The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978) 
Includes Audio commentary with RZA of Wu-Tang Clan and film critic Andy Klein
(third audio track)

The anti-Ching patriots, under the guidance of Ho Kuang-han, have secretly set up their base in Canton, disguised as school masters. During a brutal Manchu attack, Lui manages to escape and devotes himself to learning the martial arts in order to seek revenge. In a short period of time he masters the deadly use of his fists, feet and palms, along with such weapons as swords, sticks, and lances. With his learning complete, he takes on the Manchus.

This is a Run Run Shaw Brothers classic film and widely considered to be one of the greatest Kung Fu flick of all time . Epic imperial and subsequent upheaval during China's Ching dynasty , being spectacular and colorfully directed . The picture starts with an opening credits showing a demonstration of martial arts against an empty backdrop . The anti-Ching rebels , under the guidance of Ho Kuang-Han, have secretly set up their base in Canton , posing as school masters . During a cruel Manchu attack, the patriot San Te or Liu (Chia Hui Liu) arranges to getaway and devotes himself to learning the martial arts at Shaolin temple in order to seek vengeance . In a short period of time he learns the art of fighting , thanks his expert Bhuddist masters . When his learning is completed , he battles the Manchus commanded by his chief , General Tien Ta (Lo Lieh).

Fist of Fear, Touch of Death

Unfortunately, this film neither features real martial arts, nor is it a classic. It hardly even features Bruce Lee, except for some old footage that has been re-dubbed to make it look like Lee actually agreed to this film being made. I hope somebody got sued for this one.
This could have been a good documentary about the "1979 Karate Championship" but most of the footage from the karate matches is obviously staged, and has little to do with Chinese martial arts. Some interesting "facts" were revealed by this film however. For instance, prior to watching "Fist of Fear", I had no idea that Lee's great grandfather was the greatest Chinese samurai warrior.
There are a few funny moments in the film (the Bill Louie Kato scene, or when Fred Williamson is introduced for example) but if you have any respect for Bruce Lee or film-making in general, I would highly recommend avoiding this film.- Lex

47 Ronin DVD (Kon Ichikawa) (NTSC Region 1)

47 Ronin DVD (Kon Ichikawa) (NTSC Region 1)
When a beloved feudal lord is forced to commit seppuku (ritual suicide) for assaulting a rude court official, 47 of his loyal retainers vow to avenge his death for the sake of honor. After patiently waiting and planning for over a year, they launch an epic assault that culminates in a final act of vengeance and, inevitably, their own inescapable demise.

• NTSC Region 1
• Japanese with English Subtitles

ODA NOBUNAGA-THE LUCKY ADVENTURER

Oda Nobunaga (1534–1582) was a major daimyo during the Warring State period of Japanese history. He was the second son of Oda Nobuhide, a deputy military governor with land holdings in Owari province. Nobunaga lived a life of continuous military conquest, eventually conquering a third of Japanese daimyo before his death in 1582. Telling the story of his rise to prominence as he leads an army of 4,000 men against the 40,000 troops of Lord Imagawa Yoshimoto to prevent the arrogant daimyo from crushing the Oda clan and taking control of the entire nation. From a newly restored anamorpic widescreen print, this is the ultimate warlord movie.

One Armed Swordsman (Single Disc- HK Import) (NTSC Region 3)

One Armed Swordsman (Single Disc- HK Import) (NTSC Region 3)
The great Chang Cheh brings us this fantastic sword play martial arts film that was previously only available in a boxset.

• Import DVD
• NTSC Region 3
• English Subtitles
• Anamorphic Widescreen
• Behind the Scenes, Poster Gallery and More

Crippled Masters, The Dir. Kei Law (1979)

AKA: Tian can di que / Les monstres du kung fu

Two men skilled in the arts of Kung-Fu are betrayed by their master and crippled for life, one left with no arms and the other with no legs. Despite their obvious disadvantages, they learn to combine their martial arts skills and seek revenge against the evil master.

Zatoichi: The Last (2011)

The Blind Swordsman Zatoichi Returns For The Final Time! director: Junji Sakamoto starring: Shingo Katori · Takashi Sorimachi · Satomi Ishihara · Nakadai Tasuya Toho Studios resurrects Zatoichi for one last time! Arguably the most famous character in Japanese cinema history, blind masseur/swordsman Zatoichi, faces his final and toughest battle. Zatoichi returns to his native village to lead a quiet life after his wife is killed protecting him in a battle. He stays at the home of his friend Ryuji where he finds the tranquil life he always longed for. However, that life is quickly threatened by local Yakuza boss who will use any method necessary to gain control over the village. Zatoichi is forced to pick up his sword once again. A Japanese film; original widescreen format (16:9), international version (133 minutes) in DVD encoded for ALL REGIONS NTSC, playable on any American DVD machine; in Japanese language with optional English subtitles. Violence/Adult Material For Mature Audiences

Throne of Blood

"Throne of Blood" 1957 Directed by Akira Kurosawa Kurosawa's brilliant interpretation of Shakespeare's Macbeth shifts the action to 16th century feudal Japan, where a samurai is motivated by his ambitious wife and spirit to kill his friend. The movie balances stylized action and movement of the Noh theater with the intensity of the American western. Kurosawa and cinematographer Asaichi Nakai create a foreboding atmosphere in the castles and landscape. With Toshiro Mifune, Isuzu Yamada and Minoru Chiaki. Japanese with English subtitles. 110 minutes.

Azumi 2 - Love or Death DVD (NTSC Region 3)

Azumi 2 - Love or Death DVD (NTSC Region 3)
Young assassins Azumi and Nagara continue their mission to prevent a civil war. In their hunt for Masayuki Sanada, who is heavily protected by a small army of killers, but on the way they encounter a colourful gang of bandits, one of whom, Ginkaku, is a dead ringer for the late, lamented Nachi...

• Import DVD
• NTSC Region 3
• Japanese Audio
• English Subtitles
• Anamorphic Widescreen