School in the Crosshairs Blu-ray Releases October 14 from Cult Epics
Cult Epics presents Nobuhiko Obayashi’s 1981 psychotronic fantasy with a new 2K restoration and exclusive extras
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School in the Crosshairs (1981) from director Nobuhiko Obayashi, known for House (1977) and His Motorbike, Her Island (1986), arrives on Blu-ray via Cult Epics on October 14. Featuring lead Hiroko Yakushimaru prior to her breakthrough in Sailor Suit and Machine Gun, this film blends special effects and blue-screen techniques to depict a surreal alien invasion at a Japanese school.
The film follows schoolgirl Yuka (Yakushimaru) who discovers latent psychic powers, stopping an accident and sensing a takeover by mind-controlled, fascist students enforcing re-education. This psychotronic narrative combines extraterrestrial threats with themes of free will, showcasing Obayashi's distinctive style.
School in the Crosshairs (1981) from director Nobuhiko Obayashi, known for House (1977) and His Motorbike, Her Island (1986), arrives on Blu-ray via Cult Epics on October 14. Featuring lead Hiroko Yakushimaru prior to her breakthrough in Sailor Suit and Machine Gun, this film blends special effects and blue-screen techniques to depict a surreal alien invasion at a Japanese school.
The film follows schoolgirl Yuka (Yakushimaru) who discovers latent psychic powers, stopping an accident and sensing a takeover by mind-controlled, fascist students enforcing re-education. This psychotronic narrative combines extraterrestrial threats with themes of free will, showcasing Obayashi's distinctive style.
Cult Epics’ release includes a 2K restoration of the film presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The Japanese-language track features LPCM 2.0 stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1 surround, and DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround audio options, supported by new improved English subtitles.
The special features add depth for enthusiasts, including an audio commentary by film critic Max Robinson, a visual essay titled Sailor Suits and Sound by Phillip Jeffries, and an Obayashi film poster gallery. Theatrical trailers and reversible sleeve art — including original Japanese poster art — enrich the presentation. The first pressing offers a 24-page reproduction Japanese booklet. Additionally, the limited edition of 500 copies includes exclusive reversible slipcase art by Sam Smith and a Japanese theatrical poster postcard available through Cult Epics’ website.
Release Contents:
- 2K Transfer & Restoration: High-definition restoration of the 1981 film
- Audio Commentary by Max Robinson: Expert film critic insights
- Sailor Suits and Sound: Visual essay by Phillip Jeffries
- Obayashi Film Poster Gallery: Collection of promotional posters
- Theatrical Trailers: Original trailers for the film
- New Improved English Subtitles: Enhanced subtitle accuracy
- Slipcase Art by Sam Smith: Exclusive reversible cover design
- Reversible Sleeve: Original Japanese poster art included
- First Pressing Booklet: 24-page Japanese reproduction booklet
- Web Exclusive Art and Postcard: Limited edition exclusives
Release Date: October 14, 2025
Cult Epics’ release includes a 2K restoration of the film presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The Japanese-language track features LPCM 2.0 stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1 surround, and DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround audio options, supported by new improved English subtitles.
The special features add depth for enthusiasts, including an audio commentary by film critic Max Robinson, a visual essay titled Sailor Suits and Sound by Phillip Jeffries, and an Obayashi film poster gallery. Theatrical trailers and reversible sleeve art — including original Japanese poster art — enrich the presentation. The first pressing offers a 24-page reproduction Japanese booklet. Additionally, the limited edition of 500 copies includes exclusive reversible slipcase art by Sam Smith and a Japanese theatrical poster postcard available through Cult Epics’ website.
Release Contents:
- 2K Transfer & Restoration: High-definition restoration of the 1981 film
- Audio Commentary by Max Robinson: Expert film critic insights
- Sailor Suits and Sound: Visual essay by Phillip Jeffries
- Obayashi Film Poster Gallery: Collection of promotional posters
- Theatrical Trailers: Original trailers for the film
- New Improved English Subtitles: Enhanced subtitle accuracy
- Slipcase Art by Sam Smith: Exclusive reversible cover design
- Reversible Sleeve: Original Japanese poster art included
- First Pressing Booklet: 24-page Japanese reproduction booklet
- Web Exclusive Art and Postcard: Limited edition exclusives
Release Date: October 14, 2025
Source: Blu-ray.com