AUDIO:
Battle Royale II is presented here in a Japanese Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0 stereo track. While the DTS track from the Universe release is missing here the movie still sounds exceptional in 5.1. Shell casings scatter the ground with reflecting echoes while the explosion of the bullets leaving the chamber protrude vibrantly. Dialogue remains consistent and committed to not be drowned out by the mayhem and destruction occurring around the voices. The viewer has the option of watching the movie with Korean or English subtitles. Masamichi Amano scored the original Battle Royale, which was mesmerizing and breathtaking. This time he's accompanied by the Warsaw Orchestra and all I have to say is phenomenal work. The music created here adds dimension to the atmosphere and the hellish terrain that's covered deep in heroic blood. I love the music Orchestras can create. They are so lively and so enthusiastic. The power an instrument can release is profound and the sound it carries combined with an image of triumph is deeply moving.

SPECIAL FEATURES:
Starmax presents this Limited Edition version of Battle Royale II ‘Requiem' in a two disc set with a bonus eighteen page color booklet filled with an analysis of both Battle Royale I and II, cast and crew information, interviews and pictures. Available on the first disc is a Japanese and Korean original and theatrical trailer alongside a chapter selection menu and an audio menu. Available on the second disc is an assortment of many special features that will leave fans of the Battle Royale series tickled pink. The first supplement is a video message and interview with Tatsuya Fujiwara and director Kenta Fukasaku. It's meant for Korean audiences, I believe the fan base is quite large over there. Up next is the Gala premier where several of the key cast members from the movie greet the audience on stage and introduce themselves while providing some information and background on the film. The Gala premier is quite fascinating to watch and though I don't speak Japanese I was content just to listen and observe. Also present is a music video with footage from the movie playing during the duration of the song. There's an alternate "Farewell to the piano" scene, and even test footage of combat rehearsals. The Warsaw orchestra recording session is really neat for those musically inclined. Also on the second disc are three featurettes on the making of Battle Royale II. The majority of the extras contain no English subtitles so I can only confirm these special features without really commenting on them. Completing the second disc is a biography and filmography of Kinji Fukasaku and trailers from some of his films. Both discs contain animated menus with sound and as if this limited pressing of 1000 copies wasn't enough to make you want to pick this DVD set up, Starmax even includes a BR II Survival Program patch that any fan would be proud to wear on their clothes. Starmax proves with this release why they are the most definitive DVD company in the market today.