Shogun’s Samurai – Eureka Video (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: Japan, 1978
Director: Kinji Fukasaku
Writers: Kinji Fukasaku, Hiro Matsuda, Tatsuo Nogami
Cast: Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba, Toshirô Mifune, Kinnosuke Nakamura, Etsuko Shihomi, Tetsuro Tamba

Release Date: November 17th, 2025
Approximate Running Time: 129 Minutes 58 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC
Rating: 15 (UK)
Sound: LPCM Mono Japanese
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region B
Retail Price: £17.99 (UK)

"During the Edo period, shogun Hidetada Tokugawa is killed, poisoned by an unknown assailant. In the aftermath of his death, a vicious power struggle breaks out between his two sons, Tadanaga (Teruhiko Saigo) and Iemitsu (Matsukata), who is suspected of having arranged his father’s murder. As the conflict between the two brothers intensifies and their father’s former allies are forced to choose sides, samurai Munenori Yagyu (Yorozuya) and his sons Jubei (Chiba) and Munefuyu (Kentaro Kudo) become embroiled in the conflict until it reaches its bitter end." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 4.5/5

Here’s the information given about the transfer, "1080p HD presentation from a 4K restoration by Toei."

Shogun’s Samurai comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 41 GB

Feature: 35.8 GB

This release sports a brand-new 4K transfer that improves upon Discotek Media’s 2022 Blu-ray release in every way.

Audio: 4.5/5

This release comes with one audio option, a LPCM mono mix in Japanese, and included with this release are removable English subtitles. The audio sounds excellent; dialogue always comes through clearly, and everything sounds balanced and robust when it should.

Extras:

Extras for this release include a coming soon theatrical trailer (5 minutes 27 seconds, LPCM mono Japanese with non-removable English subtitles), a special report theatrical trailer (3 minutes 14 seconds, LPCM mono Japanese with non-removable English subtitles), a filming underway theatrical trailer (2 minutes 8 seconds, LPCM mono Japanese with non-removable English subtitles), a video essay by Japanese cinema expert Joe Hickinbottom titled Echoes of the Present: Kinji Fukasaku's Jidaigeki Cinema (21 minutes 30 seconds, LPCM stereo English, no subtitles), a 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 The Ninja Gamble: Notes on Shogun's Samurai: The Yagyu Clan Conspiracy written by Jonathan Clements, and information about the transfer titled Notes on Viewing.

Summary:

Kinji Fukasaku was the reigning king of Yakuza films when he proposed to Toei Studios a Battle without Honor and Humanity-style story set in the Edo Period. Kinji Fukasaku’s only other foray into the Edo period at that point was as the host of the television series Hissatsu!, which he helped create. Toei was also ready for a change after the disaster of The Bullet Train at the box office, and with the success of Shogun's Samurai: The Yagyu Clan Conspiracy, Toei had successfully reinvented itself as a studio. Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba and Toshirô Mifune, besides working together on Shogun's Samurai: The Yagyu Clan Conspiracy, also co-starred in 1978’s The Fall of Ako Castle (also directed by Kinji Fukasaku) and, three years later, The Bushido Blade. Shogun's Samurai: The Yagyu Clan Conspiracy's box office success would help launch, a year after its release, the television series Yagyuu Conspiracy.

Kinji Fukasaku is a master craftsman who creates a world that is so authentic through his visual style that the viewer becomes totally absorbed in the experience. Cinematographer Toru Nakajima, a frequent collaborator of Kinji Fukasaku, infuses Shogun's Samurai: The Yagyu Clan Conspiracy with an elegance and style that adds depth to this epic tale through his thoughtful compositions. Composer Toshiaki Tsushima, known for his previous work on The Street Fighter and Battles without Honor and Humanity, crafts a score for Shogun’s Samurai that effectively establishes the mood and enhances the film's intensity.

Shogun's Samurai: The Yagyu Clan Conspiracy is a character-driven film that has an amazing cast, including Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba, Toshirô Mifune, Tetsuro Tamba, Kinnosuke Yorozuya, Etsuko Shihomi, and Hiroyuki Sanada. Performance-wise, the entire cast is excellent. Although Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba’s screen time is limited, he delivers a scene-stealing performance that stands out as the most memorable.

Myths and facts have been used to their best advantage in this expertly crafted tale that is loaded with enough twists and turns to keep the viewer guessing what will happen next. My favorite moment is when Jubei is met in the woods by one of the Emperor's noblemen. Then Jubei removes his hat, which contains shiny blades hidden inside, and hurls it at the nobleman. The nobleman deflects the hat, sending it into a tree, while the blades reflect sunlight into his eyes as Jubei delivers the final blow. Ultimately, Shogun's Samurai: The Yagyu Clan Conspiracy is an extraordinary piece of filmmaking from one of Japan's greatest filmmakers.

Eureka Video gives Shogun’s Samurai its best home media release to date; highly recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer

Jakoman and Tetsu – 88 Films (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: Japan, 1964
Director: Kinji Fukasaku
Writers: Keizo Kajino, Akira Kurosawa, Senkichi Taniguchi
Cast: Ken Takakura, Tetsurô Tanba, Isao Yamagata, Yôko Minamida, Kumeko Urabe, Wakaba Irie, Hizuru Takachiho, Shinjirō Ehara

Release Date: April 21st, 2025 (UK), April 22nd, 2025 (USA)
Approximate Running Time: 99 Minutes 30 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVCC
Rating: 12 (UK), NR (USA)
Sound: LPCM Mono Japanese
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region A,B
Retail Price: £16.99 (UK), $34.95 (USA)

"Set in 1947 in a small coastal village among the majestic snowy landscapes of Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido, Ken Takakura (the Abashiri Prison series, Ridley Scott’s Black Rain) is Tetsu, the prodigal son who returns from the war to help out his father Kyubei with the family herring fishing business. His arrival coincides with that of a one-eyed miscreant named Jakoman, played by Tetsuro Tamba (Harakiri, You Only Live Twice), who bears a long-standing grudge against Kyubei and is intent on causing as much mayhem among the hordes of seasonal fishermen as possible." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 3.75/5

Here’s the information provided about the transfer, "High Definition Blu-ray presentation in 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio".

Jakoman and Tetsu comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 33 GB

Feature: 27.3 GB

The source is in great shape; some minor debris remains. Though black levels are generally strong, there are moments where they are not convincing; image clarity is solid, and compression is very good.

Audio: 4.25/5

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 very good.

Extras:

Extras for this release include a stills gallery with music from the film playing in the background (stills/poster), an introduction by Mark Schilling (18 minutes 21 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), an audio Commentary with Tom Mes and Jasper Sharp, reversible cover art, removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings and a 20-page booklet with cast & crew information, and an essay titled Jakoman and Tetsu written by CHRIS D.

Summary:

When Kinji Fukasaku directed Jakoman and Tetsu, it was very early in his career; he had only directed 8 films and was still searching for his voice as a filmmaker. A screenplay co-written by Akira Kurosawa was made into a film in 1949, and Kinji Fukasaku's Jakoman and Tetsu is based on that. Though only written by Akira Kurosawa, one can see many elements that are synonymous with his films. That said, it is fascinating to see Kinji Fukasaku's interpretation of a source connected to Akira Kurosawa.

The narrative revolves around an aging fisherman, Kyubei, and a man named Jakoman, who holds a grudge against the former. Things are already not running smoothly with the fishery, and the arrival of Jakoman causes additional problems. Jakoman bullies the workers hoping to inflict the pain and suffering he felt because of Kyubei’s actions. Another issue for Kyubei: it's believed that Tetsu, Kyubei's son, is presumed dead at sea. However, one day, events take a dramatic turn when Tetsu returns home, and his presence compels Jakoman to somewhat rein in his behavior.

What starts off as one man’s quest for revenge evolves into a story rooted in grievances. Besides Jakoman’s conflict with Kyubei, there is a woman, Yuki, who was a former lover of Jakoman, and she has her grievances. Then there are the workers at the fishery, and Jakoman whips them into a frenzy about their wages, causing another grievance. That said, the way that Kinji Fukasaku brings all of these grievances together is masterful.

All around, the cast are excellent in their roles, and yet it is the two leads, Ken Takakura’s (Abashiri Prison) portrayal of Tetsu and Tetsurô Tanba’s (The Wolves) portrayal of Jakoman, that carry this film. Ken Takakura is given the task of taking on a role originally portrayed by Toshirô Mifune, and he proves he is up for the challenge. That said, it is Tetsurô Tanba’s portrayal of Jakoman; he perfectly captures this character's spitefulness and bleak outlook. Another performance of note is Shinjirō Ehara's (House of Terrors) portrayal of Osaka, a man who tries to convince Jakoman that holding onto a grudge is not the way. Though we are forever shaped by our past, Osaka proves from experience that nothing is gained from dwelling on it.

It is always refreshing to see a filmmaker work outside of their comfort zone. Though Jakoman and Tetsu is a departure from the type of films Kinji Fukasaku is known for, it still retains a core element of his cinema: conflict. The well-constructed narrative gives key moments an ample amount of time to resonate, and pacing is not an issue as things move briskly to a very satisfying conclusion. Another strength is how the visuals allow the performances to be the focal point. Ultimately, Jakoman and Tetsu is arguably one of Kinji Fukasaku’s most underrated films.

Jakoman and Tetsu gets a first-rate release from 88 Films that comes with a strong audio/presentation and insightful extras, highly recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer

The Threat: Limited Edition – Arrow Video (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: Japan, 1966
Director: Kinji Fukasaku
Writers: Kinji Fukasaku, Ichirô Miyagawa
Cast: Rentarô Mikuni, Kô Nishimura, Masumi Harukawa, Sanae Nakahara, Hideo Murota, Ken Mitsuda, Ryôhei Uchida, Pepe Hozumi, Shôichi Ozawa, Kunie Tanaka

Release Date: September 23rd, 2024 (UK), September 24th, 2024 (USA)
Approximate Running Time: 83 Minutes 56 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC
Rating: 15 (UK), NR (USA)
Sound: LPCM Mono Japanese
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region A,B
Retail Price: £24.99 (UK), $39.95 (USA)

"Misawa (Rentarō Mikuni, Fugitive from the Past, Vengeance is Mine) appears to lead a charmed life, the very model of Japan's post-war economic miracle. His position as the account manager of a prestigious advertising agency is enough to pay the mortgage on the spacious modern house he shares with his wife (Masumi Harukawa, Intentions of Murder) and their two young boys, kitted out with all the latest mod-cons. Then one day, the fragility of his existence is revealed when two violent jail-breakers turn up on his doorstep seeking refuge and threatening to embroil Misawa in their criminal activities." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 4.25/5

Here’s the information provided about this release's transfer, "The High-Definition master was provided by Toei Company, Ltd. Additional mastering work was completed by The Engine House Media Services, London."

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

Disc Size: 26.3 GB

Feature: 21.1 GB

The source looks excellent; flesh tones look healthy, colors look correct, black levels are strong, image clarity and compression are solid, and there are no issues with digital noise reduction.

Audio: 4.25/5

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 very good.

Extras:

Extras for this release include a theatrical trailer (2 minutes 31 seconds, Dolby Digital mono Japanese with removable English subtitles), an appreciation by critic and Japanese film specialist Mark Schilling Warning Warning Danger Danger (18 minutes 42 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), an audio commentary with Japanese film expert Tom Mes, reversible cover art, a double-sided foldout poster, a slipcover (limited to the first pressing), and 20-page booklet (limited to the first pressing) with cast & crew information, an essay titled Compromise and Complicity, the Costs of the Salaryman Dream written by Hayley Scanlon, and information about the transfer.

Summary:

The Threat is a morality tale by way of a crime film. The protagonist is an account manager of a prestigious advertising agency who has a wife and a child and a life that many would envy. His world is shattered when two escaped prisoners invade his home, hold him and his family hostage. These two men have kidnapped a wealthy businessman’s grandchild, for whom they are demanding a ransom. They force the protagonist to be the ransom pickup person by threatening his family.

As tense as the moments are between the two escaped criminals and the protagonist and his family, some of the most tense moments are the scenes where the protagonist attempts to pick up the ransom. During the first attempt at collecting the ransom, the protagonist notices that the rich businessman is not alone; the police are watching from nearby. Not wanting the exchange to go awry, out of fear his family will be hurt, the protagonist comes up with ways to get the ransom without being caught. The way in which Kinji Fukasaku builds tension is flawlessly executed.

Kinji Fukasaku often worked with up-and-coming actors and whoever was the top star at Toei. With The Threat, he works with Rentarô Mikuni (A Fugitive from the Past), a well-established actor who two years before worked with Kinji Fukasaku on Wolves, Pigs, and People. He delivers an exceptional performance in the role of Misawa, the man who is forced to participate in the ransom pickup. Despite the stress that his character is under, he always manages to remain calm and think rationally.

When it comes to the rest of the cast and their performance, they are all very good. The other performance of note is Kô Nishimura (Intentions of Murder), who portrays Kawanishi, a death row inmate and the mastermind behind the kidnapping. A cast member of note is Hideo Murota, who portrays Kawanishi’s accomplice. He appeared in over 200 films, and he frequently collaborated with Kinji Fukasaku.

Even at this early stage, it was clear that Kinji Fukasaku was ahead of most of his contemporaries. He was a filmmaker who always delivers when it comes to visually arresting moments. This is especially clear with his use of a handheld camera, which perfectly captures the protagonist's anxiety following the ransom pickup. The well-constructed narrative does a phenomenal job building momentum to a finale whose outcome takes you by surprise. Ultimately, The Threat is an exceptional crime film, making it a must-see for fans of Kinji Fukasaku.

The Threat gets a solid release from Arrow Video that comes with a strong audio/video presentation and insightful extras; highly recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer

Hokuriku Proxy War: Limited Edition – Radiance Films (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: Japan, 1977
Director: Kinji Fukasaku
Writer: Kôji Takada
Cast: Hiroki Matsukata, Yumiko Nogawa, Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba, Mikio Narita, Kô Nishimura, Yôko Takahashi, Takeo Chii, Gorô Ibuki, Tatsuo Endô, Seizô Fukumoto

Release Date: February 24th, 2025 (UK), February 25th, 2025 (USA)
Approximate Running Time: 98 Minutes 3 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC
Rating: 15 (UK), NR (USA)
Sound: LPCM Mono Japanese
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region A,B
Retail Price: £14.99 (UK), $39.95 (USA)

"Loose-cannon gangster Kawada rebels when his two-timing boss forms an alliance with a major crime syndicate. The syndicate’s main rivals see Kawada as their perfect proxy, but his furious temper quickly rubs them the wrong way, leaving Kawada to face overwhelming forces." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 4/5

Here’s the information provided about the transfer, "Hokuriku Proxy War was transferred in High-Definition by Toei Company, Ltd. and supplied to Radiance Films as a High-Definition digital file."

Hokuriku Proxy War comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 34.9 GB

Feature: 26.7 GB

The source is in great shape; colors look correct, image clarity and black levels are strong, compression is solid, and there are no egregious issues related to digital noise reduction.

Audio: 4.25/5

This release comes with one audio option, a LPCM mono mix in Japanese with removable English subtitles. The audio sounds excellent; dialog comes through clearly, everything sounds balanced, and range-wise ambient sounds are well-represented.

Extras:

Extras for this release include a theatrical trailer (3 minutes 21 seconds, LPCM mono Japanese with removable English subtitles), an interview with Yakuza film historian Akihiko Ito on the real-life Hokuriku Proxy War murder case (14 minutes 36 seconds, LPCM stereo Japanese with removable English subtitles), an interview with actress Yoko Takahashi (15 minutes 51 seconds, LPCM stereo Japanese with removable English subtitles), an interview with screenwriter Koji Takada (18 minutes 42 seconds, LPCM 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 Fukasaku’s Theory of Machiavellianism written by Muneo Nakamura, an archival essay titled Hokuriku-Style Hard-Headedness written by Motohiko Kano, an archival essay titled The Sanctity of Violence written by Isao Fujisawa, and information about the transfer.

Summary:

A turf war erupts between a yakuza clan from Osaka and Hokuriku when the former tries to take over the latter's region.

Kinji Fukasaku had a career that spanned five decades and over 60 feature films. Though he worked in just about every genre, he is known for his work in the yakuza genre. And with Hokuriku Proxy War, he would make his last yakuza film. Reportedly, Hokuriku Proxy War was going to be the fourth entry in New Battles Without Honor and Humanity.

Stylistically, Hokuriku Proxy War goes away from the documentary-style feel of Kinji Fukasaku’s other yakuza films. Hokuriku Proxy War does a phenomenal job setting the tone; a man who is buried up to his neck has a jeep erratically drive around him in the snow. That said, Hokuriku Proxy War Kinji Fukasaku’s other yakuza films have introductory text, and it does a superb job when it comes to building up its characters.

Shin’ichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba (The Street Fighter), a frequent collaborator of Kinji Fukasaku, portrays the boss of the Kani clan. Though he portrayed anti-hero’s, seeing him in a straight up bad guy role is always a pleasure. Despite his limited screen time, his character looms large throughout. That said, his performance is all dialogue-driven, and yet his character is the most menacing.

When it comes to the rest of the performances, they are all great, especially Hiroki Matsukata (Blackmail Is My Life), whose character Noboru Kawada is the protagonist. He delivers an exceptional performance; his character's defiance and the fall in line with what is unfolding is the heart and soul of Hokuriku Proxy War. Other performances of note are Yumiko Nogawa (Gate of Flesh) and Yoko Takahashi (Rebellious Journey); they are the two women in Kawada's life, his past and present.

From a production standpoint, Kinji Fukasaku is clicking on all cylinders. The narrative is fast-moving; there is never a shortage of tension, and it builds to a fever pitch by the time the finale arrives. Though there is an ample amount of carnage, the most gruesome moment is saved for the finale. Another strength of Hokuriku Proxy War is its snow-covered landscapes, which are fully exploited. Ultimately, Hokuriku Proxy War is top-tier Kinji Fukasaku, and it is a perfect swan song for a filmmaker renowned for yakuza cinema. 

Hokuriku Proxy War gets a first-rate release from Radiance Films that comes with a strong audio/video presentation and insightful 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

Japan Organized Crime Boss: Limited Edition – Radiance Films (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: Japan, 1969
Director: Kinji Fukasaku
Writers: Kinji Fukasaku, Fumio Kônami, Norio Osada
Cast: Kôji Tsuruta, Tomisaburô Wakayama, Bunta Sugawara, Noboru Andô, Michitarô Mizushima, Ryôhei Uchida, Sanae Nakahara, Seizaburô Kawazu, Yoshi Katô 

Release Date: November 18th, 2024 (UK), November 19th, 2024 (USA)
Approximate running time: 96 Minutes 17 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC
Rating: 15 (UK), NR (USA)
Sound: LPCM Mono Japanese
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region A,B
Retail Price: £14.99 (UK), $39.95 (USA)

"Two major yakuza factions from Tokyo and Osaka battle over control of Yokohama, using local gangs as their proxies. Amid this violent struggle, Tsukamoto (Koji Tsuruta, Big Time Gambling Boss), the head of one of the local gangs, is released from an eight-year prison sentence. The feud forces him into action, but he learns that those pulling the strings have political connections and that he is up against overwhelming forces." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 4.5/5

Here’s the information provided about the transfer, "New 4K restoration by Toei Company. Japan Organized Crime Boss was transferred in High-Definition by Toei Company, Ltd. and supplied to Radiance Films as a High-Definition digital file."

Japan Organized Crime Boss comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 39.7 GB

Feature: 26.2 GB

The source looks excellent; flesh tones look correct, colors are nicely saturated, mage clarity and compression are solid, contrast and black levels are strong throughout, and there does not appear to be any digital noise reduction. Transfer-wise, my only other source of reference is Eureka Video’s abysmal 2003 DVD, and this new release is a vastly superior presentation in every way.

Audio: 4.5/5

This release comes with one audio option, a LPCM mono mix in Japanese with removable English subtitles. The audio sounds excellent; dialog comes through clearly, everything sounds balanced, and range-wise ambient sounds are well-represented.

Extras:

Extras for this release include a theatrical trailer (2 minutes 19 seconds, LPCM mono Japanese with removable English subtitles), a video essay on Koji Tsuruta’s collaborations with Kinji Fukasaku by yakuza cinema expert Nathan Stuart titled Ceremonies of Male Bonding (23 minutes 32 seconds, LPCM stereo English, no subtitles), an interview with yakuza film historian Akihiko Ito (15 minutes 6 seconds, LPCM stereo Japanese with removable English subtitles), an archival interview with Kinji Fukasaku (34 minutes 1 second, LPCM stereo Japanese with removable English subtitles), reversible cover art, removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings and a 22-page booklet (limited to 3000 copies) cast & crew information, an essay titled A Transitional Triumph written by Stuart Galbraith IV, an archival review of Japan Organized Crime Boss written by Jun Ishiko, and information about the transfer.

Summary:

Though Kinji Fukasaku is most remembered for his contributions to Yakuza cinema, his forays into this genre can be broken down into films before and after Japan Organized Crime Boss. Where Yakuza films up to that point were indiscernible, Japan Organized Crime Boss is a revolutionary film that forever changed this genre. These changes were not so much about the way he portrayed characters as it was about the way he told their stories.

The yakuza world must choose a side when its most ruthless clan, Osaka’s Danno organization, decides they want to assume complete control over all of Japan’s underworld. After they successfully took over several territories, the Danno clan set their sights on Yokohama, a busy port district. Around the same time, Tsukamoto was released from prison after serving eight years of incarceration, and he decided to leave the world of the yakuza behind. Before Tsukamoto can make an exit, the Danno clan murders his boss, forcing him to assume control of his clan. Will Tsukamoto be able to convince the Danno clan of a truce, or are they determined to have an all-out war?

As mentioned before, Japan Organized Crime Boss ushered in a new kind of Yakuza cinema. With it, Kinji Fukasaku would create a template that he and other filmmakers would return to throughout the 1970s. A few of these changes happen immediately; in the opening moments, Kinji Fukasaku uses still images and voiceover to quickly fill in the backstory. Other new elements are the use of on-screen text to introduce characters and documentary-style handheld visuals.

Though most filmmakers surround themselves with a core of actors, when it comes to Toei Yakuza films, this is even more so. That said, it is not only the leads; even secondary roles are filled with recognizable faces, like Noboru Andô (By a Man's Face Shall You Know Him), who has a small but pivotal role as a hitman. The most memorable performance is Tomisaburô Wakayama’s (Lone Wolf and Cub) portrayal of Miyahara, a drug-addicted crime boss, while Kôji Tsuruta’s (Sympathy for the Underdog) portrayal of Tsukamoto is the heart and soul of the Japan Organized Crime Boss.

Kinji Fukasaku’s films are known for their kenotic feel and brutal depiction of violence, and in this regard, Japan Organized Crime Boss delivers in spades. In a film filled with brutality and carnage, there is never a shortage of memorable moments. A few that standout are a scene where Tsukamoto takes a beating from Miyahara, who slashes his face, and a gut-punch finale that serves as a perfect coda.

Content wise, Japan Organized Crime Boss examines the social ills that plagued postwar Japan and the yakuza’s stronghold on the country after the war. This is also a central theme that runs throughout most of Kinji Fukasaku’s filmography, adding more weight to the genre pictures he was working on. That said, Japan Organized Crime Boss never stray far away from the elements that define the life of a yakuza, like being bound by their honor. Ultimately, Japan Organized Crime Boss is an exceptional film that's overshadowed by Kinji Fukasaku’s later forays into Yakuza cinema.

Japan Organized Crime Boss gets an exceptional release from Radiance Films that comes with a solid audio/video presentation and informative extras, highly recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer