Ichi the Killer Blu-ray Review

Well Go USA’s restoration of "Ichi the Killer" on Blu-ray marks a significant improvement over the 2010 Tokyo Shock release, which was widely criticized for its subpar video quality. Presented in an AVC encoded 1080p transfer with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, this latest iteration underwent a 4K restoration from a 35mm inter-negative, courtesy of L'Imagine Ritrovata in Bologna, and features a director-approved color grade. While "Ichi the Killer" was never intended to be a visually pristine film given its gritty, low-budget origins and 16mm source, the new transfer offers a clarified, cleaner presentation devoid of the milky haze that marred its predecessor.

The technical restoration efforts are evident in the enhanced detail and improved clarity despite the inherent limitations of the original 16mm footage. This version exhibits a more robust and saturated palette, replacing the previously washed-out tones with deeper greys and darker shadows. Furthermore, although Well Go USA is known for occasional compression issues, particularly banding, these are minimal in this release. It’s notable that while film grain reduction has smoothed out the image more than some might prefer, there remains a balance in retaining sufficient detail. The occasional bout of digital noise reduction (DNR) is comparable to older Paramount and Universal catalog releases, but it’s a massive step forward from the smudgy mess that was the Tokyo Shock version.

Overall, this Blu-ray presents "Ichi the Killer" in the best home video quality to date. Though not groundbreaking by modern standards, and with certain aesthetic choices by director Takashi Miike preserved – such as sickly yellow and green tones – it strikes an appropriate compromise, making it an essential upgrade for dedicated fans and collectors alike.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track on this Blu-ray release of "Ichi the Killer" provides a robust listening experience despite its few shortcomings. Notably, the surround channels and LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) may feel somewhat restrained, contributing to an experience that could be perceived as less immersive to audiophiles who value dynamic range and spatial presence. Nevertheless, the discrete channel separation makes up for these limitations by offering clear audio layering, even during the film’s more tumultuous scenes. This ensures the dialogue remains clean and intelligible, which is crucial in a movie often swamped by an aggressive soundscape.

Additionally, while this release does not include the English language tracks found in some previous editions, it does maintain strong fidelity throughout the presentation. Despite moments where the audio may feel cacophonous—a feature it shares with films like "Natural Born Killers"—the overall balance between different sound elements is well-managed. This balance preserves the film's intense atmosphere while allowing critical audio components to stand out.

The Blu-ray release of "Ichi the Killer" by Well Go USA boasts a considerable improvement in video and audio quality compared to previous editions, primarily benefitting from a 4K restoration which elevates the film's gritty aesthetic. However, it retains a slightly over-filtered appearance with some loss of grain, with occasional banding noticed. The Japanese DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track delivers a front-heavy experience, with clear vocals but limited surround activity, and sporadic low-frequency effects. Despite these enhancements, the extras provided on this disc are rather sparse, lacking in comparison to earlier releases, such as the Tokyo Shock Blu-ray, which had more robust special features. This release primarily targets hardcore fans of Takashi Miike's visceral style.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Commentary with Director Takashi Miike & Manga Artist/Writer Hideo Yamamoto.
• Still Gallery: A collection of images from the production.
• Original Trailer: The original promotional trailer for the film.

"Ichi the Killer," directed by Takashi Miike, stands as a polarizing fixture in the realm of extreme Asian cinema. Released in 2001, the film is a visceral engagement with gore and violence, outstripping even Miike's subsequent works like "Blade of the Immortal." Not for the faint-hearted, the narrative unfolds amidst a violent power struggle within the Yakuza, led by Kakihara, an assassin on a bloody quest following his boss's disappearance. As Kakihara carves through rivals, his path crosses with Ichi, a trauma-driven pawn manipulated by Jijii. The ensuing carnage sees Miike's penchant for stylized brutality manifest in a spectacle that is both shocking and provocatively amusing in its hyperbolic execution.

The film juxtaposes surreal violence with deep thematic undercurrents, offering a cutting critique on media portrayals of violence. This duality—where viewers are both disgusted and compelled to analyze—is reminiscent of Oliver Stone's "Natural Born Killers." Miike's intention seems to be a satirical commentary on the relationship between cinematic violence and its consumption by modern audiences. Through exaggerated depictions of torture and brutality, Miike paints a grotesque yet pertinent conversation piece on the nature of violence and desensitization.

"Ichi the Killer" has earned its controversial reputation whilst amassing a cult following not merely due to its extreme content but also because of its faithful adaptation from its Manga roots. Unlike many graphic novel adaptations which suffer loss of fidelity during the transition to screen, Miike succeeds in preserving the Manga's essence, integrating its bizarre elements seamlessly into a cohesive narrative. This stylistic integrity further cements "Ichi the Killer" as an exemplar of innovative filmmaking, even as it remains divisive. With its new 4K restoration, the film has received improved visual fidelity, though some may miss the extensive supplements from earlier releases.

Well Go USA’s Blu-ray release of "Ichi the Killer" showcases significant improvements in both video and audio quality, making it a standout presentation from a technical perspective. The 1.85:1 aspect ratio and AVC encoding result in a largely sharp and vibrant image that enhances Takashi Miike’s stylistic direction. The Japanese DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track further elevates the film’s chaotic and frenetic atmosphere, immersing viewers in an enveloping auditory experience. Subtitles are clearly presented in English, aiding comprehension for non-Japanese speakers. However, despite these remarkable upgrades, the release falls short with respect to supplemental materials, missing the robust extras that accompanied the Tokyo Shock Blu-ray edition.

Die-hard fans of Miike will appreciate the film’s unrelenting intensity and grotesque aesthetic qualities, which are preserved and even amplified in this transfer. The cast, including Tadanobu Asano, Nao Ohmori, and Shin'ya Tsukamoto, delivers performances that underline the film’s pervasive sense of dread and chaos. The screenplay by Sakichi Sato, adapted from Hideo Yamamoto’s manga, remains true to its source material, reflecting a world steeped in extreme violence and dark humor. This release brings forth a pristine visual and auditory upgrade that does justice to the director’s vision. Nevertheless, collectors may find the absence of the extensive special features previously offered by Tokyo Shock disappointing.

"Ichi the Killer" indeed presents a complex proposition for potential buyers. While the superior video and audio quality provided by Well Go USA's edition make it highly appealing, the stripped-down special features may leave some purists yearning for the more comprehensive Tokyo Shock release. In conclusion, this Blu-ray is recommendable primarily for those already initiated into Miike's brutal cinematic world; newcomers might find its relentless gore off-putting. For the ardent fans, owning both editions may be the optimal strategy to achieve a holistic viewing experience.