Battle Royale [DVD]

There was no way I was NOT going to like a Blu-Ray version of this masterpiece, but even so Arrow Videos have absolutely wowed me with their considered and generous treatment of the release. The packaging is robust and well-designed, the video extras are numerous and non-filler, and the extra gifts ("Parents' Day" comic, the two booklets, the poster, and film stills) are all well presented and very well picked.The box is very strong hard card in a matte finish, with front cover art that features a "school lockers" motif and a rear which is devoted to describing the set. Inside the box are five folding cardboard sleeves which share the locker motif on their rears. Two of the sleeves contain all the printed extras, and have the special edition posters on their fronts. The other three sleeves contain the Blu-Ray discs and the fronts feature stylised artwork of Kiriyama (Theatrical Release), Kawada (Director's Cut), and Mitsuko (Additional Extras), along with their weapons of choice. In short a strong but not overpowering artistic theme is maintained throughout the set which I think declares "someone who cares about the film designed me".The Amazon product description actually does a good job of listing the content but the set specifications could be better. Specs are:* Running time (theatrical) = 114 minutes;* Running time (director's) = 122 minutes;* Language/Subs = Japanese/English;* Aspect Ratio = 1.85:1;* Audio = DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 / Stereo.It's interesting to note that the subtitles for the Director's Cut have been entirely re-translated. This creates trivial semantic differences between many bits of dialogue in the two versions of the film, but puts an entirely new spin on a minority of other scenes. It's worth watching both films back-to-back to see how the feel of certain character interactions changes.With regard to new footage, I don't want to spoil anything. But I will say the only additional parts which I thought added anything essential to the film were a flashback to Mitsuko's childhood (be assured it's as creepy as one might reasonably expect), and a re-telling of Noriko's dream in one of three "Requiems" at the end of the film. Having said that, nothing in the Director's Cut detracts from the film and I felt that it was a slightly superior cut.With regards to the Blu-Ray quality, the sound is tremendous. The picture quality is pretty good and has scrubbed up well for a film of its age, especially considering that a lot of it was shot in the dark and the pouring rain, both of which create serious issues for cinematographers! I noticed that some of the killings have had blood-spatter digitally added - it's incredibly obvious but since most of the deaths were nowhere near as messy as they should have been it sort of helps. There are all sorts of rumours going around on the internet that this is an "up-scaled Standard Definition" version of the film. I've not seen anyone provide convincing evidence either way on that, and personally I found the picture quality to be excellent compared to the previous releases.One scene in the Director's Cut sticks out as looking utterly un-restored; I'm not sure if they tried and failed or somehow missed it. When Mitsuko takes Hirono's gun after their confrontation in Megumi's shack, and Hirono turns to run, it is clearly obvious that the footage has not been touched. Doesn't really make much difference, it just sticks out like a sore thumb when the rest of the film has been polished to such a shine.In conclusion, if you are any kind of a fan then for the price you simply cannot get a better presentation of this unique and epic film. You should definitely buy this before the 10,000 copies are gone for good. I am so glad I bought this set, and even though I am not that fond of the sequel I'll be buying that film too if it gets the same treatment! This special edition set is truly essential, and it's how all special editions should be put together - with the appropriate care, attention to detail, and the deserved reverence!

BATTLE ROYALE[Batoru Rowaiaru](Japan - 2000)Aspect ratio: 1.85:1Theatrical soundtrack: Dolby DigitalAs Japanese society descends into anarchy, new laws are passed in an attempt to deter the country's wayward youth, and a class of high school students is chosen at random and dumped on a deserted island, where they're forced to kill each other until only one remains...This ultra-commercial shocker - a huge success in Japan, and a major player on the international festival circuit - was helmed at the age of 70 by veteran director Kinji Fukasaku (MESSAGE FROM SPACE, VIRUS) and written by his son Kenta, based on a novel by Koushun Takami, and is one of the most astonishing films you'll ever see. The narrative is defiant and angry, establishing the characters within moments of their on-screen appearance and then stripping their emotions down to the core. Some of the participants resist their mission and die horribly, while others take to it with a fiendish lack of inhibition, and former rebel Tatsuya Fujiwara (now a teen idol in Japan thanks to his appearance here) struggles to survive the onslaught with only a few trusted allies for comfort. Death lurks around every corner for these hapless teens, as old allegiances are tested to breaking point and former friends are torn apart by long-standing jealousies and resentments, leading to outbreaks of hideous bloodshed.As you might expect, the film's action and violence is vividly realized by a director at the peak of his powers (the editing and cinematography are razor sharp), but Fukasaku allows his cast of disaffected youngsters ample opportunity to reveal the human impulses which make them what they are; for all its scenes of horror, this is NOT a film which treats death lightly. Fellow director and TV personality 'Beat' Takeshi Kitano (VIOLENT COP, BOILING POINT) takes top billing as a former teacher assigned to oversee the 'Battle Royale', but it's Fujiwara who steals the film, struggling desperately to retain his sense of moral justice at a time when a LACK of integrity could mean the difference between life and death. A masterpiece, not to be missed.The special edition - composed of footage recorded several months after completion of principal photography - not only enhances some of the violence, but also adds immeasurably to the film's humane viewpoint through the simple addition of a basketball game played by Fujiwara's class during an earlier, quiet period in their lives, a game to which the film returns sporadically to remind viewers of the strength and dignity which characterizes these young people. These scenes - contrasted with the ugliness and immediacy of the violence - are profoundly moving, and they actually improve on what was already a magnificent work of art. To all intents and purposes, THIS is the definitive version of BATTLE ROYALE.

The first thing i must say is that i am a fan of gore/zombie/bloody horror/slasher/video nastys. And that the only reason i baught this film is that many other Asian films seem to be pretty bloody. But this is more than a brutak and bloody film. Its actually a very entertaining and smart in the way that it has a gr8 story and is more than i was expecting it to be.This isnt a film that i would exatly call disturbing but i must admit it is a sadistic idea and the cast is mainly made up of teenagers, and the fact that their main objective in the 'game' they are forced into playing (Battle Royale) is to kill everyone else. Even best friends or lovers!So people with a weak disposition may find this film a little nasty (warning).And its not the blood that makes this film nasty, as it isnt that bloody in comperation to other films but it is why the killing takes place and the amazing effect it has on eth viewer of the film. Randomley selected weapons are given to the teens aswell, from axes, to crossbows, to binoculars, to shotguns. And they all hav an explosive collar on, that is used in the film (very good scenes).Anyway, off the subject of the films violence u hav an amazing film, that u can watch again and again. the acting is pretty good if thats something you will look for in a film. There is also very good directing from Kinji Fukasaku.And, this is a great film-and a great DVD. As this special edition version of the movie hads many many extras (that are very good) and this version of the film has deleted scenes added, and an alternate ending!A would highly recomend this film to anyone who likes Asian extreme films, bloody films, or just has a tenenr to spend.