious Warlords and their despised Japanese mercenaries. Hiding out in rice fields and learning all aspects of Kung Fu, they are continually hounded by the evil Tailong and his warriors. Having tortured and then murdered a young girl, Tailong now knows the hideout of the young revolutionaries, and sets out on his mission of destruction. Only the wisdom and skills of Kung Fu can save Lee and Fok, and together they plan a final ambush for their hated enemy.

U.S. All American Video sleeve!

Looking for Big Boss II on VHS? It's not readily available, but it is presented in VHS quality as part of VideoAsia's Dragon 4-Pack.

Investigate more titles with Project: MOGUL!

For a look at other labels, check out The VHS Archives!

© 2012 -- Bruce Holecheck. All Rights Reserved.

The VHS Archives: Bruce Le & Joseph Velasco's THE NINJA STRIKES BACK (1982)

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THE NINJA STRIKES BACKS

Bruce Le & Joseph Velasco's Xiong zhong (1982)

The VHS Archives Factsheet

Label: All American Video
Catalog: AAV103
Box Type: Clamshell
Year of Release: ?
Runtime: 83:55
Print: 1.33:1 / English / No subs
Extras: None

About the Film
Director: Bruce Le, Joseph Velasco
Year of Release: 1982
Country of Origin: France / Hong Kong
Stars: Bruce Le, Jang Lee Hwang, Harold Sakata, Bolo Yeung, Andre Koob, Dick Randall, Jean-Marie Pallardy
AKAs: Eye of the Dragon, Bruce Lee Fights Back

Verbatim Box Synopsis

Ninja... a name that conjures up dread, loathing and gut wrenching fear in all who have ever had the misfortune to cross their path.  With death defying feats, a total disregard for everything human and their own very special brand of vengeance, Ninjas are a force to be reckoned with.  Ninjas deal in DEATH, in any shape or form, be it slow torturous death, letting their victims scream themselves into a state of oblivion, or death can come like a streak of lightning... so fast that the victim's head goes on talking for seconds after being severed by the flashing blade.  So, when the two greatest masters in the art of sudden death collide in combat, it becomes two death-dealing human fighting machines in the battle of the century.

U.S All American Video sleeve! 

Dutch World Home / Centre Video Int. sleeve, originally scanned by "Harm"!

German UFA Video sleeve! 

Italian Avo Film sleeve! 

French Proserpine sleeve, taken from Nanarland! 

Alternate French Proserpine sleeve, also taken from Nanarland! 

Yet another alternate French Proserpine sleeve! 

French TeleK7 sleeve, originally scanned by "Airbeez"!  This was one popular movie in France!

Bonus ninja fight clip, uploaded by ChanWeiMan1828!

Looking for The Ninja Strikes Back on VHS? It's available on Amazon here. However, a better option is Media Blasters' anamorphic DVD, released in their RareFlix, Vol. 3 box set!

Investigate more titles with Project: MOGUL!

For a look at other labels, check out The VHS Archives!

© 2011 -- Bruce Holecheck. All Rights Reserved.

The VHS Archives: Bruce Le's GYMKATA KILLER (1980)

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GYMKATA KILLER

Bruce Le's Challenge of the Tiger (1980)

The VHS Archives Factsheet

Label: All American Video
Catalog: AAV110
Box Type: Clamshell
Year of Release: ?
Runtime: 88:26
Print: 1.33:1 / English / No subs
Extras: None

About the Film
Director: Bruce Le
Year of Release: 1980
Country of Origin: Italy / USA / Hong Kong

Stars: Bruce Le, Richard Harrison, Nadiuska, Brad Harris, Bolo Yeung

AKAs: Challenge of the Tiger, Seize the Formula

Verbatim Box Synopsis

When a mysterious doctor is brutally murdered in Spain, it seems just another case for the local police.  But when it is discovered that a secret formula, capable of exterminating the entire human race, has been stolen by the murderers, the CIA are immediately notified.  Officer Huang Lung is given the task of tracking down the terrorists before they can hold the world to ransom.  His dangerous mission takes him from Europe to the rat infested slums of Hong Kong, where rival gangs of Viet-Cong and Chinese take on the Challenge of the Tiger.  It's a race against time and Huang Lung meets out his own brand of justice, only to be met with bigger and greater dangers around every alley way.

U.S. All American Video sleeve!

 U.K. Stablecane Home Video sleeve!

Dutch PRO Video sleeve, originally scanned by "Harm!"

Bonus trailer, uploaded by "OurManInHavana"!

Notes

Another one of my favorite finds, it's movies like this that kept me buying every oddball tape I could get my hands on.  From its opening sequence, where Richard Harrison plays tennis with two topless chicks in slow motion while an incredibly infectious funk song jams in the background, to its kung fu bullfight finished with x-ray animation, to its berserk sperm-killing plotline that might as well have stepped out of an Arizal film, there's something here to put a smile on anyone's face.  When Mondo Macabro first told me they were grabbing some films from Dick Randall's estate I practically begged them to pick this one up.  Happily, they were already on the case and unleashed a great looking, properly framed release paired with the insane Filipino midget spy flick, For Y'ur Height Only.  Highly, highly recommended.  Screenplay by Poon Fan!

Producer Dick Randall relaxes with stars Bruce Le and Brad Harris.  (Photo courtesy Bamboo Gods & Bionic Boys' Andrew Leavold.)

Looking for Gymkata Killer on VHS? It's available on Amazon here.  Mondo Macabro's excellent, must-have DVD is available here.

Investigate more titles with Project: MOGUL!

For a look at other labels, check out The VHS Archives!




© 2011 -- Bruce Holecheck. All Rights Reserved.