Blade of the Immortal Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's Blu-ray presentation of "Blade of the Immortal" delivers a superior 1080p/AVC-encoded high-definition video transfer, encapsulated within the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.39:1 widescreen. The film commences with an outstanding black and white extended sequence that showcases director Takashi Miike's stylistic prowess. This noir-inspired opening is visually rich and impressive, setting an elevated benchmark for the rest of the film's presentation.

The transfer excels in detail, providing fantastic textures that accentuate the period settings, from lush landscapes to intricate costume designs. The color footage seamlessly transitions to vibrant tones, vividly capturing the period environment with lush greens and rich wood browns. Despite minor shortcomings in CGI effects, the authenticity of blood reds and deep, rich black levels enhance the overall image quality, marred only slightly by hints of banding during shadow details.

Cinematographer Nobuyasu Kita's work is particularly noteworthy, utilizing various Alexa products to create a unique visual style with slightly desaturated colors that effectively evoke the historical period. Certain sequences are graded towards yellow, which contributes to the period-specific aesthetic while allowing specific colors, such as Rin’s crimson-purple kimono, to stand out beautifully. Despite occasional minor deficiencies in shadow definition in dimly lit scenes, the transfer remains free from compression artifacts, maintaining high levels of detail that can be both gruesome and strikingly beautiful. Arrow Video's meticulous preparation and delivery ensure "Blade of the Immortal" is a visual tour de force on Blu-ray.

Arrow’s UK Blu-ray release of "Blade of the Immortal" boasts a stellar DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track in the original Japanese language, eschewing the US release’s unnecessary English dub. Dialogue is impeccably prioritized within the frontal array, maintaining clarity and precision throughout. The effects, on the other hand, provide a visceral experience, meticulously capturing the film's frequent and intense violence. Surround channels are utilized to their full potential, immersing the listener in the chaotic melee of battle scenes, where slashing and chopping effects authentically fill the space.

The score by Koji Endo is another standout element, with robust drum tones that create a percussive heartbeat and vibrancy throughout the film. The music consistently enriches the soundscape, bathing side and rear channels in a beautifully rich audio texture. From quieter dialogue exchanges to boisterous fight scenes, the track effectively balances ambient environmental sounds and dynamic effects, creating an engaging auditory experience. This DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track delivers on all fronts, confirming its excellence in promoting every core audio component with remarkable fidelity and impact.

Arrow's UK Blu-ray release of "Blade of the Immortal" significantly enhances the extras available compared to Magnolia Pictures' US release. This edition is fronted by an insightful Audio Commentary by Tom Mes, an expert on Takashi Miike, detailing the film’s production with some notable gaps but enriched with substantial background information. The 25-minute director interview showcases Miike discussing the manga’s translation to film, shot at the London Film Festival. Also featured are two engaging behind-the-scenes featurettes, "Manji vs. 100" and "Manji vs. 300", exploring the film’s critical battle sequences. Extensive cast interviews provide comprehensive insights into the star-studded ensemble, capped off with a Stills Gallery and Theatrical Trailer.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Asian Film Expert Tom Mes: Background on Miike and production.
• Takashi Miike on Blade of the Immortal: Interview with director about the franchise and its adaptation.
• Manji vs. 100: Behind the scenes footage of the opening sequence.
• Manji vs. 300: Behind the scenes footage of the finale battle.
• Cast Interviews: In-depth interviews with main and supporting actors.
• Stills Gallery: Collection of still images from the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for the film.

Takashi Miike’s "Blade of the Immortal" adapts the first two story arcs of the popular Japanese manga with an extraordinary sense of style, blending traditional samurai elements with fantasy. The film opens with an arresting black-and-white sequence that sets an exceptional tone, offering stunningly choreographed sword-based action and a remarkably rich narrative. Miike crafts an experience reminiscent of a samurai version of "John Wick," replete with colorful characters and feverish energy.

Miike channels his inner Akira Kurosawa through his use of black-and-white cinematography and striking visual compositions that echo classic samurai cinema. The film introduces Manji, played by Takuya Kimura, a ronin pursued for slaughtering his master, whose sister Machi's trauma is intricately depicted. A witch-like figure, Yaobikuni, grants Manji immortality, entangling him in a cycle of atonement only to be resolved through taking down myriad adversaries.

Fifty years later, Manji’s path crosses with Rin Asano, a young orphan seeking vengeance for her father's murder. Together they embark on a revenge-filled journey marked by vignette-like skirmishes that reflect Miike's balanced approach to combining graphic violence with emotional depth. Rin and Manji's evolving relationship adds a contemplative layer beneath the relentless action. Despite occasional melodrama towards the end, "Blade of the Immortal" achieves an artful fusion of visceral action and poignant storytelling.

Blade of the Immortal, directed by Takashi Miike, is a visually striking and stylistically bold adaptation of the popular manga series. With Miike's distinct flair for bloody action, audiences are treated to both visceral one-on-one duels and sweeping battles that bring the comic book source material to life vibrantly. The film excels in choreographed combat sequences that are both memorable and frequent, showcasing Miike's signature blend of brutality and cinematic artistry. However, it’s worth noting that the level of violence may not satisfy all Miike fans who anticipate even more graphic content.

Arrow’s Region B-locked UK Blu-ray release of Blade of the Immortal is a technical triumph. The video and audio quality are exceptional, capturing the film’s stunning visuals and intricate soundscape with remarkable clarity and precision. Additionally, this Blu-ray edition—available in both standard Amaray and Steelbook formats—includes a robust selection of exclusive extra features, making it a valuable addition to any collection. The supplementary materials enrich the viewing experience, providing deeper insights into the film’s production and Miike's directorial approach.

In conclusion, whilst Miike's forte is clearly bloody action—evident in both the brutal one-on-one fight sequences and epic one-on-a-hundred battles—he also bends impressively to the vibrant world of the comic book source. Many modern productions could benefit from just one of Blade of the Immortal's memorable action sequences, and it has so many. Arrow has gone to great lengths to provide an edition with excellent technical merits and enjoyable supplements, ensuring that Blade of the Immortal comes highly recommended, particularly for fans of Miike’s distinct style and aficionados seeking a comprehensive home media edition.