(aka "Blackmail Is My Business" or "Blackmail Is My Life" or "Call Me Blackmail!")

directed by Kinji Fukasaku
Japan 1968

 

A brutally intense yakuza film from pulp master Kinji Fukasaku, Blackmail is My Life follows the exploits of a ring of small-time punk extortionists who go up against Japan’s corrupt establishment. Up-from-the-slums Shun (Hiroki Matsukata) is a young swinger who will do anything to keep his freewheeling lifestyle intact. His lucky streak of blackmailing unravels in violent fashion when he unwisely targets business allies of a powerful gang boss.
 

Theatrical Release: 1968 - Japan

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DVD Review: Home Vision -  Region 1 - NTSC

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Distribution Home Vision - Region 1 - NTSC
Runtime 1:29:12  
Video 2.35:1 Original Aspect Ratio 16X9 enhanced
Average Bitrate: 5.39 mb/s
NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s
Bitrate:

NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.

Audio Japanese (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono)
Subtitles English, None
Features Release Information:
Studio: Public Media Inc
Production Company: Home Vision Entertainment

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen anamorphic - 2.35:1

Edition Details:
• Interview with director Kinji Fukasaku (18:44)

• Biography of Kinji Fukasaku
• 2 page liner notes - "Japan in the 60's"

DVD Release Date: January 6, 2004

Keep Case
Chapters: 16

Comments:

An anamorphic picture yes, but it has some deficiencies. I would guess that it is the source print. Overall the image has some fine moments with occasional damage, but for the most part it has good color and is detailed. the mono sound is no problem and the subs are well done. For those inot this genre, this is another keeper for the collection. out of  

                  Gary W. Tooze



 

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