Shout! Studios Launches Hong Kong Cinema Classics Initiative
Shout! Studios has unveiled an exciting new entertainment label dedicated to celebrating the rich heritage of Hong Kong cinema. The Hong Kong Cinema Classics line aims to revive and restore some of the most influential films from this vibrant film industry, particularly focusing on the iconic action films of the 1980s and 1990s.
Digital and Physical Releases Scheduled
The initiative will kick off with a series of 4K digital releases, set to begin on June 24, followed by the launch of definitive physical media. The first comprehensive physical release, titled The Jet Li Collection, is slated for July 29. This extensive 10-disc box set features five of Jet Li’s classic films, including:
- Fist of Legend
- Tai Chi Master
- Fong Sai Yuk
- Fong Sai Yuk II
- The Bodyguard from Beijing
The collection is enriched with special features such as new interviews, audio commentaries, and vintage featurettes.
Expansion of the Catalog
Shout! Studios recently acquired worldwide rights, excluding select Asian territories, to the prestigious Golden Princess movie library, providing a robust foundation for the new label. The focus will be on films that have long been unavailable to international audiences, expanding the accessibility of quality Hong Kong cinema.
Upcoming Releases
The digital rollout will signify the return of classic films like:
- Hard Boiled (June 24)
- City on Fire (June 24)
- A Better Tomorrow Trilogy (July 8)
- Peking Opera Blues (July 22)
- The Killer (July 22)
- A Chinese Ghost Story Trilogy (August 5)
- Bullet in the Head (August 19)
On the physical media front, following The Jet Li Collection, viewers can anticipate releases of City on Fire on August 26 and Peking Opera Blues on September 23, both in 4K UHD + Blu-ray combo formats. Each title in this series will be serialized for collectors, with The Jet Li Collection designated as HKCC #1-5, City on Fire as HKCC #6, and Peking Opera Blues as HKCC #7.
Partnership with the Hong Kong Film Archives
To ensure the authenticity and quality of the restored films, Shout! Studios has partnered with the Hong Kong Film Archives. This collaboration includes 4K scans from original camera negatives, resulting in enhanced video and audio quality along with newly translated subtitles.
Looking Ahead
Shout! Studios is committed to continuing the release of Hong Kong Cinema Classics in both digital and physical formats, further enriching the film collection available to audiences worldwide.