| The film is presented in anamorphic widescreen with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. The print is relatively clean and free from blemishes but the picture itself is quite soft and detail level, while acceptable, is not great. Although I didn't notice any obvious pixellation, in the darker scenes especially there are some noticeable smearing artefacts and a low level of graininess. Also the colours appear to be quite dull throughout the film.
Only a single Dolby Digital 2.0 Japanese track is provided which is perfectly functional but nothing special. There is no noticeable distortion or background hiss and sound remains central; I didn't really notice much use made of surround speakers on my Dolby Prologic TV. Removable English subtitles are provided which are clear and easy to read at all times.
The disk comes with minimal extras which include a 12 minute interview with Takashi Miike in which he talks about 'Dead or Alive', his uncompromising approach to filmmaking and the importance of music in his films. Also there are filmographies (no biographies) for Miike Takashi, Riki Takeuchi and Sho Aikawa. There's an eight page text article about the film and, finally, the original theatrical trailer.
It's worth mentioning that despite all of the violence this is the full uncut version of the film. |
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