IRON ANGELS 1-3 is part of our Vinegar Syndrome Archive collection, celebrating forgotten cinematic oddities from the video store era. This collection was inspired by our own brick & mortar video stores, with locations in Bridgeport, CT,Denver, CO,Toronto, ON, and Pittsburgh, PA (opening soon!).
Unique to this line, each hand numbered limited edition release will come fitted in a specially designed, bottom loading VHS inspired slipcase, while also including a double-sided poster.
This listing is for the standard edition 2-Disc Blu-ray. The limited edition slipcase (designed by Tony Stella) was limited to 5,000 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the slipcase and 40-page book.
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In the world of Hong Kong action cinema, Teresa Woo doesn't have the same notoriety as many of the other big-name directors. However, unbeknownst to many, she is responsible for bringing us one of the most exhilarating action franchises, the Iron Angels series. Filled with bone-breaking brawls and bullet-riddled action set pieces, Vinegar Syndrome Archive proudly presents this inexplicably overlooked trio of explosive martial arts films for the first time on Blu-ray in the United States.
Iron Angels (aka Fighting Madam, 93 min): After drug enforcement officials destroy opium fields in Thailand, disrupting a global drug network known as the "Golden Triangle," the officers responsible for the raid are one by one targeted for assassination by the violent cartel. Unable to stop the bloodshed, the government turns towards an elite "spies-for-hire" group known as the Iron Angels. Saijo, the legendary Angel #1, is accompanied by two beautiful and deadly agents, Moon and Elaine, and the trio is then partnered with an American DEA operative named Alex. Together, they discover that the ruthless Madam Yeung has violently taken over the criminal enterprise, and the Iron Angels must stop at nothing to take her down. Soon, the agents find themselves in a bloody fight against Madam Yeung and her group of killers, led by her right-hand man, Mr. Chang (played by fan-favorite Hwang Jang-Lee).
Iron Angels II (aka Fighting Madam 2, 97 min): Now an Iron Angel himself, Alex goes on vacation with Elaine and Moon for much-needed rest and relaxation after completing a dangerous mission. While in Malaysia, Alex meets up with two old friends, Peter and Marco, to enjoy some laughs and reminisce. However, the stakes become deadly when Alex discovers that the CIA is secretly investigating his wealthy friend Peter for funding a government coup. To make matters worse, Elaine has fallen for Peter and soon finds herself held captive by his private army upon discovering his secret. With the help of Iron Angel Kharina, Alex and Moon must head into the jungle to get Elaine back, culminating in a bloody showdown between the Iron Angels and Peter's private army.
Iron Angels III (aka Return of Iron Angels, 92 min): The Iron Angels are back once again, this time to stop an international terrorist organization hellbent on starting a war between Thailand and Vietnam. Moon must go undercover as a deadly assassin to infiltrate the terrorist group as they are planning to assassinate several high-ranking government officials. In the meantime, Alex and Kharina are partnered with a young newcomer named Kwai and a tech specialist nicknamed "Computer" to assist Moon. However, after losing contact with Moon, it is up to the other Iron Angels to try and stop the assassinations before it is too late. When the group gets word of a potential attack at a government summit, Alex and Kwai jump into action and quickly find themselves in the middle of an all-out battle, good thing they are armed with machine gun-mounted jet packs!
Iron Angels: 1987 / 93 min / 1.85:1 / Cantonese, English, Mandarin Iron Angels II: 1988 / 97 min / 1.85:1 / Cantonese, English Iron Angels III: 1989 / 92 min / 1.85:1 / Cantonese, English, Mandarin
directed by: Teresa Woo starring: Moon Lee, Hideki Saijô, Alex Fong, Elaine Lui, Hwang Jang-Lee, Ting-Wai Chan, Ralph Chen, Kharina Isa, Mark Steinborn 1987-1989 / 282 min (combined) / 1.85:1 / Cantonese, English Mono
Additional info:
2-disc Region Free Blu-ray Set
Newly restored by VS from existing studio masters
All films are presented with their original Cantonese language soundtracks with newly translated English subtitles, in addition to English language dub soundtracks
Mandarin language dub soundtracks are included for Iron Angels and Iron Angels III
Commentary track with film historian & author Samm Deighan for Iron Angels
Commentary track with martial arts film expert Frank Djeng for both Iron Angels II and III
"Meeting an Angel" (21 min) - a discussion between actress Elaine Lui and Hong Kong film historian Arnaud Lanuque
"The Angels Go To War" (18 min) - an interview with production manager Johnny Lee
"Three Directors and an Angel" (30 min) - an interview with executive director Raymond Leung
"The Shadow Action Director" (33 min) - an interview with acting director Stanley Tong
"Angels Shed No Tears" (9 min) - a video essay by Frankie Balboa
Original trailers for Iron Angels and Iron Angels II
40-page perfect bound book with essays by Michelle Kisner, Madelyn Sutton, and Erica Shultz
Newly translated English subtitles
Overall rating: 4.818376 / 5 from 468 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
Iron Angels 1-3 is a highly praised Blu-ray collection featuring a restored trilogy of Hong Kong action films. Customers appreciate the excellent packaging, stunning artwork, and superb picture quality. The release is celebrated for its unique design and engaging extras, making it a must-have for fans of the genre.
"The transfers look great, packaging is great, and artwork is incredible." — Steven B.
"VinSyn knocks it out of the park again, beautiful artwork, quality, tons of high quality bonus content!" — Jarred L.
"I highly recommended this on, classic film with nice packing and transfer" — Robert E.
Reviews
A top-tier action trilogy
"These films deliver some of the best high-energy stunts and gunplay from the golden era of Hong Kong action cinema. Moon Lee and Yukari Oshima are fantastic, making this box set an easy recommendation for HK action cinema fans."
— CHAN T. (5/5)
Iron Angels Series on Blu-ray…Finally Time to Retire My LaserDiscs
"The Iron Angels series has long been one of my favorite action franchises from the 80s, and my LaserDisc collection has been my go-to way to watch these films for years. This release from Vinegar Syndrome was an instant must-buy. The limited-edition slipcase artwork is absolutely gorgeous, but the real highlight is the outstanding restoration. The picture quality is excellent, making these films look better than I’ve ever seen them. For a long time, I debated whether I should import the German Blu-ray releases, but this collection completely puts that collector’s anxiety to rest. With excellent video quality, solid audio, and well-done subtitles, this set is an easy recommendation for fans of Hong Kong 80s action. My only minor criticism is that I wish it had been packaged as a three-disc box set instead of a two-disc set. Even so, that’s a very small quibble in what is otherwise a five-star presentation. My Laserdisc are officially wall art now."
— Bobby P. (5/5)
Hong Kong action
"This is another fun Hong Kong action release, filled with extras and a nice cover. A must for all Hong Kong action movie completists."
— Lennard B. (5/5)
Better with each new entry
"I thought maybe all of these would be fine and fun. But really loved how the series just got bigger and better one after the other. A great time was had while watching this box set and if you pick it up I’m sure you’ll have a good time to."
— Keithan S. (5/5)
Partial review
"Only watched the first movie so far but I've liked it so far. Quality is great and the action is very entertaining"
— Gary H. (5/5)
High quality action and stunt work
"Exemplary Hong Kong action with a great mix of what you would expect. Only disappointment is missing out on the slip."
— Matthew K. (4/5)
The first quality release of
"The first quality release of this little known trilogy of Hong Kong actioners since its original release. If you enjoy HK action, superspy plots, and '80s fun, then this is definitely for you!"
— JD C. (5/5)
Rip-roaring good time
"Featuring artwork from the late, great Tony Stella. Gonna get that poster hung up for sure. Movies kick ass too."
— Tyler M. (5/5)
awesome collection seen the first
"awesome collection seen the first one always wanted to add to my collection now I can see the other two thanks again"
— Todd Y. (5/5)
Touched (and Punched and Kicked and Shot) by an Angel
"Fantastic collection of solid HK action that's the usual mix of incredible action and occasional slapstick. Great extras (especially the commentaries) make this one a great set to own!"
— William Z. (5/5)
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