Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Hiruko the Goblin Blu-ray Movie Review

An incredible Japanese horror cult-classic arrives on Blu-ray.

Hiruko the Goblin is a supernatural horror comedy based on the original manga by Daijirô Morohoshi. Adapted from the acclaimed manga, the story for the feature-film adaptation is by Koji Tsutsumi. A horror mind-trip with equal parts scares and laughs, Hiruko the Goblin is a must-see for genre fans. Outstanding filmmaking and a impressive concept help the film to stand out from the crowd as a must-see gem.

Legend foretells of the Goblin demon Hiruko and her horrifying appearance. Archaeologist Hieda (Kenji Sawada) finds himself in a difficult situation when his peers eviscerate him for pursuing his interests in the supernatural. Yet Hieda receives an unexpected letter from his dear brother-in-law, Yabe (Naoto Takenaka). Hieda is surprised to learn of a ancient burial ground surrounding a nearby high school. Hoping it could lead towards a discovery concerning the Goblin Hiruko.

After some mysterious disappearances over the summer, Hieda is shocked to learn that even one of the school’s most beautiful and gifted female students has disappeared. Hieda’s brother-in-law has also disappeared. Determined to find them, danger awaits in the dark corners of the burial grounds. Ancient demons may awaken. Can Hieda become the hero of the tale as he searches these ancient grounds alongside Yabe’s son, Masao (Masaki Kudou)? Working together, Hieda and Masao have some challenging (mis)adventures ahead.

The star performances are outstanding and an essential element of Hiruko the Goblin. Kenji Sawada and Masaki Kudou deliver outstanding performances. The stars of the film, these actors provide the film an outstanding level of dedication to their respective roles. The performances are impressive and have a perfect balance of drama, tension, and comedic timing. These actors were perfectly cast for their roles. The results of the performers impressive on-screen chemistry as a buddy-duo helps the film find a great balance. An impressive cast – so well cast for these roles.

Renowned for the creative and experimental special effects highlighted in the film, Hiruko the Goblin has impressive design work by special effects supervisor Eiichi Asada (Princess from the Moon, Submersion of Japan). The designs are some of the most impressive horror designs I have seen. These special effects were created by designer Satoshi Narumi (Nightmare Detective, Blade of the Immortal) alongside special creature effects designed by Takashi Oda (Sonatine, Bullet Ballet). The horrific and nightmarish fantasy of these effects helps to cast a spell.

Enter the horror realm.

The pace of the filmmaking is top-notch and sequences are well designed. Edited by Yoshitami Kuroiwa (The Sword of Doom, The Last Dinosaur) and Shinya Tsukamoto (Nightmare Detective, A Snake of June), the efforts of both editors makes the film more impressive. Tsukamoto fulfills several roles with the production and his contribution as editor is essential to the filmmaking.

The score composed by Tatsushi Umegaki (Salamander Basic Saga: Paola in Meditation, Ashita tenki ni naare) is one of the best elements of the production. The music is first-rate and manages to ebb and flow between an unexpected sense of serenity and the adrenaline-packed punch of terrifying horror. Composer Umegaki finds the perfect tonal balance for the film and the music is first-rate.

The production design by Satoshi Akatsuka helps the horror elements of the film to shine through. The entire production elements on display with the ancient grounds sequencing impresses and provides a scary and complex aesthetic for the film. Outstanding.

The costumes designed by Masatoshi Utsumi (The Challenge) are well-suited to the characters and their quirky and exciting journey. Utsumi provided solid designs for each central character and the roles are more engaging as a result. The designs help the storytelling to come to life.

Featuring exceptional cinematography by Masahiro Kishimoto (Lake of Illusions, Godzilla and Mothra: The Battle for Earth), Hiruko the Goblin is a visual wonder – something exquisitely rewarding. This is certainly a beautiful looking film and the cinematography rewards audiences with haunting visual elements. Kishimoto finds a great balance between light and dark. The horror scenes within ancient grounds are especially impressive with a brooding atmosphere created by the cinematographer.

Written and Directed by Shinya Tsukamoto (Tetsuo: The Iron Man, The Adventure of Denchu-Kozo), Hiruko the Goblin is a must-see Japanese gem. Fans of exciting horror films should find it to be an absolute blast. Tsukamoto has so much fun in the playhouse of the production. The results are outstanding and creative. The director crafts so many engaging action scenes and scary moments. Fans of Japanese cinema should seek it out.  

Hiruko the Goblin Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray in North America from Mondo Macabro, Hiruko the Goblin is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. The release features a brand new 2K restoration from the original camera negative. The new scan of the film is exceptional. Color reproduction is superb and appears faithful to the cinematography. Hiruko the Goblin has great black levels and the release doesn't suffer from egregious issues with the color presentation or grayscale (as some Japanese transfers struggle with on foreign editions). The presentation is nearly flawless with sharp visuals and a remarkably clean print. The release doesn't suffer from egregious print damage, telecine wobble, and other print deficiencies. A strong effort to restore the film by Mondo Macabro.

Hiruko the Goblin Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in Japanese uncompressed PCM mono in 24 bit high resolution. The 24 bit depth audio sounds remarkably crisp and dynamic. The soundtrack is crystal clear and there is an enormous amount of creative energy in the sound mix. The mix is faithful to the original audio presentation. English subtitles are provided. The English subtitles are of excellent quality and don't exhibit issues with spelling or grammar. A strong lossless audio presentation.

Hiruko the Goblin Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Interview with Director Shinya Tsukamoto (HD, 27:32)

Archival Interview with Director Shinya Tsukamoto (SD, 8:00)

Intro to film by Director Shinya Tsukamoto (HD, 2:50)

Archival Interview with special effects designer Takashi Oda (SD, 4:05)

Goblin Creation (SD, 2:31)

Audio Commentary by Tom Mes

Trailer (HD, 1:43)

More from Mondo Macabro (SD, 13:50)

Hiruko the Goblin Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Hiruko the Goblin is an exceptional film with all the merits of the best Japanese horror classics. The filmmakers perfectly balances horror mayhem with dark comedy. The results? A cult classic with an abundance of creative visuals and innovative special effects. The Blu-ray release is exceptional and comes sourced from a brand new 2K restoration. The release also includes a first-rate lossless audio mono audio presentation. The Blu- ray release also includes a plethora of enticing bonus features for fans of the film. Highly recommended.