This week we have a drama, a documentary, two movies and a collection of short films being released. I am excited about two of these although, because of the subtitle title situation, I will only be able to recommend one to non-Korean speakers.

First up, we have a documentary that was recently in theaters about an elderly man, described as foolish by his neighbors, who believes in following his dreams. The movie is entitled The Happy Man of Ulreung and is directed by Hwang Seok-hoon. Discs: 1/Subtitles:  Korean only/ Rating: All Ages/ Format: 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen/ audio: Dolby Digital 2.0/ Running Time: 76 minutes/ Region Code: 3/ Recommended Price: 22,000 KRW/ available: July 20

Next is Secret Love starring Yoo Ji-tae and Yoon Jin-seo: Discs: 2/ Subtitles: Korean only/ Rating: 18+/ Format: 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen/ audio: Dolby Digital 5.1/ Running time: 111 minutes/Special features (disc 2)– making, green & blue, poster shoot, galleries, music video, trailers/Region Code: 3/ Recommended Price: 27,500 KRW/ available: July 20

I have been looking forward to the release of Fly Penguin for a long time.  It was one of my favorite movies of 2009 and I have been recommending it to many people.  Unfortunately, the DVD information I have received does not list any subtitles at all.  That is disappointing because the movie deserves to be seen by a wider audience. (Also, this movie was screened at JIFF with subtitles, so I am hoping that it was just a matter of omission on the part of the promo info I received–my copy is on reserve, I will update when I receive it). Discs: 1/ Subtitles: None/ Rating: All Ages/ Format: 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen/ audio: Dolby Digital 5.1/ special features: optional commentary by Im Soon-rye, production notes, interview with Director Im, trailer, music video, gallery/ Region Code: 3/ Running Time: 110 minutes/ Recommended Price: 16,500 KRW/ available: July 22

An MBC drama that has been running since March has the first 18 episodes compiled in a boxset.  Dongyi is a weekend drama which stars Han Hyo-joo, Ji Jin-hee, Lee Soo-yeon and Bae Soo-bin Dongyi Boxset vol. 1 – Discs: 6/ Subtitles: Korean, English/ Rating: ages 15+/ Format: 16:9 anamorphic widescreen/ Audio: Dolby Digital 2.0/ Region Code: 3/ Extras: Postcards/ Recommended Price: 77,000 KRW/ Available: July 22

Most people know Yoo Ji-tae as an actor appearing in movies like Oldboy and Natural City. However, Yoo has also been directing short films for about the last 5 years and we now have a compilation of these shorts in the Yoo Ji-Tae Collection. There are four short films included in this set–all but one are subtitled in English and Korean–one contains Korean and Japanese subs. I will provide the details of the individual films below. Discs: 1/ Subtitles: Korean, English, Japanese (see below)/ Rating: Ages 15+/ Format: 16.9 widescreen/ Audio: Dolby Digital 2.0/ Region Code: All Regions/ Running time: 120 minutes/ Recommended Price: 22,000/ Available: July 23 – The collection includes The Bike Boy (2005)-40 minutes, Korean & English subs// How Do the Blind Dream? (2005)–43 minutes, Korean & English subs// Out of My Intention (2007)–24 minutes, Korean & Japanese subs// Invitation (2009)–9.5 minutes, Korean, English & Japanese subs.