Detonation Violent Riders! – 88 Films (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: Japan, 1975
Director: Teruo Ishii
Writers: Teruo Ishii, Isao Matsumoto
Cast: Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba, Kôichi Iwaki, Tomoko Ai, Junko Matsudaira, Susumu Toyooka, Akihiko Yokoo, Hiroshi Nawa, Toyokazu Akaishi, Kotoe Hatsui, Masanori Machida, Yûsuke Natsu, Hisaya Saitô, Masami Tamagawa

Release Date: July 21st, 2025 (UK), July 22nd, 2025 (USA)
Approximate Running Time: 86 Minutes 432 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC
Rating: 18 (UK), NR (USA)
Sound: LPCM Mono Japanese
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region A,B
Retail Price: £17.00 (UK), $39.95 (USA)

"Iwaki (Koichi Iwaki) is a motorbike mechanic with big dreams of racing professionally. Then temptation arrives in the shapely form of Mayumi (Junko Matsudaira), the wild and free lover of Mitsuda (Yusuke Natsu), the leader of the Red Rose Gang, a pack of speed freaks tearing up the town. Iwaki meanwhile has his sights set on the sweet and innocent Michiko (Tomoko Ai), but any potential romance is hampered by her overprotective brother Tsugami (Sonny Chiba) and Mitsuda’s bullish plans to make Michiko his own trophy. Does Iwaki take the straight and narrow option, or opt for a more dangerous road?." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 3.5/5

Detonation Violent Riders! comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 30.2 GB

Feature: 23.2 GB

No information is provided about this transfer's source; that said, it looks like it comes from a dated existing master. Flesh tones look healthy, colors look good, image clarity is generally strong, there are times when the black levels are not as convincing as they should be, and there are no issues with compression.

Audio: 4/5

This release comes with one audio option, a LPCM mono mix in Japanese with removable English subtitles. The audio sounds clean, clear, and balanced, and range-wise things sound great.

Extras:

Extras for this release include an image gallery with music from the film playing in the background (posters/stills), a theatrical trailer (3 minutes 1 second, Dolby Digital mono Japanese with removable English subtitles), a video essay by Nathan Stuart titled Gangs on the Run (19 minutes 50 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), an audio commentary with Ashley Darrow and Jonathan Greenaway of the Horror Vanguard Podcast, reversible cover art, removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings, and a 16-page booklet with cast & crew information and an essay titled No One Will Cry for Me: Love in the Time of Bōsōzoku written by Michelle Kisner.

Summary:

Teruo Ishii directed Detonation Violent Riders! His other notable films include Shogun’s Joys of Torture, Inferno of Torture, Orgies of Edo, Horrors of Malformed Men, The Blind Woman’s Curse, Bohachi Bushido: Code of the Forgotten Eight, and The Executioner.

A motorbike mechanic dreams of becoming a professional racer and finds himself falling for a girl linked to a motorcycle gang.

Detonation Violent Riders! is the first in a series, which will include three additional films. All four films feature Kôichi Iwaki, with the first three directed by Teruo Ishii. Detonation Violent Riders! is part of a subgenre known as Bōsōzoku, which focuses on a youth subculture in Japan that is associated with customized biker gangs.

Detonation Violent Riders! is a star vehicle for Kôichi Iwaki, whose real-life background as a professional bike racer adds realism to his performance since he performed all of his stunts. Although he had only appeared in a handful of films, he definitely holds his own alongside the rest of the cast. The cast’s most recognizable name is Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba (The Street Fighter), who portrays Tsugami, a former professional racer whose character serves as a mentor to the protagonist. Another performance of note is Tomoko Ai (Terror of Mechagodzilla); she portrays Michiko, Tsugami’s sister and the protagonist’s love interest.

Though the narrative is barebones, mostly a means to showcase the motorcycle sequences, things move quickly, ensuring there is never a dull moment. Several characters exhibit psychopathic tendencies and show no regard for life. The film includes a significant amount of nudity, as well as a troubling rape sequence. Nevertheless, when it comes to exploitative and outrageous moments, Teruo Ishii had no rivals in 1970s Japanese cinema.

Carnage and chaos are center stage in Detonation Violent Riders!, and yet there are a few poignant moments that are effectively executed, notably a moment where a grieving mother is consoled by members of the gang her son was part of and a bittersweet finale, which serves as a perfect coda. Ultimately, Detonation Violent Riders! is a solid exploitation film that is a cross between Toei’s Yakuza and Sukeban films.

Detonation Violent Riders! gets a first-rate release from 88 Films that comes with a strong audio/video presentation and a trio of informative extras. Recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer

The Beast to Die: Limited Edition – Radiance Films (Blu-ray) 

Theatrical Release Date: Japan, 1980
Director: Tôru Murakawa
Writer: Shoichi Maruyama
Cast: Yûsaku Matsuda, Mako Midori, Akemi Mari, Toshio Kurosawa, Hôsei Komatsu, Kunio Murai, Kazuo Katô, Yoshi Katô, Asami Kobayashi, Takeshi Kaga, Rei Okamoto

Release Date: July 21st, 2025 (UK), July 22nd, 2025 (USA)
Approximate Running Time: 118 Minutes 41 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC
Rating: 18 (UK), NR (USA)
Sound: LPCM Mono Japanese
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region A,B
Retail Price: £14.99 (UK), $39.95 (USA)

"Deeply scarred by what he witnessed on battlefields across Asia, a young war photographer (Yusaku Matsuda, Yokohama BJ Blues) returns to the bustling streets of Tokyo, plotting a series of brutal murders and robberies that are mere warmups for an unprecedented bank heist. Searching for an accomplice, he finds the short-fused and equally disenfranchised Tetsuo (Takeshi Kaga, Death Note)." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 4.5/5

Here’s the information provided about the transfer, "The Beast to Die was transferred in 4K by the Kadokawa Corporation and supplied to Radiance Films as a High-Definition digital file."

The Beast to Die comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 45.6 GB

Feature: 32.2 GB

The source used for this transfer is in great shape. Flesh tones look correct, colors are nicely saturated, image clarity and compression are solid, contrast and black levels are strong throughout, and there does not appear to be any digital noise reduction.

Audio: 4.5/5

This release comes with one audio option, a LPCM mono mix in Japanese with removable English subtitles. The audio is in excellent shape. Dialog comes through clearly, and everything sounds balanced and robust when it should.

Extras:

Extras for this release include an appreciation from novelist and screenwriter Jordan Harper (12 minutes 29 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), an interview with screenwriter Shoichi Maruyama (22 minutes 49 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo Japanese with removable English subtitles), an interview with director Toru Murakawa (20 minutes 25 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo Japanese with removable English subtitles), reversible cover art, removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings, and a 28-page booklet (limited to 3000 copies) cast & crew information, an archival essay titled Yûsaku Matsuda: Lost Rebel written by Tom Mes, an essay titled Shadow of the Beast written by Tatsuya Masuto, and information about the transfer.

Summary:

The Beast to Die would mark the sixth and final collaboration between director Toru Murakawa and Yûsaku Matsuda. The other films are The Most Dangerous Game, The Killing Game, The Execution Game, and The Resurrection of the Golden Wolf, as well as the TV series The Detective Story.

A former war correspondent and photographer begins to lose his grip on reality after years of witnessing battlefield atrocities.

The narrative revolves around a war and a fatigued photographer named Kunihiko Date, whose deteriorating mental state only further escalates his need for violence. There are two subplots: the first is about a woman from Kunihiko Date’s past who still has feelings for him, and the other subplot is a bank robbery that he plans and pulls off with the help of a like-minded lost soul. While The Beast to Die and Taxi Driver are based on different source material, they share many similarities. Both lead characters are war veterans who experience mental breakdowns, miss out on opportunities for love, and lead lonely lives.

Over the years, numerous actors have made substantial sacrifices to their bodies by drastically losing or gaining weight to achieve a specific appearance that they could not attain through their performances alone. Yusaku Matsuda lost about thirty pounds in preparation for his portrayal of Kunihiko Date in The Beast to Die. The end result is very effective and convincing. Yusaku Matsuda gives a mesmerizing performance of a man consumed by madness. Many memorable performances were delivered by Yusaku Matsuda throughout his career, with his role in The Beast Must Die being recognized as the pinnacle of his accomplishments.

The rest of the cast all deliver strong performances, especially Hideo Murota (Doberman Cop), who is particularly entertaining as a detective who always seems to be one step ahead of Kunihiko Date. Another performance of note is Takeshi Kaga (Death Note), who portrays Tetsuo, an equally disturbed young man that Kunihiko Date takes under his wing. Notable cast members include Rei Okamoto (Star of David: Hunting for Beautiful Girls), a woman from Kunihiko Date’s past, and Mako Midori (Blind Beast), who portrays Tesuo’s lover.

Toru Murakawa's direction is solid; he does a superb job fusing images, music, and performances. Visually there are numerous arresting moments, notably a scene where Kunihiko Date waits outside in the pouring rain while Tetsuo proves his loyalty by killing his girlfriend. In the buildup to her killing, she performs a flamenco dance, which heightens the moment. The elaborate bank robbery sequence serves as the film's major set piece. This intense moment showcases Kunihiko Date and Tetsuo relying solely on their primal instincts, as they kill anyone who gets in their way without hesitation.

The Beast to Die is a psychological drama that weaves in numerous neo-noir elements throughout its unfolding story. Although the narrative progresses at a slow pace, every moment feels purposeful and necessary. The premise is flawlessly executed, and the narrative does an excellent job building momentum to an intense finale. The soundtrack is filled with classic music like Albinoni’s Adagio in G Minor and Chopin’s “Funeral March.” The use of classical music greatly complements the film, and it also plays a strong part in revealing more about the Kunihiko Date character. Ultimately, The Beast to Die offers a compelling exploration of the atrocities of war and the enduring impact they have on those who have lived through such horrors.

The Beast to Die gets an exceptional release from Radiance Films that comes with a solid audio/video presentation and insightful extras, highly recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer

Mysteries + Pastorale 1943 – Cult Epics (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Dates: Netherlands, 1978 (Mysteries, Pastorale 1943)
Directors: Paul de Lussanet (Mysteries), Wim Verstappen (Pastorale 1943)
Cast: Rutger Hauer, Sylvia Kristel, David Rappaport, Rita Tushingham, Andréa Ferréol, Kees Brusse, Liesbeth List, Fons Rademakers, Marina de Graaf, Adrian Brine (Mysteries), Frederik de Groot, Leen Jongewaard, Coen Flink, Sacco van der Made, Hein Boele, Geert de Jong, Liane Saalborn, Bram van der Vlugt, Bernard Droog, Renée Soutendijk, Sylvia Kristel, Rutger Hauer (Pastorale 1943),

Release Date: June 24th, 2025
Approximate Running Times: 102 Minutes 32 Seconds (Mysteries), 128 Minutes 10 Seconds (Pastorale 1943)
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC (Both Films)
Rating: NR
Sound: LPCM Mono Dutch/English (Mysteries), DTS-HD Mono Dutch/English (Mysteries), LPCM Mono Dutch/German (Pastorale 1943), DTS-HD Mono Dutch/German (Pastorale 1943),
Subtitles: English (Both Films)
Region Coding: Region Free
Retail Price: $34.95

"Mysteries + Pastorale 1943, two Dutch classics co-starring Rutger Hauer and Sylvia Kristel at the peak of their career. Painter turned director Paul de Lussanet's romantic psychological drama Mysteries, was based on the world famous novel by the Norwegian nobel prize winner Knut Hamsun and shot by renowned cinematographer Robby Müller, also stars Rita Tushingham and David Rappaport. Submitted for the 1978 Academy Awards -- Best Foreign Film, Wim Verstappen's Pastorale 1943 is a war drama centered on the Dutch resistance during World War II, and features the debut of Renée Soutendijk." – Synopsis provided by the Distributor

Video: 3.5/5 (Mysteries, Pastorale 1943)

Here’s the information provided about this release's transfers, "New 2K HD Transfer."

Mysteries comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 31.3 GB

Feature: 28 GB

Pastorale 1943 comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 38.9 GB

Feature: 32.8 GB

These two sources are comparable; outside a few very minor instances of print debris, the source is in excellent shape. Flesh tones look healthy, colors look correct, image clarity is generally strong, compression is very good, and there are no issues with digital noise reduction. That said, black levels are not as convincing as they should be.

Audio: 4.25/5 (All Audio Tracks)

Each film comes with two audio options, an LPCM track in mono and a DTS-HD track in mono. Language and subtitles are listed above. I could not discern any differences between the LPCM and the DTS-HD audio tracks. All audio tracks sound clean, clear, and balanced. Range-wise, the score and ambient sounds are well represented.

Extras:

Extras for Mysteries include a poster & photo gallery (60 images - posters/stills), a theatrical trailer (2 minutes 33 seconds, DTS-HD mono English, no subtitles), an archival featurette with Rutger Hauer, Sylvia Kristel, and director Paul de Lussanet (6 minutes 27 seconds, DTS-HD mono English, no subtitles), an audio commentary with university lecturer Peter Verstraten, and an audio commentary with author Jeremy Richey.

Other extras on this disc are trailers for Julia and Pastorale 1943.

Extras for Pastorale 1943 include a poster & photo gallery (74 images - posters/stills), a theatrical trailer (2 minutes 2 seconds, DTS-HD mono Dutch with removable English subtitles), an archival interview with actress Sylvia Kristel, she discusses typecasting and acting (11 minutes 2 seconds, DTS-HD mono Dutch with removable English subtitles), an archival interview with Sylvia Kristel and actor Derek de Lint (7 minutes 35 seconds, DTS-HD mono Dutch with removable English subtitles), and an audio commentary with Peter Verstraten.

Other extras on this disc are trailers for Julia and Mysteries.

Other extras include reversible cover art and a slipcover (limited to the first pressing).

Summary:

Mysteries: The narrative revolves around Johan Nagel, an enigmatic stranger whose arrival in a small town causes a disturbance. His story is retold by a character named Minute, a midget who he befriended. Though he is an outsider, Johan Nagel is a selfless individual who consistently helps others, particularly those who are marginalized. In addition to his friendship with Minute, he forms connections with two women, but despite his best efforts, they remain unattainable.

Mysteries is a character-driven film in which all of the cast are phenomenal, especially Rutger Hauer (Blade Runner) in the role of Johan Nagel. Though his character is a mystery that is never fully exposed, he delivers a rich performance, which in lesser hands would not have been so engaging. Other performances of note are Sylvia Kristel (La marge) and Rita Tushingham (A Taste of Honey); they portray the two women that Johan Nagel falls in love with. Despite his affection for both of them, these two women could not be more unlike.

While Mysteries is primarily classified as a drama, it also incorporates elements that evoke the essence of folk horror. The deliberately paced narrative has an ample amount of backstory, and it does a superb job holding your attention. Another strength is its locations, which are beautifully photographed. Laurens van Rooyen’s exemplary score, along with the stunning visuals, effectively reinforces the film's mood. Ultimately, Mysteries is a captivating story that explores themes of romantic obsession.

Pastorale 1943: Wim Verstappen directed Pastorale 1943. He’s most known for his collaborations with Pim de la Parra.

When Dutch resistance fighters discover that one of their countrymen is a Nazi informer, they try to assassinate him.

Set in the Netherlands during World War II, Pastorale 1943 is a film about those fighting and standing up against their occupiers and those who have turned their back on their country. Though Pastorale 1943 covers familiar territory, it is never predictable and is overflowing with tense moments. That said, as well-executed as its narrative is, its finale is underwhelming considering the events that preceded it.

Despite Pastorale 1943 being a film about Nazi occupation, their actual presence is minimal. The main focus is the Dutch traitors who are collaborating with the Nazis. In addition to the resistance fighters, there are those who help hide Jews and other Nazi targets. Fear is central to the story that unfolds, and the narrative does an excellent job showing the lengths that someone will go to survive in a desperate situation.

All around, the performances are outstanding. The standout performance is Renée Soutendijk (The 4th Man), who portrays Marie Bovenkamp, a young woman who's having an affair with a Nazi sympathizer. Her family owns a farm, where they help people hide from the Nazis, and when one of them angers her, she exposes his hiding place. Unfortunately, her moment of anger leads to more than she bargained for when the Nazis arrest her parents and burn down their farm. 

The two most notable cast members are Rutger Hauer (The Hitcher) in the role of Nazi officer and Sylvia Kristel (Emmanuelle) in the role of a Jewish schoolteacher. Both of their roles are limited when it comes to screen time; in the case of the former, he does not appear until the final scene.

From a production standpoint, there is no area where Pastorale 1943 does not excel. The outstanding production design effectively creates an authentic environment. The first half of the narrative is more character-focused, while the latter half is when the tension really kicks into overdrive. The most tense moment is the scene where Dutch resistance fighters wait outside of a Nazi sympathizer's house, and things go awry when his son comes out instead. Ultimately, Pastorale 1943 is an extraordinary drama that quickly draws you in and always holds your attention.

Mysteries and Pastorale 1943 get a first-rate release from Cult Epics that comes with a strong audio/video presentation and insightful extras. Recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer

Terminus: Collector's Edition – MVD Rewind Collection (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: France/West Germany, 1987
Director: Pierre-William Glenn
Writers: Pierre-William Glenn, Patrice Duvic, Alain Gillot, Wallace Potts
Cast: Johnny Hallyday, Karen Allen, Jürgen Prochnow, Gabriel Damon, Julie Glenn, Dieter Schidor, János Kulka, Dominique Valera, Mathieu Carrière, Howard Vernon

Release Date: June 24th, 2025
Approximate Running Times: 115 Minutes 33 Seconds (Extended French Version), 83 Minutes 44 Seconds (U.S. Version)
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVCC, (Extended French Version), 1.78:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC (U.S. Version)
Rating: NR
Sound: LPCM Stereo French (Extended French Version), LPCM Stereo English (U.S. Version)
Subtitles: English (Extended French Version), English SDH (U.S. Version)
Region Coding: Region Free
Retail Price: $39.95

"In the year 2037, the future is in the hands of a genetically engineered boy: Mati (Gabriel Damon, RoboCop 2) a child genius with a brain programmed by a brilliant and evil doctor (Jürgen Prochnow, Dune... in three deliciously crazy roles). Mati is the master of a sadistic cross-country rally (with a 100 million dollar prize that no one has ever won), controlling "Monster", a gigantic A.I.-operated storm truck that rumbles across the continent, while being pursued by a squad of rebels determined to stop "Monster" before it reaches the "End of the Line"." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 4.25/5 (Extended French Version), 3/5 (U.S. Version)

Terminus comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 46.2 GB

Feature: 19.7 GB (Extended French Version), 16.6 GB (U.S. Version) 

The French version’s source is superior to the U.S. version, which looks dated. French Version: Flesh tones look healthy, colors look correct, image clarity and black levels are strong, and there are no issues with compression or digital noise reduction.

Audio: 4.25/5 (LPCM Stereo French), 3.5/5 (LPCM Stereo English)

This release comes with two audio options, one for each version: a LPCM stereo mix in French with removable English subtitles and a LPCM stereo mix in English with removable English SDH. Both audio tracks sound clear and balanced. That said, the French language track sounds more robust.

Extras:

Extras for this release include an image gallery with music from the film playing in the background (stills/soundtrack art/poster/home video art), a theatrical trailer (1 minute 13 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), an interview with actor Jürgen Prochnow (15 minutes 55 seconds, LPCM stereo English with non-removable English subtitles for French film clips), a documentary titled We All Descend—The Making of Terminus, featuring Vincent Glenn (son of director Pierre-William Glenn), actress Julie Glenn (daughter of Pierre-William Glenn) and archival interviews Pierre-William Glenn (49 minutes 29 seconds, LPCM stereo French with non-removable English subtitles), reversible cover art, a collectible mini-poster, and a slipcover (First Pressing Only).

Other extras are trailers for Swamp Thing, Nemesis, Tunnel Vision, One Tough Cop, and Knock Off.

Summary:

Pierre-William Glenn directed Terminus. He’s most known for his work as a cinematographer on films like Out 1, Day for Night, The Clockmaker, Serie Noire, Death Watch, Choice of Arms, and Clean Slate.

Set in the future, truck drivers compete in a cross-country trek through obstacles and dangerous territories, in which the winner gets a 100 million dollar prize.

Avoid the U.S. version; it omits 32 minutes, making it even more convoluted than the already challenging French version. While the opening moments provide most of the key details, many things are never fully fleshed out by the end. That said, it feels like the filmmakers main goal was to make a film about a treacherous race that no one had ever won or survived.

There is a subplot about a doctor who genetically engineered the child geniuses who designed the trucks AI, which assists the drivers. The doctor and one of the child geniuses watch from afar as the driver navigates across the country. There is not much in the way of backstory, especially when it comes to the genetically engineered child geniuses.

The cast has a few recognizable faces: Karen Allen (Raiders of the Lost Ark) in the role of Gus, one of the truck drivers; Johnny Hallyday (The Specialists) in the role of Stump, a driver who's being held prisoner by a warlord; and Jürgen Prochnow (Das Boot), who portrays three characters. Though no performance stands out, they all work well within the story that unfolds.

Terminus is a dialogue-heavy film that has few surprises, and its narrative never fully gains any momentum. That said, the French version flows better than the U.S. version. The special effects are serviceable; the truck's computer interface, a mouth that talks, is Cronenberg-like. Ultimately, Terminus is an overly ambitious Mad Max post-apocalyptic clone that is undermined by the sum of its parts.

The MVD Rewind Collection gives Terminus its best home media release to date.

                                   U.S. Version Screenshot.

Written by Michael Den Boer

Breaking Glass—Fun City Editions (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: UK, 1980
Director: Brian Gibson
Writer: Brian Gibson
Cast: Phil Daniels, Hazel O'Connor, Jon Finch, Jonathan Pryce, Peter-Hugo Daly, Mark Wingett, Gary Tibbs, Charles Wegner, Mark Wing-Davey, Hugh Thomas, Derek Thompson, Nigel Humphreys

Release Date: June 24th, 2025
Approximate Running Time: 104 Minutes 48 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC
Rating: PG
Sound: DTS-HD Stereo English
Subtitles: English SDH
Region Coding: Region A
Retail Price: $29.95

"An exciting 'new wave' soundtrack permeates this poignant rags to riches story of a talented and rebellious young singer-songwriter. Hazel O'Connor gives a tour-de-force performance as Kate, the lead singer of the rock group "Breaking Glass." Kate's socialist ideals are juxtaposed to her pragmatic rock manager, Danny (Phil Daniels, Quadrophenia), the streetwise hustler who discovers her and develops her into a star. The film pivots around the struggle for artistic recognition and an energetic singer whose talent and sanity are jeopardized by the music business power structure." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 5/5

Here’s the information provided about this release's transfer, "New restoration from 4K scan of archival film elements."

Breaking Glass comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 40.2 GB

Feature: 30.3 GB

This release is sourced from a new 4K restoration; it looks excellent. Flesh tones look healthy, colors are nicely saturated, image clarity, black levels, and compression are solid, and the image retains an organic look. 

Audio: 5/5

This release comes with one audio option, a DTS-HD stereo mix in English with removable English SDH subtitles. The audio is in excellent shape; it sounds clean, balanced, and robust when it should.

Extras:

Extras for this release include an image gallery (stills/posters), a video essay by Chris O'Neill titled The Experience is Shattering (15 minutes 31 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), an interview with producer Davina Belling titled A Movie People Will Talk About (18 minutes 33 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), scenes from the North American version: Overlord Records Party (37 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), Music Machine Intro (21 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), Music Machine Perfromance (19 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), Mixing Booth (20 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), Riot and Aftermath (39 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), “Calls the Tune” (35 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), Kale and Danny Argue (9 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles),”Danny Quits” Montage (1 minute 55 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), Tormenting Ken (25 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), and U.S. Ending (6 minutes 37 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), an audio commentary with Marc Edward Heuck, reversible cover art, and a 12-page booklet (first pressing only) with an archival article, an essay titled Monsters in Disguise: Hazel O'Connor Takes on the Music Industry in Breaking Glasss written by Margaret Barton-Fumo, cast & crew information and archival images.

There are two Easter eggs: a theatrical trailer for Breaking Glass (2 minutes 56 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), which can be found when you click on the FCE logo on the extras menu page 1, and a theatrical trailer for Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains (2 minutes 40 seconds, Dolby Digital mono English, no subtitles), which can be found when you click on the FCE logo on the extras menu page 2.

Summary:

A singer succumbs to the pressure put on her by record executives instead of remaining true to herself.

The record industry is filled with stories like Kate’s, the protagonist of Breaking Glass. Kate is someone whose creativity is not driven by consumer demand; she is anti-establishment, and her lyrics take aim at social injustices. She is not one to compromise and desires to please her bandmates and manager; she ultimately makes some sacrifices. Her life begins to spiral out of control when she finally yields to the demands of the record executives.

The main attraction of Breaking Glass is Hazel O'Connor’s portrayal of Kate. She delivers a fearless performance in which she fully immerses herself. Besides acting, she also co-wrote the songs that she sings. The rest of the cast do an amazing job rounding things out. Notable cast members include Jonathan Pryce (Brazil), who portrays Ken, one of Kate’s bandmates, and Jon Finch (Frenzy), who portrays a music producer named Woods who exerts his power over Kate, causing her manager and two bandmates to leave.

Breaking Glass is a snapshot of England as it drifts from the 1970s into the 1980s. While Kate’s lyrics exhibit a raw intensity characteristic of punk rock, the sound of her band, Breaking Glass, aligns more closely with the new wave music that was popular during that era. As mentioned before, Kate is a socially conscious person, and a key moment that breaks her emotionally occurs when a young man is killed at a Rock Against Racism benefit concert that evolves into a riot when neo-Nazis show up.

The narrative does an excellent job drawing you in and holding your attention. Momentum is never an issue; the narrative does a superb job balancing exposition and music. Despite Breaking Glass rarely being upbeat, there are some well-executed moments of humor, notably the sequence where Kate and her manager, Danny, audition prospective bandmates. Ultimately, Breaking Glass is an unfiltered look into the music industry and why it is so difficult to remain true to oneself.

Breaking Glass gets an excellent release from Fun City Editions that comes with a solid audio/video presentation and informative extras, highly recommended.

 

Written by Michael Den Boer