Home release - Shout! Studios Brings Back Legendary Hong Kong Action Films with Deluxe Editions

By Mulder, 28 april 2025

The cinematic landscape is set to be revolutionized this summer as Shout! Studios unveils a groundbreaking new entertainment label, Hong Kong cinema classics™. With a mission to resurrect some of the most iconic and thrilling action films from Hong Kong’s golden age, this initiative will bring meticulously restored masterpieces to both digital and physical media formats. The anticipation among film enthusiasts and collectors is palpable, as Shout! Studios promises to deliver these legendary movies in stunning 4K resolution, complete with enhanced audio, newly translated subtitles, and an array of bonus features that will delve into the rich history and enduring legacy of these cinematic gems.

Hong Kong cinema from the 1980s and 1990s represents an unparalleled era of dynamic storytelling, innovative choreography, and visually striking action sequences that have left an indelible mark on global filmmaking. From heart-pounding crime thrillers to emotionally charged martial arts dramas, these films embody a fearless spirit of creativity and a relentless pursuit of visual excellence. Pioneering filmmakers such as John Woo, Ringo Lam, Tsui Hark, Corey Yuen, Gordon Chan, and Johnnie To masterfully crafted stories that seamlessly blended explosive action with deeply human narratives, creating works that continue to inspire contemporary directors worldwide. The distinct style of Hong Kong action cinema has influenced a vast range of Hollywood productions, from Quentin Tarantino’s visceral storytelling to the balletic gunplay of The Matrix and the relentless pace of the John Wick franchise.

Perhaps most memorably, this era also brought to the forefront some of Asia’s most iconic actors, including Jet Li, Michelle Yeoh, Chow Yun-Fat, Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Leslie Cheung, and Tony Leung Ka-fai. These stars became emblematic of the genre, delivering performances that resonated far beyond their on-screen personas. It is this cultural and cinematic heritage that Shout! Studios is determined to preserve and share with a new generation of movie lovers. The Hong Kong cinema classics™ series will be an invaluable opportunity for both seasoned fans and newcomers to immerse themselves in these timeless stories, many of which have been unavailable outside Asia for decades.

The journey of revitalizing these classics has been nothing short of meticulous. Shout! Studios, in partnership with the Hong Kong Film Archives, has been painstakingly restoring each film from the original camera negatives, ensuring that every frame is presented with the utmost clarity and fidelity. The commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of the process, from the remastered visuals to the immersive audio tracks. To enhance accessibility, the subtitles have been meticulously retranslated to capture the nuance and cultural context of the original dialogue. Moreover, with fans in mind, Shout! Studios is currently curating a plethora of bonus content that will accompany each physical release, including insightful interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and commentaries from filmmakers and experts.

The excitement officially begins on June 24, 2025, when the first wave of digital releases hits major entertainment platforms in the U.S. The inaugural lineup includes John Woo’s Hard boiled, a masterpiece of choreographed violence featuring Chow Yun-Fat and Tony Leung Chiu-wai, alongside City on fire by Ringo Lam, a gritty crime thriller starring Chow Yun-Fat, Sun Yueh, and Danny Lee. On July 8, 2025, the series will expand with the release of the A Better Tomorrow trilogy, marking the triumphant return of one of Hong Kong cinema’s most influential sagas, directed by John Woo and starring the iconic Chow Yun-Fat, Leslie Cheung, and Tony Leung Ka-fai. Each film promises a meticulously crafted 4K experience that captures the visceral energy and emotional depth of the originals.

By July 22, 2025, audiences will be treated to Peking opera blues by Tsui Hark, an innovative blend of drama and action, along with The killer, another of John Woo’s signature works that cemented Chow Yun-Fat as an international action hero. Moving into August, the focus shifts to fantasy with Tony Ching’s A chinese ghost story trilogy, starring Leslie Cheung, Joey Wang, and Tony Leung Chiu-wai, available on August 5, 2025. The series will continue with Bullet in the head on August 19, 2025, a powerful exploration of friendship and betrayal set against the violent backdrop of the Vietnam War, directed by John Woo.

For physical media enthusiasts, the collectible editions begin with the Jet Li collection on July 29, 2025, featuring five martial arts epics, including Fist of Legend and Tai Chi Master. This deluxe set will be followed by the release of CITY ON FIRE on August 26, 2025, and Peking opera blues on September 23, 2025. Each collector’s edition will be crafted with the highest production standards, offering fans not only the films in premium quality but also rich contextual material to deepen their appreciation of these iconic works.

The significance of Hong Kong cinema classics™ extends beyond simple nostalgia. It is a cultural resurrection, a celebration of cinematic artistry that has shaped genres and inspired generations of filmmakers. By bringing these films back to life with modern technological enhancements, Shout! Studios is not only preserving a vital piece of film history but also ensuring that these stories continue to captivate audiences with their unparalleled intensity and raw emotion.

The label’s commitment to quality and respect for these cultural artifacts is a testament to its dedication to film preservation. As we eagerly await the first releases, it’s clear that Hong Kong cinema classics™ is more than just a label; it’s a tribute to an era where creativity knew no bounds and where storytelling was as fierce and unrelenting as the action on screen. For long-time fans and new explorers of Hong Kong cinema, this collection will undoubtedly become a cherished addition to their entertainment libraries, preserving the legacy of these groundbreaking films for generations to come.

(Source : press release)