Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.5

Bodyguard Kiba Blu-ray Movie Review

Bodyguard Kiba is an exciting thrill ride for action film fans. Based on the manga by Ikki Kajiwara and Kentarô Nakajô, Bodyguard Kiba is a must-see for Chiba fans. Produced by Susumu Yoshikawa (Kamen Rider Black, Roboman Hakaider), Bodyguard Kiba co-stars Mari Atsumi, Kinji Takinami, Yayoi Watanabe, and Mas Oyama. Bodyguard Kiba was originally released in North America under the alternate title The Bodyguard with a popular slogan: “Viva Chiba!”

Naoto Kiba (Shin'ichi Chiba) has a new mission ahead of him. Kiba now must work harder than ever to be the martial arts expert that he strives to be. Kiba now has a big goal: take out all of the Yakuza. With an onslaught of fights, Kiba is ready for some action-packed mayhem. The ultimate goal of Kiba being to take out Japan’s drug industry.

Sonny Chiba is fantastic in the role. Chiba has such a clear and undeniable screen presence and his unique charisma and form of performance adds a lot to the production. The actor has plenty of fun with the role and with bringing his part to life. The performance is wonderful and fans won’t want to miss the role.

The cinematography by Yoshio Nakajima (Zero Woman: Red Handcuffs, Gangster Cop) adds to the visual wonderment of Bodyguard Kiba. The visual finesse of the storytelling is something that provides some added depth to the production. The cinematography style is evocative and well-suited for the action filmmaking.

Edited by Osamu Tanaka (Submersion of Japan, Prophecies of Nostradamus), Bodyguard Kiba has a good sense of pace. The rhythm of the filmmaking is effective and as a result the experience is far more fun, rewarding, and sensational. Tanaka did a good job with the production.

The production design by Baku Fujita (Golgo 13, The Executioner) is an ambitious aspect of the production. The design work feels well stylized and there is an art-house style that is fun to see in an action film. Fujita created something impressive with Bodyguard Kiba. The art direction by Hiroshi Fujita (Gambler’s Farewell, Kujaku no sono) adds to the sense of style in Bodyguard Kiba as well and gives it an added sense of depth and scale.

The stunts coordinated by Takashi Hio (The Executioner II: Karate Inferno, Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion) are an important part of the production. Hio helped bring forth good sunt work. With exceptional craft, the film is all the more entertaining as a result. The action beats are essential to the filmmaking.

The score composed by Toshiaki Tsushima (Yagyu Clan Conspiracy, Night Train) provides some charm and depth to the production. The score by Tsushima works well with the film. As a result, Bodyguard Kiba is all the more ambitious and engaging.

Written by Ikki Kajiwara (The Tiger Mask, Champion Joe), Bodyguard Kiba might not prevail with one of the best scripts for a Chiba film, but the story is still fun and engaging. Scriptwriter Kajiwara made an entertaining film even if it doesn’t have some of the artistic finesse of some of the best Chiba films. Nonetheless, a solid script and one that adds to the action-spectacle.

Directed by Ryûichi Takamori (North Sea Chivalry, Yakuza deka: Kyofu no doku gasu), Bodyguard Kiba is an exciting and well-made action film with some nice set-pieces and fun thrills for action fans. Even if the script isn’t perfect in every arena, director Takamori had a good time with the production and an impressive performance by Chiba is delivered.  Bodyguard Kiba might not be considered as one of the best works in the canon of Chiba but it is one well worth seeking out for fans nonetheless.

Bodyguard Kiba Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Shout Factory, Bodyguard Kiba is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The high-definition presentation on the release is excellent and there is a lot to appreciate about the production. The video encode on the release capably reproduces the cinematography and gives it plenty of opportunity to shine. The presentation is crisp and clear – there is a good degree of detail in the image. The scan is free from egregious issues with dirt, debris, and other print deficiencies.

Bodyguard Kiba Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio mono (with English subtitles). The lossless audio presentation on the release is engaging. Dialogue is crisp and easy to understand on the release. The soundstage is excellent for a mono soundtrack. The track handles the audio well and is free from egregious issues with hiss, crackle, and other audio related deficiencies.

Bodyguard Kiba Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:42)

Bodyguard Kiba Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Bodyguard Kiba is an entertaining action film and one highlighted by a good performance by Chiba. Fans of Chiba will find Bodyguard Kiba well worth seeing. Though Bodyguard Kiba is not as well regarded as some Chiba films it still has a lot of fun elements at play. The Blu-ray release provides a solid video and audio presentation. Recommended.