For the first time, an English language book has been published on Japan's foremost director of fantasy films, Ishiro Honda. Entitled 'Mushroom Clouds And Mushroom Men', the book provides a detailed account on the life and films of the man behind numerous classic Japanese monster movies.

Eureka Entertainment have announced the UK Blu-Ray release of 'Vengeance Is Mine' for the 26th July, 2010. Based on the true story of Iwao Enokizu and his murderous rampage, Shohei Imamura's disturbing gem is both seducing and repelling with its unusual story and grisly humour.

Hong Kong-based actress Karena Lam has reportedly decided to quit the entertainment industry. After completing her contract at the end of last year, Karena has now tied up all of her affairs and returned to studying in Canada. Her last roles were in the romantic drama 'Lover's Discourse' and the 3D 'Don Quixote'.

The trailer and poster art have been released for 'Death Bell 2: Bloody Camp', a sequel to the 2008 Korean high school horror flick. Directed by You Sun-dong, the film centres around a new group of teens who are forced to sit an exam in which a wrong answer will also equal your death.

Geneon have announced the Japanese DVD and Blu-Ray releases of 'Assault Girls' for the 23rd June, 2010. Directed by Mamoru Oshii ('Ghost In The Shell'), the live-action feature stars Rinko Kikuchi ('Babel'), Hinako Saeki ('Trick'), and Meisa Kuroki ('Crows Zero') as three warriors in a post-apocalyptic future.

The trailer has been released for 'Dragon And Phoenix Inn', a new period comedy from director Chung Shu Kai ('Beauty And The 7 Beasts'). No synopsis is available yet but the cast includes Richie Ren, Barbie Hsu, Law Kar Ying, Bruce Leung, Miu Miu (Gong Xinliang), and Huo Siyan.

DS Media have announced the Korean DVD release of 'Hello, Stranger' for the 21st June, 2010. Directed by Kim Dong Hyun ('A Shark'), the 2008 Korean indie film provides a telling look at modern South Korean society through the perspectives and experiences of outsiders looking to settle.

Next up for director Dennis Law ('Bad Blood') will be a supernatural action comedy entitled 'New Age Vampire Warriors'. The film started production earlier this week and boasts an impressive cast list that includes Lu Xia Jiang, Yuen Wah, Chrissie Chau, Chin Siu Ho, Pinky Cheung, Hung Yan Yan, and Dada.

This week sees the Manga Entertainment release of 'Naruto Shippuden: Box Set 1' on UK DVD. The series revolves around an older and slightly more matured Uzumaki Naruto as he continues his quest to save his friend Uchiha Sasuke from the grips of the snake-like Shinobi, Orochimaru.

The trailer has been released for 'Flirting Scholar 2', a new prequel to Stephen Chow's 1993 period comedy. Directed by Lee Lik Chi, the film sees Huang Xiaoming taking over the role of Tong Pak Fu who is still looking to escape his scholarly lifestyle and settle down with the woman of his dreams.