Collection Complaints
Individuals on other forums have stated negative comments about BCI's repackaging of former releases in new inexpensive sets. In response to these complaints, I have three points to mention. First, if you have duplicate films between sets, why not share the extra Sonny Chiba films between friends? My experience with sharing some the original “Adness” Samurai releases that was later repackaged outweighed the pain of buying a completely new set. Secondly, The Sonny Chiba Collection - 6 Film Set retails less than a SINGLE Cult Title with lesser stature. Sonny Chiba fanatics should count their blessings that BCI has focused their attention on such an obscure actor... Finally, BCI doesn't repackage these films until they've exhausted the sales of the prior. Logisticly, if you boycott a film until it's released in a large set, you very well might NOT see these titles released again in a big set. It's the law of supply, demand, and the shrinking shelf space at DVD retailers. Why would BCI (or in fact, any company) buy the rights to Sonny Chiba movies that nobody is willing to pay retail for? Hopefully, The Sonny Chiba Collection – 6 Film Set will bring in more viewers who might have otherwise missed this opportunity to see some great films.
Special Thanks to Cliff at BCI/Navarre/Ronin Entertainment who informed us of the layout of this inexpensive 6-film / 5-disc set.
Disc One: Bullet Train - Japanese version
Disc Two: Bullet Train - International version
Disc Three: Golgo 13
Disc Four: Sister Street Fighter / Dragon Princess
Disc Five: Karate Warriors / The Bodyguard
Remember to please support BCI/Navarre and its affiliate Ronin Entertainment!
Information from murderedrum - Posted October 15, 2007
The Sonny Chiba Collection - 6 Film Set
BCI/Navarre announced a new large compilation of Sonny Chiba films put together in a 5 disc set. The announced release date is November 20, 2007 with a suggested retail price of $24.95. You can pre-order this release for $18.69 from Amazon.com
here
This set brings the first-ever U.S. release of the longer cut of BULLET TRAIN in with English Subtitles. Also included is the International cut of BULLET TRAIN with a dubbed English audio track. This set also includes the uncut version of GOLGO 13 with both the Japanese audio and English dubbed audio track and new anamorphic widescreen transfers of the English dubbed versions of DRAGON PRINCESS, THE BODYGUARD, KARATE WARRIORS and SISTER STREET FIGHTER.
Information from Travis Bickle - Posted October 02, 2007
Oyaji
Directed and Starring Sonny Chiba, The film's title Oyaji directly translates as Father yet this translation fails to describe the entire scope of the word. Variety and The Japan Times Online writer Mark Schilling sums up Sonny Chiba's role in this dramatic film...
"Oyaji (Father)," of which Chiba is both the director and star, seems from its story to be one of those twilight-year projects former tough-guy stars use to keep the flame flickering. Chiba plays not a cop, gangster or other standard-issue macho man, but a ghost who appears to his dysfunctional family during the midsummer Obon holiday, when the dead traditionally visit the world of the living. [MORE]
Oyaji opened August 25, 2007 in Japan. Read more about this and other information at the forum...
Information from murderedrum - Posted September 01, 2007
Construction!
Vivachiba.com is currently going though some changes for the better, so please mind our dust! On another note, please join our community at the forum and feel free to share your thoughts, feelings and ideas. The more the merrier! If you wish to help contribute to our website, contact webmaster@vivachiba.com.
Information from murderedrum - Posted August 26, 2007
Welcome to the Grindhouse
"They might stretch over several film genres, but the underlying theme behind these Grindhouse classics is to have fun watching them."
- Cliff MacMillan
Shinichi Chiba's releases under BCI's "Welcome to the Grindhouse Label" each contain a double feature with exploitation trailers. With an MSRP of $12.95, these sets offer an unbeatable price for the fans!
The Bodyguard (US Version) / Sister Streetfighter
Karate Warriors / Dragon Princess
Reviews can be found on 10kbullets.com and Kung-Fu Cinema while in-depth comparisons can be found exclusively on 10kbullets.com. Enjoy!
Information from murderedrum - Posted August 26, 2007
Sonny Chiba Announcement
Shinichi Chiba in a recent press conference explained in further detail about his initial comments made a month ago about retiring. More information about this can be found in this forum thread.
Information from veruca41 - Posted July 26, 2007
