Los Angeles, CA — Martial arts icon Sonny Chiba has enjoyed a successful film career spanning 40 years, including his scene-stealing role in Kill Bill Vol.1. Now, BCI, a Navarre Corporation Company, has announced the DVD release of the samurai/ninja television series “Shadow Warriors: The Complete First Season” starring Chiba. The seven disc set features all 27 episodes of the series and is available April 17th at a suggested retail price of $79.98. The announcement was made today by Cliff MacMillan, Director of Acquisitions, BCI.
“Sonny Chiba has proved his global status by successfully establishing a strong cult following worldwide,” said MacMillan. “We are excited to bring this long-awaited television series to DVD for the first time and are confident the appeal of Chiba will cross over many demographics.”
In 1651 during the Edo Period, the 11 year old Ietsuna becomes the fourth Shogun, leading his influential chief retainers to plot against each other to take the reins of power. The Hattori family, a clan of Iga Ninjas who were former vassals and protectors of the previous Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu have since fallen from grace. Their third generation ancestor, Hattori Hanzo (Sonny Chiba) is now working as the master at public bathhouse in Edo City. Fearing further political upheaval and instability, the Shogun’s right hand man, Masayuki Hoshina once again calls upon the unique skills and services of Hattori Hanzo’s Ninja Clan. During the day, they masquerade as ordinary citizens, but at night they ride forth as the “Kage No Gundan,” the secret “Shadow Army” who opposes all those who dare to threaten the authority of the reigning Shogun.
The Shadow Warriors series featured an all-star cast of JAC “Japan Action Club” (Chiba’s stunt school) alumni including Etsuko Shiomi (Sister Street Fighter), Hiroyuki Sanada (Rush Hour 3, Legend of the Eight Samurai) and Kenji Oba (Kill Bill Vol. 1).
Special features include:
Shadow Warriors: The Complete First Season
Ooooo!
All together now:
Everybody was KUNG-FU fighting…..