Arrow Video Releases a Trio of Genre Films from Nikkatsu
Released by: Arrow Video
Release Date: January 25, 2016 (UK) / January 26, 2016 (USA)
Production Year: 1958-1959
Region Code: ALL
Running Time: 1:31:45 / 1:38:50 / 1:17:24
Audio: Japanese LPCM Mono
Video: 1080p (2.35:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: English
THE FILMS:
"Voice Without a Shadow" - An old hand at tough guy action roles, Hideaki Nitani ("Tokyo Drifter," "Massacre Gun") stars in Suzuki’s "Voice Without a Shadow." The film opens with Asako Takahashi, a telephone operator, accidentally hearing the voice of a murder suspect. Unfortunately the culprit is not apprehended despite Miss Takahashi listening to numerous voices in a police line-up style situation. The story then jumps ahead three years later where we find that the voice of the killer still haunts her when her husband tasks her with calling his boss Mr. Hamazaki, to invite him over for mahjong and dinner and she believes his voice to be that of the killer. Asako tells her husband about her suspicion and soon after her husband comes home bloody and beaten, telling his wife that he cut ties with Mr. Hamazaki and the two ended up getting in to a fight. Before Asako is able to further look in to the possibility of Mr. Hamazaki being the murderer she heard years ago, he is found dead and her husband becomes the prime suspect. (Running Time: 1:31:45) - RATING: 3.5 / 5
"The Rambling Guitarist" - Akira Koabyashi (Battles Without Honour and Humanity) stars as wandering street musician Shinji, who ends up with the wrong crowd, more specifically with mob boss Akitsu after he saves one of his henchmen in a bar fight. Tasked by Akitsu with evicting an offshore fishery, Shinji finds himself in the middle of a very sticky situation when he ends up falling for a girl who turns out to be the daughter of Akitsu, who does not approve of them seeing each other. Also throw in a guy who questions Shinji's loyalties and intentions and you have a young man in a real tough spot. Near the climax of the film there are some rather unconvincing fight scenes which isn't exactly uncommon for somewhat older films so some forgiveness may be necessary for some viewers. Films today place more importance on such scenes and they are typically highly choreographed. The final film was a nice change of pace with its shorter length. It felt like a tighter film and it moved along much brisker than "Red Pier." (Running Time: 1:17:24) - RATING: 3 / 5
AUDIO - [ 3.5 / 5 ]:
"Nikkatsu Diamond Guys Volume 1" features Japanese LPCM Mono audio for all three films. Optional English subtitles are also available. The quality of the audio is consistent for all of the films. I thought the audio was fine overall despite it sounding a bit flat and maybe a little muffled on occasion. I do not know the quality of the source so this could very well be the best that these films can sound at this time without over-processing. The films feature some very good music and songs and they sound quite nice on this Blu-ray. In "The Rambling Guitarist," the music playing in the club sounds lively. The audio may not wow anyone when compared to other releases, but it should not disappoint either.
VIDEO - [ 3.5 / 5 ]:
"Nikkatsu Diamond Guys Volume 1" arrives on Blu-ray thanks to Arrow Video. All three films are presented in 1080p. "Voice Without a Shadow" and "Red Pier" are black and white while "The Rambling Guitarist" is in color. The video maintains a consistent level of quality throughout the three films much like the audio. I did not find any particular film appearing of higher quality than another. Considering there are three films on one Blu-ray disc as well as the age of the films, the video quality is quite good and should be pleasing to fans of this genre. Arrow Video should at the least, be commended on bringing these films to a new audience which if you are like me, had never heard of any of these films until now. All of the films feature a nice layer of grain and fair amount of detail. The colors in "The Rambling Guitarist" were strong and skin tones were pleasing. The films did have some damage with white specks being noticeable throughout, although I did not find it to occur at a rate where it was distracting by any means.
SPECIAL FEATURES - [ 2 / 5 ]:
Introduction to the Diamond Guys - Film critic and author Jasper Sharp takes a look at the careers of "Diamond Guys" Yujiro Ishihara (Running Time: 15:24) and Hideaki Nitani (Running Time: 10:21). Each interview is able to be played individually as well as the play all option. As someone who prior to watching this Blu-ray was unfamiliar with either actor, I found this extra both interesting and informative.
Trailers (in Japanese with optional English subtitles):
- Voices With a Shadow (3:08)
- Red Pier (3:22)
- The Rambling Guitarist (3:18)
- Volume 2 Preview Trailers (11:46)
Photo Galleries
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Graham Humphreys
Booklet featuring new essays on all three films and director profiles by Stuart Galbraith, Tom Mes and Mark Schilling
This Limited Edition Combo Pack also includes a DVD
IN CONCLUSION:
Volume 1 of "Diamond Guys" features three films that should offer a few hours of entertainment. While light on extras, there are three films, so it's understandable and should keep viewers busy. Also be sure to take a look at the preview trailer for volume 2 that is included. The Arrow Video Blu-ray sports nice audio and video quality. If you like these sort of films, you should be happy with your purchase of this nice limited edition set.
OVERALL RATING: [ 4 / 5 ] - Due to the inclusion of three films in this set.