CINEMATIC VENGEANCE! 8 Kung Fu Classics From Director Joseph Kuo (Eureka Classics) - Blu-ray Forum

yoloswegmaster420 · 07-28-2021, 02:42 PM

Cinematic Vengeance: 8 Kung Fu Classics from Director Joseph Kuo Blu-ray

8 Kung Fu Classics by Director Joseph Kuo

Although his name may not be as instantly recognisable as some of his contemporaries, Joseph Kuo was an incredibly successful filmmaker who consistently produced crowd-pleasing spectacles always in line with what audiences at the time wanted to see.

Often handling writing, directing, and producing duties, the success of this multi-hyphenate filmmaker is even more remarkable considering that the majority of his films were produced independently, at a time when the kung-fu genre was dominated by the big Hong Kong studios. Cinematic Vengeance! collects eight of these independent productions, all fully restored and making their worldwide debuts on Blu-ray*.

SPECIAL FEATURES

8 Films across four Blu-ray discs, all fully restored and presented in 1080p HD
Limited Edition Hardbound Case featuring newly commissioned artwork by Darren Wheeling
Limited Edition 60 page booklet featuring new writing on the films included in the set by James Oliver, illustrated with archival imagery and materials
Limited Edition set of 8 facsimile lobby cards
Disc 1 & 2 - Includes The 7 Grandmasters, The 36 Deadly Styles, The World of Drunken Master, and The Old Master
Disc 1 & 2 - Original Mandarin Soundtracks
Disc 1 & 2 - Optional English dubbed audio tracks
Disc 1 & 2 - Optional English subtitles
Disc 1 & 2 - Brand new Audio commentary tracks from a variety of Hong Kong cinema experts
Disc 1 & 2 - Trailers
Discs 3 & 4 - Includes Shaolin Kung Fu, The Shaolin Kids, 18 Bronzemen, and Return of the 18 Bronzemen
Discs 3 & 4 - Original Mandarin Soundtracks
Discs 3 & 4 - Optional English dubbed audio tracks
Discs 3 & 4 - Optional English subtitles
Discs 3 & 4 - Brand new Audio commentary tracks from a variety of Hong Kong cinema experts
Discs 3 & 4 - Trailers
*All extras subject to change*

Ben_C · 07-28-2021, 02:49 PM

How is Joseph Kuo seen in the pantheon of martial arts movie directors?

I’ll no doubt buy it anyway, but wondering what kind of quality we’re in for.

Irongod2112 · 07-28-2021, 02:59 PM

This is actually an 8 film set not 7.
Not sure why Amazon has it wrong.

Killer Meteor · 07-28-2021, 02:59 PM

He's directed some fan/cult favourites for sure. I definetly reccomend 18 Bronzemen, 7 Grandmasters and Mystery of Chess Boxing

saltysam · 07-28-2021, 03:02 PM

Ha, i just bought Shaolin Kung Fu from HK a few weeks back. I'll be all over this set.

yoloswegmaster420 · 07-28-2021, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irongod2112

This is actually an 8 film set not 7.
Not sure why Amazon has it wrong.

Did these films receive brand new restorations? Also, would you happen to know who the licensors are for these films?

Shingster · 07-28-2021, 03:06 PM

Good or very good, not great IMO, that's just my opinion of him BTW to clarify before the obligatory "Kuo's the greatest filmmaker ever" posts appear because I'm not saying this will be the greatest boxset ever!

He's made a lot of chop-socky classics (and I've only really scratched the surface of his filmography TBF) so I'm expecting this to be a really excellent set tbh as they've got a lot to choose from! Probably gonna feature Seven Grand Masters & Born Invincible for sure, not so certain about the other titles: Dragon's Claws, The Death Duel, 18 Bronzemen are probably strong contenders for inclusion.

Definitely looking forward to this!

saltysam · 07-28-2021, 03:08 PM

I'd imagine Shaolin Kung Fu will be in there given it came out in HK,true HD, 2 months ago. I think Bronzemen has a japanese release.

Irongod2112 · 07-28-2021, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yoloswegmaster420

Did these films receive brand new restorations? Also, would you happen to know who the licensors are for these films?

All the films were licenced from Mei Ah Entertainment. I'm not sure if they are all brand new restorations but they are restored and look very nice. Everything will have original Mandarin audio tracks and the classic English dubs.

Jackie Scanlon · 07-28-2021, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shingster

Good or very good, not great IMO, that's just my opinion of him BTW to clarify before the obligatory "Kuo's the greatest filmmaker ever" posts appear because I'm not saying this will be the greatest boxset ever!

He's made a lot of chop-socky classics (and I've only really scratched the surface of his filmography TBF) so I'm expecting this to be a really excellent set tbh as they've got a lot to choose from! Probably gonna feature Seven Grand Masters & Born Invincible for sure, not so certain about the other titles: The Old Master, The Death Duel, 18 Bronzemen are probably strong contenders for inclusion.

Definitely looking forward to this!

I'll go one further and say his films vary between B and C-grade in my opinion. Having said that he has been hugely overlooked in the West (and probably a good chunk of the East as well) so, even though I won't be getting this set, it's quite an important release I think.

Shingster · 07-28-2021, 04:34 PM

I guess if people need to know what to expect, the films in this set wilkl probably be better than 90% if not all of the Jackie Chan Lo Wei films 88Films have released, but not really in the same league as a Young Master or a Magnificent Butcher.

Killer Meteor · 07-28-2021, 04:37 PM

I think that's my cue for some classic Kuo dubs (be warned, spoilers ahoy!)

Jackie Scanlon · 07-28-2021, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shingster

I guess if people need to know what to expect, the films in this set wilkl probably be better than 90% if not all of the Jackie Chan Lo Wei films 88Films have released, but not really in the same league as a Young Master or a Magnificent Butcher.

That's a fair and accurate assessment.

Killer Meteor · 07-28-2021, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shingster

Good or very good, not great IMO, that's just my opinion of him BTW to clarify before the obligatory "Kuo's the greatest filmmaker ever" posts appear because I'm not saying this will be the greatest boxset ever!

He's made a lot of chop-socky classics (and I've only really scratched the surface of his filmography TBF) so I'm expecting this to be a really excellent set tbh as they've got a lot to choose from! Probably gonna feature Seven Grand Masters & Born Invincible for sure, not so certain about the other titles: The Old Master, The Death Duel, 18 Bronzemen are probably strong contenders for inclusion.

Definitely looking forward to this!

The Old Master....I've never seen it, but the trailer has Jackie and Sammo's Sifu Yu Jim Yuen disco dancing, so I don't know what's taken me so long!

Markgway · 07-28-2021, 04:40 PM

As with any filmmaker the output varies.

Personally I'd say Kuo's Bronzemen trilogy is his artistic peak.

(That's *The 18 Bronzemen, The 18 Bronzemen, Part 2, and The Blazing Temple).

*Original version only.

Killer Meteor · 07-28-2021, 04:41 PM

I hope the set can deliver an OAR version of the original cut of 18 Bronzemen. The bizzare re-edit on Mei Ah's DVDs was a poor show.

Sommerswerd · 07-28-2021, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irongod2112

All the films were licenced from Mei Ah Entertainment. I'm not sure if they are all brand new restorations but they are restored and look very nice. Everything will have original Mandarin audio tracks and the classic English dubs.

Any chance the Cantonese audio tracks will be included as well?

Liersi · 07-28-2021, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shingster

I guess if people need to know what to expect, the films in this set wilkl probably be better than 90% if not all of the Jackie Chan Lo Wei films 88Films have released, but not really in the same league as a Young Master or a Magnificent Butcher.

That's a fair assessment. I'd say the appeal of the films depends more on who Kuo worked with than on Kuo himself. Joseph Kuo never had a strong signature. That said, he put out quite a few minor cult classics when he worked with the right people. What I want to stress is that if you're looking for great kung fu, some of Kuo's output is top tier. Some of the greatest talent in the genre worked on some of these Taiwan films, and it shows. This set is going to be really good for fight fans. Just how good depends on the films, not on the director. 7 Grandmasters features top talent and stellar kung fu, as do Born Invincible and Mystery of Chess Boxing. I don't dare hope we get all three. Maybe two? 18 Bronzemen is really cool, I think Chan Siu Pang choreographed those, an excellent artist.

Whatever happens, don't expect sweeping vistas and elaborate stories, or the kind of filmmaking chops that elevate Jackie and Sammo above the rest. Joseph Kuo is good, honest face melt. Depending on the selection, it may be the face melt of the year for those so inclined.

Xapi3 · 07-28-2021, 05:26 PM

I’m trying to remember what Joseph Kuo Mei Ah released on dvd back in the day. These are one ones I can remember off the top of my head

18 Bronzemen
18 Bronzemen part 2
Dragon Claws
36 Deadly Styles
World of Drunken master
Blazing Temple

I hope Born Invincible is part of the set but isn’t it extremely rare to see it in its OAR?

Killer Meteor · 07-28-2021, 05:31 PM

Mei Ah also released Shaolin Brothers.

MIA in the UK got Old Master, Shaolin Kung Fu and Smart Cavalier from Mei Ah - titles I don't think saw a HK DVD release.

07-28-2021, 02:42 PM	#1
yoloswegmaster420 Power Member Member since:May 2015	CINEMATIC VENGEANCE! 8 Kung Fu Classics From Director Joseph Kuo (Eureka Classics) Cinematic Vengeance: 8 Kung Fu Classics from Director Joseph Kuo Blu-ray 8 Kung Fu Classics by Director Joseph Kuo Although his name may not be as instantly recognisable as some of his contemporaries, Joseph Kuo was an incredibly successful filmmaker who consistently produced crowd-pleasing spectacles always in line with what audiences at the time wanted to see. Often handling writing, directing, and producing duties, the success of this multi-hyphenate filmmaker is even more remarkable considering that the majority of his films were produced independently, at a time when the kung-fu genre was dominated by the big Hong Kong studios. Cinematic Vengeance! collects eight of these independent productions, all fully restored and making their worldwide debuts on Blu-ray. SPECIAL FEATURES 8 Films across four Blu-ray discs, all fully restored and presented in 1080p HD Limited Edition Hardbound Case featuring newly commissioned artwork by Darren Wheeling Limited Edition 60 page booklet featuring new writing on the films included in the set by James Oliver, illustrated with archival imagery and materials Limited Edition set of 8 facsimile lobby cards Disc 1 & 2 - Includes The 7 Grandmasters, The 36 Deadly Styles, The World of Drunken Master, and The Old Master Disc 1 & 2 - Original Mandarin Soundtracks Disc 1 & 2 - Optional English dubbed audio tracks Disc 1 & 2 - Optional English subtitles Disc 1 & 2 - Brand new Audio commentary tracks from a variety of Hong Kong cinema experts Disc 1 & 2 - Trailers Discs 3 & 4 - Includes Shaolin Kung Fu, The Shaolin Kids, 18 Bronzemen, and Return of the 18 Bronzemen Discs 3 & 4 - Original Mandarin Soundtracks Discs 3 & 4 - Optional English dubbed audio tracks Discs 3 & 4 - Optional English subtitles Discs 3 & 4 - Brand new Audio commentary tracks from a variety of Hong Kong cinema experts Discs 3 & 4 - Trailers All extras subject to change* Last edited by Deciazulado; 11-23-2021 at 04:16 PM.

07-28-2021, 03:06 PM	#7
Shingster Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Aug 2009	Good or very good, not great IMO, that's just my opinion of him BTW to clarify before the obligatory "Kuo's the greatest filmmaker ever" posts appear because I'm not saying this will be the greatest boxset ever! He's made a lot of chop-socky classics (and I've only really scratched the surface of his filmography TBF) so I'm expecting this to be a really excellent set tbh as they've got a lot to choose from! Probably gonna feature Seven Grand Masters & Born Invincible for sure, not so certain about the other titles: Dragon's Claws, The Death Duel, 18 Bronzemen are probably strong contenders for inclusion. Definitely looking forward to this! Last edited by Shingster; 07-29-2021 at 03:13 AM.

07-28-2021, 05:26 PM	#19
Xapi3 Active Member Member since:Feb 2016 Location:UK 4K collection:128 Blu-ray collection:1055 DVD collection:3	I’m trying to remember what Joseph Kuo Mei Ah released on dvd back in the day. These are one ones I can remember off the top of my head 18 Bronzemen 18 Bronzemen part 2 Dragon Claws 36 Deadly Styles World of Drunken master Blazing Temple I hope Born Invincible is part of the set but isn’t it extremely rare to see it in its OAR? Last edited by Xapi3; 07-28-2021 at 06:03 PM.

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07-28-2021, 02:49 PM	#2
Ben_C Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Mar 2015 Location:UK 4K collection:666 Blu-ray collection:3310	How is Joseph Kuo seen in the pantheon of martial arts movie directors? I’ll no doubt buy it anyway, but wondering what kind of quality we’re in for.

07-28-2021, 02:59 PM	#3
Irongod2112 Special Member Member since:Sep 2011 Location:USA Trading Score:14	This is actually an 8 film set not 7. Not sure why Amazon has it wrong.

07-28-2021, 02:59 PM	#4
Killer Meteor Banned Member since:Jan 2013 4K collection:- Blu-ray collection:- DVD collection:-	He's directed some fan/cult favourites for sure. I definetly reccomend 18 Bronzemen, 7 Grandmasters and Mystery of Chess Boxing

07-28-2021, 03:02 PM	#5
saltysam Blu-ray Guru Member since:Mar 2010 Location:Liverpool,UK 4K collection:270 Blu-ray collection:766 Trading Score:3	Ha, i just bought Shaolin Kung Fu from HK a few weeks back. I'll be all over this set.

07-28-2021, 03:08 PM	#8
saltysam Blu-ray Guru Member since:Mar 2010 Location:Liverpool,UK 4K collection:270 Blu-ray collection:766 Trading Score:3	I'd imagine Shaolin Kung Fu will be in there given it came out in HK,true HD, 2 months ago. I think Bronzemen has a japanese release.

07-28-2021, 04:34 PM	#11
Shingster Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Aug 2009	I guess if people need to know what to expect, the films in this set wilkl probably be better than 90% if not all of the Jackie Chan Lo Wei films 88Films have released, but not really in the same league as a Young Master or a Magnificent Butcher.

07-28-2021, 04:40 PM	#15
Markgway Blu-ray Prince Member since:Jul 2013 Location:Scotland Trading Score:13	As with any filmmaker the output varies. Personally I'd say Kuo's Bronzemen trilogy is his artistic peak. (That's The 18 Bronzemen, The 18 Bronzemen, Part 2, and The Blazing Temple). Original version only.

07-28-2021, 04:41 PM	#16
Killer Meteor Banned Member since:Jan 2013 4K collection:- Blu-ray collection:- DVD collection:-	I hope the set can deliver an OAR version of the original cut of 18 Bronzemen. The bizzare re-edit on Mei Ah's DVDs was a poor show.

07-28-2021, 05:31 PM	#20
Killer Meteor Banned Member since:Jan 2013 4K collection:- Blu-ray collection:- DVD collection:-	Mei Ah also released Shaolin Brothers. MIA in the UK got Old Master, Shaolin Kung Fu and Smart Cavalier from Mei Ah - titles I don't think saw a HK DVD release.

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