The image is distinctly lighter on the Blu-ray than its Ultra HD equivalent, but you don't get the same depths to the darkness. The film contains a number of scenes where Wick fights his way through gloomy clubs or dingy sewers, and even the combination of our impressive Samsung UE65KS9500 and Oppo UDP-203 - while providing a clear image in the light - can't pick out much detail from the darkness. We say: Still not a lush-looking movie, but this is a well-stocked release for Fukasaku's cult classic.However, while the film may be entertaining, it may also provide your 4K HDR home cinema system with a proper test, particularly if your set-up isn't adept at showing off dark detail. Exclusive to this limited edition are the 23-track Battle Royale soundtrack CD a 52-page book of essays a 120-page monograph on director Kinji Fukasaku by Tom Mes a set of Trump cards and a poster. These, too, are blessed with numerous interviews and other archival goodies. Two additional Blu-rays then host the ‘Requiem’ and ‘Revenge’ edits of Battle Royale II, the first UK hi-def disc releases for the (disappointing) 2003 sequel. The former is also joined by a chat track from Japanese cinema specialists Tom Mes and Jasper Sharp, and a 42-minute documentary exploring the film’s impact and legacy. The real highlight, however, is the gorgeous rendering of composer Masamichi Amano’s orchestral score.Įxtras: The Theatrical and Director’s Cut versions of Battle Royale are accompanied by archival extras carried across from Arrow’s original 2010 BD release. Given the subject matter it’s no surprise the 5.1 mixes are nicely aggressive, with some potent LFE and localised surround effects. Close-ups and brightly lit scenes reveal more precise details than earlier Blu-rays managed, and even the muted colour palette has a little more life to it.Īudio: Both cuts have a choice of Japanese-language DTS-HD MA 5.1 and 2.0 stereo soundtracks. That said, Arrow’s 1.85:1 4K presentations are still by far the best either version has ever looked. As much as the 4K restoration brings extra clarity and sharpness to the visuals, it can’t reveal shadow detail that has never been present.
Almost every area of darkness is milky or carries a blue tint, and given that so much of the action occurs at night (or during what often appears to be graded day-for-night shooting), that’s a big chunk of the story. Drab and murky, the big issue has always been the near total lack of genuine blacks within the film’s palette. HDR10/Dolby Vision grading then brings it bang up-to-date.īear in mind, though, that it was never a particularly attractive film. Picture: Battle Royale has been restored at 4K by Arrow using the original 35mm camera negative of its Theatrical version, and a 35mm dupe negative of the Director’s Cut. Even after 21 years and numerous inferior imitators (yes, we’re looking at you, Hunger Games), Battle Royale remains a powerful and disturbing piece of cinema that must be seen to be believed. Movie: Director Kinji Fukasaku's controversial near-future shocker Battle Royale follows a class of 42 Japanese high school kids taken to a remote island, strapped into exploding necklaces, and forced to fight each other to the death as part of a government scheme to tackle the rising tide of juvenile delinquency. Battle Royale: Limited Edition 4K UHD, Arrow Video, Ultra HD Blu-ray & Region B BD, £80