NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Arrow Blu-ray (May 2019): 1969's "Yakuza Law" is a bloody epic crime drama spanning different periods in Japan. Arrow Video bring us the film on a dual-layered Blu-ray with a maxed-out bitrate. The film is shown in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Arrow does not specify what the source (print or negative) was used in this transfer. The colors show appropriately bloody reds and lush forest greens, though whites of clothing can look a little teal. There is a nice amount of detail shown in the image, especially clear during static close-ups, not so much during frenetic camera action-scenes. Many characters' dark hair tends to disappear amidst any dark background, suggesting a mediocre contrast ratio. Though the film can look a tad waxy at times, there is a constant film grain, giving the film a desired texture.

The Blu-ray features the original Japanese 1.0 mono track (24-bit) in uncompressed linear PCM. Masao Yagi (Inferno of Torture, An Actor's Revenge, Orgies of Edo) provides the score, which ranges from tense orchestral music to jazz. Dialogue seems to be audible, though I must state that I do not speak Japanese. There are optional English subtitles on this Region Free Blu-ray (released in both Region 'A' and 'B').

Arrow Video have included a few very substantial bonus features on this disc, starting with a feature-length commentary by author and critic Jasper Sharp. "Erotic-Grotesque and Genre Hopping: Teruo Ishii Speaks" is a 48-minute rare vintage interview with the elusive director, speaking in length about his fascinating career. This interview has been edited with title cards serving as questions. Arrow also includes an image gallery for the film, a reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Jacob Phillips, and an illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film by Tom Mes.

"Yakuza Law" is a fun exploitation film, though light on nudity, the film certainly delivers on its promise of bloody violence. Arrow Video have a fine transfer here, not to mention a commentary from Jasper Sharp, noted aficionado of Japanese cinema. This Blu-ray is ecommended to fans of "Lone Wolf and Cub", "Lady Snowblood", etc. 

Collin Zavitz