Author: King of the Island

Altered States

Altered States VHS cover art. Drama fantasy horror movie starring William Hurt, Blair Brown, Bob Balaban, Charles Haid. Based on the novel by Paddy Chayefsky. Directed by Ken Russell. 1980.

Altered States on VHS. Movie starring William Hurt, Blair Brown, Bob Balaban, Charles Haid. Based on the novel by Paddy Chayefsky. Directed by Ken Russell. 1980.

From the VHS box:

IN THE BASEMENT OF A MEDICAL SCHOOL DR. JESSUP FLOATS NAKED IN TOTAL DARKNESS. THE MOST TERRIFYING EXPERIMENT IN THE HISTORY OF SCIENCE IS OUT OF CONTROL… AND THE SUBJECT IS HIMSELF.

Research scientist Eddie Jessup (William Hurt) believes other states of consciousness are as real as everyday reality. Using sensory deprivation, then adding powerful hallucinogenic drugs, he explores these altered states… and endures experiences that make madness seem a blessing.

Academy Award winner William Hurt as Jessup (his film debut) heads a solid cast featuring Blair Brown, Bob Balaban and Charles Haid. Working from Paddy Chayefsky’s novel, director Ken Russell guides us with a sorcerer’s skill through Eddie’s magical and horrific journey as Altered States gyrates with dazzling visual bravado and rumbles with John Corigliano’s all-stops-out, Oscar-nominated score. Unlock the doorways of your mind — if you dare.

DVD it in your mind: Altered States

Read it in your mind: Altered States: A Novel

Hear it in your mind: Altered States (1980 Film)




Requiem for a Dream

Requiem for a Dream VHS cover art. A 'For Your Consideration' copy with different cover. Movie starring Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, Marlon Wayans, Christopher McDonald. Based on the novel by Hubert Selby Jr. Directed by Darren Aronofsky. 2000.

Requiem for a Dream on VHS video. A ‘For Your Consideration’ copy with different cover. Movie starring Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, Marlon Wayans, Christopher McDonald. Based on the novel by Hubert Selby Jr. Directed by Darren Aronofsky. 2000.

From the VHS box:

Due To Graphic Content This Film Is Intended For An Adult Audience Only

For Your Consideration

Requiem for a Dream
Produced by Eric Watson and Palmer West

Best Actress
Ellen Burnstyn

Best Actor
Jared Leto

Best Supporting Actress
Jennifer Connelly

Best Supporting Actor
Marlon Wayans

Best Director
Darren Aronofsky

What it did win: Requiem for a Dream (2000) Awards

DVD upgrade: Requiem for a Dream (Director’s Cut)

Read the dream: Requiem for a Dream: A Novel

Listen to the dream: Requiem for a Dream (2000 Film) [Soundtrack] Clint Mansell, Kronos Quartet | Format: Audio CD







Midnight Cowboy

Midnight Cowboy VHS cover. Movie starring Dustin Hoffman, Jon Voight. With Brenda Vaccaro, John McGiver, Sylvia Miles, Ruth White, Barnard Hughes. Directed by John Schlesinger. 1969.

Midnight Cowboy on VHS. Movie starring Dustin Hoffman, Jon Voight. With Brenda Vaccaro, John McGiver, Sylvia Miles, Ruth White, Barnard Hughes. Directed by John Schlesinger. 1969.

From the VHS cover:

Deluxe 25th Anniversary Edition

Twenty-five years after its original release, “Midnight Cowboy is still heartbreaking — and timeless” (The New York Observer). This deluxe collector’s edition includes a newly remastered print, Dolby surround stereophonic sound, a special documentary featuring screen tests and interviews with the cast and creative team, and the theatrical trailers form both 1969 and 1994.

Tough, potent and shocking, the film depicts the tragedy of urban American street life through the experiences of naive “cowboy” Joe Buck (Jon Voight) and sleazy con man Ratso Rizzo (Dustin Hoffman). Arriving in New York with dreams of becoming a gigolo, Buck is unprepared for encounters with people like Rizzo. But as Buck’s dream gradually evolves into a nightmare, the two men develop a poignant and powerful bond.

DVD upgrade: Midnight Cowboy (Two Disc Collector’s Edition)

Fright Night

Fright Night on VHS. 1980s horror comedy vampire movie starring Chris Sarandon, William Ragsdale, Amanda Bearse, Roddy McDowall, Stephen Geoffreys. Written and directed by Tom Holland. 1985.

Fright Night on VHS. Movie starring Chris Sarandon, William Ragsdale, Amanda Bearse, Roddy McDowall, Stephen Geoffreys. Written and directed by Tom Holland. 1985.

From the VHS box:

Meet Jerry Dandridge. He’s sweet, sexy, and he likes to sleep in late. You might think he’s the perfect neighbor. But before inviting Jerry in for a nightcap there’s just one thing you should know. Jerry prefers his drinks warm, red — and straight from the jugular! It’s FRIGHT NIGHT, a horrific howl starring Chris Sarandon as the seductive vampire and William Ragsdale as the frantic teenager struggling to keep Jerry’s deadly fangs out of his neck. Only 17-year-old Charley Brewster (Ragsdale) knows Jerry’s bloodcurdling secret. When Charley can’t get anybody to believe him, he turns to TV-horror host, Peter Vincent (Roddy McDowell), who used to be the “Great Vampire Killer” of the movies. Can these mortals save Charley and his sweetheart (Amanda Bearse) from the wrathful bloodsucker’s toothy embrace? If you love being scared, FRIGHT NIGHT will give you the nightmare of your life!

DVD upgrade: Fright Night

Oh, a remake: Fright Night

Oh, and a sort-of sequel: Fright Night 2: New Blood




The Real Bruce Lee and Fist of Fear

The Real Bruce Lee and Fist of Fear on VHS. Two tape set. Starring Bruce Lee. The Real Bruce Lee starring Bruce Lee, Bruce Li, Dragon Lee. Directed by Jim Markovic. 1979. Fist of Fear starring Bruce Lee, Fred Williamson, Ron Van Clief. Directed by Matthew Mallinson. 1980.

The Real Bruce Lee and Fist of Fear on VHS. Two tape set. Starring Bruce Lee.

The Real Bruce Lee starring Bruce Lee, Bruce Li, Dragon Lee. Directed by Jim Markovic. 1979.

Fist of Fear starring Bruce Lee, Fred Williamson, Ron Van Clief. Directed by Matthew Mallinson. 1980.

From the VHS box:

The Real Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee was one of the world’s most popular film stars when he died in the early 1970’s at the age of 33. In this video, you’ll learn about his life and tragic early death through excerpts and stills from his early films, news broadcasts, and many later performances.

First, you’ll marvel at the young Lee, already demonstrating his incredible Kung Fu skills in early movies like Kid Cheung and The Bad Boy. Then travel with him to L.A. as his hopes for a Hollywood career ultimately disappoint him. It wasn’t until his return to Hong Kong that he used his phenomenal talents to begin his meteoric ascent to superstardom in films like Fists of Fury and Enter the Dragon.

Lee has many aspiring successors, and see dynamic footage of the two best — Bruce Li and newcomer Dragon Lee — in hard punching, high-kicking action. Both martial artists have reached stardom on their own, but still acknowledge their dept to Bruce Lee’s immortal talent.

If you’re looking for the hottest Kung Fu action around, you’ve found it!

Fist of Fear

Fictitious account of a World Karate Championship held at Madison Square Garden to crown the successor of karate king, Bruce Lee. This fascinating docu-drama mixes real life tournament fighting with a gripping fictional tale about discovering the real reason behind the mysterious death of Bruce Lee. Was it the secret and deadly vibrating palm punch called the “touch of death” that sent Lee to his premature grave? A must see for Karate fans. You’ll love the actual interviews with Lee that provide insights into his philosophy of life and the martial arts.

DVD Upgrades:
The Real Bruce Lee [Slim Case]

Fists of Fear, Touch of Death

Free Bruce Lee (Watch Free With Amazon Prime): The Real Bruce Lee (1979)




Fearless Hyena Vol. 1 & 2

Jackie Chan Fearless Hyena Vol. 1 & 2 on VHS video. Two Tape Set. Starring Jackie Chan. With Dean Shek, James Tien. Fearless Hyena aka "Xiao quan guai zhao" directed by Jackie Chan, Kenneth Tsang. 1979. Fearless Hyena 2 aka "Long teng hu yue" directed by Chuan Chen. 1983.

Jackie Chan Fearless Hyena Vol. 1 & 2 on VHS video. Two Tape Set. Starring Jackie Chan. With Dean Shek, James Tien.

Fearless Hyena aka “Xiao quan guai zhao” directed by Jackie Chan, Kenneth Tsang. 1979.

Fearless Hyena 2 aka “Long teng hu yue” directed by Chuan Chen. 1983.

From the VHS box:

2 Action-Packed Kung Fu Thrillers!

See the Kung Fu movies that set new standards in high flying karate action! Bruce Lee, step aside, Jackie Chan’s in town. He’s the new king of karate and he’ll let his fists do the talking. Jackie’s the fearless action hero with a wry sense of humor.

Follow him on two action-packed adventures, as he strikes a blow against evil and the merciless Kung Fu masters who murder all those who would oppose their lethal ways. Now they’ve met their match and heads are going to roll! Look out for Jackie Chan, he’s mad as hell and “vengeance” is the Hyena’s only aim.

DVD Upgrade: Fearless Hyena 1 /- Fearless Hyena 2- Fantasy Mission Force – Half a Loaf of Kung Fu – Snake & Crane Arts of Shaolin – Eagle Shadow Fist

New Fist of Fury and Snake Fist Fighter

New Fist of Fury and Snake Fist Fighter on VHS video. Two tape set. Starring Jackie Chan. New Fist of Fury (Jackie Chan credited as Chen Yuen Lung) with Ming Cheng Chang, Shen Lin Chang. Directed by Wei Lo. 1976. Snake Fist Fighter with Siu Tin Yuen, Dean Shek, Kwok Choi Hon. Directed by Mu Chu. 1971.

New Fist of Fury and Snake Fist Fighter on VHS video. Two tape set. Starring Jackie Chan.

New Fist of Fury (Jackie Chan credited as Chen Yuen Lung) with Ming Cheng Chang, Shen Lin Chang. Directed by Wei Lo. 1976.

Snake Fist Fighter with Siu Tin Yuen, Dean Shek, Kwok Choi Hon. Directed by Mu Chu. 1971.

From the VHS cover:

New Fist of Fury

Marshall arts master, Jackie Chan, strikes a blow for freedom in this two fisted, hard hitting karate thriller. When evil Japanese invaders try to muscle out all the competing karate schools in Taiwan and Shanghai, it’s Jackie to the rescue! In a new twist to the plot, Jackie plays a good-natured petty thief who’s recruited by the beautiful young Chinese granddaughter of a slain Kung Fu master. Reluctant to take sides at first, Jackie soon learns that it’s kill or be killed! Under the granddaughter’s expert tutelage Jackie hones his karate skills, then leads his fellow countrymen in a fight to the finish!

Snake Fist Fighter

Kung Fu master Jackie Chan stars in this action packed martial arts thriller. Local store owners seek the help of Jackie to protect them from a greedy Chinese extortion ring. Tempers reach the boiling point when Jackie discovers that the crime King pin behind the extortion scheme killed his father years before. With fists that strike with the deadly speed of a coiled snake, Jackie seeks revenge. If you’re a fan of Kung Fu, you’ll love this super-charged crash, boom, bang karate saga. Bruce Lee, step aside, Jackie’s in town!

New Fist of Fury DVD Upgrade: Jackie Chan: Beginnings – The Killer Meteors / New Fist Of Fury

Snake Fist Fighter (aka Master with Cracked Fingers) DVD Upgrade: Master With Cracked Fingers

VHS Version: New Fist of Fury / Snake Fist Fighter [VHS]




Snake and Crane Arts of Shaolin

Snake and Crane Arts of Shaolin on VHS. Action drama movie starring Jackie Chan. With Nora Miao, Jeong-Nam Kim. Directed by Chi-Hwa Chen.

Snake and Crane Arts of Shaolin on VHS. Movie starring Jackie Chan. With Nora Miao, Jeong-Nam Kim. Directed by Chi-Hwa Chen.

From the VHS box:

During a meeting of Shaolin Masters at Hua Mountain, a new technique called “Snake and Crane” is developed. The Masters are mysteriously killed, and the book of records is lost. It is rumored that Hsu Yin Fung (Jackie Chan) is the murderer, and he becomes the target of attack by other warriors.

Hsu is helped by two women who love him dearly. When one of them is killed, Hsu and the other warriors go to the Shaolin Temple to seek out Master Tse Kung. They then learn that Chien-Tse of the Black Dragon Clan is the real murderer. Having secretly learned and perfected the technique of Snake and Crane, Hsu finally [spoiler removed].

DVD Upgrade: Jackie Chan: Beginnings – Snake & Crane Arts of Shaolin / Magnificent Bodyguards DF

Rush Hour

Rush Hour VHS cover. Action comedy thriller movie starring Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker. Directed by Brett Ratner. 1998.

Rush Hour on VHS. Movie starring Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker. Directed by Brett Ratner. 1998.

From the box:

The Fastest Hands In The East Meet The Biggest Mouth In The West

One’s all talk… the other’s all action… Jackie Chan (Rumble in the Bronx, First Strike) and Chris Tucker (Money Talks, Friday) mix punches with punchlines in this hilarious action-comedy.

Chan is a tough Hong Kong cop in Los Angeles to solve the kidnapping of a Chinese diplomat’s daughter. But the FBI wants none of his help and recruits a fast-talking LAPD detective (Tucker) to babysit him. Cultures clash and tempers flare as these two cops from different worlds quickly discover one thing in common: they can’t stand each other. With time running out, they must join forces to catch the criminals — if they don’t kill each other first!

DVD Upgrade: Rush Hour (Special Edition)

Rush Hour 2

Rush Hour 2 VHS cover. Action comedy crime movie starring Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, John Lone, Ziyi Zhang. Directed by Brett Ratner. 2001.

Rush Hour 2 on VHS. Movie starring Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, John Lone, Ziyi Zhang. Directed by Brett Ratner. 2001.

From the box:

Last time they nearly destroyed L.A., now they’re about to break China! Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker reprise their roles as mismatched detectives in this smash-hot follow-up that’s even “faster and funnier than the first!” (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone)

Reunited in Hong Kong, the two cops look forward to a much-needed vacation. But their plans go up in smoke when a bomb explodes in the American Embassy. Suddenly, they’re tracking a group of slippery suspects, including a beautiful assassin (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon‘s Zhang Ziyi) and a mysterious mobster (John Lone, The Last Emperor). With their irresistible mix of of head-spinning action and gut-busting comedy, Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan prove they’re the team to beat in this can’t-miss movie that delivers the entertainment rush of the year!

DVD Upgrade (Mismatched Photoshop Detectives): Rush Hour 2

Chris Tucker Collection: 4 Film Favorites: Chris Tucker (Money Talks, Rush Hour, Rush Hour 2, Rush Hour 3)

Watch Now: Rush Hour 2