The chopstick toting police officer makes his HD debut!
Released by: Troma Entertainment
Release Date: November 10, 2015
Production Year: 1990
Region Code: A
Running Time: 1:45:04
Audio: English Dolby Digital 2.0
Video: 1080p (1.78:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: None
THE FILM - [ 3 / 5 ]:
Meet NYPD Sgt. Harry Griswold (Rick Gianasi), a streetwise cop who becomes possessed with the spirit of a great Kabuki master, transforming him into the worlds most unusual super-human hero. Using a new arsenal including fatal sushi heat-seeking chopsticks and pyro projectile parasols, Sgt. Kabukiman must save the day!
In a surprise turn of events, New York police officer becomes the recipient of the power to become a super hero. Harry Griswold is not very accepting of his new appearance at first and when he is unable to transform into Sgt. Kabukiman but becomes something less desirable and beneficial, he seeks the help of the beautiful Lotus (Susan Byun). Through hard work and perseverance or as Lotus calls it, fear and pain, Harry is able to harness the power and become Sgt. Kabukiman. The two grow close which as you may expect, is used against Mr. Griswold later on in the film.
In typical Troma fashion the acting is a bit over the top and hammy at times but it fits quite well considering the subject matter of the film. The film also features some cheap effects but also some good looking practical effects. The film was aided by a partnership with Namco who came on the help produce the film. Lloyd Kaufman talks more in depth about that in the commentary that is included. There are a number of nice shots of features of New York in the film including the Statue of Liberty appearing in the background during a transformation scene and also a nice aerial view (Troma purchased) of the Empire State Building.
"Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D." features a number of funny gag scenes, some of which involve Sgt. Kabukiman's assortment of specialty weapons like chopsticks, fans or even turning criminals in to a giant sushi roll. The film also includes a few nude scenes which is sure to please some viewers. While a little light on gore effects there are quite a few comically, violent scenes.
AUDIO - [ 2 / 5 ]:
The sole audio option on the Blu-ray is an English Dolby Digital 2.0 track. Generally speaking, the audio is serviceable. However there is a bit of a hiss present depending on the dialogue and words that end in an "s" sound. A fair amount of the scenes involving Lotus speaking, include some hissing. Otherwise the audio isn't too bad, with the dialogue, sound effects and score easy to hear and/or understand. The sound levels were consistent and well balanced. I did not notice any other audio issues other than the hissing.
VIDEO - [ 3 / 5 ]:
"Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D." sushi rolls its way on to Blu-ray courtesy of Troma Entertainment. The film is presented in 1080p with a 1.78 Aspect Ratio. I was pleasantly surprised by the video quality of this Blu-ray. At times the quality does fluctuate and the image looks a bit on the soft side here and there but I suspect the majority of that has to do with how the film was shot. For the most part the picture has a fair amount of sharpness and detail present. During the first fifteen minutes or so of the film you will notice an unruly hair at the bottom of the screen that pops up on occasion. There are some white specks that also appear sporadically throughout but they are few and caused no distraction. Colors look strong on this release with primaries looking very nice. Skin tones appear natural in color as well. Black levels looked fairly look also. Grain levels are fine and I never really found them to be overly heavy even in darker scenes.
SPECIAL FEATURES - [ 3 / 5 ]:
Lloyd Kaufman Intro (6:27) - When the Blu-ray is inserted, an introduction by Lloyd Kaufman plays automatically. Lloyd introduces the film and its Blu-ray premiere. A short segment called "Behind the Chopsticks", a take on the "Behind the Music" show from VH1, plays and features Sgt. Kabukiman talking about his career highs and lows.
Audio Commentary - Mr. Troma himself Lloyd Kaufman appears on this commentary track. Mr. Kaufman provides a wealth of information from tidbits on members of the cast and crew to personal stories from the set including a scary story involving the lion and Toyota the monkey. As silly as Lloyd is in his comedy skits that appear on the various Troma projects, he provides a great, honest commentary for this release. Fans of Sgt. Kabukiman and/or Troma should definitely listen to this track.
Interview with Rick Gianasi (6:45) - This interview takes places at the Megacon convention in Orlando Florida. Lloyd Kaufman interviews Rick Gianasi and asks questions from the fans about his role in the film and what he is doing now.
Kabukiman's Karaoke (2:35) - A room of fans singing the Sgt. Kabukiman theme song.
Kabukiman's Cocktail Corner (12:08) - Sgt. Kabukiman is joined by Brian Quinn of TV's Impractical Jokers and Lloyd Kaufman. They all perform a brief scene from a film that Brian Quinn had once pitched to Troma.
Stupid Moments in Troma History (2:50) - A look back at the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and a tape that shows Sgt. Kabukiman at the scene as it purports to implicate him in the crime with a single chopstick theory.
Sgt. Kabukiman Original Trailer (3:35)
Tromadance 2015 Highlights (5:20) - Includes brief clips of interviews with attendees and film makers.
IN CONCLUSION:
A nice package by Troma Entertainment. It is a shame that the audio was not cleaned up a bit as it would have really improved the audio of this release. Otherwise the Blu-ray looks nice and features several extras including a really great commentary track with Lloyd Kaufman. If cheesy fun films are your thing then you are in luck as I would recommend giving this one a chance. If you prefer your super hero films more straight laced or dark and brooding, you may want to look elsewhere.
OVERALL RATING: [ 3 / 5 ]
