Tomie (1998) Blu-ray Review

Actors: Miho Kanno, Mami Nakamura, Yoriko Dôguchi, Tomorô Taguchi, Kôta Kusano, Kae Minami, Kenji Mizuhashi, Rumi, Ikkô Suzuki, Junji Ito, Directed by Ataru Oikawa

Japanese horror films have inspired American horror films. The J-Horror films are extremely popular! Who didn't love the Arrow Video Blu-ray release of the Ringu Collection or the absolutely epic Blu-ray J-Horror Rising!  

In 1987 there was an amazing hit manga series entitled Tomie by artist Junji Itō (Uzumaki). In 1998 the series would be adapted to the big screen. Now Arrow Video has released this film on Blu-ray!

Synopsis: Photography student Tsukiko (Mami Nakamura, Tokyo Trash Baby, Love Exposure) is plagued by violent dreams as she struggles to recall long-suppressed memories following a teenage trauma with the help of psychiatrist Dr. Hosono (Yoriko Douguchi, Cure, Charisma). Meanwhile, as Detective Harada (Tomorō Taguchi, Tetsuo: The Iron Man) leads an investigation into a missing high-school girl, he discovers a long line of similar cases that can be traced back decades, with all of the victims going by the name of Tomie Kawakami, and all slaughtered and decapitated by jealous lovers before they reach womanhood. Meanwhile, Tsukiko's new neighbor seems to be harboring something nasty in the downstairs apartment, something which rapidly begins to take on a dangerous form.

Tomie has a real creepy feel to it. Even when watching it, you know it's a movie, but it just creeps you out. There are no jump scares, but there is plenty of grotesque scenes that fans of J-horror will love. The relationship between Tomie and Tsukiko is what drives this film and, in a way, other characters in the film suffer from this. All in all, not a great J-Horror, but entertaining.

Arrow Video has transferred Tomie to Blu-ray in 1080p and it is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic. There are two Japanese audio tracks to choose from. There is a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo. There is also the option for English subtitles.

Arrow Video does a good job here with the transfer. The film looks crisp and clean. There is no digital artifacts or audio anomalies. I have said this before, but I really wish there were English dubs on these releases. But that is a minor complaint! Take a look at thew bonus features Arrow Video loaded on this Blu-ray!

* Brand new audio commentary by critic and Japanese cinema expert Amber T.
* It’s a Girl’s World, brand new interview with director Ataru Oikawa
* Scream Queen, brand new interview with actress Mami Nakamura
* From Manga to Screen, brand new interview with producer Mikihiko Hirata
* Trailer
* Image gallery
* Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing by Zack Davisson and Eugene Thacker
* Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sara Deck

Amber T. does a great job with the audio commentary. Bonus interviews are always a welcomed addition. The Blu-ray does feel a bit lite on the bonus features. But still would make a nice addition to anyone's J-horror home video library!

If you are a J-Horror fan the Blu-ray release of Tomie may just be what you are looking for. Head over to MVD Shop or Amazon and order your copy today!

Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) Arrow Video's Blu-ray of Tomie receives......