Gemini Blu-ray

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S E A R C H D V D B e a v e r

Directed by Shinya Tsukamoto
Japan 1999

This stunning film from director Shinya Tsukamoto (Tetsuo, NIGHTMARE DETECTIVE) is set in Tokyo in 1910. Dr. Yukio Daitokuji (Masahiro Motoki), is a former military doctor who has taken over a successful medical practice from his father. He appears to be living a charmed life: he is respected in the local community and is married to the beautiful Rin (Ryo). His only problem is that she suffers from amnesia, and her past is unknown.

But soon his world begins to crumble. Both his parents die suddenly, killed by a bizarre, rag-wearing stranger. Yukio's relationship with his wife worsens after he refuses to cure the inhabitants of a nearby slum. Then one day he comes face to face with the mysterious killer and a shocking and deadly secret is revealed.

The film's sumptuous visuals, astonishing costume design, scenes of kinetic violence and pounding score create a unique mood of terror and wonder, leading to an unexpected and apocalyptic ending.

***

A successful doctor, Yukio's picture perfect life is gradually wrecked, and taken over by his avenging twin brother, who bumps off his family members one by one and reclaims his lover who is now Yukio's wife.

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Theatrical Release: September 3rd, 1999 (Venice Film Festival)

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Review: Mondo Macabro - Region 'A' - Blu-ray

Box Cover		CLICK to order from: Released on Blu-ray in the UK by Third Window in November 2020:
Distribution	Mondo Macabro - Region 'A' - Blu-ray
Runtime	1:23:23.707
Video	1.85:1 1080P Single-layered Blu-ray Disc Size: 23,697,570,053 bytes Feature: 18,464,743,872 bytes Video Bitrate: 27.12 Mbps Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate Blu-ray:
Audio	DTS-HD Master Audio Japanese 938 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 938 kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core: 2.0 / 48 kHz / 768 kbps / 16-bit)
Subtitles	English, None
Features	Release Information: Studio: Mondo Macabro 1.85:1 1080P Single-layered Blu-ray Disc Size: 23,697,570,053 bytes Feature: 18,464,743,872 bytes Video Bitrate: 27.12 Mbps Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video Edition Details: • Making of GEMINI directed by Takashi Miike (17:48) • Venice Premiere featurette (16:57) • Make-Up demonstration (6:03) • Behind the Scenes - seven episodes (20:09) • Trailer (1:42) • Mondo Macabro previews (11:10) Blu-ray Release Date: August 25th, 2020 Standard Blu-ray Case Chapters 10

Comments:

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

ADDITION: Mondo Macabro Blu-ray (September 2020): Mondo Macabro have transferred Shinya Tsukamoto's Gemini (aka "Sôseiji") to Blu-ray. It is cited as being from a "HD transfer from film negative". The single-layered image with a supportive bitrate doesn't produce a stellar image that tends to look video-ey at times. Some close-ups are impressive and it appears very acceptable in-motion just lacking depth and layered contrast. I image this 1080P is still better than SD, although I don't own to compare.

On their Blu-ray, Mondo Macabro use a DTS-HD Master 2.0 channel track (16-bit) in the original Japanese language. There are aggressive effects that carry some weight and a suspenseful score by Chu Ishikawa (A Snake of June) sounding effectively ominous and foreboding in the lossless. Mondo Macabro offer optional English subtitles on their Region 'A' Blu-ray.

The Mondo Macabro Blu-ray offers an 18-minute Making of GEMINI directed by, none other than, Takashi Miike who's work is definitely reminiscent of Gemini. There is a 1/4 hour at the Venice Premiere, a brief make-up demonstration and 20-minutes worth (7 episodes) of Behind the Scenes footage with a trailer and the usual enjoyable Mondo Macabro previews.

Shinya Tsukamoto's Gemini has fascinating layers starting with plot points involving the protagonist's amnesiac bride-to-be Rin (played by the interesting Ryô) found on the banks of a river. Throw in the roaming plague-ridden slum-dwellers and disparate 'twins' evoking Brian De Palma's "Sisters' or (with the doctor connection) David Cronenberg's Dead Ringers. Very interesting stuff and I am glad that Mondo Macabro have brought it to my attention on Blu-ray - despite my reservation on the image quality. The film is certainly worth an adventurous exploration by world cinephiles.