[06.06.2002] News

Buena Vista will release The Killer & Hard Boiled [06.06.2002] 

Buena Vista will release John Woo classics The Killer and Hard Boiled in US. They will be available in VHS and DVD formats, Buena Vista told in press release they should be available in September 3th. Old releases from Fox Lorber will go out of print. If you wanted those DVD releases with John Woo's commentary tracks now is the right time to buy them before it is too late. I just checked Amazon.com and they do not have them in their shelves anymore, only few used (or new) copies can be found from Amazon Marketplace sellers. 

Buena Vista hasn't announced any details of forthcoming releases so currently it is unknown if they are uncut with original Cantonese soundtrack. However Buena Vista and other Disney related companies have bad reputation when it comes to releasing foreing and especially Asian movies. Many Jackie Chan and Jet Li movies were dubbed and cut to pieces for US release. Some Jackie Chan films can't be found in original uncut and undubbed format anywhere, not even in Hong Kong. So we have a reason to fear that same would happen with John Woo movies as well. 

What could we do them. Maybe not much but at least we could try to do something. There's at least two little thing to do I can think of. First you can write your opinions directly to Buena vista usind email address  disneyinfo@disneyhelp.com. You should politely tell them that people won't purchase cut and dubbed movies. And also you could ask if they have any new information about forthcominf releases of Hard boiled and The Killer.And then you could sign the petition which is meant to do the same thing. 

Sign the petition now!

French book on John Woo [06.06.2002] 

This John Woo book was released in France in November 27th 2001. Book has 159 pages and a lot of photos. Of course for many of you and for myself too the language is problem but I find it very nice to have anyway. A collectible, I would say. Books includes many nice high quality photops from Woo's movies through his entire career from very early efforts to latest and yet to be released Windtalkers. Also few Woo's family pictures and behind the scenes photos has been added.

Book can be seen in three separated parts. Firts short section tells Woo's story, how he started film making, became famous and moved to Hollywood. Second part describes many aspects of John Woo movies like weapons used and their symbolism, cinematoraphy, comedy, influences, Woo as actor and more. Third part is nice and compöete filmography. I begins with Woo's student films and his early efforts in film industry with Chang Cheh and Michael Hui. Most movies directed by Woo has one page each including basic credit info, short description of the film and few photos.  

Buy the book from Amazon.fr

Site News: Filmography and DVD release list [06.06.2002] 

Recently I have been updating filmography section and all movies directed by John Woo have some info now. I also collected a list of DVD releases available. 

Windtalkers released [06.06.2002] 

Windtalkers was finally released in US. Opening weekend left Windtalkes third in Box Office with $14,520,412 in 2,898 theatres. Scooby Doo took number one spot with $54,155,312. Second weekend June 21-23 Windtalkers collected only $6,551,131which is much less than was hoped. During first 12 days Windtalkers has collected $28,154,000.

If you're a reasonably savvy movie-goer who's interested in both World War II and historical accuracy, Windtalkers is very likely to strike you as both disgracefully cliché and offensive in the factual liberties it takes. On the other hand, if you're a fan of Windtalkers' director, transplanted Hong Kong action maestro John Woo, there's a good chance you'll find it Woo's most harrowing and emotionally resonant work since his 1990 Vietnam masterpiece Bullet in the Head. Take a guess as to where I sit. 
Read the review from Premiere

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