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Release: August 25, 2020

$7.99

Description

Japanese maverick director Yasuzo Masumura (Blind Beast) helms a bitingly satirical espionage thriller set in the heart of the Japanese auto industry in his 1962 landmark Black Test Car, which launched a series of similarly themed “Black” films. In a bitter, take-no-prisoners corporate war between the Tiger Motorcar Company and their competitors, the Yamato Company, undercover spies have infiltrated both sides. As Tiger prepares to launch its newest “Pioneer” car and a prototype bursts into flames, Toru (Hideo Takamatsu, The Last Emperor) heads a secretive task force to root out Yamato’s spy, and find out what they can about the competitor's familiar-looking new model. Making its worldwide Blu-ray debut, Black Test Car is paired here with the English-language video premiere of its follow-up The Black Report, also directed by Masumura. SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS High Definition Blu-ray™ (1080p) presentation of Black Test Car and The Black Report Original uncompressed Japanese mono audio on both films Optional newly translated English subtitles on both films Newly recorded critical appreciation by Jonathan Rosenbaum Theatrical trailers for both films Image galleries for both films Reversible sleeve featuring newly commissioned artwork by Tony Stella FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector’s booklet with new writing on the films by Mark Downing Roberts

Release: December 19, 2023

$7.99

Description

In their humble two-room apartment, the Maeda family seem ever so self-effacing - but their modest façade hides another truth. Daughter Tomoko is the mistress of a bestselling author with well-lined pockets. Son Minoru embezzles funds with his lover Yukie (Ayako Wakao, Red Angel), who has her own hidden agenda. And father Tokizo (Yunosuke Ito, Ikiru, Lone Wolf and Cub) is a former military man who swears he will never return to the poverty he knew during the war, no matter what the cost. One after another, those affected by the Maedas' schemes show up on their doorstep. But these visitors all have their own duplicitous agendas. With each knock on the door, the gamesmanship reaches a whole new level. Elegant Beast was adapted by Kaneto Shindo (Onibaba, Naked Island) from his own stage play. Director Yuzo Kawashima, mentor of Shohei Imamura and a major influence on the Japanese New Wave, makes magnificent widescreen use of the single apartment setting to deliver a ferocious satire on Japan's post-war economic miracle. SPECIAL FEATURES: New 4K restoration Uncompressed mono PCM audio Interview with film critic Toshiaki Sato Appreciation by filmmaker Toshiaki Toyoda Visual essay by critic Tom Mes on post-war architecture in Japanese cinema Trailer New and improved English subtitles Reversible sleeve Limited edition booklet featuring new writing by Midori Suiren and contemporary archival writing