Versus (Blu-ray Review)

Reviewed By Jason Lockard

Arrow Video is known for releasing the cult classics and foreign films. They has been releasing Japanese cinema on deluxe Blu-rays. Now it is time for anther film to come to Blu-ray and the latest is 2000 Japanese action horror film entitled Versus.

There are 666 portals to the other side. A group of ruthless gangsters, a woman and an escaped convict that meet in the 444th portal in Japan in there is The Forest of Resurrection. Sounds beautiful, but sounds can be deceiving! They soon realize that those once killed and buried in the forest come back from the dead.

The story of Versus is a very thin one. There is not much to it at all. The film is relies on stylistic cinematography and ultra violence and gore in hopes of making a good movie. And I suppose for some people that might be enough, but for this reviewer it just wasn't enough.

Now as far as the film transfer. The film has been restored in 2k from the orginal film elements by Arrow Films, approved by director Ryûhei Kitamura. It is presented in High Definition (1080p). There is both versions of the film: the original 2000 cut and 2004 s Ultimate Versus, featuring over 10 minutes of new and revised footage.

The film looks amazing on Blu-ray, but where this release shines is in the amazing amount of bonus features. Take a look.

DISC 1: VERSUS

Original lossless Japanese 5.1 and 2.0 stereo audio and English 2.0 stereo audio

Optional English subtitles

Audio commentary by Kitamura and producer Keishiro Shin

Audio commentary by Kitamura and the cast and crew

New visual essay on the career of Kitamura by Japanese cinema expert Jasper Sharp

Behind Versus, a two-part behind-the-scenes documentary exploring the film s production

First Contact: Versus Evolution, a featurette exploring the film s origins

Tak Sakaguchi s One-Man Journey, an archival featurette on the actor s visit to the 2001 Japan Film Festival in Hamburg

Film festival screening footage

Team Versus, a brief look inside the Napalm Films office

Deep in the Woods, an archival featurette featuring interviews with Kitamura, cast and crew

The Encounter, an archival interview with editor Shûichi Kakesu

Deleted scenes with audio commentary by Kitamura, cast and crew

Nervous and Nervous 2, two side story mini-movies featuring characters from the main feature

Featurette on the making of Nervous 2

Versus FF Version, a condensed, 20-minute recut of the film

Multiple trailers

Image gallery

DISC 2: ULTIMATE VERSUS

Original lossless Japanese 6.1 and 2.0 stereo audio and English 6.1 and 2.0 stereo audio

Optional English subtitles

Audio commentary by Kitamura, cast and crew

Sakigake! Otoko versus Juku, a featurette on the newly shot material for Ultimate Versus

In looking back at this film, in the final analysis, I feel Versus struggles to know what it wants to be! Is it a gangster film? Is it action film? A Fantasy? Is it trying to be The Matrix? It doesn't know! And neither do I!

If you are a fan of foreign horror film or a zombie film fanatic Versus is probably going to be one you want to add to your collection. But the average film fan probably not! If you want to get a copy you can head over to Amazon.com and get a copy today.