The Machine Girl Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Machine Girl" by Tokyo Shock comes with a 1080p resolution and is encoded using the AVC codec in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, region-free. Unfortunately, this release demonstrates significant technical shortcomings that mar the viewing experience. The disc suffers from pervasive aliasing; a problem that excessively compromises image integrity. Dark objects against light backgrounds reveal severe jagged edges, and close-up shots fail to present fine details adequately due to pronounced sharpening. The palette's intentional washout coupled with low contrast results, in persistent noise and banding, severely undermining image quality. Despite being intended for high-definition presentation, the video demonstrates poor upscale characteristics typical of a subpar master.

Detailing throughout the disc appears consistently fuzzy, rendering outlines uncertain and shapes indistinct. This lack of detail extends to hair textures, which look wiry and unnatural. Color reproduction is seriously flawed, appearing so washed out that viewers might suspect issues with their display systems. Black levels are handled poorly, contributing nothing to depth or clarity. Further complications arise from frequent aliasing, combing, and motion artifacts, which distract and degrade the viewing experience. The video noise is omnipresent, significantly detracting from the overall image quality and resembling an upconverted 480i signal rather than true 1080p output.

In summary, the Blu-ray video quality of "The Machine Girl" exhibits major deficiencies that make it resemble a poorly mastered DVD rather than a high-definition Blu-ray release. Despite some exterior shots in bright light showing marginal improvement, the overall image quality remains abysmal, characterized by excessive noise, aliasing, and washed-out colors. Even in comparison to consumer-grade digital video at NTSC resolution, this disc falls short of basic video quality expectations for Blu-ray technology.

The Blu-ray audio presentation for "The Machine Girl" offers four audio choices: Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0/5.1 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0/5.1. Focusing on the original Japanese 5.1 surround sound option, the audio experience improves notably compared to the image quality, though it still has its flaws. The dialogue through the center speaker is naturalistic, well-realized, and stable without any level wavers or tinniness. However, the front soundstage is somewhat light and lacks dynamic range, which can make the transition from stereo to six channels seem less impactful. The LFE channel, unfortunately, is mostly absent, providing little to no low-frequency support.

Despite these limitations, the surround sound does a commendable job enhancing the action-packed sequences. Surround channels are used effectively for off-camera voices and environmental effects, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience. The directionality and discreet sounds are particularly notable, with effects smoothly transitioning from front to back, adding spatial depth. Takashi Nakagawa’s score, while functional and apt for the genre, isn’t particularly memorable but does enrich the background when required.

Overall, despite its origins in a flat stereo mix and limitations in the front soundstage dynamic range, the 5.1 surround track of "The Machine Girl" manages to create a decently immersive audio environment for action scenes. The rears keep a steady flow of score and background noises, helping to offset the weaker aspects and contributing positively to the overall viewing experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Machine Girl" provide an engaging and comprehensive look into the film's unique production. The "Making of Machine Girl" segment offers traditional behind-the-scenes insights with cast interviews and showcases the creation of distinctive special effects like the drill bra and tempura arm, albeit with limited depth. "Machine Girl Lite," a 22-minute short film by Noboru Iguchi, delivers an eccentric spin-off with low-fi kitsch and innovative new weaponry, pushing the film's surreal elements to their zenith. The collection is rounded out by the "Original Trailer" and "Additional Trailers," which include teasers for "Ichi the Killer" and "Versus." Note that some users have experienced a mastering error causing the menu cursor to disappear, requiring a disc reload.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making of Machine Girl: Behind-the-scenes footage and cast interviews.
• Machine Girl Lite: Alternate take with a new avenging character.
• Original Trailer: Designed for the English-speaking market.
• Additional Trailers: Includes trailers for "Ichi the Killer" and "Versus."

"The Machine Girl" is a film that unapologetically revels in the absurd and grotesque. Directed by Noboru Iguchi, it offers an unabashedly outrageous blend of gore and black humor, dismissing conventions of realism and even basic plot mechanics. The narrative simplicity—Ami Hyuga (Minase Yashiro) seeking revenge for her brother's murder—serves as a framework for extravagant set pieces that defy the rules of physics and biology. High school bullies, yakuza gang leaders, and brutal ninjas populate this world where gratuitous violence is both the medium and the message. This film is an exercise in pushing boundaries, providing a relentless barrage of inventive and increasingly elaborate methods for dismemberment and carnage.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation leaves much to be desired. Image quality suffers from severe aliasing, rendering the visuals a jagged, noisy mess akin to a low-quality broadcast signal. This dismal presentation undermines any attempts at achieving the clarity expected from a 1080p format. Sound fares slightly better, with the stereo design effectively upgraded to a 5.1 surround mix, enhancing certain scenes with convincing audio cues. However, these elements can't fully mitigate the technical shortcomings. Extras on the disc—including a couple of ancillary features—add value primarily for die-hard fans who relish every morsel of "Machine Girl" content.

In sum, "The Machine Girl" is an acquired taste. It demands viewers with a strong stomach and an appreciation for extreme, fantastical violence. Those looking past its shoddy technical execution might find it a captivating, if grotesque, spectacle. Its inherent joy in naughtiness and audacity harkens to a bygone era of schlock cinema, but with a modern twist that seeks to continuously outdo itself in shock value.

The Blu-Ray of "The Machine Girl" is a mixed bag. The film, directed by Noboru Iguchi, is an exemplar of over-the-top, cartoonish violence that attracts a niche audience. The garish and graphic stylizations are certainly not for everyone, but aficionados of extreme gore will find much to appreciate in its unrelenting pace and imaginative set pieces. Critics laud the movie's audacity and kinetic energy, which keeps it engaging from start to finish.

On the technical side, the picture quality fails to impress. Reviews consistently point out that the transfer is plagued by a lack of sharpness and inconsistent color grading. These deficiencies detract significantly from the cinematic experience, making it a challenge to fully appreciate the outrageous visuals Iguchi has crafted. Additionally, the audio mix is underwhelming, lacking the dynamic range one would expect from a modern Blu-ray release. Dialogue often sounds muffled, and action sequences do not deliver the impact they should.

Overall, while "The Machine Girl" delivers on its promise of outlandish and hyper-violent entertainment, this Blu-Ray edition leaves much to be desired. Avid collectors and fans of the genre may still find it worthwhile, but casual viewers might find it lacking in both visual and auditory fidelity.

Because Blu-ray.com has rules limiting what we can and can't show in screenshots, I have not posted images illustrating the full extent of Iguchi's style in "The Machine Girl," but trust me when I say that it's extremely gory and not for a moment the least bit credible. If that kind of cartoonish violence appeals to you, then this is your kind of movie. Unfortunately, the Blu-ray is of such atrocious quality that it is most definitely not recommended.