Blackmail Is My Life: Technical Notes

Blackmail is My Life is presented in its original Shochiku Grand Scope aspect ratio of 2.35:1, with a 16:9 anamorphic transfer. The image is sharp and has good color, but the source elements are grainy at times, especially during nighttime scenes. The image overall is not as good as Home Visions other Kinji Fukasaku DVD'S. The only audio option on this DVD is the original Japanese Mono track and the sound is sufficient as all the action and dialog are easy to hear. The subtitles are easy to read and follow. The main extra is a lengthy (18-minute) interview with Fukasaku, conducted just months prior to his death in January 2003. The Director's filmography and Patrick Macias's author of (ToykoScope) informative liner notes. Home Vision did neglect to put Blackmail is my life's trailer on the DVD, even though the put it on another one of their DVD'S. Kinji Fukasaku films are diverse and experimental. Blackmail is my Life is fascinating film that encompasses most of Fukasaku's cinema style and I recommend this title whether or not you are already a fan of Kinji Fukasaku, because after you watch this film you will be.

Video & Audio: Blackmail is My Life is presented in its original Shochiku GrandScope aspect ratio of 2.35:1, with 16:9 enhancement. The image is sharp and has color good, but the source elements (possibly an internegative) are unaccountably grainy at times, especially during nighttime scenes. Sometimes the film looks clean and clear, on par with Home Vision's other Fukasaku release, If You Were Young: Rage. Some shots, however, notably during a big action set piece at the 44:03 mark, are downright hard to make out. The mono sound is fine, however, and the removable English subtitles are clear and well translated.

Extras: As with If You Are Young: Rage, the main extra is a lengthy (18-minute) interview with Fukasaku, conducted just months prior to his death in January 2003. The director rambles on redundantly at times, but does offer some interesting observations contrasting Shochiku with Toei, and how his early life in postwar Japan influenced the films he chose to make. Both the interview and Patrick Macias's informative liner notes have major spoilers, so be sure to watch the movie before looking at either.