Battle Royale [4k Ultra-HD] [Blu-ray]

Product Information

Kinji Fukasaku trailer reel, a collection of original trailers for Fukasaku’s classic yakuza films from the 70s Kinji Fukasaku is a name well known to fans of Japanese action cinema. His work—which has had a strong influence on the likes of John Woo and Quentin Tarantino—includes The Green Slime (1968), the yakuza film series Battles Without Honor in Humanity (1973-76), and Message from Space (1978). He also directed portions of Fox’s Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970) after Akira Kurosawa left the project two weeks in. Although newcomers may find the lite version - The Hunger Games - robs this 2000 cult classic of some of its originality, it's still got some bite as a no-holds-barred survival horror... with school kids. Brand new 4K restoration of the Original Theatrical Version and Special Edition Director’s Cut of Battle Royale from the original camera negative by Arrow Films, approved by Kenta Fukasaku

Containing extra footage not used in the Making Of and other filmed interviews with the cast and crew, all of the interviewees give their short thoughts on the film, what it’s about and why it should be seen. With short clips from the film used as well, it gives enough of a sense of the film without giving any spoilers away. Also included in the set is the incendiary sequel Battle Royale II, the directing debut of Kenta Fukasaku (after his father passed away during production), in which a new class of delinquents are recruited by the government to hunt down the survivor of the deadly games of the first film. Brand new 4K restoration of the Original Theatrical Version and Special Edition Director's Cut of Battle Royale from the original camera negative by Arrow Films, approved by Kenta FukasakuBloody Graduation: Kenta Fukasaku on Battle Royale II, an exclusive brand new interview with the director and screenwriter of Battle Royale II

Anyway, as well as graphic gore and an obvious sense of humour Battle Royale has something that the movies that ripped it off seem to have missed and that is heart – the characters are very clearly defined so you know who is who and how they are going to handle the situation they are in, which makes you more invested as the names and numbers of the dead are displayed on the screen after every kill. The writing is such that you can take the movie at face value or you can delve deep into the subtexts and social commentaries that are at play but either way, Battle Royale still stands up two decades after its initial release as a fun and potentially disturbing (depending on your mindset) action thriller that really should be seen if you haven’t already had the pleasure. Selected items are only available for delivery via the Royal Mail 48® service and other items are available for delivery using this service for a charge. At the very beginning of the film, each of the main characters begin in a personally isolated state whether it be central characters Noriko and Kitano respectively as the only student or teacher that partakes in the education system all the way, to the main protagonist Shuya losing his father to suicide in the very opening scene. As deplorable as the game they take part in is, it’s the very thing that brings them together and allows them to see something in the other that isn’t lost to the way of the depressing world they inhabit.An interview with Kenta Fukasaku that discusses the initial reception to the novel by Koushun Takami and the process of transforming the original novel by Koushun Takami into the now recognised feature film, as well as his father’s approach to the central narrative themes in his films. Original 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and 2.0 stereo audio on both cuts • Optional English subtitles on both cuts

The Making of Battle Royale: The Experience of 42 High School Students, documentary featuring footage from the shooting of the film and cast and crew discussions Bloody Graduation: Kenta Fukasaku on Battle Royale II, an exclusive brand new interview with the director and screenwriter of Battle Royale II

Extras: Battle Royale

restoration of the Original Theatrical Version and Special Edition Director’s Cut of Battle Royale from the original camera negative by Arrow Films, approved by Kenta Fukasaku Behind the scenes footage of Kinji Fukasaku working with the cast through the audition process, stunt preparations and character moments. Featuring the instructional video in its film version and the brilliant birthday edition made for Kinji Fukasaku on his 70th Birthday as well as multiple trailers including the Tarantino presented teaser. This section also features 30 minutes of trailers for other films from the director.