Sho Kosugi Returns for More Hi-Def Action in "Rage of Honor"
Released by: Arrow Video
Release Date: March 15, 2016 (US)
Production Year: 1987
Region Code: A
Running Time: 1:31:47
Audio: English LPCM Mono
Video: 1080p (1.85:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: English SDH
Following his star turns in '80s actioners Enter the Ninja and Revenge of the Ninja, Sho Kosugi continued his domination of the US martial arts movie with 1987's "Rage of Honor," helmed once again by "Pray for Death" director Gordon Hessler (The Golden Voyage of Sinbad). Federal agent Shiro Tanaka (Kosugi) used to live for his job - now, he lives only for revenge. When his partner is killed during a bungled drug bust, Shiro throws away his badge and the rule book with it: arming himself with an array of deadly weaponry - including nunchucks, blades and ninja stars - he sets out to Buenos Aires to settle the score with the bad guys. Packing explosions, flying kicks and somersaults aplenty (as well as some truly logic-bending stunt sequences), "Rage of Honor" sees Kosugi at the top of his game as he battles his way from the streets of the urban jungle to the very literal jungles of South America.
As a matter of personal opinion, I did not enjoy this film as much as "Pray for Death." Maybe the "Miami Vice" type of outfits was a bit of a turn off. However, it is not due to lack of action as this film features a number of fight sequences and exciting moments. Sho Kosugi is once again a mostly one man wrecking ball barreling his way through the bad guys. Okay, not quite like that since he uses a great deal of finesse and tactics, but you get the point. It's hardly fair for the villainous henchmen when they have to face Shrio (Kosugi). He is not invincible though as you will see in the film. Although often times his greatest weakness is those he cares about.
Yes some of the acting is not particularly good in the film and there are also some silly fight scenes where Shiro is seemingly able to hit any target with a throwing star but for me, that makes some fight scenes more entertaining.
AUDIO - [ 4 / 5 ]:
The Blu-ray comes with one audio option being an English LPCM 2.0 track. English SDH subtitles are also included. Overall the audio sounded very good. There was only one instance where it sounded a little tinny for a couple seconds. Other than that I thought the audio was well balanced and maintained good, even levels throughout the film.
VIDEO - [ 3.5 / 5 ]:
"Rage of Honor" comes to U.S. Blu-ray thanks to Arrow Video via MVD Entertainment Group. The film is presented in 1080p with a 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio. I thought the video quality was above average for the most part and in brighter scenes it looked very good but it did not fare as well in darker scenes. So it's a bit of a mixed bag in regards to the picture. Colors generally looked bold and vibrant. Skin tones looked fine. As can be expected, in brighter scenes there is a pleasing amount of detail present. In the darker scenes there can be a serious lack of detail. I do feel that the good outweighs the bad though. You can judge for yourself via the included screen captures. There are white specks that sparingly appear during the film as well as the occasional scratch.
Appearing a couple times including around 1:22:45 is a short bluish-purple vertical line which you can see in the screen capture directly below. You can click on the picture for a larger version.
SPECIAL FEATURES - [ 2 / 5 ]:
Sho and Tell Part 2 (17:48) - Sho Kogushi talks about his career from "Rage of Honor" onward in this interview recorded October 2015 in Japan. Mr. Kosugi speaks on a variety of subjects including his family, turning down work in films, a book he's writing, and martial arts.
Stelvio Cipriani Interview (2:47) - Composer Stelvio Cipriani talks about meeting director Gordon Hessler as well as some of the films he previously worked on.
American Ninjas (7:34) - Writer Chris Poggiali talks about the rise in popularity of the Ninja film in the U.S. during the 80's. Mr. Poggiali speaks about films, tv shows, books and even toys which helped the ninja films become more popular. He talks about how after the death of Bruce Lee, people were on the lookout for the next martial arts movie star.
Sho Kosugi Trailer Gallery:
- Enter the Ninja (2:53)
- Revenge of the Ninja (1:41)
- Pray for Death (2:11)
- Rage of Honor (1:35)
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Matthew Griffin.
IN CONCLUSION:
Above average audio and video, the Blu-ray from Arrow Video also includes a few extras. If you own other Sho Kosugi films on Blu-ray you'll probably want to add this to your collection as well. Unless a new master of the film is created, this will most likely be the best that this film will look.
OVERALL RATING - [ 3 / 5 ]
