New on Blu-ray: JAPAN ORGANIZED CRIME BOSS / NIHON BORYOKU-DAN: KUMICHO (1969) - Standard Edition

BUY FROM AMAZON

Product Description: Two major yakuza factions from Tokyo and Osaka battle over control of Yokohama, using local gangs as their proxies. Amid this violent struggle, Tsukamoto (Koji Tsuruta, Big Time Gambling Boss), the head of one of the local gangs, is released from an eight-year prison sentence. The feud forces him into action, but he learns that those pulling the strings have political connections and that he is up against overwhelming forces.

A predecessor to and blueprint for Fukasaku's Sympathy for the Underdog, Japan Organised Crime Boss also signals the director's first collaboration with Bunta Sugawara, the later star of Battles Without Honor and Humanity as well as with Tomisaburo Wakayama (The Bounty Hunter Trilogy) and gangster-turned-movie star Noboru Ando (Eighteen Years in Prison).

Find out more about this DVD/Blu-ray release after the jump.

New on Blu-ray: BLOOD OF REVENGE / MEIJI KYOKYAKUDEN - SANDAIME SHUMEI (1965) - Limited Edition

BUY FROM AMAZON

Product Description: Osaka, 1907. The upstart Hoshino gang tries to assassinate the boss of the Kiyatatsu syndicate, who are in charge of the construction business. The attempt fails but sets in motion a spiral of violence, as the Hoshino sabotage building sites and kill a junior Kiyatatsu member. When the old boss dies of his wounds, senior lieutenant Kikuchi (Koji Tsuruta, Big Time Gambling Boss) decides to take on the Hoshino gang alone. Director Tai Kato's first yakuza film is a feast for the eyes, with bold set design, vivid colours and daring shot compositions bringing to life a timeless tale of honour and vengeance. Co-written by Red Peony Gambler creator Norifumi Suzuki and featuring a stunning central performance from Tsuruta, this is one of the finest of Toei's classic "chivalrous" yakuza films.

Find out more about this DVD/Blu-ray release after the jump.

New on Blu-ray: JAPAN ORGANIZED CRIME BOSS (1969) - Limited Edition

BUY FROM AMAZON

Product Description: Two major yakuza factions from Tokyo and Osaka battle over control of Yokohama, using local gangs as their proxies. Amid this violent struggle, Tsukamoto (Koji Tsuruta, Big Time Gambling Boss), the head of one of the local gangs, is released from an eight-year prison sentence. The feud forces him into action, but he learns that those pulling the strings have political connections and that he is up against overwhelming forces. A predecessor to and blueprint for Fukasaku's Sympathy for the Underdog, Japan Organised Crime Boss also signals the director's first collaboration with Bunta Sugawara, the later star of Battles Without Honor and Humanity as well as with Tomisaburo Wakayama (The Bounty Hunter Trilogy) and gangster-turned-movie star Noboru Ando (Eighteen Years in Prison)

"The Entertainment Factor is supported by its audience. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission."

Find out more about this DVD/Blu-ray release after the jump.

New on Blu-ray: BIG TIME GAMBLING BOSS / BAKUCHI-UCHI SOCHO TOBAKU (1968) - Limited Edition

BUY FROM AMAZON

Product Description: Tokyo, 1934. Gang boss Arakawa is too ill and a successor must be named. The choice falls on Nakai, but being an outsider he refuses and suggests senior clansman Matsuda instead. But Matsuda is in jail and the elders won't wait for his release, so they appoint the younger and more malleable Ishido to take the reins. Clan honour and loyalties are severely tested when Matsuda is released, resulting in an increasingly violent internal strife.

An atmospheric tale of gangland intrigue written by Kazuo Kasahara (Battles Without Honour and Humanity) and starring Tomisaburo Wakayama, (Lone Wolf and Cub, The Bounty Hunter Trilogy) and genre legend Koji Tsuruta, Big Time Gambling Boss is one of the all-time classics of the yakuza genre. Paul Schrader called it the richest and most complex film of its type, while novelist Yukio Mishima hailed it as a masterpiece.

"The Entertainment Factor is supported by its audience. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission."

Find out more about this DVD/Blu-ray release after the jump.