Stephanie Prange

September 18, 2026

Two Hong Kong films — the historical drama Sex and the Emperor and the horror comedy The Haunted Cop Shop — are available on Blu-ray Disc Oct. 6 from 88 Films and MVD Entertainment Group.

Sex and the Emperor (1994) is a lavish entry in Hong Kong’s infamous Category III cinema, blending historical drama, erotic spectacle, and darkly comic intrigue into a decadent portrait of power and excess within the imperial court. Directed by Sherman Wong, the film dives headfirst into the hedonistic underbelly of palace life, where politics, desire, and cruelty intertwine behind closed doors Told through the perspective of Li, a palace servant who secretly retains his manhood despite posing as a eunuch, the story unfolds as he becomes an indispensable tool of the emperor’s whims. Whether aiding in voyeuristic indulgences, navigating the treacherous politics of concubines and rivals, or executing covert missions beyond the palace walls, Li finds himself caught between survival and complicity in a world ruled by unchecked authority. As alliances shift and tensions rise, the film reveals a court driven as much by lust and manipulation as by power and control. Unapologetically explicit yet laced with satire, the film exemplifies the anything-goes energy of 1990s Hong Kong exploitation cinema, where historical settings provided a backdrop for boundary-pushing storytelling. While its erotic content is front and center, Sex and the Emperor also offers a cynical commentary on hierarchy, hypocrisy, and moral decay.

This Blu-ray edition from 88 Films presents the film in a new 2K restoration from the original negative. The original Cantonese mono soundtrack has been remastered and is accompanied by newly translated English subtitles, alongside an English dub option for alternate viewing. The release also features an audio commentary by Asian cinema expert David West, providing context on the film’s place within the Category III landscape and Hong Kong film history. Additional extras include “If This Castle A-Rocking,” a critical appreciation by James Mudge; an English title sequence; an image gallery; and the original Hong Kong trailer. The package is completed with an O-ring slipcase featuring newly commissioned artwork by Sean Longmore and a reversible sleeve.

The Haunted Cop Shop (1987) is a Hong Kong horror-comedy that blends supernatural chills with slapstick humor and irreverent genre mashups, marking an early screenplay credit for Wong Kar-wai long before his rise as an arthouse auteur. Directed by Jeffrey Lau, the film taps into the late-1980s boom of ghost comedies, combining eerie folklore with outrageous comedy and performances from stars Jacky Cheung and Ricky Hui. Set in a police station built atop a former wartime site once occupied by Japanese soldiers, the film unleashes a wave of restless spirits who return to haunt the living. When a group of bumbling, underachieving cops find themselves assigned to the precinct, they must confront increasingly bizarre and dangerous paranormal encounters. As the hauntings escalate, it becomes clear that surviving the night will require more than courage — it will take luck, ingenuity, and a willingness to embrace the absurd. Drawing clear inspiration from genre hits such as Mr. Vampire and Encounters of the Spooky Kind, the film thrives on tonal whiplash, shifting effortlessly between spooky set pieces and broad, often outrageous comedy.

This Blu-ray edition from 88 Films presents the film in a new 2K restoration from the original negative, preserving its visuals and atmospheric lighting. The original Cantonese mono soundtrack has been remastered, accompanied by newly translated English subtitles. The release also includes an audio commentary by Asian cinema expert Frank Djeng, offering context on the film’s production and place within Hong Kong cinema. Additional special features include “Hauntings and Hollerings,” a critical appreciation by James Mudge; alternate and extended shots; an image gallery; and both the original Hong Kong trailer and a reconstructed Tai Seng trailer. The package is completed with an O-ring slipcase featuring new artwork by Sean Longmore and a reversible sleeve.

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