In 2002, Taiyo Matsumoto's cult manga series was adapted into a movie and what came forth was Ping Pong. 88 Films have given this Manga film a super deluxe Blu-ray release.
Synopsis: Punkish ping pong prodigy Peco (Yosuke Kubozuka; Go, Silence) is on a losing streak, not helped by his friend since childhood, Smile (ARATA; After Life, United Red Army), intentionally letting him win in their practice sessions. As tournament day draws near, it is up to Peco to regain his mojo to take on such fearsome opponents as China (Sam Lee; Made in Hong Kong), who has fallen off the Chinese national team and wound up, bitter, in Japan, and Dragon (Nakamura Shido; Deathnote), their arch-nemesis from the rival Kaio Academy team, who approaches the table with an almost militaristic fanaticism.
Table Tennis is something you need to play to enjoy! Well, not so much. Ping Pong is a stylized film that has a good amount of humor, but has heart as well. Now I never read the Manga series, but I can imagine this is a pretty faithful adaptation of the series, and a wonderful watch.
88 Films has transferred Ping Pong to Blu-ray in 1080p and presented in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. There auduo tracks are the original Japanese language DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 or DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. If you don't speak Japanese, don't worry; English subtitles are included.
The transfer is truly a thing of beauty. The picture is crisp and clean. The colors are vibrant. It really is like watching comic come to life. In addition to a wonderful transfer, 88 Films included some bonus features on this release. Take a look at what is included.
Bonus Materials:
* Stills Gallery
* Trailer
* Original and Newly Commissioned Artwork by Luke Insect
* Limited Edition 'OBI Strip'
I love the artwork and the OBI Strip. But I must confess I am a little disappointed with just a gallery and trailer. I would have liked to see more bonus features. After all, that is what physical media fans really are looking for. Something more than just the movie.
All in All this is a really nice little Blu-ray release. If you love Asian cinema, this Manga adaptation of Ping Pong on Blu-ray is one release you will want to add to your collection. Head over to MVD Shop or Amazon and order your copy today!
Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) the Blu-ray of Ping Pong receives.......
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