Once more Arrow Video brings out a quality edition of a
classic Sonny Chiba film for fans of the actor and Japanese cinema to enjoy.
This time around Chiba stars in the title role as the Wolf Guy, the last in
line of a family of werewolves who now works as a detective who stumbles into a
strange occurrence in the big city.
It seems that victims of a mysterious killer end up running
down the street screaming about a tiger chasing them. With no one visible they
end up ripped to shreds by what appears to be just that, a tiger. Chiba chances
upon a victim and begins to look into the case, trying to solve the murders and
prevent any more from happening.
As the case progresses Chiba finds that there is more going
on here than expected. Corrupt government officials, a murdered singer and a
plot to capture him to discover the source of his powers by a secret government
organization all come into play at one time or another. It should be noted
before you check this movie out that Chiba never turns full werewolf like we
are used to. Instead as the moon changes his powers of perception and strength
increase instead.
The film may lose something in translation but that doesn’t
prevent it from being a fun movie to watch. I’ve said before that one of the
great things about foreign films on disc is that you have the chance to witness
the world of cinema through the eyes of another culture. That remains true with
this release. That doesn’t make it bad but it does help to understand why
things are done the way they are.
Based on the Manga of the same name, the film has developed
a cult following over the years. Unfortunately for fans they’ve never had a
great experience with it since most copies haven’t been what many would
consider worthwhile. Arrow Video has changed all that with this release,
offering a two disc set that includes both the DVD and blu-ray editions of the
film. Finally fans can own a copy that allows them to see it in all of its
glory.
Arrow has also piled on the extras here for fans like they
always seem to do. Included this time are a new interview with actor Shinichi
“Sonny” Chiba, an interview with director Kazuhiko Yamaguchi, a new interview
with producer Tatsu Yoshida, a reversible sleeve with new artwork by Wes
Benscoter and for the first pressing only an illustrated collector’s booklet.
All of this make this version the one to have on hand for fans of Japanese
cinema, Sonny Chiba and those looking for something different.
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