The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi & Sonatine

Disney | minutes | | | Standard DVD reviewed by: Fusion3600

If you're a fan of "Beat" Takeshi Kitano, then you'll be in heaven with this release, which is home to two of his greatest motion pictures. I've complaints from some folks who wanted separate releases, but come on, Miramax has given us two cool movies for the price of one, so I'll take value over cover artwork. Sonatine was a title on thousands of DVD wish lists and with good reason, as Takeshi directs an intense, well crafted thriller. The movie is brutal, but this isn't senseless violence, more like masterful cinema. The storyline is excellent and unfolds to perfection, while the cast is superb and delivers top notch performances across the board. Takeshi shines both in front of and behind the camera, as usual. In his tribute to the classic series Zatoichi, Takeshi crafts another incredible motion picture. He pays immense tribute to the original in tone and execution, but also puts his own spirit into the production. As a massive fan of the Zatoichi series, I was glad to see Takeshi involved in the revisit from the start. These movies are great examples of what a masterful filmmaker Takeshi is, as a director and as a star. To have both included at a low price is great news, so don't hesitate to pick up this release. I have included a brief synopsis below for each movie, in case you need a peek at the plots.

1. The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi- Zatoichi (Beat Takeshi) is a master swordsman, one who could duel a dozen men and stand his ground. His blade is well known, as is his blindness, which makes his skill all the more impressive. Zatoichi wanders from town to town, taking in a modest income from gambling sessions and massages. Yes, he not only wields a blade, but he has gifted hands and puts them to use. When he arrives in a mountain village, he quickly learns that gang leader Ginzo runs the town, though not everyone approves of his tactics. Zatoichi encounters two geishas who seek to avenge their parents' deaths, but no sooner does the meeting take place than Ginzo has his men on Zatoichi's trailer. Will Zatoichi have to square off with Ginzo and his men and if so, can even his blade hold fast against such enemies?

2. Sonatine- Aniki Murakawa (Beat Takeshi) is a veteran yakuza member, with years and years of service. So he has seen the violence, the death, and the power, elements that no longer impress him as they once did. He is weary of his position in life and at times, life in general and that is obvious to those around him. When he is sent to Okinawa to settle a bitter dispute between rival clans, he has suspicions on why he was sent, but he consents to the mission. As soon as he arrives, violence erupts and several of his men are killed, but even then, he is unsure of why he was chosen, if the mission is legitimate, that is. As it happens, he was sent off in order for new blood to take control of his territories, which enrages him. His forces are small, but he is determined to take revenge, no matter what the cost.

Both films are presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. Zatoichi looks excellent, which is good, since the film's visuals shine. The blood red hues splash across the screen in vivid grace, as do the other colors and contrast is top notch also, with stark and consistent black levels that never disappoint. The print is in great condition and the visuals are razor sharp, so all the subtle details come through in flawless fashion. Sonatine is about a decade older and as such, the visuals can't compete with those of Zatoichi. Even so, this is a wonderful treatment that eclipses the imports and should more than please fans. The print has some debris and the image is a tad soft, but this is much better than any home video edition I've seen. The colors and contrast are well handled and while there is a touch of softness, sharpness is still up to speed. So both movies look quite good here, what more can we want?

The soundtracks preserve the original Japanese language on both films, while optional English subtitles have also been provided. The audio for Zatoichi is a lively Dolby Digital 5.1 option, one which will push the surrounds and immerse you within the film's world. The intense battle scenes make you duck the blades and wipe the blood off your clothes, thanks to skilled use of the surrounds. These action scenes have the most power, but normal scenes exhibit surround presence also, such as the various sounds as the town is explored. The music adds in some depth also, while dialogue is clean and never provides an instant of concern. You can also choose an English language option, as well as additional subtitles in Spanish and French. Sonatine isn't as explosive, but the 2.0 surround mix does handle the needs of the material well. The dialogue is crystal clear, while the various sound effects come through without flaws. This film also offers a French language option, as well as Spanish subtitles.

Not much to speak of, as Zatoichi sports a behind the scenes featurette and some crew interviews, while Sonatine boasts an interview with Takeshi and some worthless comments from Quentin Tarantino. With assorted Special Edition releases of Zatoichi across the world, I did expect a little more in terms of supplements.