| Picture: All of the films are presented in Anamorphic Widescreen. Now, there are some general low budget quirks that are expected, the odd bit of specks on the print or the badly photographed bit here and there. High School Co-Ed seems a tad cut off, and the aspect ratio does tighten after the opening credits, but the loss of some side picture information doesn't hurt it too much. Technically, the films are free of any glaring problems other than some minor edge enhancement. Considering the material, it is a very good job, and any lacking sharpness, deep contrast, or solid colors is more due to the low budget nature of the films.
Sound: Each films comes with the dual option of either a Japanese 2.0 track or 5.1 track with optional English subtitles. Again, considering the nature of the genre, the tracks are quite good, generally clean, and very well presented. The 5.1 remixing didnt open the soundscape up very much, and in the terms of one film, Nami, I felt the mixing was poor, making the fx and scoring a little too loud. But, overall, the only real quirks are products of the genre, like the often post dubbed dialogue track for High School Co-Ed.
Extras: Each film has Bio/filmographies, Original Sleeve Art (with translated Japanese text- a very nice feature), and Original Trailers.
All of the films have commentary by Midnight Eye editor/writer Jasper Sharp. Sharp really knows his stuff and is well prepared, but to such a point that the track lacks casualness and does have that academic dryness of someone reading notes. I found it to be a nice, if weird, contrast to have such a conservative commentary on kinky sex films. He sometimes gets a little sporadic, like the notes are slowly coming to him down a telegraph line, or downright pauses and lets the film take over. Still, a very informative feature.
By far the most interesting extra feature is the interviews. Director Chusei Sone, who helmed the first two films, is sadly M.I.A. (They literally could not find him), but High School Co-Ed has an interview with scriptwriter Toshiharu Ikeda (7:14) and Takashi Ishii (21::24) and Red Classroom has two interviews with Takashi Ishii (17:17 and 10:05). Red Porno has another interview with scriptwriter/director Toshiharu Ikeda (36:17). Nami an interview with director Noburo Tanaka (39:58). Finally, Red Vertigo has another interview with Takashi Ishii (32:30).
Conclusion: ...Artsmagic definitely delivers and gives these very difficult to digest films good treatment and some great, educative extras. If you watch/listen to them, you will definitely learn a lot about this largely underground genre. Giving hope to cult film fans out there, this set has been made with the kind of attention that says someone out there cares. |
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