Kobayashi Masaki's Shochiku Films

[Li Hoo Cheong]

There is a chance that Kobayashi Masaki's early films made in Shochiku
will appear in VCD/DVD later this year in Hong Kong because the Panorama
Co. (http://www.panorama.com.hk) is marketing its "A Century of Japanese
Movies" series.  So far, more than 20 titles are already available.
After April 2003 and the screening of all Ozu films at the HKIFF,
Panorama will bring out the Ozu titles.  The average price of a Panorama
DVD (with English and Chinese subtitles) is about US$15.

Kobayashi began his career in Shochiku and was at one time  assistant to
Kinoshita Keisuke.  His "Inn of Evil" is, however, a Toho film.

I think Hong Kong belongs to region 3, but DVD players on sale in Hong
Kong, at US$80 and more, plays DVD of all regions.

H. C. Li