Plot: What’s it about?
If you’re a fan of Asian horror, then you’ll want to check out The Kadokawa Horror Collection. This four disc set brings together four of Kadokawa’s eerie productions, previously available as solo releases. Kadokawa was the studio that launched Ringu and of course, that was a major headstone in the Asian horror movement that we’ve seen. While none of the films presented here can live up to Ringu’s legend, they’re all well worth a look. I’d rank Inugami as the best of the quartet, but Shikoku is fun and Isola has some great moments. I would place Shadow of the Wraith at the bottom, but even it has some decent moments, though the glacial pace is sure to leave some disappointed. In any event, this collection has four Asian horror films in one sleek package, so if you’re a fan, then this is worth a chance. I’ve included a brief synopsis for each film below.
1. Inugami- The Inugami, otherwise known as the evil dog spirits, have to be carefully watched over, or else they’ll go on a blood spattered rampage. The watchers of the Inugami are the women of the Bonomiya family, the most current of which is Miki. She lives an isolated life and kept her attentions where needed, but that was before a handsome new school teacher arrived. Now as her focus shifts from her familial duties to more romantic propositions, her life starts to change in countless ways. But when the village also starts experience changes, have the Inugami been released from the Bonomiya control?
2. Shikoku- As a child, Hinako almost drown in the waters around the island of Shikoku, but her friend Sayori pulled her to safety. She then moved to Tokyo with her family, but now as an adult, Hinako returns to Shikoku. When she arrives, she learns that Sayori has herself drowned, though her other friend Fumiya is still alive and well. Hinako reconnects with Fumiya right away, even the sparks of romance can be seen. Soon however, the island begins to change and visions of dead people have been reported. When Sayori’s priestess mother tried to use black magic to bring back her daughter, she also brought back a lot of other dead people, but is it too late to stop this invasion of the resurrected?
3. Shadow of the Wraith- This movie tells two tales instead of just one, but the connecting thread is that each part is headed up by one of the Matsuo twins. In the first piece, Ryoji is a ladies man, but the ladies who display interest in him wind up in trouble. That is because a young school girl with her own crush on him takes action when competition arrives. But she doesn’t threaten them or throw hands, she uses her mental powers to crush those in her path. Is there any escape from her psychic reign of terror? The other has an eerie house that seems to be haunted, but is it?
4. Isola- The aftermath of the Kobe earthquake was total devastation, countless dead or injured, in addition to those who lost all they had in the disaster. With all the help needed, a woman ventures to lend a hand and with her powers of mind reading, she could probably help more than others. But she runs into another young woman with mental issues, though this girl isn’t telepathic, instead she has multiple personalities. And while twelve of her personas seem manageable, the thirteenth, known as Isola, is a legitimate threat. But can anything be done to stop Isola, or will this deviant personality be able to take control and impose her will on an already decimated locale?
Video: How does it look?
Inugami and Isola are presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen, Shadow of the Wraith is 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, and Shikoku is 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen. All four films share the same dark, grim visual design and all four look more than solid in these presentations. I found all four prints to be quite clean and free from serious concerns, though grain appears from time to time, as well as some minor debris. The dark visuals tend to mask detail a shade, but contrast is consistent and as per the needs of the visuals, colors are sometimes bright, other times more muted. I think fans will be pleased with all four transfers and while never dazzling, the presentations are all quite acceptable.
Audio: How does it sound?
All the films have dual Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 soundtracks, except Shadow of the Wraith, which offers only a 2.0 surround option. As expected, the films with DTS sound more expansive, but Shadow of the Wraith still sounds passable. The other films have more surround presence, but don’t expect too much. The surrounds kick in to amp up the tension and atmosphere, but these tracks aren’t as refined as U.S. blockbusters. All four films have the original Japanese soundtracks and of course, English subtitles are provided, in case your Japanese isn’t so hot.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Inugami features a brief behind the scenes piece and some television ads, while Isola houses a featurette and some interviews. You can also find trailers for all the included films.
