Imprint Asia Announces Their First Wave of Blu-Ray Releases Coming March 2024

Australian distributor Via Vision launches their new sub-label [Imprint] Asia Launches and its first three titles.

Those collecting the ever-growing number of titles from Imprint know that if they're not the first to offer up a Blu-ray release, they drop some new special editions worth double dipping for. Now, with their Impritn Asia sub-label, they're kicking off a whole new line of Chinese and Japanese films. 

Lost in the Stars - Blu-ray

The 2023 Chinese blockbuster finally arrives on Blu-ray! A Hitchcockian crime mystery produced by Chen Sicheng, “one of the giants of contemporary Chinese Cinema” (Variety).

He Fei’s wife, Li Muzi, disappears during their anniversary trip. When she reappears, he insists that she is not his wife. He Fei turns to Chen Mai, a renowned international lawyer, for help. As Chen Mai’s investigation into this bizarre case progresses, more mysteries start to emerge…

Adapted from the 90’s Russian film ‘Trap For A Lonely Man’ and from the Robert Thomas stage play of the same name.

“The film is wickedly entertaining from start to finish, thanks to Rui Cui and Liu Xiang’s crafty directions who skilfully adopt the Hitchcockian style to navigate the labyrinthine storyline.” – Screen HK

1500 copies only.

Special Features & Technical Specs:

• 1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray 
• Theatrical Trailer
• Audio Mandarin DTS HD 5.1 Surround + LPCM 2.0 Stereo
• Optional English & Chinese Simplified Subtitles
• Original Aspect Ratio 2.39:1
• Limited edition slipcase with unique artwork

The Sea is Watching - Blu-ray 

Worldwide first on Blu-ray!

Based on the final screenplay written by the legendary Akira Kurosawa, this Japanese romance is the story of a beautiful young geisha, who hides a samurai seeking refuge. Directed by Kei Kumai, winner of the Directors Guild Of Japan New Director’s Award, this beautiful picture stars Misa Shimizu and Masatoshi Nagase.

Set in a 19th-century brothel, a beautiful young geisha, O-shin, harbours a samurai seeking refuge. Falling in love with O-shin, the samurai hopes to cleanse her of the sins of her possession. But fate and fortune conspire to keep the lovers apart.

“Kurosawa’s script treads the delicate line between conventional morality and decency, as does much of his finest work.” – New York Times

1500 copies only.

Special Features & Technical Specs:

• 1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray 
• Behind The Scenes Featurette
• Theatrical Trailer
• Audio Japanese LPCM 2.0 Stereo
• Optional English Subtitles
• Original Aspect Ratio 1.85:1
• Limited edition slipcase with unique artwork 

This action-packed revival of the classic Zatoichi series was directed, written, co-edited by and stars Takeshi Kitano (Battle Royale, Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence). 

In an empire ruled by fear, the people’s only hope is the ultimate weapon: Zatoichi. A blind, nomadic samurai whose sword has made him a hero and whose courage has made him a legend. Determined to help the desperate residents of a village, Zatoichi seeks justice through revenge.

The winner of the prestigious Silver Lion for Best Director at the 2003 Venice International Film Festival, Midnight Eye called it “pure cinematic magic”. 

1500 copies only.

Special Features & Technical Specs:

• 1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray 
• NEW Audio Commentary by film historian and author Sean Redmond 
• The Making Of The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi 
• Crew Interviews
• Theatrical Trailer
• Audio Japanese DTS HD 5.1 Surround + LPCM 2.0 Stereo
• English Subtitles
• Original Aspect Ratio 1.85:1
• Limited edition slipcase with unique artwork

We hope to review these as soon as we get hands on. I've heard great things about Lost in the Stars and The Sea is Watching and The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi is a pulpy treat well worth revisiting! Those looking to nab all three, Imprint has a bundle deal that'll save you a few bucks. All three films are due to street March 27th