The Shaws Keep Comin’! 88 Films Drops Two Classics On Blu-Ray, This October

If I can quote one of Mad Max: Fury Road’s War Boys for a second, “Oh, what a day! What a lovely day!” The Shaw Brothers Blu-rays continue to roll in as the wonderful folks at 88 Films recently announced their October slate. What are we getting this time around? Well, for kung fu cinema fans, they’re releasing the bonafide classic, The Kung Fu Instructor, as well as the quirky martial arts comedy, Kid from Kwangtung. You can find synopses for the films below:

Kung Fu Instructor:

In this bitterly divided town, there’s no middle ground; you’re either with one side or the other – cross the line and face dire consequences. One clan hires a kung fu master – played by the great Ti Lung (A Better Tomorrow) – to break the stalemate, but he’s nobody’s servant and his loyalties can’t be bought so easily… Inspired by Kurosawa’s Yojimbo and Sergio Leone’s A Fistful of Dollars, The Kung Fu Instructor puts a slightly more cynical spin on traditional codes of honour. Stylishly directed by Sun Chung (Human Lanterns), 88 Films are proud to present the Blu-ray premier of this martial arts masterpiece.

Kid from Kwangtung:

From the legendary Shaw Brothers Studio, here’s something a bit funnier than their usual fare: after an evil martial arts master (played by the very great Hwang Jang-li (Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow) kills their own teacher, Wong Yu (The Shadow Boxing) and Chiang Kam (The Young Master) realise that they’re next. But can the squabbling duo put their differences aside long enough to defeat him? With spirited slapstick, supernatural silliness and some jaw-dropping fights that really have to be seen to be believed, Kid From Kwangtung is gravity-defying treat from the glory days of Hong Kong cinema. 88 Films are proud to unleash this classic kung fu comedy on Blu-ray.

As a massive fan of martial arts cinema, I’ll admit, I’m a little surprised to see the latter on Blu-ray. Not because it’s bad. It isn’t. It’s a lot of fun. But because it feels like such an obscure title. However, I’m not complaining. I can’t wait to see Hwang Jang Lee kicking a hefty amount of arse in crisp, remastered HD.

Both titles release on October 22nd.