Search - Tokyo Drifter [Criterion Collection] on DVD

Content Advisory: Violence, Adult Situations Movie Release: 1966 DVD Release: 02/23/1999 Format: DVD Audio Tracks: Japanese Subtitles: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 23 mins Studio: Criterion Members Wishing: 13 Genres: Crime, Crime Thriller, Gangster Film

Tokyo Drifter stands with Branded to Kill as one of the best-known and most acclaimed films of Seijun Suzuki, one of Japan's most talented maverick directors. A colorful riot of an action drama, Tokyo Drifter, like many of Suzuki's films, transforms a standard gangster film plot into a vehicle for his own loopy brand of filmmaking, featuring gorgeous cinematography, unconventional storytelling techniques, and a dark sense of humor. This particular example centers on Tetsu, a yakuza member who, when his gang is disbanded, remains loyal to his boss and attempts to go straight. This is no easy task, however, as the yakuza are determined to get him back into the life -- or kill him if he refuses. The pressure soon forces Tetsu to go on the road, becoming the "Tokyo drifter" of the title, but even this is not enough to prevent his past from violently catching up with him. The film's choreographed action and vibrant color palette make the frequent action sequences, including one of the most raucous barroom brawls ever put on film, seem almost like musical numbers, resulting in a spectacularly entertaining and truly original take on the gangster drama. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide

Tetsuya Watari - Hondo Tetsuya
Tamio Kawachi - Tatsuzo
Hideaki Nitani - Aizawa Kenji

Seijun Suzuki's stylish gangster film Tokyo Drifter gets the treatment it deserves from Criterion on this first-rate release. The film is presented in a widescreen transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio. The Japanese soundtrack is rendered in Dolby Digital Mono. The film looks and sounds as good as one could reasonably hope. English subtitles are accessible. Supplemental materials include an interview with the director. This disc is recommended to any fan of Asian cinema. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide