When Hong Kong cinema exploded in the ’80s, Tsui Hark established himself as one of the names who made things cult cool from producing A Better Tomorrow and directing Once Upon A Time In China. It’s only right that Cult Epics release Hark’s first film that made him buzzworthy. Don’t Play With Fire was originally banned by the Hong Kong censors until Hark recut the violence to dial things down. The Limited Edition Blu-ray release (over half of the 500 Exclusives have been purchased!) features Uncensored International version and Banned Chinese Version. The Limited Edition set also includes a poster of Tony Stella’s original artwork for the release. Stella recently passed away. Here’s the press release from Cult Epics with all the details:
“A truly masterful film
and a great testament
to Tsui Hark’s prowess.”
– Asian Movie Pulse
| North American Premiere on Blu-ray |
| DON’T PLAY WITH FIRE Dir. Tsui Hark, 1980 After a fatal hit-and-run, three high school friends flee the crime scene. They are witnessed by Pearl, a sadistic young girl, who pursues the group and blackmails them into more crimes, with increasingly disastrous consequences. Don’t Play with Fire (aka Dangerous Encounters of the First Kind), directed by Tsui Hark (A Better Tomorrow), is one of the most controversial and violent crime films from the Hong Kong New Wave of the 1980s. Cult Epics presents a 2-disc limited edition of 3000 copies featuring three versions of the film including a new 2K transfer and extensive bonus features. |
| China / 1980 / Color / 97, 100, 91 Mins / 1.85:1 DTS-HD 2.0 Mono Cantonese & English Languages w/ Optional English Subtitles |
| DON’T PLAY WITH FIRE | HD Trailer |
| A Cult Epics Release (2026) |
| SLIPCASE ART |
FOLD-OUT POSTER
ART BY TONY STELLA
Exclusive to First 500 Pre-orders
S P E C I A L
F E A T U R E S
DISC 1
. Uncensored International
Theatrical Version
. 2K Transfer & Restoration
. Audio Commentary by
Frankie Balboa &
Brandon Streussnig
. Interview with director Tsui Hark
. Interview with actor Paul Che
. Interview with actor Albert Au
. Interview with screenwriter
Szeto Cheuk-Hon
. Interview with assistant director
O Sing-Pui
. New and Improved English Subtitles
DISC 2
. Banned Chinese Version (2K/SD)
. English Dubbed Version (SD)
. Original Theatrical Trailer
. Bonus Extras
. Dual-layered Disc
LIMITED EDITION COLLECTIBLE
. Slipcase with
art by Tony Stella
. Reversible sleeve with
original Hong Kong poster art
. Website Exclusive Poster
(Edition of 500)
. Website Exclusive
Postcards
(Edition of 500)
DON’T PLAY WITH FIRE
2-Disc Ltd Edition Blu-ray & DVD
Official Release Date:
June 23, 2026
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