The Saga of Goro Comes to High Definition in Arrow Video's
Outlaw: Gangster VIP Limited Edition Blu-ray & DVD Collection
Released by: Arrow Video
Release Date: April 18, 2016 (UK) / April 19, 2016 (US)
Production Year: 1968 - 1969
Region Code: ALL
Running Time: See individual title below
Audio: Japanese LPCM Mono
Video: 1080p (2.35:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: English
*NOTE: All screen caps were taken from the first film in the series
THE FILMS - [ 3 / 5 ]:
In 1968, acclaimed director Toshio Masuda (Rusty Knife, Tora! Tora! Tora!) and rising star Tetsuya Watari (Tokyo Drifter) teamed up for Outlaw: Gangster VIP, a gritty yakuza yarn based on the writings of real life ex-gangster Goro Fujita.
The series offers up a depiction of the Japanese underworld that was unprecedented in its realism and its sympathetic portrayal of its protagonist as a man haunted by his past, unable to escape a life of crime. The success of the initial instalment spawned five sequels, continuing the story of the lone wolf “Slasher” Goro and his quest for redemption.
The films presented a new kind of realism and violence that would prefigure Kinji Fukasaku’s Battles Without Honor and Humanity series, with their winning combination of brutal violence, gang warfare and sweeping romance, these films make for a unique and unforgettable viewing experience.
The set includes six films in the Outlaw series released for the first time in the west: "Gangster VIP," "Gangster VIP 2," "Heartless," "Goro the Assassin," "Black Dagger," and "Kill!"
Plot details for the films were taken from the Nikkatsu website which you can visit for some additional information. Also be sure to visit the MVD Entertainment Group website, who handles Arrow Video's U.S. distribution.
Outlaw: Gangster VIP (1:33:26):
Goro (Tetsuya Watari) had grown up in the yakuza world. As an active member of the Mizuhara family crime syndicate, he expressed his loyalty by always putting himself in the forefront of every battle. Violence never bothered him. However, after being sentenced to three years in prison for stabbing a rival gang’s hit man, he becomes disenchanted with the Yakuza life style. Goro is determined to start anew, but karma catches up. His two closest friends are murdered by his ex-boss. He is left with two options: to kill or be killed.
Gangster VIP 2 (1:37:17):
Goro (Tetsuya Watari) wants to put his dark past behind. He heads to Hirosaki City to offer his condolences to Yumeko and to reunite with Yukiko (Chieko Matsubara), but finds that Yumeko is fatally ill. Although Yukiko was taking care of her, she is pressed for money. Goro wants to help and knows that there is only one way to come up with fast money.
Heartless (1:31:44):
Goro Fujikawa (Tetsuya Watari) was indebted to Mitsugimoto. Sawada, a low rank yakuza with a gambling problem, owed Mitsugimoto three million yen. This equation can only lead to one answer. Mitsugimoto needs to pay and Goro's coming to collect.
Goro the Assassin (1:27:11):
On a cold winter day, Goro Fujikawa (Tetsuya Watari) and Masahiko murder the mob boss of Meishin-Kai. The deed costs them time in prison, but Goro had no shred of regret. When Goro is released 2 years later, Masahiko is dying in prison hospital and entrusts his last wish; "find my sister and take care of her." Goro leaves as a free man with a mission, but soon finds that he might have been better off in jail.
Black Dagger (1:26:19):
A street war breaks loose between two rival gangs in the Kansai region of Japan. Goro (Tetsuya Watari) is in the middle of action. Through a knife fight against Sueo, a high profile gangster from Busou-kai, Goro notices a familiar face approaching him from amidst the chaos - his girlfriend, Yuri (Chieko Matsubara). Goro had sent her to safety, but she had returned, aching to see him. Caught between Goro and his enemy knife, she reunites with her love - the price was her life.
Kill! (1:25:57):
Goro (Tetsuya Watari) has always been a lone wolf. When he arrives at an industrial city in Keihin, there is certain restlessness in the air. The Iriezaki family and the Kanto Touyu-kai were in the midst of a territorial dispute. Goro was quick to notice, but had no intent to take sides. At a department store nearby, he sees an elevator lady being harassed by a couple of hoodlums. Goro decides to intervene. Unbeknownst to him, the hoodlums are Touyu-kai members – and the girl has strong ties with the opposing family.
AUDIO - [ 4 / 5 ]:
All of the films in the Outlaw series feature a Japanese LPCM Mono audio track with newly translated optional English subtitles. The audio sounded very good with perhaps the first film sounding the weakest of the six films. There were no noticeable issues with the sound on any of the films.
VIDEO - [ 4 / 5 ]:
The six films come to Blu-ray, thanks to Arrow Video, in a really nice limited edition set with transfers taken from original film elements by Nikkatsu Corporation. The films are presented in 1080p with a 2:35:1 Aspect Ratio. Overall the films look very good. The first film looks the "worst" in terms of having more visible print damage in the form of white specks than the others in the series. But rest assured it is not heavily damaged. I just wanted to note that the rest of the films look even better. Colors are strong throughout with skin tones also having a pleasant and natural appearance. Film grain is generally fairly light.
SPECIAL FEATURES - [ 2.5 / 5 ]:
Limited Edition Box Set (3000 copies) containing all six films in the Outlaw series, available with English subtitles for the first time on any home video format.
Exclusive gatefold packaging featuring brand new artwork by Tonci Zonjic
Booklet featuring an interview with director Toshio Masuda by Mark Schilling, plus new writing by Schilling, Chris D and Kevin Gilvear
Audio commentary on "Outlaw: Gangster VIP" by Jasper Sharp (Disc One) - Mr. Sharp provides an immense amount of information in his commentary track. From details on members from the cast and crew to the history of the Nikkatsu Corporation, prepare for more information than you could possibly remember in several sittings.
An Outlaw's Odyssey - Visual essay covering the entire series by Kevin Gilvear (37:57) - As the spoiler warning states, you may want to watch this after you have seen all six films. A nice rundown of key plot points from the film series.
Gangster VIP Trailer (3:09)
Gangster VIP Gallery
Gangster VIP 2 Trailer (2:35)
Gangster VIP 2 Gallery
Heartless Trailer (2:35)
Heartless Gallery
Goro the Assassin Trailer (2:57)
Goro the Assassin Gallery
Black Dagger Trailer (2:59)
Black Dagger Gallery
Kill! Trailer (3:15)
Kill! Gallery
OVERALL RATING - [ 3.5 / 5 ]
Audio commentary on "Outlaw: Gangster VIP" by Jasper Sharp (Disc One) - Mr. Sharp provides an immense amount of information in his commentary track. From details on members from the cast and crew to the history of the Nikkatsu Corporation, prepare for more information than you could possibly remember in several sittings.
An Outlaw's Odyssey - Visual essay covering the entire series by Kevin Gilvear (37:57) - As the spoiler warning states, you may want to watch this after you have seen all six films. A nice rundown of key plot points from the film series.
Gangster VIP Trailer (3:09)
Gangster VIP Gallery
Gangster VIP 2 Trailer (2:35)
Gangster VIP 2 Gallery
Heartless Trailer (2:35)
Heartless Gallery
Goro the Assassin Trailer (2:57)
Goro the Assassin Gallery
Black Dagger Trailer (2:59)
Black Dagger Gallery
Kill! Trailer (3:15)
Kill! Gallery
OVERALL RATING - [ 3.5 / 5 ]
