The Great Chase: Limited Edition – Neon Eagle (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: Japan, 1975
Director: Norifumi Suzuki
Writers: Masahiro Kakefuda, Takeo Kaneko
Cast: Etsuko Shihomi, Hisako Tanaka, Mach Fumiake, Bin Amatsu, Masashi Ishibashi, Yôichi Numata, Shôhei Yamamoto, Naoyuki Sugano, Fujika Ômori, Tôru Yuri, Torahiko Hamada, Eiji Gô, Fumio Watanabe

Release Date: July 21st, 2025
Approximate Running Time: 83 Minutes 3 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC
Rating: NR
Sound: DTS-HD Mono Japanese
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region A
Retail Price: $39.99

"See! Singing lady wrestlers! Drug running, whip-wielding nuns! A blow-dart-spewing assassin dressed like a Native American for no reason! A Nazi-loving Catholic bishop/drug lord who sports a ratty bear suit to assault kidnapped girls! Witness! Etsuko (and her no-doubt underpaid double) do truly perilous and death-defying stunts! Hear! An absolutely banging funk-jazz soundtrack that propels the whole movie along at a breakneck pace!" - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 4.5/5

Here’s the information provided about this release's transfer, "2K restoration."

The Great Chase comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 29.5 GB

Feature: 23.5 GB

The source 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: 4.5/5

This release comes with one audio option, a DTS-HD mono mix in Japanese with removable English subtitles. The audio sounds excellent; the dialogue comes through clearly, and everything sounds balanced. This track sounds great range-wise.

Extras:

Extras for this release include an image gallery with music from the film playing in the background (posters/stills), a theatrical trailer (2 minutes 56 seconds, DTS-HD mono Japanese with removable English subtitles), an interview with film critic/historian Tatsuya Masuto (19 minutes 17 seconds, DTS-HD stereo Japanese with removable English subtitles), an audio commentary with Chris Poggiali and John Charles, reversible cover art, a slipcover (limited to 2000 copies), and a 12-page booklet (limited to 2000 copies) with an essay titled Norifumi Suzuki: King of Comedy written by Nathan Stuart.

Summary:

Norifumi Suzuki directed The Great Chase. He’s known for Tokugawa Sex Ban, The Lustful Shogun and His 21 Concubines, School of the Holy Beast, The Killing Machine, Star of David: Hunting for Beautiful Girls, and Roaring Fire. He also directed several films in the Girl Boss and Terrifying Girls' High School film series.

A racecar driver named Shinobu Yashiro is recruited by the Japanese secret service, who wants her to use her unique set of skills to infiltrate and bring down a drug cartel.

Etsuko Shihomi is a name anyone familiar with 1970s Japanese action cinema knows. She was a protégé of Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba, and she would ultimately become the female equivalent to him. Compared to other actresses in Japanese action films, her skill level was so superior that she had no rivals. Etsuko Shihomi delivered many memorable performances in films where Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba was the star. However, she proved that she could hold her own as a lead when given the opportunity, as exemplified by her role in The Great Chase.

When we are introduced to Shinobu Yashiro, she is riding high after winning a prestigious race. She is approached by the Japanese secret service not only because of her skill set but also because the case they are working on is connected to her father, who was framed and sent to prison, where he died. This personal connection adds a layer to her character, who always believed her father was innocent, and now she has the opportunity to avenge him by clearing his name and bringing those responsible to justice.

The Great Chase is a film that gives Etsuko Shihomi so much to work with. Not only does she get to showcase impressive stunt work and exceptional fighting skills, but also her character is a master of disguise who appears as a man, an old cleaning woman, and a nun. Cast opposite of Shinobu Yashiro is a colorful gallery of villains, like a compulsive gambler, a man who breaks boulders with his head, a man who throws cards that slice through things, a knife thrower, an Indian that blows darts, and a man who wears a gorilla suit as part of his sexual fetish. That said, all around, the performances are outstanding.

Norifumi Suzuki was truly one of the most gifted filmmakers working in 1970s Japanese cinema. There was no genre that he shied away from, and by the time he was done, his films always had a uniqueness to them that set him apart from his contemporaries. In The Great Chase, Suzuki creates a unique blend of genres, incorporating melodrama, elements of exploitation such as T&A, graphic violence, and action sequences that consistently surpass expectations.

The narrative does an excellent job fleshing out characters and building momentum to an exemplary action-packed finale. Though all of the action set pieces are phenomenal, The Great Chase saves its best for last, in a sequence where Shinobu Yashiro hangs from an aerial tramway while the bad guy tries to get her to fall from a great height. Composer Masao Yagi (Terrifying Girls' High School: Women's Violent Classroom) delivers a solid score that’s in line with the funky scores that so many 1970s Toei action films had. Another strength of The Great Chase is its use of classical music during its most shocking moments. Ultimately, The Great Chase stands out as an exceptional action and exploitation film, making it one of the highwater marks of Etsuko Shihomi's career.

Neon Eagle gives The Great Chase an excellent release that comes with a solid audio/video presentation and a trio of informative extras; highly recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer

Legend of the Eight Samurai – Eureka Video (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: Japan, 1983
Director: Kinji Fukasaku
Writers: Kinji Fukasaku, Toshio Kamata
Cast: Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba, Hiroko Yakushimaru, Hiroyuki Sanada, Etsuko Shihomi, Minori Terada, Masaki Kyômoto, Shunsuke Kariya, Takuya Fukuhara, Kenji Ôba, Mari Natsuki

Release Date: February 17th, 2025 (UK), February 18th, 2025 (USA)
Approximate Running Time: 136 Minutes 10 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC
Rating: 15 (UK), NR (USA)
Sound: DTS-HD 5.1 Japanese, LPCM Stereo Japanese, LPCM Stereo English
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region A,B
Retail Price: £17.99 (UK), $39.95 (USA)

"The Satomi Clan have been all-but wiped out by their mortal enemies: the ghoulish members of the undead Hikita Clan. The last Satomi survivor is Princess Shizu (Yakushimaru), who goes into hiding to avoid meeting the same fate as her family. Left to wander on her own, she eventually becomes entangled with farmer-turned-soldier Shinbei (Sanada) and then a pair of warrior monks who reveal themselves to be two of eight fabled Hakkenden - or "Dog Warriors" - who can lift the curse that has been placed upon her family. Together, they must find the rest of the Hakkenden and take on the leader of the Hikita Clan: the evil Tamazusa (Mari Natsuki).." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 4.5/5

Here’s the information given about the transfer, "from a brand new 4K restoration".

Legend of the Eight Samurai comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 44.8 GB

Feature: 41.8 GB

The source looks excellent; colors look correct, image clarity and compression are solid, black levels are strong, and the image retains an organic look.

Audio: 4.5/5 (DTS-HD 5.1 Japanese, LPCM Stereo Japanese), 3.75/5 (LPCM Stereo English)

This release comes with three audio options, a LPCM stereo mix in Japanese, a DTS-HD 5.1 mix in Japanese, and a LPCM stereo mix in English. The two Japanese language tracks sound excellent; the English language track has some mild background noise. That said, all of the audio tracks and dialogue always come through clearly; everything sounds balanced and robust when it should. Included are removable English subtitles for the Japanese language tracks and a second removable English subtitle track for Japanese text when watching with the English language track.

Extras:

Extras for this release include a theatrical trailer (2 minutes 24 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo Japanese with non-removable English subtitles), a video essay by film historian and critic Stuart Galbraith IV titled The Trials of the Eight Samurai (15 minutes 47 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), an interview with Kinji Fukasaku's son, filmmaker Kenta Fukasaku titled Always Looking for the New (24 minutes 57 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo Japanese with removable English subtitles), an audio commentary with Japanese cinema expert Joe Hickinbottom, an O-Card slipcase (limited to the first pressing), and a 20-page booklet (limited to the first pressing) with cast & crew information, an essay titled One Idol, Eight Dogs and a Rubber Snake written by Tom Mes, and information about the transfer titled Notes on Viewing.

Summary:

When the undead armies of the Hikita Clan kill her whole family, Princess Shizu is forced to flee from her kingdom. She must get to the land of her uncle before the Hikita Clan finds and sacrifices her. Along her journey, she meets Dōsetsu, who tells her a tale about Tamazusa’s century-long curse on her family’s clan. Enlisting the help of the eight samurai who each bear a magic crystal, Princess Shizu is now one step closer to ending the family curse.

Legend of the Eight Samurai is an adaptation of Toshio Kamata's novel Shin Satomi Hakkenden, which is a loose retelling of Kyokutei Bakin’s 98-volume epic titled Nansō Satomi Hakkenden (Eight Dog Warriors of the Satomi clan). If the story that unfolds feels familiar, that’s because Legend of the Eight Samurai is also influenced by The Hidden Fortress, Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Kinji Fukasaku's Message from Space.

At 2-plus hours in length, Legend of the Eight Samurai covers a lot of ground. Though Princess Shizu is the central character, Legend of the Eight Samurai is filled with secondary characters who play a pivotal role in the story that unfolds. When it comes to pacing, the narrative does a superb job building momentum. That said, there are a few lulls; fortunately, none of these ever derail any momentum.

Legend of the Eight Samurai has an excellent ensemble cast, many of them belonging to the famed Japan Action Club. The chemistry of its two leads is its greatest asset: Hiroko Yakushimaru (Sailor Suit and Machine Gun), who portrays Princess Shizu, and Hiroyuki Sanada (Roaring Fire), who portrays a vagabond named Shinbei. Another performance of note is Mari Natsuki’s (Onimasa) diabolical portrayal of Tamazusa, the evil queen of an undead army.

The most recognizable cast member is Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba (The Street Fighter), who portrays Dōsetsu, one of the samurai who protect Princess Shizu on her treacherous journey. Though he portrays a secondary character, he takes full advantage of his screen time. His character has the most memorable moment, a scene where he fights a giant centipede. Another notable cast member is Etsuko Shihomi (Sister Street Fighter), a frequent collaborator of Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba; they worked together on over 20 films.

Though Kinji Fukasaku has made better films than Legend of the Eight Samurai, one cannot fault his solid direction. That said, Legend of the Eight Samurai is beautifully photographed; moments when Tamazusa’s naked body emerges from a pool of blood and a wedding where thousands of petals float through the air—these are two of the more striking moments. Also, Kinji Fukasaku is not a stranger when it comes to epic films, and he does a phenomenal job creating grandiose moments in Legend of the Eight Samurai. Ultimately, Legend of the Eight Samurai is a fun film that often exceeds the sum of its parts.

Legend of the Eight Samurai gets an exceptional release from Eureka Video that comes with a solid audio/video presentation and insightful extras, highly recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer

Message from Space – Eureka Video (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: Japan, 1978
Director: Kinji Fukasaku
Writers: Kinji Fukasaku, Shotaro Ishinomori, Hirô Matsuda, Masahiro Noda
Cast: Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba, Vic Morrow, Philip Casnoff, Peggy Lee Brennan, Etsuko Shihomi, Tetsurô Tanba, Mikio Narita, Makoto Satô, Seizô Fukumoto, Hiroyuki Sanada, Jerry Itô, Isamu Shimizu, Masazumi Okabe, Noboru Mitani, Hideyo Amamoto, Junkichi Orimoto, Harumi Sone

Release Date: July 22nd, 2024
Approximate running time: 105 Minutes 26 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC
Rating: PG (UK)
Sound: LPCM Mono Japanese, LPCM Mono English
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region B
Retail Price: £17.99 (UK)

"Somewhere in a far flung galaxy lies the planet of Jillucia. Once a peaceful utopia, it has now fallen under the control of the Gavanas Empire, a warlike race ruled by the ruthless Emperor Rockseia (Mikio Narita). Desperate for help, the leader of the Jillucian people (Junkichi Orimoto) launches eight Liabe seeds into space – glowing orbs that, according to legend, will each summon a powerful warrior to the planet’s aid. The seeds are followed into the void by Princess Emeralida (Shihomi) and loyal Jillucian soldier Urocco (Makoto Satō), who attempt to find the prophesied protectors of their home world: ex-military commander General Garuda (Morrow) and his robot companion Beba-2 (Isamu Shimizu), thrill-seekers Shiro (Hiroyuki Sanada) and Aaron (Philip Casnoff), gambler Jack (Masazumi Okabe), aristocrat Meia (Peggy Lee Brennan) and swordsman Hans (Chiba), who has a deeply personal score to settle with the Gavanas Empire." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 4.5/5

Here’s the information given about the transfers, "a restoration of the original film elements supplied by Toei".

Message from Space comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 43.6 GB

Feature: 31.8 GB

The source looks excellent, flesh tones look healthy, colors look correct, image clarity, black levels, and compression are solid, and there are no issues with digital noise reduction. That said, this new transfer is a substantial improvement over the Shout! Factory 2016 Blu-ray release.

Audio: 4.5/5 (LPCM Mono Japanese), 3.75/5 (LPCM Mono English)

This release comes with two audio options, a LPCM mono mix in Japanese and a LPCM mono mix in English. Though both audio tracks sound clean, clear, and balanced, the Japanese language track sounds noticeably more robust than the English language track. Included are removable English subtitles for the Japanese language track and removable English subtitles for Japanese text when watching with the English language track.

Extras:

Extras for this release include stills gallery #1 (26 images - promotional images), stills gallery #2 (74 images - behind-the-scenes), U.S. theatrical trailer 2 minutes 50 seconds, LPCM mono English, no subtitles), Japanese theatrical trailer #1 - Filming Begins (2 minutes, LPCM mono English with Japanese text and non-removable English subtitles), Japanese theatrical trailer #2 - News Flash (2 minutes 7 seconds, LPCM mono English and Japanese with Japanese text and non-removable English subtitles), Japanese theatrical trailer #3 - Wide Release (4 minutes 8 seconds, LPCM mono English and Japanese with Japanese text and non-removable English subtitles), an archival featurette titled Message from Earth, featuring interviews with Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba and Kenta Fukasaku (30 minutes 15 seconds, LPCM stereo Japanese with removable English subtitles), an appreciation by film writer Patrick Macias titled Ah! Message from Space (14 minutes 26 seconds, LPCM stereo English, no subtitles), an audio commentary with Tom Mes, reversible cover art, a reversible poster (limited to 2,000 copies), an O-card slipcase (limited to 2,000 copies), and a 20-page booklet with cast & crew information, an essay titled Fukasaku’s Fantasy The Joy of Message from Space written by Christopher Stewardson, and information about the transfer titled Notes on Viewing.

Summary:

A planet’s only hope for survival from a hostile invader is in the hands of eight individuals.

When discussing Message from Space, one must first address the elephant in the room. After the monumental success of Star Wars, Toei decided to make their own version. Message from Space was a film that was quickly put together so it could be released in Japan before Star Wars. Despite its similarities to Star Wars, Message from Space is actually an adaptation of the epic serial novel Nansō Satomi Hakkenden. Kinji Fukasaku would revisit Nansō Satomi Hakkenden for his film Legend of the Eight Samurai. Message from Space also spawned off the television series Uchu Kara no Messeji: Ginga Taisen (Message from Space: Galactic Battle), which also starred Hiroyuki Sanada.

Known for his revolutionary take on the yakuza genre, Kinji Fukasaku was not a stranger to the sci-fi genre; his other forays include The Green Slime and Virus. When it comes to the visuals, he would employ the handheld technique that was a staple of his yakuza films. This allows the viewer to get closer to the action, which really enhances the scenes where characters are flying recklessly. That said, when it comes to the special effects, especially the miniatures, they have not aged well. Fortunately, Kinji Fukasaku does a superb job making an engaging and always entertaining film despite its shortcomings.

Performance-wise, the Japanese side of the cast shines the brightest. The performance that stands out the most is Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba (The Street Fighter) in the role of Prince Hans, a character whose attire resembles a knight. He takes full advantage of his limited screen time; the film is half over by the time his character first appears. Two Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba portegees’s Etsuko Shihomi (Sister Street Fighter) and Hiroyuki Sanada (Roaring Fire) have substantial roles. Other notable cast members are Tetsuro Tanba (Zero Woman: Red Handcuffs) and Vic Morrow (Humanoids from the Deep). That said, one can’t really fault any of the performances, which are best described as enthusiastic.

For a sci-fi film, there are many elements in Message from Space from the past, like an actual ship that flies and a character who fights with swords instead of laser guns. And when it comes to the action sequences, they are all well-executed thrilling moments. In one scene, sword-wielding Prince Hans single handedly disposes of dozens of evil henchmen. Content wise, Message from Space is a film that's all over the place; it's filled to the brim with bizarreness. Ultimately, Message from Space is a time capsule film that has not aged well, and yet its infectious story is always entertaining.

Message from Space is an exceptional release that comes with a solid audio/video presentation and informative extras, highly recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer

Beast Fighter: Karate Bullfighter & Karate Bearfighter – Eureka Video (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Dates: Japan, 1975 (Karate Bullfighter, Karate Bearfighter)
Director: Kazuhiko Yamaguchi (Both Films)
Cast: Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba, Masashi Ishibashi, Hideo Murota, Mikio Narita, Mas Oyama, Yumi Takigawa, Katsumasa Uchida (Karate Bullfighter), Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba, Masashi Ishibashi, Narumi Kayashima, Hiroshi Kondô, Hideo Murota, Yutaka Nakajima, Mas Oyama, Etsuko Shihomi, Yumi Takigawa, Tôru Yuri (Karate Bearfighter)

Release Date: March 18th, 2024
Approximate running times: 88 Minutes 1 Second (Karate Bullfighter), 87 Minutes 10 Seconds (Karate Bearfighter)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC (Both Films)
Rating: NR
Sound: LPCM Mono Japanese (Both Films)
Subtitles: English (Both Films)
Region Coding: Region A
Retail Price: $49.95

"In Karate Bullfighter (or Champion of Death), a karate tournament is crashed by an enigmatic martial artist calling himself Ōyama (Chiba), who arrives in tattered rags and beats all who dare challenge him. But Ōyama's entrance into the world of karate has unforeseen consequences, and soon he is fighting for far more than sporting victory. Then, in Karate Bearfighter, Ōyama is expelled from the karate community for refusing to pull his punches. With no where else to turn, he takes a job with the yakuza after running into Kimura (Hideo Murota), who Ōyama once knew as a fellow member of the Imperial Japanese Air Service before he turned to a life of crime. Ultimately, though, Ōyama has no more respect for his superiors on the streets than he did in the dojo..." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 4.25/5 (Karate Bullfighter, Karate Bearfighter)

Here’s the information given about the transfers, "from new restorations of the original film elements by Toei".

Karate Bullfighter comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 33.3 GB

Feature: 27.2 GB

Karate Bearfighter comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 26.1 GB

Feature: 25.3 GB

The sources look great; they are among the best-looking I have seen of Toei’s Sonny Chiba films. Flesh tones look correct, colors are nicely saturated, image clarity and compression are solid, and black levels are consistently strong.

Audio: 4.25/5 (Karate Bullfighter, Karate Bearfighter)

Both films come with one audio option, a LPCM mono mix in Japanese, and both films come with removable English subtitles. Both audio tracks sound clean, clear, balanced, and robust when they should.

Extras:

Extras for Karate Bullfighter include a Champion of Death TV spot (1 minute, LPCM mono English, no subtitles), a theatrical trailer (2 minutes 54 seconds, LPCM mono Japanese with non-removable English subtitles), alternate opening credits from Champion of Death (2 minutes 14 seconds, LPCM mono English, no subtitles), a video essay by Jonathan Clements titled In Search of the Ultimate Truth (20 minutes 34 seconds, LPCM stereo English with removable English subtitles for Japanese film clips), and an audio commentary with action cinema experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema.

Extras for Karate Bearfighter include  a theatrical trailer (3 minutes 2 seconds, LPCM mono Japanese with non-removable English subtitles), and an audio commentary with Mike Leeder and Arne Venema.

Other extras include reversible cover art, an O-card slipcase (limited to the first pressing), and a 20-page booklet (limited to the first pressing) with cast & crew information for both films, an essay titled From Street Fighter to Beast Master: Sonny Chiba in Karate Bullfighter & Karate Bearfighter written by Eddie Falvey, and information about the transfer titled Notes on Viewing.

Summary:

Both films were directed by Kazuhiko Yamaguchi, who also directed the third film in this trilogy, Karate for Life. Other notable films he directed include Wandering Ginza Butterfly, Wandering Ginza Butterfly 2: She-Cat Gambler, Sister Street Fighter, A Haunted Turkish Bathhouse, Wolf Guy, and Karate Warriors.

“Every man has a weakness. He has to fight the coward in himself all of his life." - Matutatsu Oyama

Karate Bullfighter: Oyama shows up at the karate tournament disheveled and dressed in rags. The tournament's promoter offers him a job with the intention of making Oyama into a more respectable person. Drunk one night, Oyama gets into a fight with some thugs, and when he kills their leader, he renounces karate. To make amends for the man he has just killed, he moves out to the country with the man who killed his family, helping them farm. There are those determined not to let Oyama disappear into obscurity; they send assassins after him, forcing his hand. Now with nowhere to go, Oyama returns to settle things once and for all.

Following the success of The Street Fighters, Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba would embark on a trilogy of films based around his mentor, Matutatsu Oyama. The three films are Karate Bullfighter, followed by Karate Bearfighter, and Karate for Life. Matutatsu Oyama worked as a technical advisor on Karate Bullfighter, and he appears briefly in Karate Bullfighter and Karate Bearfighter.

Though based on a real-life person, the protagonist shares many attributes that are in common with Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba’s most celebrated characters. Known for portraying larger-than-life characters, it's no surprise that Sonny Chiba, one of Japan’s foremost action film stars, portrays Matutatsu Oyama. Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba’s on-screen connection to Matutatsu Oyama does not end with this trilogy of films; he portrayed Doshin So, Matutatsu Oyama’s greatest rival, in The Killing Machine.

Though Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba is not as graceful as Bruce Lee or as dynamic as Chia-Hui Liu (Gordon Liu), he more than makes up for these things with his brute force fight scenes that are often over the top when it comes to carnage. That said, his fighting style and on-screen persona perfectly capture the essence of Matutatsu Oyama.

Karate Bullfighter gives Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba a lot to do as an actor; his character spends most of the first half of the narrative mourning the loss of a student, while the latter half is wall-to-wall action where he takes on all challengers. Though action is first and foremost, there is an ample amount devoted to showing his characters' emotional side.

Karate Bullfighter has a few exemplary action set pieces. Notably, there is the scene where Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba takes on a runaway bull, and after he crushes its skull, he rips one of its horns off. In another scene he breaks Coca-Cola bottles with his bare hands, something he had previously done as an actor in Bodyguard Kiba. That said, with quick cuts and expertly choreographed fight scenes, the action sequences are top-notch.

From a production standpoint, there is no area in which Karate Bullfighter does not excel. And though Kazuhiko Yamaguchi's direction is not overly stylish, he lets the protagonist take center stage. It is nevertheless very effective, especially the use of hand-held cameras during fight scenes. The most stylish moments are flashbacks shot in sepia tone. Ultimately, Karate Bullfighter is a vivid retelling of Matutatsu Oyama's story that never fails to entertain.

Karate Bearfighter: After winning a karate tournament, Oyama’s reputation has grown, leading to countless attacks from other karate schools. Down on his luck, his fortune changes when he runs into an old Air Force buddy who offers him a job in the criminal underworld. Oyama encounters and befriends two street hustlers, Kozuro and Sumiko. When Ryudoji, the notorious leader of a karate school, murders Oyama's two companions, Oyama sets out for revenge.

Even though Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba never achieved the international success that Bruce Lee did, he still established himself apart from the rest of the Bruce Lee clones with his brutal fighting style. Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba and Bruce Lee were supposed to make a movie together, but unfortunately, Bruce Lee died before they could start production. The 1990s saw a renewed interest in Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba when filmmaker Quentin Tarantino referenced him in True Romance and Pulp Fiction. Jules Winnfield, a character from Pulp Fiction, quoted the opening monologue from The Bodyguard word for word.

Following the success of Karate Bullfighter, Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba would return for its sequel, Karate Bearfighter. This time around, it focuses more on action than its predecessor, which was more serious in tone. Also, the bad guys have taken things up a notch as they use guns and samurai swords vs. Oyama’s karate. Once again, the fight sequences are exemplary. And just when you thought Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba couldn’t top himself after taking on a bull, he takes on a bear.

Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba’s intense screen persona is what makes his films enjoyable; he is a man of few words who kicks ass and takes names. He delivers an exceptional performance that builds upon his performance as a karate bullfighter. Masashi Ishibashi frequently played the role of a villain. He has worked with Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba on multiple films, notably his portrayal of Tateki Shikenbaru, aka Junjun, in Street Fighter. That said, he has a distinct look, and he always makes for a fantastic villain.

Early on, when Oyama goes along with the deception that a man half his size is the real Oyama, this is one of Karate Bearfighter’s most lighthearted moments. And the scene that follows, where Oyama tells a waitress that he’s a student of the fraud, is another example of humor in Karate Bearfighter. Despite early moments like these, the humor dries up, and things shift more towards a darker tale rooted in revenge. Also, there is a poignant moment when a young boy who Oyama befriended chases the train he’s on and screams ‘Uncle’.

From a production standpoint, Karate Bearfighter is a film that is clicking on all cylinders. The narrative is well-executed, pacing is never an issue, and there is a perfect balance between exposition and action. Also, Kazuhiko Yamaguchi’s solid direction is never flashy; it lets its protagonist be the center of attention. Ultimately, Karate Bearfighter is an excellent successor to Karate Bullfighter.

Beast Fighter: Karate Bullfighter and Karate Bearfighter are exceptional releases from Eureka Video; both films get solid audio/video presentations and informative extras, making them highly recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer

Bodyguard Kiba 1 and 2 – Eureka Video (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Dates: Japan, 1973 (Bodyguard Kiba, Bodyguard Kiba 2)
Director: Ryûichi Takamori (Both Films)
Cast: Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba, Etsuko Shihomi, Jirô Chiba, Mari Atsumi, Kinji Takinami, Yayoi Watanabe, Eiji Gô, Ryôhei Uchida (Bodyguard Kiba), Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba, Tsunehiko Watase, Maki Mizuhara, Akiyoshi Fukae, Hideo Murota, Rokkô Toura, Eiji Gô, Etsuko Shihomi (Bodyguard Kiba 2)

Release Date: March 18th, 2024
Approximate running times: 87 Minutes 36 Seconds (Bodyguard Kiba), 88 Minutes 33 Seconds (Bodyguard Kiba 2)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC (Both Films)
Rating: 18 (UK)
Sound: LPCM Mono Japanese (Both Films)
Subtitles: English (Both Films)
Region Coding: Region B
Retail Price: £25.99 (UK)

"Based upon the manga by celebrated writer Ikki Kajiwara, Bodyguard Kiba follows the eponymous karate master and professional bodyguard (Chiba) as he is hired to protect the mysterious Reiko (Mari Atsumi), a woman embroiled in the world of organized crime. Kiba’s involvement with Reiko brings him into conflict with the yakuza, leading to a final bloody showdown. Then, in Bodyguard Kiba 2, Kiba is released from prison after taking revenge on the rival martial artists who blinded his sister Maki (Etsuko Shihomi). Back on the streets, he takes a job working for shady nightclub owner Akamatsu (Shoki Fukae), once again forcing him to take on Japan’s criminal underworld." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 4.25/5 (Bodyguard Kiba, Bodyguard Kiba 2)

Here’s the information given about the transfers, "from new restorations of the original film elements by Toei".

Bodyguard Kiba comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 44.7 GB

Feature: 20.7 GB (Bodyguard Kiba), 20.1 GB (The Bodyguard)

Bodyguard Kiba 2 comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 31.1 GB

Feature: 25.8 GB

The sources used are in great shape and, in most ways, look comparable to Shout Factory’s Region A Blu-ray releases. Flesh tones and colors look correct, image clarity is strong, black levels fare well, and compression is very good. Also, when compared to Shout Factory’s Blu-ray releases, this release's encodes are stronger.

Audio: 4.25/5 (Bodyguard Kiba, Bodyguard Kiba 2)

Both films come with one audio option, a LPCM mono mix in Japanese, and both films come with removable English subtitles. Both audio tracks sound clean, clear, balanced, and robust when they should.

Extras:

Extras for Bodyguard Kiba include a theatrical trailer (2 minutes 43 seconds, LPCM mono Japanese with removable English subtitles), an interview with action choreographer and director Kenji Tanigaki titled Talking Chiba (27 minutes 51 seconds, LPCM stereo English, no subtitles), an audio commentary with action cinema experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema for Bodyguard Kiba, and an alternate U.S. version of Bodyguard Kiba titled The Bodyguard (87 minutes 54 seconds, 2.35:1 aspect ratio, LPCM mono English, no subtitles).

The source used for the U.S. version is in very good shape, and source debris is minimal. That said, the moments that are exclusive to the U.S. version do not look as strong as the rest of the transfer, which is comparable to the source used for Bodyguard Kiba. Also, the audio has some minor, albeit persistent, hiss, and it lacks the depth that the two Bodyguard Kiba audio tracks have. That said, the dialog comes across as clear enough to follow.

Extras for Bodyguard Kiba 2 include a theatrical trailer (2 minutes 39 seconds, LPCM mono Japanese with removable English subtitles), an interview with Tom Mes and Jasper Sharp titled Kiba or Chiba (35 minutes 18 seconds, LPCM stereo English, no subtitles), and an audio commentary with Mike Leeder and Arne Venema.

Other extras include reversible cover art, an O-card slipcase (limited to 2,000 copies), and a 20-page booklet (limited to 2,000 copies) with cast & crew information for both films, an essay titled Fast Fists and Fast Lives The Rise and Fall of Ikki Kajiwari written by Jasper Sharp, and information about the transfer titled Notes on Viewing.

Summary:

Bodyguard Kiba (The Bodyguard): Despite appearing in over one hundred films, a large number of Shin’ichi "Sonny" Chiba’s were never released theatrically in America. That said, Bodyguard Kiba was released in America under the title The Bodyguard.

The main difference between the U.S. and Japanese versions is the U.S. version's inclusion of fight scenes with Aaron Banks, Bill Louie, and Judy Lee. These scenes make up less than ten minutes of the film, and they do not further the narrative. You could remove them, and the narrative would not suffer from their loss. Also, the U.S. opening credits feature Shin’ichi "Sonny" Chiba’s mentor Masutatsu Oyama and other martial artists performing while they chant "Viva Chiba!"

Also, the U.S. version of The Bodyguard opens with the narration, "The path of the righteous man and defender is beset on all sides by the iniquity of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he, who in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother's keeper, and the father of lost children. And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious anger, who poison and destroy my brothers; and they shall know that I am Chiba the Bodyguard when I shall lay my vengeance upon them!" - Ezekiel 25:17 This same text would be later used in Pulp Fiction when one of its characters, Jules Winnfield, a hitman, recites it before killing a man.

Having the opportunity to see the Japanese version of Bodyguard Kiba elevates the stature of this film. From its opening moments, Bodyguard Kiba establishes a relentless tone that is reinforced by memorable set pieces. Notably, a woman lies naked and the only thing covering her is the shadow of a cross, and there is a scene where Kiba breaks a coke bottle with his bare hands. Also, bad guys enter the room in the most unusual ways as they hide themselves in furniture, and during one fight scene, Kiba rips an arm off his opponent and uses it as a weapon. That said, the fight scenes are brutal and just as memorable as the ones in Street Fighter, which came out a year after Bodyguard Kiba.

During this era of Shin’ichi "Sonny" Chiba’s career, there's no denying that he was the main attraction and everyone else's performances were overshadowed. Despite some gruesome fight scenes, the overall tone of Shin’ichi "Sonny" Chiba’s performance is one of his more subdued ones from this same time period. That said, the supporting cast more than fulfilled their roles. Jirô Chiba (Karate Bullfighter) and Etsuko Shihomi (Sister Streetfighter), both members of the Japan action club and Shin'ichi "Sonny" Chiba film regulars, have brief cameos in Bodyguard Kiba.

Toshiaki Tsushima, who also composed the scores for the three Streetfighter films, composed the score for Bodyguard Kiba. Though some may prefer the American version of The Bodyguard, it pales in comparison to the Japanese version, Bodyguard Kiba. Ultimately, Bodyguard Kiba is a solid mix of bone-crunching action and exploitation that ranks right up there with Shin’ichi "Sonny" Chiba’s best films, like the Street Fighter series.

Bodyguard Kiba 2 (Karate Killer): Shin’ichi "Sonny" Chiba reprises his role for this sequel to Bodyguard Kiba. And though Bodyguard Kiba 2 carries over all the elements from its predecessor, it has one significant difference: this time around, Kiba is not a hero; he has fallen from grace. That said, Bodyguard Kiba 2 is a tale about redemption.

From its opening moments, Bodyguard Kiba 2 quickly grips you with a dual sequence between Kiba and a character named Kazuki Samejima, who is portrayed by Masashi Ishibashi, who is most remembered for portraying Tateki Shikenbaru aka Junjo from the first two Streetfighter films. Their duel is over whose fighting style is better. And during the duel, Kiba’s opponent blinds her sister by impaling her eyes with his fingers.

The cast is solid, and they all deliver strong performances, especially Shin’ichi "Sonny" Chiba in the role of Kiba. He further expands on the character he previously portrayed in Bodyguard Kiba. Though this character lacks depth, he more than makes up for it with his psychic performance in the fight scenes. Another performance of note is Eiji Go (The Executioner) in the role of Ryuzuka, a psychopath yakuza henchman who, in one scene, kills a dog for no reason.

From a production standpoint, Bodyguard Kiba 2 maximizes its resources. The narrative does a great job building momentum by giving key moments an ample amount of time to resonate and a sensational ending where an outnumbered Kiba gets his redemption. Also, though the fight scenes are not memorable, they are well executed and get the job done. Ultimately, Bodyguard Kiba 2 is a good film that brings nothing new to the table.

Eureka Video gives Bodyguard Kiba 1 and 2 their best home video releases to date, highly recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer