RED SUN RISING 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 store, The Archive in Bridgeport, CT.
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.
These releases will ONLY be available on our website and at participating indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them. This slipcase edition (designed by Ralf Krause) is strictly limited to 5,000 units and may (but probably not) be followed by a standard edition in the future.
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When his partner is killed by the Yakuza, Tokyo detective Thomas Hoshino (Don "The Dragon" Wilson) travels to Los Angeles to pursue the men responsible. After confronting one of the Yakuza leaders in an LAPD elevator, Hoshino witnesses the gangster die in a mysterious fashion. Skeptical of Hoshino, Police Captain Meisler (Michael Ironside) assigns Det. Karen Ryder (Terry Farrell) to watch over Hoshino and make sure he doesn't interfere with the case. Putting aside their cultural differences, the two detectives begin working together and soon uncover evidence of an international gun smuggling ring involving the Yakuza, crooked cops, and local gang members. All the while, a mysterious assassin with the ability to kill with a single touch is after Hoshino and his new partner.
Starring World Kickboxing Champion, Don "The Dragon" Wilson (Ring of Fire, New York Ninja), RED SUN RISING is an explosive action thriller with fast-paced fight scenes choreographed by Wilson himself, along with fight choreographer Art Camacho. Co-starring Terry Farrell (Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth), Michael Ironside (Total Recall), and Japanese character actor Mako (Conan the Barbarian), Vinegar Syndrome Archive is proud to present this under-seen slice of 90s action on Blu-ray, newly restored and scanned in 4K from its 35mm original camera negative.
directed by: Francis Megahy
starring: Don "The Dragon" Wilson, Terry Farrell, Michael Ironside, Mako
1993 / 99 min / 1.85:1 / English Stereo
Additional info:
Overall rating: 4.3247232 / 5 from 271 reviews.
Red Sun Rising, part of the Vinegar Syndrome Archive collection, is a restored 90s action thriller available in a limited edition VHS-inspired slipcase. Customers praise the film's quality, transfer, and artwork, as well as the performances by Don 'The Dragon' Wilson, Terry Farrell, and Michael Ironside.
Review topics: [quality, material, looks, picture, feel, cover, packaging, presentation, sound, case, service, buy, price, work, movie, film, acting, transfer, release, flick, artwork, performances, vsa, extras, scenes, fun, wilson, cast, sequences, dragon].
"Don "The Dragon" Wilson plays a half-Japanese Kyoto cop who flies to LA to avenge his partner's death at the hands of a ninja who kills people with a mystical death touch, and the film is somehow still considered Wilson's most grounded work. Vinegar Syndrome gave it the full 4K archive treatment in a VHS-inspired numbered slipcase, which is the boutique label equivalent of putting a tuxedo on your favorite mullet."
"Entertaining martial arts action cop thriller drama romance. I remember watching the dragons films as a teenager. Fun flick that looks and sounds great with some great fight sequences. Comes with handful of extras like interviews and nifty artwork on the slipcover oh and a poster that looks like each side of the cover."
"Red Sun Rising delivers a tightly wound crime thriller that mixes action with a brooding, character-driven story. The plot follows a morally complex protagonist navigating betrayal, corruption, and revenge, creating a tense atmosphere where no one can be fully trusted. Cinematography is a standout, with stark urban landscapes and moody lighting that underscore the film’s themes of danger and moral ambiguity. The pacing keeps viewers engaged, balancing quieter character moments with bursts of action and confrontation. Performances are strong, with leads conveying a mix of vulnerability and hardened resolve that grounds the film’s darker narrative elements. While the story occasionally relies on familiar thriller tropes, Red Sun Rising maintains its intensity and visual style throughout, making it a satisfying pick for fans of suspenseful, stylish crime dramas."
"Been waiting for a clean copy forever. Iit’s dumb in the best way. Picture actually looks bright and detailed now. Multiple interviews are there if you care, they are all fun watches. If you’re into those straight-to-video 90s beat-em-ups, yeah, worth adding to the shelf."
"Another film I'd never heard about until it was released under the VSA banner. Artwork is badass, interviews are insightful, and restoration is top notch!"
"Shows slightly too much of the soundtrack area on the left, very visible during credits but not hugely noticeable during the rest of the movie. Very very good transfer, great cast w/ Mako and Ironside especially."
"this movie is awesome its been years since the last time i watched it the slipcase artwork is great and the transfer is awesome as well a great pick up"
"Great transfer with a wealth of extras. Great stuff!"
"the artwork of the cover is simple and beautiful but i prefer always the original artwork posters on the films. the restoration is a vs masterpiece for a movie of my childhood years."
"An enjoyable film."
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