Film Movement Classics

Red Peony Gambler I - III

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Edition Type: Standard Edition

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This Partner Label release is distributed through Vinegar Syndrome's sister company OCN Distribution. Vinegar Syndrome had no part in, nor are responsible for, the restoration, extras, quality control or any content(s) of this release. We hope you enjoy our growing roster of Partner Labels and the expertise and curation brought to each release by their dedicated staff!

Details

This special limited edition spot gloss slipcover (designed by Poochamin) is limited to 2,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

Founded in 2002 as one of the first-ever subscription film services with its DVD-of-the-Month Film Club, Film Movement is now a North American distributor of award-winning independent and foreign films based in New York City. In 2015, Film Movement launched the reissue label Film Movement Classics featuring new restorations released theatrically as well as on home video, with an emphasis on films by auteur directors such as Eric Rohmer, Peter Greenaway and Takeshi Kitano.

Produced during the heyday of ninkyo eiga (chivalrous yakuza films), the seminal Red Peony Gambler series has had a lasting influence on cult cinema. The illustrious Junko Fuji stars as the beautiful and badass Oryu, the eponymous and benevolent female gambler who uses her incredible might for right. In the series’ premiere she rambles into town searching for her father’s killer with a wallet left at the crime scene as her only clue. At a card game she meets a kindred spirit, the noble and handsome yakuza Katagiri (Ken Takakura) and soon they are a force to be reckoned with. Part 2 finds Oryu under the arm of the kind gang boss of a silk farming town. When ruthless loan sharks encroach and their treachery leads to murder, it is Oryu’s sworn duty to exact justice. Maestro of Japanese cinema Tai Kato simultaneously satiates and transcends genre tropes in his masterful direction of the celebrated third film in the series. From its classically melodramatic opening set piece involving an oncoming train, the stage is set for a visually rich tale of good versus evil.

directed by: Kosaku Yamashita, Norifumi Suzuki, Tai Kato
starring: Junko Fuji, Ken Takakura, Tomisaburo Wakayama, Kyosuke Machida, Michitaro Mizushima, Kanjuro Arashi, Teruo Ishiyama, Bunta Sugawara, Koji Tsuruta

1968 - 1970 / 291 min (combined) / 2.35:1 / Japanese DTS-HD MA 1.0

Additional info:

  • Region A 3-disc Blu-ray
  • New video essays on Red Peony 1 & 2 by TokyoScope author Patrick Macias
  • Video introduction to Red Peony 3 by director Alex Cox (Repo Man)
  • New audio commentary on Red Peony 3 by Chris Poggiali These Fist Break Bricks) and John Charles (The Hong Kong Filmography, 1977-1997)
    • Booklet with new essay by Mark Schilling (The Yakuza Movie Book)
    • English subtitles

    Overall rating: 4.773585 / 5 from 106 reviews.

    AI Generated Review Summary

    This limited edition Blu-ray collection of the Red Peony Gambler series is highly praised for its exceptional transfer, top-notch packaging, and spectacular artwork. Customers appreciate the presentation and the look of the product, and the film is well-received for its quality and appeal.

    Summary topics

    • Trilogy Release (11%): It was highlighted by customers that this collection is great and amazing, with a solid trilogy release.
    • Spectacular Artwork (12%): Customers expressed appreciation for the spectacular artwork, which was described as spectacular, top notch, and outstanding.
    • Product Appearance (12%): Customers expressed satisfaction with the look of the product, stating that it looks awesome and fantastic.
    • Product Presentation (8%): Customers expressed appreciation for the presentation, with many describing it as nice, great, and amazing.
    • Blu-ray Transfer Quality (15%): Many customers brought up that the transfer to Blu-ray is exceptional and delivers high-definition viewing experience.

    Review topics: [quality, looks, packaging, set, depth, buy, film, release, transfer, artwork, collection, movie, slipcover, trilogy, flick, presentation, gambler, series, yakuza, story, pacing, drama, pickup, revenge, characters, move, treatment, vinegar syndrome, fare, booklet].

    Review highlights

    • "The transfers look great, and the overall package has a wonderful presentation with amazing artwork."Steven B.
    • "The transfers look outstanding and the limited slipcover artwork outshines the standard artwork on the case."Russel H.
    • "ALWAYS RELEASE GREAT TITLES FANTASTIC ART WORK AND EXCELLENT QUALITY VINEGAR SYNDROME ARE THE BEST AROUND"MICHAEL T.

    Reviews

    Nice Trilogy

    "The slipcover is awesome, as always with anything VS or their awesome partner Labels release! It is a cool movie that was a lot of fun to watch! I always love the unique VS service of allowing you to stack as many movies as you like in your cart during any release period and ship them for free! The peerless VS restoration process was on full display with stellar sound and picture! Thank you, VS, for continuing to lovingly restore and release so many wonderful films from every conceivable genre! You are keeping physical media alive in this streaming world we now live in! Highly recommended!"

    Paul K. (5/5)

    A solid film.

    "I truly enjoyed this series of films. Top notch picture quality and engaging story. Definitely not one you should pass up."

    Jesse W. (5/5)

    Blind Buy

    "I recently discovered Tai Kato and have been enthralled by the handful of films of his I’ve seen so far. This is a blind buy simply because he directed the third film."

    Ryan B. (5/5)

    Amazing

    "Wanted this one for awhile, I'm very happy I picked this up during the sale. The extras are remarkable if you love commentaries."

    Michael D. (5/5)

    Tomisaburo Wakayama is the GOAT

    "I've only seen the first one so far, but I'm super excited for the next two installments."

    Benjamin B. (5/5)

    Awesome Collection

    "Wonderful to have all three of these in one set - fingers crossed for the other sequels in a follow-up"

    Clark P. (5/5)

    Red Peony Gambler

    "Interesting series, bought as a blind buy and I don't regret it."

    Russell K. (4/5)

    Great collection and a cool

    "Great collection and a cool slipcover"

    Jon W. (5/5)

    Beautiful japanese trilogy!!

    "These three first Red Peony Gambler movies are incredible. I know there are more movies, and I hope we have a release in the future, but these are fantastic. I highly recommend you all to buy it. The packaging is gorgeous too!!"

    GILBERTO C. (5/5)

    Great Set

    "Amazing - loved these films to pieces. Great restoration work."

    Frank M. (5/5)

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