DVD Review “13 Assassins (1963)”

Directed by: Eiichi Kudo
Starring: Koutaro Satomi, Ko Nishimura, Chiezo Kataoka, Ryohei Uchida
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: Animeigo
Release Date: June 5, 2012
Running Time: 125 minutes

DVD Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Film Score: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras Score: 2 out of 5 stars

When it comes to 1963’s “13 Assassins”, I know this film is the original but I liked Takashi Miike’s 2010 adaption far more. Though, this black and white adaption is virtually bloodless tough it still manages to be semi-effective. The one aspect I had major trouble with was Animeigo’s subtitles. They chose the most annoying font and they continue to change the color with each person that speaks.  This is very distracting, especially with a black and white film.  Not sure if that was the best decision here.

The film’s story is about a group of top class assassins, who set out to remove Lord Naritsugu before he enters into a political position. The Lord does follow any rules and kills anyone that crosses his path. It is up to the 13 chosen assassins to bring him down before he reaches his destination.

The DVD is presented in widescreen with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. It also only included a Japanese audio track with its Dolby Digital Stereo, no dub track. There are a few special features but nothing worth checking out. Included are Trailers, Program Notes, Cast & Crew Bios and Image Gallery. Overall if you are fan of samurai films, it is worth checking out but definitely not my favorite. I prefer the 2010 remake for sure.

“Politics of Love” Premieres On Demand and DVD From Codeblack Entertainment

POLITICS MAKES STRANGE BEDFELLOWS IN THE SEXY, ROMANTIC COMEDY

Brian White, Mallika Sherawat, Academy Award®* Nominee Ruby Dee AndLoretta Devine Lead A Sensational Cast In The Irresistible Film

Politics of Love Will Premiere On Demand September 1 And Debut On DVD September 13 From Codeblack Entertainment

UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – Opposites attract and sparks fly in the bi-partisan romantic comedy Politics of Love. After an initial theatrical release set to begin in August,
Politics of Love will premiere on Comcast and Time Warner Cable’s Video On Demand systems September 1st and on DVD September 13th from Codeblack Entertainment. Politics of Love features hot new stars on the rise Brian White (Tyler Perry’s forthcoming feature Good Deeds) and Bollywood bombshell Mallika Sherawat (Murder). Sherawat, an accomplished Indian actress with a trailblazing attitude and fearless commitment to confronting social stigmas, is known for pushing boundaries and taking risks with the roles she chooses while at the same time bridging cultural divides. White is not only known for his work on stage, television and film but also for his activism within the community and dedicating his time and efforts to empowering youth though his charitable organization Black Carpenter. Politics of Love also stars Loretta Devine (For Colored Girls, Crash, “Grey’s Anatomy”), Oscar Nominee* Ruby Dee (American Gangster) and Gerry Bednob (The 40 Year Old Virgin).

The world’s hottest election gets even hotter when a sexy, savvy African-American conservative Republican, Kyle Franklin (White), meets a beautiful Indian-American Obama campaign volunteer, Aretha Gupta (Sherawat) and sparks fly inside and outside of the office. As the campaigns intensify, can the power of love conquer all for this mismatched pair of lovers in the electrifying days leading up to Election Day?

With a compelling message about the need for unity and understanding—both in politics and relationships—Politics of Love strikes a chord whether you’re a conservative, liberal or somewhere in between. The film will be available On Demand through digital cable and satellite TV (check your local listings), and on DVD for the suggested retail price of $19.97.

Politics of Love can be seen in select theatres August 26.

Synopsis

Politics makes strange bedfellows, but never stranger than when a sexy, savvy, African-American conservative Republican reluctantly falls for his Democratic counterpart: a beautiful Indian-American Obama campaign volunteer. Sparks fly, tempers flare, heads turn, and romance blossoms for his mismatched pair of lovers in the frantic and intoxicating days leading up to Election Day. Can the politics of love conquer all?

 

VIDEO-ON-DEMAND BASICS

Street Date:   September 1, 2011

Cable Carriers: Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cox, DirectTV, Echostar IPVOD, Cable Vision, Verizon V-Cast, TVN, Charter, AT&T U-Verse

Language: English

Running time: 89 minutes

Rating: NR

 

DVD BASICS

Price: $19.97

Street Date: September 13, 2011

Order Date:  August 9, 2011

Catalog Number: CM3274

Language: English

Running time: 89 minutes

Rating: NR

 

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