The UK’s 88 Films is gearing up for their new line – 88 Asia, a collection dedicated to the celebration of Asian cinema on Blu-ray. If you’re a fan of 88 Films like I am then you’re already aware that they have a number of lines or collections and thus far they’ve all been very successful. If 88 Asia is half as good as their Italian Collection viewers we’ll be in for a real treat.

As of now 88 Films has announced three titles to be released as part of the 88 Asia collection so far – Hex, Black Magic, Five Element Ninjas and House of Traps. The collection will launch in September with the release of Hex with the other three titles set to follow later this year. No word on the special features yet, but 88 Films has released the official artwork for all four titles (below).

These releases, like the rest of what 88 Films has released, will likely be region B, meaning that if you’re in the US you’ll need a region free Blu-ray player. It’s worth noting that all 4 of these films have yet to receive a Blu-ray release anywhere else in the world with the exception of Five Ninja Elements which was released in the US by Tokyo Shock. That release is long out-of-print, however, and going for insane amounts ($300+!!!!) on Amazon and eBay. Much cheaper to go region free than pay those nonsense prices.

Black Magic
Dir. Ho Meng-Hua

Synopsis:
A magician makes money by charging people to cast love spells on the objects of their affection. Complications arise when he decides that he wants a customer’s bride for himself.

Hex
Dir. Chih-Hung Kuei

Synopsis:
A woman, who believes she has murdered her abusive husband, then sees him return as a vengeful ghost.

Five Element Ninjas
Dir. Cheh Chang

Synopsis:
A young martial artist seeks revenge on the Ninja who kills his martial arts brothers and teacher. He finds help in the form of a new teacher (who knows Ninjitsu) and new brothers. Together the four pupils face the Five Element Ninja challenge: Wood, Earth, Gold, Water, and Fire.

House of Traps
Dir. Cheh Chang

Synopsis:
When a corrupt prince arranges for the theft of a highly valuable jade antique the emperor dispatches his best men to retrieve it. The only problem is that the prince has hidden the antique in the infamous ‘house of traps’ from which no man has ever made it out alive. Royal investigator Sun Chien and his men mount a daring raid on the prince’s birthday which results in the usual mayhem expected from a Venoms film.