Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		0.0
Overall		3.5

13 Steps of Maki: The Young Aristocrats Blu-ray Movie Review

13 Steps of Maki is an action-thriller with a cool sense of style. Based on the classic Japanese manga by Ikki Kajiwara and Masaaki Satô, 13 Steps of Maki features an eclectic ensemble cast. The cast of actors include Sonny Chiba, Etsuko Shihomi, Misa Ohara, Hiroshi Nawa, Tatsuya Nanjô, and Kôji Fujiyama. A worthwhile action-gem.

Maki Hyuga (Etsuko Shihomi) is the tough-and-cool leader of the Stray Cats. The Stray Cats are an all-female gang of women who fight other gangs and enemies while attempting to use their gang skills positively – to help those who are less fortunate and in need of justice. Yet things become quite complicated for Maki when she fights the daughter of a powerful yakuza lord.

Because of the connections of the yakuza boss, Maki finds herself thrown into prison with false charges. Now living a much different life alongside other prisoners of an all-women’s prison within a sadistic prison system, Maki is now left to fend for herself in the system. Can Maki find a way out of the prison by fighting enemies while in pursuit of her freedom?

The star of the show is Etsuko Shihomi. Etsuko Shihomi takes on the central role as the protagonist of the story. Etsuko Shihomi delivers a strong performance and one that is compelling to watch unfold. Invigorating, tense, and energetic, the performance highlights her charm and skill as an action star. Alongside the great Sonny Chiba, the performances in the feature-film are well-worth seeing. An impressive ensemble of actresses co-star in the feature. The all-women’s prison takes center stage, highlighting the performances.

The production is impressive and noteworthy. 13 Steps of Maki is well-done as a production and this helps the filmmaking to soar. The film features art direction by Hiroshi Kitagawa (The Battle of Port Arthur, Sympathy for the Underdog). The art direction is well-done and brings out the best in the production aesthetics. There is much to cherish about these production attributes and how these elements bring out the best in the filmmaking.

The cinematography by Yoshikazu Yamazawa (The Golden Bat, Bullet Train) is one of the most engaging qualities of the film. Yamazawa is a top-notch cinematographer. The visuals in 13 Steps of Maki are outstanding and are on-par with the superb work done with Bullet Train. The aesthetic is great: providing a tense and exciting backdrop for the action.

The score composed by Shunsuke Kikuchi (Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z) adds a lot of fun to 13 Steps of Maki. The score is energetic and engaging. Kikuchi is a strong composer who adds a lot of magic to the filmmaking.

Written by Takeo Kaneko (Return of the Sister Street Fighter, The Kyoto Connection) and Makoto Naitô (Hell's Angels: Crimson Roar, Lupin III: The Fuma Conspiracy), 13 Steps of Maki has a solid screenplay. Brimming with energy, the script has a good time exploring the girl-gang setting and the gusto of the central protagonist. The dialogue is fun and the pace is well-done.

Directed by Makoto Naitô (Hell's Angels: Crimson Roar, A Violent School Revolution), 13 Steps of Maki is an entertaining action classic. Fans of Sonny Chiba will want to see the classic gem but the real star is certainly Etsuko Shihomi. Etsuko Shihomi steals the show. Director Naitô has fun with the cast and delivers a fun genre film action fans won’t want to miss.

13 Steps of Maki: The Young Aristocrats Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Shout Factory, 13 Steps of Maki is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The transfer does have occasional minor print specks but the print is good overall. The quality of the presentation is pleasing. The presentation has crisp detail and the cinematography is a highlight of the transfer. Shout Factory has provided a quality encode.

13 Steps of Maki: The Young Aristocrats Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio Mono (with English subtitles). The lossless audio adds to the presentation quality. Dialogue is well reproduced. The soundstage is handled well. Shunsuke Kikuchi's score is well reproduced on the release. The English subtitles on the release are well-done and are free from significant spelling or grammatical errors.

13 Steps of Maki: The Young Aristocrats Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

There are no on disc-supplements.

13 Steps of Maki: The Young Aristocrats Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

13 Steps of Maki is a thrilling action-spectacle. The filmmaking is exciting and will have audiences on the edge of their seat. Etsuko Shihomi delivers a standout performance as the Stray Cats Maki Hyuga. With co-star Sonny Chiba, 13 Steps of Maki is sure to delight action fans looking for something fun. The Blu-ray release provides an impressive presentation and lossless audio. Recommended.