Plot: What’s it about?
Matutatsu Oyama (Sonny Chiba) isn’t a rich man or even a well kept man, but he has martial arts skills and incredible potential. When he turns up to compete in a small, local tournament, most of the onlookers think he is a bum of some kind. But his skills impress even the most critical spectator, though his demeanor and outward appearance keep some at a distance. The strength and style on display are too much for one businessman to resist however, so he shows interest in Oyama. With his help, Oyama will train with great masters and polish his rough edges, to become a true legend of martial arts. What could have been a bright future turns pitch black when he overindulges and makes a tragic mistake. While under the influence, Oyama kills a man and not a totally bad man, which causes him immense pain. To make peace with himself, he leaves the world he knows and helps on a farm, one owned by the family of the man he killed. This allows him to regain balance in his life and earn back some of his self respect, while also paying a penance of sorts for his misdeeds. His peaceful existence is soon shattered when assassins arrive at the farm, looking to settle the score. In order to save his own life, he battles back and in the process, is forced to return to the world he left behind. Can he prove himself as a martial arts master, or should he have never returned?
This film is the first of a trilogy, in which the story of martial arts master Matutatsu Oyama, the mentor of kung fu cinema icon Sonny Chiba. The title sounds a little unusual, but as strange as it might be, Karate Bullfighter is appropriate in this case. The film recreates a scenario in which Oyama battles a raging bull with his only his bare hands, then conquers the massive beast. In real life, Oyama demonstrated his skills in that fashion numerous times, though the onlookers were always stunned and amazed. Also known as Champion of Death, this film is one of many that centers on a martial arts tournament, but Karate Bullfighter is not only ahead of the curve, it is one of Chiba’s greatest motion pictures. Not his best perhaps, but one of his finest efforts and in a career like his, that is a true compliment. Chiba is given some drama to work out, but as usual, he is at his best when he speaks with his fists. The fight scenes are well above average and provide some potent action, thanks to Chiba’s skills and some top drawer choreography work. As expected, there is some camp and the low budget causes some lapses in realism, but those issues don’t tarnish the experience. Karate Bullfighter also has numerous high spots, the kind of scenes that you can watch time and again. So this isn’t just a time waster, this is a well crafted, highly effective genre picture. Adness has given us a gorgeous new transfer and the original language track, so fans of martial arts cinema cannot miss Karate Bullfighter.
Video: How does it look?
Karate Bullfighter is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen. The previous releases of this film sported cropped transfers that were soaked in grain, but Adness has left those in the dust. Instead, we have a brand new anamorphic transfer that restores the film to its full widescreen roots. As a result, we’re presented with a clean source print that has only minor defects, as well as a sharp, clean overall image to experience. The colors have a little flatness in a few scenes, but seem bright enough in most, so no complaints there. As far as contrast, I found detail to be high and black levels look good, leaving me to score this one rather well. So kudos to Adness, who could have just recycled an old transfer, but chose to do the film justice and strike a new one, thrilling martial arts fan across the world.
Audio: How does it sound?
The original mono soundtrack is presented here, in the original Japanese language, so purist fans will be pleased to no end. But Adness has also supplied a brand new Dolby Digital 5.1 option, which truth be told, isn’t as bad as expected. As the mono source isn’t prime for audio dynamite, I had some doubts, but the remix doesn’t turn out to be a total loss. There is some movement in the surrounds, ever so limited, but what is there does enhance the experience somewhat. There is a thin texture at times, but for a mono track stretched out to 5.1 surround, this is a more than solid soundtrack. The mono option is more than passable also, though of course, lacks the overall presence. In case you need to brush up on your Japanese, Adness has included optional English subtitles, so don’t overlook those.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes the film’s trailer.
