Shaw Brother’s Monkey Kung Fu & Shaolin Mantis kick up March

Disc Announcements, News

Monkey and Mantis are coming in March! 88 Films keeps the Shaw Brothers revival rolling with the release of 2 more classic titles from the Hong Kong movie studio. Monkey Kung Fu (1979) gives us a glimpse at the technique that lets you go ape on an opponent. Ching Siu Tung (Snake Shadow Lama Fist) ends up in prison and finds himself with half of medallion. You might have seen the film when it was originally released as Stroke of Death in America. Shaolin Mantis (1978) has David Chiang (The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires) infiltrate rebels who want to overthrow the emperor. The film was directed Lau Kar-leung (Legendary Weapons of China) and also features Gordon Liu (Kill Bill). Both movies arrive on March 22 so be prepared to fight Monkey and Mantis style.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MVD announces March lineup from 88 FILMS

Monkey Kung Fu[Blu-ray] (3/22)
Shaolin Mantis[Blu-ray] (3/22)
88 Films USA continues on it’s Classic Kung Fu odyssey in March!

Coming from 88 Films USA Label in partnership with MVD on March 22nd is another cult classic from the Shaw Brothers Studio. From director Mar Lo (Shaolin Thief), and starring Siu-Tung Ching (The Shaolin BoxerMonkey Kung Fu is another Wuxia classic from the legendary Shaw Brothers studio.

When prisoner Ching is given half of a wooden keepsake by a one eyed-master about to be executed, he breaks out of prison to go in search of the other half to discover its purpose. However, on his quest he is pursued by a gang leader who will also stop at nothing find out its secrets. Embroiling mystical promise, an adventurous journey and a search for the truth into its winding storyline, Money Kung Fu AKA Stroke of Death is a uniquely satisfying late seventies delve into the magical world of martial arts Hong Kong cinema.

Included in the package are a LIMITED EDITION Slipcase with brand-new artwork from R.P. “Kung Fu Bob” O’Brien, Double-Sided A3 Foldout Poster, Extensive Booklet notes, Audio commentary by Kenneth Brorsson and Phil Gillon of the Podcast On Fire Network, Stunting Around – An Interview with Choreographer Tony Leung Siu-hung and rounded out with the original trailer. 

Also out of the same date, March 22nd is the technical tour-de-force of Shaolin Mantis. Direct from the golden age of Hong Kong martial arts cinema comes Shaolin Mantis another fast paced fight fest, from the mighty Shaw Brothers studio. When scholar Wei Fung (David Chiang) is hired by the Emperor to infiltrate a clan of rebellious Ming loyalists, his mission goes adrift when he falls in love the clan leader’s granddaughter and his plans are discovered.

From legendary director and star Lau Kar Leung (The Spiritual Boxer, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin) Shaolin Mantis is another superlative entry from the never-ending showcase of 70s martial arts productions. An absolute must for collectors of classic Shaw Brothers movies.

Included in this stacked package are a LIMITED EDITION Slipcase with brand-new artwork from R.P. “Kung Fu Bob” O’Brien, Double-Sided A3 Foldout Poster, 4 Collectible art-cards, Audio Commentary with Asian cinema experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema, Audio commentary with Asian cinema expert Frank Djeng, – Complicated Families – David West on Shaolin Mantis, Uncle Tien Chung – an Interview with John Cheung, Deadly Mantis Trailer and an Original Hong Kong Trailer.
Monkey Kung Fu
Another cult classic from the Shaw Brothers Studio, Monkey Kung Fu is a quintessential Hong Kong tale of rivals, betrayal and family feuds.
From director Mar Lo (Shaolin Thief), and starring Siu-Tung Ching (The Shaolin Boxer) comes this fast-moving Wuxia classic from the legendary Shaw Brothers studio. When prisoner Ching is given half of a wooden keepsake by a one eyed-master about to be executed, he breaks out of prison to go in search of the other half to discover its purpose. However, on his quest he is pursued by a gang leader who will also stop at nothing find out its secrets. Embroiling mystical promise, an adventurous journey and a search for the truth into its winding storyline, Money Kung Fu AKA Stroke of Death is a uniquely satisfying late seventies delve into the magical world of martial arts Hong Kong cinema.

Bonus Materials
High Definition (1080p) Presentation in 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio
2.0 DTS-HD MA English Soundtrack
2.0 DTS-HD MA Cantonese Soundtrack with newly translated English Subtitles
Audio commentary by Kenneth Brorsson and Phil Gillon of the Podcast On Fire Network
Stunting Around – An Interview with Choreographer Tony Leung Siu-hung
Original Trailer

Watch Trailer
Shaolin Mantis
Wei Fung is hired to infiltrate a clan of rebellious Ming loyalists, but he falls in love the clan leaders granddaughter and his plans are discovered.

Direct from the golden age of Hong Kong martial arts cinema comes Shaolin Mantis another fast paced fight fest, from the mighty Shaw Brothers studio. When scholar Wei Fung (David Chiang) is hired by the Emperor to infiltrate a clan of rebellious Ming loyalists, his mission goes adrift when he falls in love the clan leader’s granddaughter and his plans are discovered. From legendary director and star Lau Kar Leung (The Spiritual Boxer, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin) Shaolin Mantis is another superlative entry from the never ending showcase of 70s martial arts productions. An absolute must for collectors of classic Shaw Brothers movies.
Bonus Materials
High Definition (1080p) Presentation in 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio
2.0 DTS-HD MA English Soundtrack
2.0 DTS-HD MA Mandarin Soundtrack with newly translated English Subtitles
Audio commentary with Asian cinema experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema
Audio commentary with Asian cinema experts Frank Djeng
Complicated Families – David West on Shaolin Mantis
Interview with Actor John Cheung
US Trailer (The Deadly Mantis)
Hong Kong Trailer
Joe Corey is the writer and director of "Danger! Health Films" currently streaming on Night Flight and Amazon Prime. He's the author of "The Seven Secrets of Great Walmart People Greeters." This is the last how to get a job book you'll ever need. He was Associate Producer of the documentary "Moving Midway." He's worked as local crew on several reality shows including Candid Camera, American's Most Wanted, Extreme Makeover Home Edition and ESPN's Gaters. He's been featured on The Today Show and CBS's 48 Hours. Dom DeLuise once said, "Joe, you look like an axe murderer." He was in charge of research and programming at the Moving Image Archive.