Black Tight Killers Blu-ray Review
Ore ni sawaru to abunaize Limited - 3,000 copies
Score: 77
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
Black Tight Killers is a visual delight with engaging yet cartoonish performances, solid technical quality, and compelling extras including insightful commentary.
Disc Release Date
Video: 80
Radiance Films presents 'Black Tight Killers' on Blu-ray with a high-definition AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.35:1. Despite minimal technical details, the vibrant color palette shines, particularly the bright blues, yellows, and reds. There are minor issues with density and age-related wear, but overall, it's an engaging visual experience.
Audio: 83
Black Tight Killers' audio presentation boasts a lively DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono mix in Japanese, blending intermittent English, flamboyant sound design, and a delightful era-specific score by Naozumi Yamamoto. Dialogue clarity is excellent, with subtitles translating only the Japanese dialogue, enriching the viewing experience.
Extra: 64
The 'Black Tight Killers' Blu-ray extras feature insightful commentary by Jasper Sharp, a captivating archival interview with director Yasuharu Hasebe, and a compelling essay by Chris D., all complemented by a carefully curated packaging with reversible sleeve and rich visual materials.
Movie: 76
Black Tight Killers blends audacious visual style with outrageous elements like female ninjas and psychedelic mise en scène, using its almost disposable plot as a framework for visually stunning sequences; a treat for fans of genre-bending '60s cinema showcasing director Yasuharu Hasebe's flair.
Video: 80
The Blu-ray presentation of "Black Tight Killers," distributed by Radiance Films, features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The film was transferred in high definition by Nikkatsu Corporation and supplied as a high-definition digital file. Radiance Films conducted additional restoration work in 2023. Despite the sparse technical details typically provided by Radiance, the visual quality is predominantly impressive.
The presentation is particularly noteworthy for its vibrant color palette, effectively capturing the film's almost hallucinogenic hues. Bright blues, yellows, and reds are vividly reproduced, creating a visually striking experience. However, there are occasional inconsistencies in color temperature which result in some scenes adopting a slightly brownish tint. These variations are minor and do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the film. Detail levels are largely commendable, although the opening war sequence and credits—laden with optical effects and on-screen text—display some deficiencies.
Age-related wear is minimally present, with slight image instability noticeable during the Nikkatsu masthead and occasional nicks and white flecks throughout the film. Despite these issues, the organic resolution of grain enhances the film’s texture and authenticity, contributing to an enjoyable viewing experience.
Audio: 83
"Black Tight Killers" offers a lively DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono mix in its original Japanese, an unexpectedly delightful aspect given the film's age. An intriguing feature is the sporadic use of English dialogue interwoven throughout the narrative. The sound design injects a dynamic presence with its eccentric and exaggerated sound effects reminiscent of older martial arts cinemas. This approach enhances the entertainment factor, providing a nostalgic yet fresh audio experience.
The film's musical score, crafted by Naozumi Yamamoto, elegantly complements its audio landscape. The score merges seamlessly with the sound effects, exemplifying a period-specific yet thoroughly enjoyable quality that underscores the film's playful atmosphere. Dialogue delivery—both in Japanese and sporadic English—is consistently clear, maintaining intelligibility across a variety of scenes. It ensures that spoken words enhance rather than overshadow the immersive sound effects and music,
Optional English subtitles are provided for viewers, though these strictly translate only the Japanese dialogue. This selective translation necessitates attentiveness for audiences reliant on subtitles to ensure they capture the full breadth of verbal exchanges throughout the film. Overall, the audio presentation of "Black Tight Killers" harmonizes past and present elements, offering an engaging and technically proficient auditory experience that supports its visual narrative robustly.
Extras: 64
The Blu-ray extras for "Black Tight Killers" present a compelling set of insights and historical context that will appeal to fans and cinephiles alike. The audio commentary by Jasper Sharp stands out with its thorough analysis, offering a deep dive into the film's significance within its genre and era. Yasuharu Hasebe's archival interview is a valuable inclusion, providing firsthand perspectives from the director himself. The HD presentation of the original trailer adds nostalgic value, encapsulating the film’s initial presentation and marketing. Complementing these digital features, the disc is packaged with a well-crafted insert booklet by Chris D., enriched with an intriguing essay and an array of stills, cast, and crew information. The packaging is further enhanced by a reversible sleeve and Radiance's obi strip, combining visual appeal with informative content.
Extras included in this disc:
- Audio Commentary by Jasper Sharp: In-depth analysis by a renowned expert.
- Yasuharu Hasebe: Archival interview with the director from 2000.
- Trailer: Original promotional footage in HD.
Movie: 76
Yasuharu Hasebe's "Black Tight Killers" is a vibrant, audacious showcase of 1960s Japanese cinema, captured magnificently in this Blu Ray presentation. Even with its somewhat thin plot, the film dazzles with its unique visual style—colorful, surreal, and unabashedly playful. Hasebe's direction and Kazue Nagatsuka's cinematography create a vivid tapestry of peculiar presentations that accentuate the film’s experimental nature. Notably, the movie features striking aesthetics, such as female ninjas adorned in black tights and tops, engaging in bizarre tactics like firing gum bullets to temporarily blind adversaries. This eclectic mix of elements is underscored by diversified, vivid color schemes that shift unexpectedly, enhancing the surreal atmosphere.
The storyline follows Daisuke Honda, a war photographer embroiled in an unusual narrative sparked by a dramatic pre-credits wartime scene. His interactions with stewardess Yuriko Sawanouchi kickstart a series of chaotic events—gruesome deaths, ninja abductions, and an amateur investigation into Yuriko's disappearance. Each twist supports the rich visual play rather than demanding full narrative cohesion. Contributions from commentator Jasper Sharp highlight these strengths while not shying away from acknowledging the film's less convincing plot points.
In the broader context of 1960s Japanese cinema, this film stands out as a key example of cinematic audacity, capturing both domestic and international attention during retrospective festivals like "Outlaw Masters of Japanese Cinema." The enthusiasm at such screenings underscores the appreciation for Hasebe's bold fusion of stylistic elements that transcend its narrative shortcomings. This Blu Ray edition captures this dynamic energy, offering audiences a remarkable glimpse into Japan’s distinctive mid-century cinematic landscape.
Total: 77
"Black Tight Killers" stands as a vivid testament to the vibrant imagination inherent in 1960s Japanese cinema. The Blu-ray release encapsulates the film's stylistic brilliance, delivering an experience abundant in visual energy, which effectively balances its sometimes quirky narrative structure. The performances, while frequently leaning into a cartoonish realm, are engaging and contribute to the film's unique charm. This release preserves these attributes with solid technical execution, ensuring that both long-time fans and new viewers receive an authentic cinematic experience.
The Blu-ray supplements are a notable highlight. They feature an insightful new audio commentary by renowned Japanese film historian Jasper Sharp, enriched by his extensive knowledge and passion for the genre. Additionally, the archival interview with director Yasuharu Hasebe adds historical depth, complementing previously available content from the DVD version. Enthusiasts will also appreciate the dynamic trailer and the meticulously crafted 20-page booklet with an informative essay by Chris D., which offers thoughtful perspectives on the film’s cultural impact and artistic nuances.
In conclusion, "Black Tight Killers" is a stylistic tour de force whose visual appeal effectively counterbalances any narrative imperfections. The performances, while inherently exaggerated, are nonetheless captivating. The technical presentation and supplemental materials significantly enhance this Blu-ray edition, with Jasper Sharp’s commentary standing out as particularly insightful. For both cinephiles keen on expanding their collection and newcomers intrigued by Japanese cinema's bold legacy, this release is recommended without reservation.
Blu-ray.com review by Jeffrey KauffmanRead review here
Video: 80
Detail levels are also generally nice throughout, with a few exceptions like the opening war sequence and the credits which have a bunch of opticals courtesy of on screen text....
Audio: 80
The sound design is intermittently hyperbolic, filled with the same sort of goofy sound effects that often populate older martial arts films, here combined with a fun score by Naozumi Yamamoto, which is...
Extras: 50
Additionally, Radiance provides another nicely appointed insert booklet, this one with an interesting essay by Chris D., along with the typical assortment of stills and cast and crew information....
Movie: 70
As Jasper Sharp kind of alludes to, the plot is almost disposable here, since it simply provides a framework for any number of almost astounding scenes where director Yasuharu Hasebe and cinematographer...
Total: 70
Technical merits are generally solid and the supplements, especially the commentary by Jasper Sharp, very interesting....
The Digital Bits review by Stuart Galbraith IVRead review here
Video: 90
Audio: 95
Extras: 85
Movie: 90
Total: 90
Extras consist of an excellent new audio commentary track by Japanese film historian Jasper Sharp; an archival interview with director Hasebe (who died in 2009) that, I think, is repurposed from the earlier...
Director: Yasuharu Hasebe
Actors: Akira Kobayashi, Chieko Matsubara, Akemi Kita
PlotA dashing photographer, returning from an assignment in South America, finds himself entangled in a whirlwind of intrigue upon his arrival in Tokyo. While on the flight home, he meets a charming air hostess, and the two form a quick bond. After landing, he decides to spend some time with her, leading him into an unexpected adventure. His world is turned upside down when she is suddenly kidnapped by a mysterious group of female assassins. These women, known for their lethal skills, provoke the curiosity and concern of the photographer, who becomes determined to rescue his new acquaintance.
As the photographer delves deeper into this web of danger, he uncovers a plot involving hidden gold that the assassins seek. Navigating a vibrant Tokyo nightlife teeming with crime and cryptic alliances, he soon finds himself pursued by these deadly women. With each step, he inches closer to understanding the motives behind these enigmatic killers. The story oscillates between thrilling action sequences and moments of unexpected humor, weaving a narrative filled with suspense and revelation. As the photographer faces mounting odds, his resolve intensifies to unveil the mystery surrounding the gold, rescue the captive air hostess, and escape from the shadows that stalk him at every turn.
Writers: Ryûzô Nakanishi, Michio Tsuzuki
Release Date: 12 Feb 1966
Runtime: 87 min
Rating: N/A
Country: Japan
Language: Japanese, English