Blu-ray World Weekly: LET THE BULLETS FLY, CINCINNATI KID, CROSS OF IRON and More

1. Let the Bullets Fly (CN Entertainment; Region A)
A comedy set during the early Warlord Era of the early 20th Century, starring Chow Yun Fat, Carina Lau, Jiang Wen, and Ge You. Directed by Jiang Wen. Both James Marsh ("a rip-roaring comedy thriller") and Niels Matthijs ("an admirably entertaining film that is sure to amuse novice and hardcore film fans alike") spoke highly about the film in their reviews for ScreenAnarchy. The Blu-ray includes trailers, interviews, cast profiles, promos, and a "making of," plus poster and lobby stills.

2. The Cincinnati Kid (Warner; Region Free!)
The great Steve McQueen stars as the up-and-coming card shark in 1930s New Orleans who seeks to defeat old master Edward G. Robinson, with able support provided by Karl Malden, Tuesday Weld, and Ann-Margaret. Director Sam Peckinpah got fired and Norman Jewison stepped in on short notice. This is a classic tale, told with straightforward smarts and a touch of class. DVD Beaver comments: "By modern standards this might be considered tame visually but as a representation of the original - I expect it is extremely authentic. This Blu-ray will provide an enjoyable and vibrant presentation for most." The site posted multiple images from the Blu-ray, including the one of McQueen's piercing blue eyes, above.

3. Cross of Iron (Optimum; Region B)
Speaking of Sam Peckinpah (see The Cincinnati Kid above), here he is in berserk war action mode, with James Coburn leading a cast that includes Maximilian Schell, James Mason, and David Warner. This 1977 film is set on the Eastern Front during World War II. The Blu-ray has received high marks from DVD Beaver; the stills look gorgeous.

4. Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen (Well Go USA; Region Free!)
A super-amazing opening sequence and a very good conclusion bookend Andrew Lau's otherwise dry historical drama, set during World War I. With Donnie Yen and Shu Qi. See the review by ScreenAnarchy's J. Hurtado.

5. Paul (Region B)
Writing by and starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as two nerds on a road trip across America, Paul made me laugh very, very frequently, yet somehow it doesn't add up to as much, or linger in the mind as long, as the duo's previous collaborations with Edgar Wright. Did director Greg Mottola miss opportunities? Or is the premise a bit too on the nose to completely satisfy a very demanding geek constituency?

6. Kingdom of War Part 1 and Part 2 (Magnolia; Region A)
Historical action films, boasting the biggest production budget in Thai cinema history at the time of their release in 2007. Part 1 "dealt with Prince Naresuan's boyhood, during which he was held hostage in the rival Burmese kingdom of Pegu," according to Thai film journalist Wise Kwai, while Part 2 "covered the prince's years as a young man and some of his early military triumphs." See the news article by J. Hurtado for more information and the press release.

Asia (Region A)
Source: AsianBlurayGuide.com, YesAsia.com

Eastern Condors (CMS Media)
The Legend of Speed (Kam & Ronson)
The Lost Bladesman (Edko Video)
Once Upon a Time in China and America (Kam & Ronson)
The Warlords (Taiwan Version) (Group Power Workshop)
Wheels on Meals (CMS Media)

U.K. (Region B, except where noted)
Source: Amazon.co.uk

Age of Heroes
Apocalypse Now
Back and Forth
The Bird with the Crystal Plumage
The Complete Superman Collection (Region Free)
The Cruel Sea
Five Days of War
Hereafter
Ice Cold in Alex
Jackass 3.5
Le Mans
Psychoville: Series 2
Sanctum
Sex Pistols: There'll Always Be an England
Straightheads
True Grit
Witchfinder General

U.S. (Region A)
Source: Amazon.com

The 36th Precint
Battle: Los Angeles
Dance in the Vampire Bund: Complete Series
Hall Pass
Heavy Metal
The Image
Insignificance: The Criterion Collection
Johnny Mnemonic
Kill the Irishman
The Makioka Sisters: The Criterion Collection
Point Break
Red Riding Hood