[Just got a correction note that this title has been pushed back to June 14th]
Okay, as much as I like Magnet Releasing, it can get tiring keeping up with all of their retitling. The latest announcement is that they will release Kingdom of War Parts 1 & 2 to Blu-ray and DVD on June 14th. Kingdom of War is the Anglicized name for the Thai historical blockbuster of 2006, King Naresuan. The series is a trilogy, with part three just having released in Thai theaters about a month ago. Though it seems odd for Magnet to release only parts one and two, I'll take it, as I've been hoping for decent versions of these films for years, and the available Blu-rays haven't been particularly good. Here is the official announcement from Magnet:
Okay, as much as I like Magnet Releasing, it can get tiring keeping up with all of their retitling. The latest announcement is that they will release Kingdom of War Parts 1 & 2 to Blu-ray and DVD on June 14th. Kingdom of War is the Anglicized name for the Thai historical blockbuster of 2006, King Naresuan. The series is a trilogy, with part three just having released in Thai theaters about a month ago. Though it seems odd for Magnet to release only parts one and two, I'll take it, as I've been hoping for decent versions of these films for years, and the available Blu-rays haven't been particularly good. Here is the official announcement from Magnet:
I apologize for the size of the image, it was the best I could find. When a better version becomes available, I will update this.
THE MOST EXPENSIVE PRODUCTION BUDGET IN THAI CINEMA, ONE OF THAILAND'S HIGHEST GROSSING BOX OFFICE FILMS
KINGDOM OF WAR PART 1 & 2From The Company Behind The Ong Bak Franchise, The Protector And Born To
Fight, The Epic True Story KINGDOM OF WAR PART 1 & 2 Debuts On Blu-ray
Disc And DVD June 7 From Magnolia Home Entertainment Under The Magnet Label
During a time of epic change and liberation, one novice Buddhist monk turned prince breaks away from tyranny to declare sovereignty for Siam when Kingdom of War Part 1 & 2 arrives on Blu-ray and DVD June 7 from Magnolia Home Entertainment under the Magnet Releasing label. The action packed film is based on the historical true story of King Naresuan the Great, who liberated the Siamese from the control of Burma, changing the destiny of a nation.
Loaded with massive battle scenes, over-the-top production and lavish costumes, the Kingdom of War Part 1 & 2is available on Blu-ray Disc and DVD and features bonus materials including a making-of, behind the scenes, and an international trailer. The two-disc sets will be available for the suggested retail prices of $29.98 and $26.98, respectively. Kingdom of War Part 1 & 2 can also be purchased separately on Blu-ray Disc and DVD for the suggested retail prices of $26.98 and $19.98, respectively.
Synopsis
The most expensive production budget in Thai Cinema history and one of Thailand's highest grossing box office films ever, KINGDOM OF WAR PART I & II is an epic historical action film about King Naresuan the Great, who liberated the Siamese from the control of Burma, changing the destiny of a nation.
Part I depicts Naresuan's boyhood, when he was taken hostage by Burmese King Bayinnaung to keep the vassal Ayutthaya Kingdom subservient.
During this time, he was a novice Buddhist monk under the tutelage of the wise father-figure monk Sorapong Chatree. Part II portrays Naresuan as a young adult prince, already a formidable military strategist, as he leads his army on exploits against deserting kingdoms for King Bayinnaung's successor, King Nonthabureng, and then eventually breaks away to declare sovereignty for Siam.