Shaw Bothers Classics: Volume 3 | Blu-ray (Shout!)

RELEASE DATE: October 24, 2023

On October 24, 2023, Shout! Factory will release Shaw Brothers Classic: Volume 3, a collection of 11 films on Blu-ray (Region A). The collection will feature the following titles: Killer Clans (1976), The Shaolin Avengers (1976), The Web of Death (1976), Death Duel (1977), Soul of the Sword (1977), The Vengeful Beauty (1978), Life Gamble (1979), The Deadly Breaking Sword (1979), Shaolin Abbot (1979), Shaolin Rescuers (1979), and Clan of the White Lotus (1980).

Official details:

the films are presented in new digital transfers and some also feature interviews with the stars

This amazing collection includes 11 iconic martial arts movies from the renowned Shaw Brothers’ collection, showcasing the talents of beloved stars such as Alexander Fu Sheng, Lo Lieh, Ti Lung, David Chiang, and the Deadly Venoms. The set features updated digital transfers of several films, as well as exclusive interviews with the stars.

These movies will be released on Blu-ray for the first time. Prepare for thrilling and chilling moments as protagonists and antagonists face off in a deadly showdown!

KILLER CLANS (1080p High-Definition Widescreen (2.35:1) / Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio Mono / 100 min.)

If you ask a fan of martial arts movies to name their top action films, there is a high probability that Killer Clans will be included. Adapted from a popular book about sword fighting, Killer Clans (also known as Meteor, Butterfly, Sword in Chinese) delivers plenty of intrigue, cunning plans, and intense sword duels to satisfy any fan. These scenes are expertly choreographed by Yuen Cheung-yan, the brother of renowned martial arts choreographer Yuen Woo-ping. The talented cast features some of Shaw Brothers’ most skilled swordsmen and swordswomen, who bring the epic battles between secret clans to life. In this world, the line between good and evil is not always clear or obvious.

The Shaolin Avengers is a film with a resolution of 1080p and a widescreen aspect ratio of 2.35:1. It features Mandarin audio in DTS-HD Master Audio Mono and has a duration of 99 minutes.

The well-known tale of the Shaolin Temple’s treachery by the White-Browed Hermit, and the ensuing retribution by Shaolin rebel Fang Shih-yu, is a legendary story. It has been adapted into numerous films by various filmmakers, but few versions are as intense or as well-regarded as this particular production. The dynamic collaboration between director Chang Cheh and global heartthrob Alexander Fu Sheng captured the essence of the story (with help from action coaches Hsieh Hsing and Chen Hsin-yi…and skilled co-director Wu Ma).

This film, titled “The Web of Death,” is available in 1080p high-definition widescreen (2.35:1) format. It includes both Mandarin and English dubbed versions, with DTS-HD Master Audio Mono sound. The total runtime is 87 minutes.

The head of the Snake Sect engages in a romantic relationship with the attractive leader of the Scorpion Sect in order to resurrect the “Five Poison Web” (which is also the Chinese title of this movie). However, they also face challenges from the Centipede Sect. With the skilled direction of Chu Yuan and action choreography by Tang Chia and Yuen Cheung-yan (a member of the renowned Yuen Family and brother of master Yuen Woo-ping), the outcome is a top-notch action film!

THE VENGEFUL BEAUTY (1080p High-Definition Widescreen (2.35:1) / Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio Mono / 78 min.)

Ho Meng-hua directed numerous films for the Shaw Brothers, but his most renowned worldwide was likely The Flying Guillotine. Although he did not direct the sequel with the same title, he did lead this exceptional spin-off that received high praise from critics and is considered one of his finest works. It features the captivating Chen Ping (known for her roles in The Miniskirt Gang and Lady Exterminator) as the courageous protagonist who battles against a gang of flying guillotine wielders.

DEATH DUEL (1080p High-Definition Widescreen (2.35:1) / Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio Mono / 90 min.)

This impressive display of martial arts features the talented 20-year-old Derek Yee. According to Variety, Yee’s captivating on-screen presence is likely to propel him to superstardom, following in the footsteps of his older brother David Chiang. The prediction turned out to be true, as his portrayal of the skillful swordsman Third Master is exactly what any producer would desire. He battles against evil forces, rescues damsels in need (including a compassionate prostitute played by Yu An-an), and engages in thrilling sword fights against his rival Ling Yun.

This film, titled “Life Gamble,” is available in high-definition, widescreen format with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. It also includes a Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio Mono soundtrack and has a runtime of 96 minutes.

Renowned filmmaker Chang Cheh collaborated with his newest rising talent, Alexander Fu Sheng, and future Venoms Lo Meng and Kuo Chue to produce yet another successful addition to his esteemed collection of films. The star-studded cast also includes esteemed actors Ku Feng and Wang Lung-wei, as well as actresses Lin Chen-chi, Shirley Yu, and Hui Ying-hung. This action-packed film follows the story of a skilled blacksmith who must face off against four notorious thieves while also dealing with a cunning gambling boss who seeks to eliminate them.

SOUL OF THE SWORD (1080p High-Definition Widescreen (2.35:1) / Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio Mono / 85 min.)

The message of “Soul Of The Sword” can be summed up as “be cautious of what you desire.” The film features renowned actor Ti Lung as a warrior on a mission to defeat the “Number One Swordsman” at any cost. According to his code, achieving the top rank requires sacrificing all other aspects of life, including his lover. However, he soon realizes that the desire for something is more fulfilling than actually obtaining it. In the end, blindly following tradition can lead to one’s own downfall.

This movie is titled “The Deadly Breaking Sword” and is available in 1080p high-definition widescreen format with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. It has a Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio Mono soundtrack and a runtime of 101 minutes.

Sun Chung’s explosive movie, The Deadly Breaking Sword, established him as a top martial arts director, alongside greats like Chang Cheh. The film stars Ti Lung and Alexander Fu Sheng, and features fight choreography by Tang Chia. Ti Lung’s character, Tuen Cheng-tsin, uses the powerful “Deadly Breaking Sword” technique to team up with thief Ko Mun (played by Alexander Fu Sheng) in order to take down an assassin controlled by the evil Dr. Kuo through acupuncture.

CLAN OF THE WHITE LOTUS (1080p High-Definition Widescreen (2.35:1) / Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio Mono / 95 min.)

Lo Lieh gained recognition as the leading kung fu actor in Shaw Studios’ international films. Despite his fame, it was uncommon for him to take on the role of director. Therefore, this particular film is a noteworthy occasion. Building off the popularity of Executioners From Shaolin, Lieh reprised his role as the villain in this unique sequel and remake. The end result is a more lighthearted form of entertainment, as the heroic Gordon Liu Chia-hui must master the “Embroidery Fist” and acupuncture in order to combat the deadly techniques of the White Lotus leader, such as “Weightless Boxing” and “Nerve Centre Shutdown.”

The Shaolin Abbot film is available in 1080p high-definition widescreen with a Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio Mono soundtrack and a running time of 84 minutes.

David Chiang, a popular international actor, was most recognized for his portrayal of a tough street fighter in many of Chang Cheh’s iconic films. However, he seldom played the role of a honorable warrior monk. In this production, he takes on the character of Chih Shim, the monk who rescued the Southern Shaolin Temple. Adding to the significance of this production is Lo Lieh, the first international star of Shaw Brothers, who reprises his role as the renegade Pai Mei. Together, they create an epic martial arts film of the highest caliber.

The movie “Shaolin Rescuers” is available in 1080p high-definition widescreen with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The Mandarin audio is in DTS-HD Master Audio Mono and the runtime is 110 minutes.

The showdown is between Shaolin warriors and corrupt soldiers from the Ching dynasty. They are aided by the Lama, Black Tiger, and Mantis clans and operate from a boxing school, a fabric dyeing factory, and a tofu shop. The Korean master kicker Sun Chien, who is often under-utilized, is given a special focus in this film. Along with his fellow Venoms, who have previously starred in director Chang Cheh’s action-packed and gory films (beginning with The Five Venoms), they put on an entertaining display of kung fu skills with impressive martial arts sequences.

Please keep an eye out for the release on October 24, 2023. In the meantime, we have provided a few previews from the Trailer included in the set below.