Eureka Entertainment is set to release Horrible History: Four Historical Epics from acclaimed filmmaker Chang Cheh on December 10, 2024. This two-disc limited edition Blu-ray collection will feature four of Cheh’s notable films: Marco Polo, The Pirate, Boxer Rebellion, and Four Riders.
Four Historical Epics by Chang Cheh Limited Edition Details
This special limited edition set will be limited to 2,000 copies per territory and will include an exclusive O-card slipcase along with a collector’s booklet, making it a must-have for fans of Hong Kong cinema.
Chang Cheh, often referred to as the “Godfather of Hong Kong Cinema,” directed nearly a hundred films during his prolific career at the Shaw Brothers Studio. He is best known for groundbreaking works such as The One-Armed Swordsman, Five Deadly Venoms, and The Heroic Ones, many of which draw inspiration from Chinese history, focusing on real people and events.
Talk to me about the films
- Marco Polo: The story follows the Venetian explorer Marco Polo (played by Richard Harrison) as he becomes entangled in a conflict between the Mongol Empire and Chinese rebels in the 13th century.
- The Pirate: This film centers on the notorious 19th-century pirate Cheung Po Tsai (Ti Lung), who must navigate the challenges posed by the Imperial Court while striving to assist the oppressed villagers along the coast.
- Boxer Rebellion: A group of Chinese patriots, using kung fu, rise to protect their homeland against invading forces at the turn of the 20th century.
- Four Riders: In this tale, a Chinese veteran from the Korean War rallies three comrades to aid him in escaping the South Korean Military Police after being falsely accused of murdering an American soldier.
These films are classic examples of the historical narrative adaptations that are characteristic of Chang Cheh’s filmography, showcasing his expertise in weaving compelling stories from Chinese history.
Special Features
The Blu-ray set will include a wealth of bonus material:
- Limited edition of 2,000 copies
- O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Grégory Sacré (Gokaiju)
- 1080p HD presentations from masters supplied by Celestial Pictures
- Original mono audio tracks
- Optional English subtitles, newly translated for this release
- Two new commentaries by East Asian film expert Frank Djeng (NY Asian Film Festival) and martial artist and filmmaker Michael Worth
- Two new commentaries by action cinema experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema
- National Defence – A new interview with Hong Kong cinema scholar Wayne Wong discussing Boxer Rebellion
- Rewriting History – A new video essay on Chang Cheh’s historical films by Jonathan Clements, author of A Brief History of China
- Collector’s booklet featuring new writing on all four films by writer and critic James Oliver
Horrible History: Four Historical Epics by Chang Cheh is an essential addition for collectors and fans of historical cinema, celebrating the legacy of one of Hong Kong’s most influential filmmakers. Make sure to mark your calendar for December 10, 2024, to secure your copy of this limited edition release!
