BATTLE ROYALE Available on BluRay March 20th

Back in 2008, my buddy kept telling me I needed to watch this flick I had never heard of called, “Battle Royale”. His only synopsis of said film was, “it kicks ass!”. How could I resist? He lent me his Foreign copy of the DVD, because the film was  deemed too violent for American audiences…until NOW.

What’s it about? At the beginning of the 21st Century, Japan’s economy has collapsed, unemployment is at an all-time high and juvenile crime has exploded. Fearful of their Nation’s youth, the government has to teach these punks a lesson… instead of leaning on Morgan Freeman to help out, they approve the “Battle Royale Act”, where one lucky 9th grade class is selected (gassed) for an all-expenses paid trip to a remote island, where they will royally battle each other to the death…until there is only one.

Once on the island, our forty-two students are each handed a duffle bag containing a few supplies and a weapon. Sort of like clue, but there are no candlesticks or Professor Plum’s in this game. It could be a gun, an axe, a baseball bat, a toothpick…whatever! Oh yeah, each kid also wears a collar that will blow up if they try and tamper with it! The kids have three days to kill each other off, because if there is more than one standing on the third day…Sayonara!

As the drama unfolds, friends are pitted against each other! Enemies are pitted against enemies! Nerds are pitted against jocks! It’s a free-for-all! And it’s a shitload of fun to watch…just ask Quentin Tarantino, he loves this flick! And so do I.

BATTLE ROYALE Available on BluRay March 20th

When I finally took his advice and watched my buddy’s Foreign copy way back in 2008, I immediately fell in love with this film. It truly did “kick ass!” It had me glued to the screen. I couldn’t believe that I had never heard of “Battle Royale” before! I almost didn’t want to give him back his bootleg DVD. But I did. I’m not a fighter, I’m a lover, a rebel (I’m quoting “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure”, now available on WB Blu-Ray & DVD, which has nothing to do with this review)

Thank Godzilla that the kind folks at Anchor Bay graciously sent me the single disc uncensored, unrated,  Director’s Cut Blu-Ray for me to review…gotta love those guys! I was as giddy as a 9th grade schoolgirl when I opened up the envelope containing this little, long-awaited Blu-Ray beauty!

BATTLE ROYALE Available on BluRay March 20th

Here’s what I thought about the Blu-Ray Quality:

The picture started out clean and sharp, it really looked great. I was super stoked. BUT, for some reason, about a quarter of the way in, it started to look like it was transferred from a DVD…the quality of the transfer just looked ‘soft’ with some noticeable artifacting. Bummer. It’s not a deal breaker by any means; however, the last 10 -15 minutes appeared sharp again. I’m not sure what happened here. I’m also not sure what elements Anchor Bay had to work with to finally bring us “Battle Royale” after it’s original release 12 years ago…but I’ll take what I can get!…and so should Royal lovers of “Battle Royale”! I’m pretty sure this is about as good as we’ll ever see this film. I applaud and bow to Anchor Bay for their efforts.

Let’s talk about the 7.1 Surround Sound, shall we?

For what it lacks in picture, the sound mix on “Battle Royale” makes up for in bullets! From helicopters, explosions, gun shots, rain, screaming, the music, etc., etc.,…NO speaker is left unused. My subwoofer never boomed better! As you can tell, I was extremely impressed with the sonic experience of this Blu-Ray disc. I felt like I should grab a paper clip (my weapon of choice) and join the battle!

BATTLE ROYALE Available on BluRay March 20th

And do yourself a favor, listen to the film’s audio in it’s original Japanese mix…the way it was meant to be heard. Don’t experience it dubbed in English, because that’s just being lazy.

As I mentioned, Anchor Bay sent me the single disc edition which does not include the wealth of special features included in their other “Battle

Battle Royale: The Complete Collection’s four disc set in collectible high-end packaging will include:

         Battle Royale Director’s Cut with both Japanese and English language tracks and English subtitles

         Battle Royale Theatrical Cut with both Japanese language tracks and English subtitles

         Battle Royale II with Japanese language and English subtitles

         Battle Royale Bonus Content with Japanese language and English subtitles

SPECIAL FEATURES:

         The Making Of BATTLE ROYALE

         BATTLE ROYALE Press Conference

         Instructional Video: Birthday Version

         Audition & Rehearsal Footage

         Special Effects Comparison Featurette

         Tokyo International Film Festival 2000

         Battle Royale Documentary

         Basketball Scene Rehearsals

         Behind-The-Scenes Featurette

         Filming On-Set

         Original Theatrical Trailer

         Special Edition TV Spot

         TV Spot: Tarantino Version

The Battle Royale release will include:

         Director’s Cut with Japanese and English language and English subtitles

With impeccable direction by three-time ‘Director of the year’ Kinji Fukasaku, and featuring high-quality acting performances from every angle, Battle Royale: The Complete Collection is as cunning as it is ruthless, offering a unique and brutal depiction of what people are capable of when imminent death is everywhere you look.

Sounds cool, no?! It would’ve been even cooler if the movie came in a little duffle bag or an exploding collar was included in the packaging!

BATTLE ROYALE Available on BluRay March 20th

So, in closing…

It’s about time that “Battle Royale” sees the light of day in the United States. Anchor Bay is releasing this 2000 Japanese cult classic on DVD and Blu-Ray for the very first time EVER on March 20th!

Don’t miss out on one of the coolest & bloodiest movies ever made! I’ve watched my copy twice already. With the English subtitles turned on.

Highly recommended.