BLACK TEST CAR + THE BLACK REPORT (1962) coming from Arrow

[DR Herbert West]

japanese maverick director yasuzo masumura (blind beast) helms a bitingly satirical espionage thriller set in the heart of the japanese auto industry in his 1962 landmark black test car, which launched a series of similarly themed “black” films.

In a bitter, take-no-prisoners corporate war between the tiger motorcar company and their competitors, the yamato company, undercover spies have infiltrated both sides. As tiger prepares to launch its newest “pioneer” car and a prototype bursts into flames, toru (hideo takamatsu, the last emperor) heads a secretive task force to root out yamato’s spy, and find out what they can about the competitor's familiar-looking new model.

Making its worldwide blu-ray debut, black test car is paired here with the english-language video premiere of its follow-up the black report, also directed by masumura.

Special edition contents

high definition blu-ray™ (1080p) presentation of black test car and the black report
original uncompressed japanese mono audio on both films
optional newly translated english subtitles on both films
newly recorded critical appreciation by jonathan rosenbaum
theatrical trailers for both films
image galleries for both films
reversible sleeve featuring newly commissioned artwork by tony stella
first pressing only: Illustrated collector’s booklet with new writing on the films by mark downing roberts

[ScottDS]

I'm doing the layout and booklet design for this one, and it'll be an honor to have my name listed alongside Tony Stella in the production credits... and I had no clue Arrow was doing 4K!

[DukeTogo84]

Can't wait for this. More Japanese films are always welcomed.

[Kakihara]

Not interested in these particular Japanese movies but I love Japanese cinema and am glad Arrow is continuing to release them. I hope they keep them coming!

[John_Drake]

Yesssssss!

This series is brilliant! Neither of these titles have had an HD release even in Japan!

My most anticipated title bar none.

I suppose this means the (Daiei) Invisible Man double feature is coming soon?

[NeoNical]

Damn. Only a few people have seen Black Report (1963) (1 person Letterboxd, 15 people IMDB). These movies might be interesting to watch. If they plan to release more Masumura films, I hope they release Manji, Afraid to Die (Mishima stars in it), and The Blue Sky Maiden.

Fun Fact: Masumura is the assistant director for Mizoguchi's Streets of Shame

[StarDestroyer52]

I'll be preordering these both. Always great to see more Japanese film of this era and these are the type of Japanese films I like.

[SpiderBaby]

I'm hoping (assuming) Arrow has all the Yasuzo Masumura films that Fantoma released back in the day? If so, can't wait! Blind Beast in HD!

[Blu2u]

Originally Posted by StarDestroyer52

I'll be preordering these both. Always great to see more Japanese film of this era and these are the type of Japanese films I like.

They are both in one package.

[Telstar]

Originally Posted by NeoNical

Damn. Only a few people have seen Black Report (1963) (1 person Letterboxd, 15 people IMDB).

I think you're confusing Black Report with Black Test Car.
Black TEST CAR has 15 reviews on imdb (13 critics and 2 users)
Black REPORT appears to be a sort of sequel to Test Car and seems to have pretty much zero digital footprint

[NeoNical]

Originally Posted by Telstar

I think you're confusing Black Report with Black Test Car. Black Report appears to be a sort of sequel to Test Car and seems to have pretty much zero digital footprint

Well if that's true, then I don't know how 260 people on IMDB and 195 people on Letterboxd somehow managed to watch Black Test Car (1962). The only way I know people can watch it is by MUBI in which I have no clue when they last shown this (2018, 2014, or 2008, I don't know). It surprises me that people can find this movie. And how someone managed to find out that there was a sequel to Detective Bureau 2-3: Go to Hell Bastards and find the poster for it on IMDB.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3353896/?ref_=tt_sims_tt

[Telstar]

Originally Posted by NeoNical

Well if that's true, then I don't know how 260 people on IMDB and 195 people on Letterboxd somehow managed to watch Black Test Car (1962). The only way I know people can watch it is by MUBI in which I have no clue when they last shown this (2018, 2014, or 2008, I don't know). It surprises me that people can find this movie. And how someone managed to find out that there was a sequel to Detective Bureau 2-3: Go to Hell Bastards and find the poster for it on IMDB.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3353896/?ref_=tt_sims_tt

Sorry, but I'm finding your posts really confusing.
To recap:
Black Test Car was issued in this country on a Fantoma DVD, which I have, and many have seen the film and commented on it. It was likely shown on MUBI at some point as well.
Black Report (aka Black Statement Book), the other film in the Arrow set, is the film I was referring to that seems to have virtually nothing written about it in this country and no reputation to speak of other than being a sort of sequel to the first film.

[NeoNical]

Originally Posted by Telstar

Sorry, but I'm finding your posts really confusing.
To recap:
Black Test Car was issued in this country on a Fantoma DVD, which I have, and many have seen the film and commented on it. It was likely shown on MUBI at some point as well.
Black Report (aka Black Statement Book), the other film in the Arrow set, is the film I was referring to that seems to have virtually nothing written about it in this country and no reputation to speak of other than being a sort of sequel to the first film.

My point is not much people have seen Black Report. (As I stated 2 posts ago)

[moviemaker]

Originally Posted by NeoNical

Well if that's true, then I don't know how 260 people on IMDB and 195 people on Letterboxd somehow managed to watch Black Test Car (1962). The only way I know people can watch it is by MUBI in which I have no clue when they last shown this (2018, 2014, or 2008, I don't know). It surprises me that people can find this movie. And how someone managed to find out that there was a sequel to Detective Bureau 2-3: Go to Hell Bastards and find the poster for it on IMDB.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3353896/?ref_=tt_sims_tt

I own Detective Bureau 2-3:Go To Hell Bastards and I had no idea there was a sequel, so thank you!

I've never seen Black Test Car so if someone could enlighten me. In my mind I'm thinking of corporate intrigue along the lines of "The Bad Sleep Well" from Kurosawa but I'm probably way off.

[Blu Titan]

Originally Posted by Kakihara

Not interested in these particular Japanese movies but I love Japanese cinema and am glad Arrow is continuing to release them. I hope they keep them coming!

Same here...just pre-ordered.

[crikan]

I really appreciate Arrow bringing these types of films to the US. They are responsible for making me a fan of these films. Looking forward picking up all of their Japanese releases.

[DukeTogo84]

Just watched Black Test Car and loved it. Reminded me a lot of The Bad Sleep Well. Going to watch the Black Report soon.

[Blasst67]

Look what walked in the door today lol.

[exzachary]

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by Blasst67

Look what walked in the door today lol.

What movie was on the postcard?

[silverlakephil]

Mines had Pitch Black, so nothing new.