Zatoichi: Darkness Is His Ally (1989)

[Shingster]

Originally Posted by iccab1

I have not seen many Zatoichi films. Is this the quintessential one?

No i wouldn't say it is a quintessential entry or one of the best ones for that matter (but that's clearly subjective). It is a worthwhile entry though. You have to bear in mind that, while thematically it follows the typical Zatoichi formula, it is fifteen years removed from the rest of the series.

[Hawkmonger]

Huh, could have sworn the '89 movie was in the Criterion set. Hopefully it's bound for a stand alone UK release too, need to complete my Zatoichi collection ASAP!

[Singed Minge]

The new delivery window from Amazon:
"Your new estimated delivery date is: Tuesday, September 25, 2018 - Thursday, October 18, 2018"
That's a bummer of a delay. Hopefully it means a better end product

[CMNPlanet]

Just got a shipping notice from DeepDiscount -- likely won't be here until after the holiday tho'.

[Singed Minge]

Originally Posted by CMNPlanet

Just got a shipping notice from DeepDiscount -- likely won't be here until after the holiday tho'.

Ouch! That's probably far more accurate than Amazon.
Does DeepDiscount consider Halloween a holiday?
Or are you saying after Xmas!?

[Singed Minge]

Originally Posted by Shingster

No i wouldn't say it is a quintessential entry or one of the best ones for that matter (but that's clearly subjective). It is a worthwhile entry though. You have to bear in mind that, while thematically it follows the typical Zatoichi formula, it is fifteen years removed from the rest of the series.

That's a really fair summation
I hold it in higher regard as it was my introduction to the whole series. Nostalgia is a more than capable advisary for my wallet. I hope Tokyo Shock does a decent job This delay only strengthens my hope for a great product...

[drush9999]

Originally Posted by CMNPlanet

Just got a shipping notice from DeepDiscount -- likely won't be here until after the holiday tho'.

Had mine from their sister company WowHD as well.

[iccab1]

Originally Posted by Shingster

No i wouldn't say it is a quintessential entry or one of the best ones for that matter (but that's clearly subjective). It is a worthwhile entry though. You have to bear in mind that, while thematically it follows the typical Zatoichi formula, it is fifteen years removed from the rest of the series.

Thank you for your reply

what would you say is the general consensus, in terms of the top 3 best Zatoichi films?

[drush9999]

Originally Posted by iccab1

Thank you for your reply

what would you say is the general consensus, in terms of the top 3 best Zatoichi films?

That's too hard to do, all 26 movies range from good to great IMO

[DukeTogo84]

Originally Posted by iccab1

Thank you for your reply

what would you say is the general consensus, in terms of the top 3 best Zatoichi films?

Festival of Fire is my personal favorite. A Zatoichi movie with Tatsuya Nakadai? Count me in.

This one is my second favorite.

Third favorite is the 8th film, where Zatoichi is trying to take a baby to its father.

[Shingster]

Originally Posted by iccab1

what would you say is the general consensus, in terms of the top 3 best Zatoichi films?

Well, I basically tackled this question in another thread not too long ago so I might as well quote meself here:

Originally Posted by Shingster

There isn't really any widely-established "best" film or films in the series, which is what I was getting at in my last post (nice thread resurrection btw), it seems to depend entirely on who is answering the question. Are you interested to make a start on the series? Get to grips with the character? Looking more for the best action in the series? etc, all determines the answers you want because the best films in the series aren't necessarily the ones with the most kickass action. For instance the very first Zatoichi film is definitely one of the best, if not the best in the franchise, but it's not exactly an iconic action film. If you're a fan of Sam Peckinpah you've got a good chance of loving it though. I would recommend the following:

The Tale of Zatoichi
The Tale of Zatoichi Continues
Zatoichi on the Road (the first two films might have established the Zato vs huge gang type of finales but this is the first to crank that up to 11)
Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold (one of the best final duels in the franchise)
Zatoichi Meets the One-Armed Swordsman
Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo

And I would say that Zatoichi meets Yojimbo is probably as good a place to start as any if you don't care about starting with the first film in the franchise. It's pretty long (over 2hrs IIRC) but it delivers in both plot, comedy, character interplay, and action.

My personal favourite in the franchise is probably Zatoichi and the Chess Expert. It's a great film and Katsu's performance is truly poetic imo. I often say that Katsu as Zatoichi is the greatest sustained performance and single take on a character across a franchise in film history, and The Chess Expert is its peak. However, you need to be familiar with the character to get the most out of the Chess Expert, you can start with it and it's stilla great film, but watch it after seeing a number of the films preceding it and the film is greater still.

[dana martin]

got a notice from CD Universe

Shipping today

[CMNPlanet]

Arrived today.



1080i /1:85.1 / Japanese PCM 2.0 with yellow English subs

Two extras: a trailer that feels like it's from old VHS source (in Japanese with no subs) and an 11 minute still gallery of posters, lobby cards, etc. sourced from DVD.

A quick glance: it feels like a layer of artificial noise has been added, occasional white specks and dirt, but stabilization is good. Colors are nice but low-light and night shots can be muddy.

[DukeTogo84]

Originally Posted by CMNPlanet

Arrived today.



1080i /1:85.1 / Japanese PCM 2.0 with yellow English subs

Two extras: a trailer that feels like it from old VHS source (in Japanese with no subs) and an 11 minute still gallery of posters, lobby cards, etc. sourced from DVD.

A quick glance: it feels like a layer of artificial noise has been added, occasional white specks and dirt, but stabilization is good. Colors are nice but low-light and night shots can be muddy.

Awesome. So how would you compare it to the other Zatoichi films from Criterion in terms of picture quality? Also, out of 1-10 (10 being fantastic) what would you rate the PQ?

Cool that you already have it, as Amazon still hasn't shipped mine.

[CMNPlanet]

^ I haven't watched the whole thing through and through, just chapter hopping... it's solid, but I'd likely stick it somewhere between a 6 and 7 out of 10.

[DukeTogo84]

Originally Posted by CMNPlanet

^ I haven't watched the whole thing through and through, just chapter hopping... it's solid, but I'd likely stick it somewhere between a 6 and 7 out of 10.

Interesting. So it's not horrible to say the least. Decided to cancel my Amazon order and order from deepdiscount.

[Blu Titan]

Originally Posted by CMNPlanet

Arrived today.



1080i /1:85.1 / Japanese PCM 2.0 with yellow English subs

Two extras: a trailer that feels like it's from old VHS source (in Japanese with no subs) and an 11 minute still gallery of posters, lobby cards, etc. sourced from DVD.

A quick glance: it feels like a layer of artificial noise has been added, occasional white specks and dirt, but stabilization is good. Colors are nice but low-light and night shots can be muddy.

Where did you order from???

[Shingster]

1080i! **** me!

[Blu Titan]

Shipped from Amazon and will be delivered Sunday .

[IdeaOfEvil]

Just got my copy in from Rightstuf anime =)