On December 16th, 88 Films proudly presents the North American Blu-ray debut of the Hong Kong spiritual fantasy cult classic, “Saga of the Phoenix,” in a limited-edition release featuring a brand-new 2K restoration from the original negative, loaded with bonus content.
The Holy Maiden of Hell, Ashura (Gloria Yip, “The Cat”), is sentenced to reside for eternity inside a statue of a reclining Buddha after being caught practicing magic on Earth. She refuses her banishment because she can’t exist without the Sun. Abbott Ji Ku (Shintarô Katsu, “Zatoichi and the One-Armed Swordsman”) and High Abbess (Yuko Natori, “Crest of Betrayal”) give her seven last days on Earth. Master Peacock (Yuen Biao, “Project A”), Lucky Fruit (Abe Hiroshi, “Godzilla 2000”), and others are sent to keep her from breaking her promise to return and serve her punishment. Ashura might not be their only problem.
Hell’s Concubine (Ngai Suet, “Ghost Ballroom”) orders her demonic squad to Earth to kidnap Ashura so she can drain her rival’s spirit and control other devils. “Saga of the Phoenix” is steeped in underworld intrigue and high-flying martial arts choreography, combined with quirky comedic moments.
Co-directed by Lam Nai Choi (“Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky”) and Lau Shut-Yue (“Tales of the Flying Fox”), “Saga of the Phoenix” is a unique mix of outrageous mystical fantasy and martial arts action. The characters trade blows that defy gravity, battle giant stone dogs, and unleash massive fireballs. And at the center of it all is a cartoonishly adorable genie who befriends Ashura, until the Hell’s Concubine twists him into a soul sucking creature, pushing the film’s fantasy into darker territory.
Special Features:
• Remastered original Cantonese monaural soundtrack
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• A limited edition rigid slip case
• A 40-page perfect-bound book
• A limited edition premium artcard
• Audio commentary by Frank Djeng and F.J. Desanto
• Alternate Japanese footage
• Image gallery
• The original trailer
Available on Blu-ray December 16th
11k
19.8k
1.5k
1.8k