March 27, 2024
Eureka Entertainment will release two classic martial arts films starring Sonny Chiba based on the hit manga series Karate Baka Ichidai on Blu-ray Disc on June 25th.
movie, karate bullfighter And its sequel, karate bear fighteris available on Blu-ray disc for the first time from a new restoration as part of the Eureka Classics line. The first edition of 2,000 copies of the “Beast Fighter'' combo pack featuring both films will be delivered in an O-card slipcase and will also include a collector's booklet with new writing by author Eddie Falvey.
Combo Pack is distributed by MVD Entertainment Group.
Both films were first released in 1975 and are based on the real life of Masutatsu Oyama, the legendary bull-killing karate master who personally trained Chiba.
in karate bullfighter (or champion of death), a karate tournament is canceled by a mysterious fighter who calls himself Oyama (Chiba). He arrives wearing tattered rags and defeats all who challenge him. However, Oyama's entry into the world of karate had unexpected consequences, and soon he was fighting for more than just sporting victories.
in karate bear fighter, Oyama is expelled from the karate world for refusing to pull a punch. With nowhere else to turn, Oyama happens to meet Kimura (Hideo Murota), whom he once knew as a member of the Imperial Air Force before becoming a criminal, and takes a job with the Yakuza. But ultimately, Oyama has no more respect for his superiors on the street than he does in the dojo.
Director: Kazuhiko Yamaguchi (sister street fighter), karate bullfighter and karate bear fighter This work is based on the popular manga series Karate Baka Ichidai, which was serialized from 1971 to 1977 and depicts the life and legend of Mr. Mas Oyama.
The Beast Fighter package consists of a 1080p presentation of both films across two Blu-ray discs with Toei's new restoration of original film elements, with original Japanese mono audio and optional English subtitles . Bonus features include audio commentaries for both films with action movie experts Mike Reader and Arne Venema. A video essay by Jonathan Clements, author of “. A brief history of martial arts; and the original theatrical trailer.
