Two recent Korean films are being released on DVD this week and a 2006 movie is getting the Blue Ray treatment.

My Dear Desperado (2 discs) — director: Kim Gwang-shik, starring: Park Joong-hoon, Jeong Yoo-mi  The story of a strong, educated but defensive young woman unable to find a job in these tough economic times, her neighbor, a small-time hood unable to fight anymore and their rocky relationship.  Subtitles: English & Korean/ Rating: Ages 15+/ Format: 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen/ Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1/ Running time: 100 minutes/ Special Features: Optional commentary by Park Joong-hoon, Jeong Yoo-mi, Park Woo-sang, Jeong In-ki, production presentation, making, gallery, trailer/ Recommended price: 23,000 KRW/ Available: August 18

Dirty Carnival (Blue Ray)– director: Yoo Ha, starring Jo In-seong, Nam Goong-min, Choi Ho-jin, Lee Bo-yeong.  This is one of the ‘must-see’ movies of 2006.  The dvd was released years ago and is readily available. I strongly recommend watching it. Now, if you have a Blue Ray player, it is available for your collection. Subtitles: English & Korean/ Rating: ages 18+/ Format: 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen/ Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1/ Special features: Optional commentary by Yoo Ha and producer Choi Seon-joong or alternately by Jo In-seong, Lee Bo-yeong and Jin Gu–other extras include making, fight stunts & choreography and too many others to mention/ Recommended price: 33,000 KRW/ Available: August 19

Korea 1%-(1 disc)-Director Jo Myeong-nam, starring Im Won-hee, Son Byeong-ho, Lee Ah-yi, Kim Min-gi.  When this was released in theaters a close friend of mine called and said that I had to watch the movie because it was the story of his military days when he trained as a special marine. The 1% in the title refers to ‘elite’ as only a select few can make the cut. I have yet to see the film and I learned that my friend hadn’t either. It did not get particularly good reviews. Subtitles: English & Korean/ Rating: Ages 12+/ Format: 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen/ Audio: 5.1 Dolby Digital/ Special Features: Making, Music Video, Trailer, optional commentary by assistant director Lee Se-yeong, Son Byeong-ho, Lee Ah-yi and Kim Min-gi/ Running Time: 103 minutes/  Recommended price: 22,000 KRW/ Available: August 19