Inferno of Torture Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video’s Blu-ray presentation of "Inferno of Torture" delivers a commendable viewing experience, using an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the film's original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The source elements restored by Toei, with additional remastering by R3Store Studios in London, ensure that signs of age-related wear and tear are minimal. However, some brief distractions such as flecks or gate hairs may be noticed by keen-eyed viewers. The film generally maintains solid densities and saturation, although the palette occasionally skews a bit towards yellow, affecting reds by making them appear slightly orangeish. Grain reproduction is adequately resolved with generally good fine detail especially evident in close-ups, though some optical effects and isolated scenes appear softer than others.

The overall video quality can be described as workman-like yet solid, with minimal print damage and pleasing clarity. Despite the palette tending towards red with occasional weaker color saturation, black levels are better than anticipated, a significant consideration for older Japanese productions, notably standing well through the critical climactic scenes. High-bitrate AVC encoding on a BD-50 ensures stability and fidelity throughout the film's uncut 94-minute runtime, thanks to Arrow Video's expert compression work. With satisfactory grain reproduction and natural hues under both interior and exterior lighting conditions, this release stands out as one of the more refined outputs from Toei facilitated by Arrow Video.

The audio presentation of "Inferno of Torture" on Blu-ray is anchored by a functional LPCM 2.0 mono track in the original Japanese, complemented by optional English subtitles. Given the film’s dialogue-heavy nature, the mono track sufficiently supports the narrative, presenting conversations with clear intelligibility. While not showcasing an expansive sonic depth, the track does manage to deliver essential elements, such as sound effects and underscored moments, without notable technical issues. The narrative’s intense screams of anguish and sporadic musical underscores are effectively conveyed within the limitations of a mono mix.

From a technical perspective, the 2.0 PCM mono mix demonstrates satisfactory fidelity, adhering to the film's original audio design. However, it is worth noting that some listeners might detect minor congestion and harshness in the treble frequencies. These issues do not significantly detract from the overall experience but are present. The soundtrack’s dissonant score provides brief instances of more dynamic range and bass, adding a touch of depth to an otherwise straightforward audio setup. Optional English subtitles are well-integrated, appearing in a clear white font within the movie’s 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio.

Arrow Video’s Blu-ray release of "Inferno of Torture" offers an immersive array of extras catering to enthusiasts of Japanese cinema and exploitation films. The standout feature is the audio commentary by Tom Mes, who provides an in-depth analysis of Teruo Ishii’s contributions and artistic vision. Complementing this is “Erotic Grotesque Nonsense & the Foundations of Japan's Counterculture,” a condensed yet informative lecture by Jasper Sharp, originally presented at the Miskatonic Institute of Horror, that delves into the ero-guro movement and its historical context. The disc also includes a well-curated booklet featuring cast and crew information, an essay by Chris D., and a complete Ishii filmography. A reversible sleeve showcases artwork by Jacob Phillips, enhancing the collector’s appeal. Overall, these extras provide a comprehensive understanding of the film's cultural significance.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Tom Mes: In-depth analysis by Japanese cinema expert Tom Mes.
• Erotic Grotesque Nonsense & the Foundations of Japan's Counterculture: Condensed lecture by Jasper Sharp on the ero-guro movement.
• Trailer: Original promotional trailer.
• Collector’s Booklet: Cast and crew information, an essay by Chris D., and Teruo Ishii filmography.
• Reversible Sleeve: Features original and new artwork by Jacob Phillips.

"Inferno of Torture," directed by the legendary Teruo Ishii, stands as a hallmark of Japanese exploitation cinema, debuting in 1969. The film presents a tumultuous narrative centered on Yumi (Yumika Katayama), a woman compelled into geisha servitude due to an unpaid debt. What she does not anticipate is being thrust into a brothel catering to foreign dignitaries and wealthy patrons enthralled by elaborately tattooed women. Yumi’s fate intertwines with two rival tattoo artists, Horihide (Teruo Yoshida) and Horitatsu (Asao Koike), each vying for prestige by carving intricate designs onto her body, with the madam Otatsu (Mieko Fujimoto) overseeing the sadistic proceedings with torturous zeal.

The film opens with brutal prologues—a stark display of crucifixion and beheadings—that, while disjointed and contextually standalone, set the tone for the relentless brutality that follows. Ishii’s direction embodies a fever dream quality, mixing Edo-period aesthetics with vivid, often disturbing, imagery. Viewers will notice how the narrative unfolds episodically, placing Yumi in a perpetual state of vulnerability and terror. The brothel intrigues that accompany Horihide and Horitatsu's professional rivalry further elevate the tension, with added elements of star-crossed love and unforeseen violence.

While "Inferno of Torture" could be dismissed as mere torture porn, Ishii’s craftsmanship elevates it to a visually arresting psycho-thriller. His exceptional direction and stylistic prowess shine through, particularly in the climactic scenes where artistry triumphs over the sheer horror. Elements such as bound naked women subjected to brutal torments will likely provoke strong reactions; nevertheless, the film transcends basic exploitation by weaving a complex narrative that underscores obsessive artistry and masochistic desire. Ishii’s bold thematic explorations and impeccable screenwriting make "Inferno of Torture" not just a provocative exercise in shock but a testament to his profound talents as a filmmaker.

"Inferno of Torture" on Blu-ray delivers a visually striking journey into the depths of erotic violence, showcasing Teruo Ishii's distinctive directorial style. The film's narrative revolves around the bizarre and captivating tale of dueling tattoo artists during Japan's Edo period. Ishii's talent for creating provocative and hallucinatory scenes shines through, making "Inferno of Torture" a standout in the genre despite its occasionally silly undertones.

The Blu-ray transfer presents solid technical merits with strong image clarity, which enhances the surreal and often grotesque imagery that Ishii employs. The auditory experience complements the visual aspects well, immersing viewers in the film’s unsettling atmosphere. Supplementary materials, while not extensive, offer valuable insights into the film’s production and thematic depth, making them a worthwhile addition for aficionados and newcomers to Japanese exploitation cinema alike.

If you've seen some of Ishii's other Joys of Torture outings, you'll be more prepared for some of the carnage than newcomers, but I have to say I think this film could have been quite enticing, and arguably more enticing, without any of the bodily harm interludes, since its bizarre tale of dueling tattoo artists in an already dissolute Edo period is fascinating on its face (and/or back, as the case may be). There's quite a bit in this film which frankly didn't make total sense to me (to cite just one of several examples, who is the boy/young man seen lying on the floor next to Yumi when she's about to be forced to join the brothel?), but Ishii once again crafts an almost hallucinatory offering that is provocative if occasionally a little on the silly side (my favorite scene in that regard is the kind of almost pirate fight between topless tattooed women on a boat). Technical merits are generally solid and the supplementary package, while not huge, very interesting, for those considering a purchase.