DVD Review: SHE CAT (1983)

SHE CAT (1983) 

Label: Impulse Pictures

Region Code: 1 NTSC

Rating: Unrated

Audio: Japanese Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono with Optional English Subtitles

Video: Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1) 

Duration: 87 Minutes 

Director: Shingo Yamashiro
Cast: Ai Saotome, Koichi Iwaki, Yoshie Otsuka

Dr. “Cat” Kagami is an OB/GYN with a haunted past and it seems to be catching up with her. While attending a social function she is the intended target of a failed assassination attempt on her life. In the aftermath she must deal with passion, betrayal and revenge. She Cat (1983) feels like something a little different for a Nikkatsu film of the era with more intricate plotting and and crime/revenge tendencies.

Not to worry pervs, there are still the prerequisite sex scenes peppered throughout every ten minutes but for the most part they just aren't quite as weird as some we've seen from this series. We have a very memorable woman-on-woman shower scene that's just delightful plus a second straight sex shower scene later. Not all the scenes are as sweet, one of the centerpieces is a brutal and bizarre rape scene at the women's clinic when several cronies arrive on scene in search of a mysterious skull -  which Ca carries around in a hat box - it figures into the plot. They rape a nurse and a woman's who has just had an abortion performed, then one of the perp inserts a speculum into the victims vagina and we have a strangely comedic POV from the inside looking out, gross and weird.

This certainly isn't the first time I've noticed a Dario Argento flavor during a Nikkatsu film director but director Shingo Yamashiro takes it beyond with a tracking-shot lifted straight from Tenebrae (1982), there's a lot of similarities. There's also a very Goblin-esque score the has a distinct Euro-cult sound, but the Argento influence is fleeting and diminishes as the film moves forward turning into a more of a crime-revengeer but it's memorable to say the least and quite welcome
. 
Not so strange for a Nikkatsu production are a few corny moments of humor which comes by way of an amorous butcher and his unfortunate taste in women - or men dressed as women! The film ramps up in the final moments with a tense shootout and a tragic closing salvo - this is a recommend. 

The DVD transfer from Impulse Pictures is solid with strong color reproduction and black levels from source elements that are in great condition. The mono Japanese language audio sounds fine, not overly dynamic but balanced and free of distortion. Special features are limited to a trailer and writing on the film from Japanese Film Scholar Jasper Sharp. 

An engaging watch with the prerequisite sleaze you've come to expect from the a Nikkatsu production. Managing to come off as equal parts thriller and erotic cinema, the two marry well onscreen and this ends up being a memorable entry in the Nikkatsu Erotic Films Collection from Impulse Pictures. 2.5 Outta 5 

BLU-RAY REVIEW: Battle Royale [Limited Edition] (2000) Region Free

BATTLE ROYALE(2000) Blu-ray

Arrow Video 3-Disc Limited Edition of 10,000

LABEL: Arrow Video

RATING: cert. 18
GENRE: Asian Extreme, Exploitation
DURATION:
REGION: Region Free
DIRECTOR: Kinji Fukasaku
CAST: Takeshi Kitano, Chiaki Kuriyama, Aki Maeda, Taro Yamamoto
TAGLINE: Could You Kill Your Best Friend?

PLOT: In a world where teenagers have no respect and adults are losing control there can be only one solution: Battle Royale! Now, see what happens when you let a high school class loose on an island, arm them and then give them a simple choice... Kill your friends or have them kill you; with poison, cross-bows, machetes and dynamite. Takeshi Kitano is a teacher pushed to the edge by his unruly charges. Kidnapped and gassed, his class wake up with exploding metal rings around their necks. If they rebel, they could lose their heads. Now they have three days and only one is permitted to survive this grisly battle to the death.

"At the dawn of the millennium, the nation collapsed. At fifteen percent unemployment, ten million were out of work. 800,000 students boycotted school. The adults lost confidence and, fearing the youth, eventually passed the Millennium Educational Reform Act, AKA the BR Act...." - Battle Royale Prologue

THE FILM: BATTLE ROYALE (2000) has a quite straight-forward and simple set-up. A particularly nasty LORD OF THE FLIES scenario plays out on a deserted island. In Japan society has gone to shit, the economy is fucked and kids are misbehaving themselves to a such a degree that the government passes the Millennium Educational Reform Act, AKA the Battle Royale Act. What could it be, stiffer punishment for juvenile offenses? Well sorta. How about a twisted lottery by which every year a class of Japanese student are selected at random and flown to an obscure island where they are pitted against each other in a three-day no-holds barred battle, and like Highlander there can only be one survivor. Sounds unfathomable doesn't it? Well, it certainly does to the 42 kids of Shiroiwa Junior High School’s Class B when they are selected to take part in the massacre. They thought they were going on a field trip, think again my naughty little friends. After being gassed and transported to the island they awaken to discover that their former 9th teacher Kitano, who had been stabbed in the ass at school a few years earlier, is overseeing the events with

delight. He's assisted by the Japanese military. They've all been outfitted with explosive collars, if more than one person remains alive at the end of the three days all the collars will explode killing everyone. Talk about revenge. Kitano is reveling in it, and during his presentation he shoots a student in the head for whispering, yeah, pretty strict. He also detonates the collar of Nobu, who just happens to be the young man who stabbed him in the ass. They rules of Battle Royale are delivered by a super-cute woman calling herself Big Sister via a video screen, she speaks in a snappy, saccharine cadence that's just surreal given the fact that she's informing the 42  students (oops, 40 now) that all but one will violently die in the next 72 hours. Once they are told the rules of the game they are sent one by one onto the island each with a duffel bag containing a weapon, some useful some not so much. They range from bladed weapons, handguns, assault weapons, pot lids, binoculars and a GPS device. Many of the students team-up for protection, while others set out on their own. Forget about the clicks you once belonged to, the stakes are too high and friendship cannot be trusted. The films narrative focus seems is a young man named Nanahara Shuy, the late Nobu's best friend prior to his head exploding. He makes a pact to protect Nakagawa Noriko, whom Nobu had a crush on. The two eventually team-up with the mysterious Kawada, an "exchange" student who won an earlier round of the game and has returned to take revenge for the death of his girlfriend. One of the most vicious killers on the island is Kazuo Kiriyama, an exchange student like Kawada, who kills scores of players and seems to relish the thrill of the hunt beyond reason.Then there's the gorgeous femme fatale Mitsuko Suoma who uses her inherent sexuality and duplicity to take out her classmates one by one without remorse. Not everyone is so willing to take a life to save their own and several opt to end there own lives rather than participate in the barbaric contest, including two lovers who throw themselves from a seaside cliff.

"So today's lesson is, you kill each other off till there's only one left. Nothing is against the rules" - Teacher Kitano

As the game plays out a death tally rises and is announced twice a day by Kitano via an island wide P.A. system, it's almost like a video game the way the stats are displayed on screen. The kills are fast and furious and bloody as hell and it could have easily fells pray to it's own blood lust but the film elevates itself with a true emotional center thanks to the focus on out two main characters. The film is peppered with poignant moments and a gorgeous score that keeps it character based. It's hard for me to find fault with this film. I don't have much in the way of criticism against this film, it's amazing. A few things I could mention are some dated effects and some might consider the ending a bit anti-climactic, I have no problem with it.

BLU-RAY/DVD: Long unavailable in a Region 1 format Arrow Video have released BATTLE ROYALE in a Region Free Blu-ray, that's right - playable worldwide. There's been speculation on why no Region 1 release has been made available ranging from Toei's licensing fee being ridiculous to the fact that after the Columbine tragedy here in the States no one wanted to touch such a volatile property. Whatever the reason this superb Japanese exploitation film is not only available, but available in a beautifully packaged Limited Edition run of 10,000 numbered copies. That said I'm reviewing a screener without the benefit of the extraneous packaging (sigh). The films looks very good in 16x9 enhanced 1.78:1 aspect ratio 1080p high definition. I would point out this is far from reference material and is not the sharpest or most detailed looking Blu-ray image I've seen but is more than likely vastly superior to previously available DVD editions of the film. The Japanese language 5.1 DTS-HD surround sound is wonderfully robust and dynamic. The score which includes Verdi's "Requiem" as well as selections from Schubert, Strauss and Bach plus original score my Masamichi Amano soars. There's new and improved English language subtitles. I didn't noticed a significant difference in the image and sound quality from Theatrical vs. Director's Cut. Now for the extras, whoah! Arrow Video have come through with an extravaganza of bonus content and if there's something I love it's a ridiculous amount of bonus content.

SPECIAL FEATURES: DISC 1
- Theatrical Cut of the Battle Royale
- Original theatrical trailer (1:52)
- The Making of Battle Royale: The Experience of 42 High School Students (52:32)

The Making of documentary (52:32) is quite lengthy and informative. A lot of behind-the-scenes stuff, you see Fukasaku directing the actors, it's interesting stuff with a few on-the-set interviews throughout. Both features are in HD in Japanese with English subtitles. .

DISC 2
- Special Edition (Director's Cut)
- Special Edition Trailer (1:05)
- TV Spot: Tarantino version (0:32)
- Shooting the Special Edition (9:01)
- Takeshi Kitano interview (11:51)
- Conducting Battle Royale with the Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra (7:27)
- The Correct way to make Battle Royale (Birthday version)  (3:09)
- Tokyo International Film Festival Presentation. (4:37)

The Director's Cut features an additional 6 minutes or so of film not seen in the Theatrical Cut. What's new? Additional flashback scenes, three epilogues, reaction shots and additional

special effects shots - nothing that changed the overall film. A great featurette on Disc 2 is composer Masamichi creating the awesome film score, it's a great score and we see the Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra performing a few pieces throughout. Tons of interviews and more behind-the-scenes goodies. All features are in high definition.

DISC 3 [DVD]

- Opening day at Maro No Uchi Toei movie theatre (14:25)
- The slaughter of 42 high school students (10:28)
- Premier press conference (12:01)
- The Correct Way to fight in Battle Royale (2:34)
- Royale rehearsals, Masamichi Amano conducts Battle Royale (7:10)
- Special effects comparison (10:16)
- Behind the scenes featurette (12:08)
- Filming on set (10:59)
- TV spots
- Promos and Commercials
- Kinji Fukasaky Trailer Reel

Disc 3 is a DVD and all features are presented in standard definition, not HD. The Premier Press Conference (12:01) features the writer of the Battle Royale novel Takami Koushun and director Fukasaka Kinji along with cast from the films discussing the film. The Slaughter of 42 High School Students (10:28) is an abbreviated version of the Making Of documentary on the 1st disc.  The Correct Way to Fight In Battle Royale (2:35) is a compilation of the instructional videos featured in the film without interruption. A Special Effects Comparison (4:17) showing us the creation of the special effects shots created for the 2001 Special Edition and my favorite feature (on disc 3 anyway) is the Trailer Gallery (23:09) and extensive collection of Kiniji films.

And sadly as mentioned before my review screener contained only the three discs and none of the following goodies ...sigh. What's missing? A commentary would have been nice.

- 32 page comic
- 36 page booklet including:
'A Battle Without An End' by Tom Mes, Author of 'The Midnight Eye Guide to New Japanese Film'
- Printed interview with Director Kinji Fukasaku
- 'Today's Lesson is...You Kill Each Other' by Jay McRoy, author of 'Japanese Horror Cinema' (LE Exclusive)
- Extract from Koushan Takami's original novel (LE Exclusive)
- Original promotional material including Director's statement, cast and crew biogs (LE Exclusive).
- 16 page booklet including: Concept artwork and drawing for the limited edition set (LE Exclusive)
- 5 x7" Postcards of stills from the film (LE Exclusive)
- Fold-out reversible poster of original artwork

VERDICT: BATTE ROYALE  (2000) is simply thrilling exploitation at it's peak of perfection. Young inexperienced teenagers pitted in mortal battle against each other on an obscure island. It's vicious stuff, it's human nature at it's worst and yet there's a real emotional center to the film. If you want biting social commentary it's here. If you want a gory exploitation it's that, too. What boggles my mind is that this is Fukasaku's 60th film and it's a vital piece of cinema, amazing stuff. This was my 1st viewing of the film and despite 10 years of hype it surpassed my expectations.  Battle Royale is a truly  phenomenal film and a definite purchase. And if you miss out on this limited Edition release don't fret. Arrow Video have done it again and 2011 looks to be a phenomenal year.
****1/2 (4.5 out of 5 stars)

DVD Review: Deadly Outlaw: Rekka (2002)

DEADLY OUTLAW: REKKA (2002)
Arrow Video

RATING: 18 Certificate
RUN TIME: 96 Min.
REGION: 0 PAL
DIRECTOR: Takashi Miike
CAST: Riki Takeuchi (Kunisada), Sonny Chiba, Joe Yamanaka, Yuy Ichida


SYNOPSIS: Following the death of his boss, crazed killer Kunisada (Riki Takeuchi) embarks on a violent quest for revenge, one that takes him on a deadly and surreal road trip as he searches for those responsible for the killing. Driven by madness and a volatile temper, he soon finds himself up against both his enemies and his own Yakuza allies. Pursued by a pair of hitmen, Kunisada is at once the hunter and the hunted, a pawn in a complex game being played out by a cast of double-crossing villains. With his situation spiralling out of control, he realizes that to be the winner will require him to take matters to furthest extreme.

FILM: Five minutes into Takashi Miike's Deadly Outlaw: Rekka (2002) I was hooked. It starts of all guns blazing and is unrelenting 'til the end. Takashi Miike is one of the more prolific filmmakers working todayand one could spend a lifetime delving into his filmography but as is stands I've only seen a handful of his works, so pitiful are they in number I'll share them with you...  Audition (1999), the "Box" segment of the Three... Extremes (2004) anthology film, the "Imprint" episode of Showtime's Masters of Horror and Sukiyaki Western Django (2007) ...pitiful, I told you.
At the start of Deadly Outlaw: Rekka we get some kick-ass Japanese rock n' roll from a band called Flower Travellin' Band, a very raucous proto-metal band and their Satori album comprises the entire soundtrack for the film, great stuff. The acid-tinged Black Sabbath-esque music announces a flurry of action as two hit-men take out the elderly Yakuza boss Uchida and his entourage in a bloody hail of adrenalized gunfire, it's complete non-stop bad assery. The elder boss of the clan is the last to go but not before he gets a death-grasp on the assassin's neck. So firm in fact that even in death he will not relinquish his mighty grip. Despite being severed at the forearm they remain clung to the man's neck. This is when it struck me that the film was going to be darkly humorous. It turns out that the elder Yakuza boss was the father of Kunisama - a Korean blooded hot head of epic proportions. Enraged he swears vengeance but the Yakuza families see his death as a natural restructuring of the crime families and tell Kunisama not to not take it personally. Forget it, this guy is out for blood and sets out on a journey to kill the Otaki bosses who paid the assassins even as the families conspire to elimate Kunisama who they see as a threat. Kunisama is nearly insane and is a force of nature when he loses his cool. When confronted on the street by members of the Otaki clan he snaps and takes-on all 5 members with a crowbar.  The scene is masterfuly shot and edited, frenetic and completely brutal. The crazed look in his eye is disturbing and says a lot about his state of mind. He's clearly over the edge and decimates them all single-handedly.  

As the remainder of the film plays out Kunisama joined by his best-friend mow through Yakuza conspirators dispatching them in bloody-fashion. He even going as far to use a rocket-launcher (which was awesome, darkly comic and awesome) until they finally come face to face with the two enigmatic assassins responsible for his Uchido's death. In typical Miike fashion the film is weird, gratuitous and top heavy with surreal moments of over-the-top ultra-violence and gore, so much so that the camera lense itself is splattered with blood several times.

DVD: The Deadly Outlaw: Rekka will be released on DVD for the first time by Arrow Video on November 22nd 2010. The film receives a brand new transfer with new and improved English subtitle translation. Presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen with a Japanese language 5.1 soundtrack. The special features are not particularly plentiful but the 48 minutes of interviews with Miike are illuminating as he discusses key scenes in the film, the actors and collaborator, filmscore and the ending and it's interpretations. Sadly, my screener of the DVD did not include Arrow Video's usually awesome artwork or the booklet (sigh) but the interviews with Miike were fantastic and insightful. Good stuff.
Special Features...
- Original Trailer (1:19)
- Video Interview with director Takashi Miike (18:12)
- Deadly Outlaw: Miike (30:25)
- Booklet featuring stills and an essay on the film by Tom Mes, author of ‘Agitator: The Cinema of Takashi Miike’
-  Notes on prog rockers Flower Travellin’ Band written by Sam Jones.

VERDICT: This film is completely batshit-nuts and a must-see in my opinion. I've seen but a handfiul of Miike's many, many film but thus far this is my favorite. I'm not well-versed in the workld of Yakuza Cinema and this one has me piqued my interest in the genre.  This is Arrow Video's first foray into Asian Cinema and good on 'em, next up is the cult Japanese film Battle Royale from director Kinji Fukasaku on Blu-ray and DVD.
**** (4 out of 5 stars)


- McBASTARD