Welcome back! Well, to some of you, anyway. To the rest of you, glad you decided to stop by and I hope this humble column helps you navigate the stacks of new releases each week. My goal is to point you toward titles of interest and warn you away from those films that seek to do nothing but leech away your time and give you nothing in return.

Full disclosure: I have not seen many of these titles, and what follows are not necessarily reviews, but opinions based upon what I know of the titles I pluck from the new release lists I peruse. The opinions I give based on the new releases are my own, and my recommendations are based on my personal interest. In any case, I hope you enjoy and perhaps find something you like or a title to point me towards.

The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi (Blu-ray). It has been some years since I first saw this film, and that was on Region 3 DVD, but it is a wonderful film that I am looking forward to revisiting in high definition. The film examines a long running series of swordplay films that, I believe, numbers in high twenties as well as a long running television series. Takeshi Kitano takes up the mantle made famous by Shintaro Katsu. The character is a blind masseuse who also happens to be a master swordsman. He does not look for trouble, but usually ends up in the middle of it. This film is filled with action, drama, some comedy, and is told in a manner that is fresh and original even if the story isn't. This is definitely a film to check out.

The Legend of Drunken Master (Blu-ray). Hands down, this is one of my favorite Jackie Chan films. This one is filled with action and comedy the way only Jackie can deliver. Sadly, it has been awhile since I have seen this one too and the specific details escape me. What I do remember are the wild fights, in particular the ones that involve drunken boxing. I am hoping this looks good in high definition.

Iron Monkey (Blu-ray). This is the first film in which I can remember seeing Donnie Yen and he is amazing here. He is a fantastic martial artist and he acquits himself admirably at the center of the piece. It is set at a time when corruption was rampant and the poor had little access to food. Iron Monkey is a Robin Hood-type character who robbed from the rich. Yen plays a famous martial artist pressed into service to capture the outlaw, that is, until he discovers the truth. This is one of the best martial arts films I have ever seen. and the Blu-ray looks pretty darn good. (review is coming)

Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Follow: Twitter and Tumblr. Visit: Critical Outcast. …

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