Inflatable Sex Doll of the Wastelands Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.0

Inflatable Sex Doll of the Wastelands Blu-ray Movie Review

Inflatable Sex Doll of the Wastelands is considered a cult Japanese pinky violence film. Produced by Keiko Sato, one of the esteemed female producers of Japanese pinky genre films, Inflatable Sex Doll of the Wastelands is co-written by acclaimed screenwriter Yamatoya, who also collaborated with Japanese filmmaking legend Seijun Suzuki. Starring Yuichi Minato.

Hitman Sho (Yuichi Minato) is haunted by the loss of his beloved girlfriend. Determined to seek revenge for her death, Sho finds himself on a mission to find and kill the murderer. As Sho delves into a seedy underbelly of Japan, Sho is tossed into a landscape new and unfamiliar to the hitman.

As investigations carry on, surprising twists await – even though the girlfriend was thought to be dead and killed in a snuff film, it turns out the girl was never killed at all. As the story unfolds, Sho discovers a world of S&M films, and is surprised by the world of sex-dolls, too. As Sho delves into the new and unfamiliar world, the truth of the investigation comes out with one surprise after another.

Yuichi Minato delivers a solid lead performance. Minato is a gifted actor. The performance is one of the most compelling aspects of the production.

Composed by Yosuke Yamashita (The Girl of Silence, Jazz Daimyo), Inflatable Sex Doll of the Wastelands features a solid score. Yamashita is a talented composer and someone with a compelling sense of style. The music is atmospheric and works well in the production.

The cinematography by Hajime Kai is one of the most compelling elements of the film. Inflatable Sex Doll of the Wastelands features solid cinematography and the lush visual aesthetic is a key strength of the production. The black and white photography is creative and it makes a solid impression throughout.

Edited by Shôgo Sakurai (Vagabond of Sex, Birth Control Revolution), Inflatable Sex Doll of the Wastelands is a well-done production. Sakurai is a talented editor and the pacing impresses. Outstanding editorial oversight. The vision for the film works well.

Featuring art direction by Toshihiro Asakura, Inflatable Sex Doll of the Wastelands showcases terrific art direction. Asakura is a talent and someone who understands how to bring together something special with regards to the production aesthetic. The artistic direction certainly adds to the atmosphere.

Written and directed by Atsushi Yamatoya (Trap of Lust, Season of Treason), Inflatable Sex Doll of the Wastelands is a well-done Japanese classic with compelling storytelling and filmmaking. Inflatable Sex Doll of the Wastelands has impressive artistic merit in spades. Yamatoya created a fantastic black and white film and the compelling atmosphere is enhanced by the visual sensibilities of the filmmaker. At times, a Noir like genre atmosphere. Inflatable Sex Doll of the Wastelands is well worthwhile.

Inflatable Sex Doll of the Wastelands Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Deaf Crocodile, Inflatable Sex Doll of the Wastelands is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high- definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. Restored from 35mm film elements by Rapid Eye Movies in collaboration with Deaf Crocodile, Inflatable Sex Doll of the Wastelands is restored from the best elements. The presentation impresses with solid black-and-white cinematography. The print does have some occasional blemishes and print wear but nonetheless this is a solid transfer with good restoration efforts. The transfer is a nice one and the restoration effort certainly made a difference in providing a good presentation.

Inflatable Sex Doll of the Wastelands Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (with English subtitles). The lossless audio presentation is crisp and engaging. Dialogue is well reproduced and is easy to understand throughout. The score is well reproduced on the release, too. The soundstage excellent for the production.

Inflatable Sex Doll of the Wastelands Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The limited-edition version includes a deluxe chipboard art-box with additional key artwork. The standard edition with additional artwork is housed inside of the deluxe edition box set. The set packaging is gorgeous and looks great in hand. The release will make a nice addition for any collector's shelf. The set also includes a deluxe booklet.

On disc supplements:

Audio Commentary by Action Film Historians Mike Leeder and Arne Venema

"Tomorrow Won't Be a Dream: Duality and Triangles in Inflatable Sex Doll of the Wastelands" – Visual Essay by Dr. Will Dodson and Ryan Verrill (HD, 13:04)

Interview with Alexander Zahlten (HD, 1:22:36)

Restoration Demo (HD, 2:46)

Inflatable Sex Doll of the Wastelands Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Inflatable Sex Doll of the Wastelands is a compelling Japanese cult classic. A Japanese pinky cult film, the production is one that fans of genre filmmaking will appreciate. The filmmaking is well-done and has an impressive Noir style atmosphere.

The black and white cinematography is visually compelling and is well reproduced on the release. The Blu-ray release features an impressive transfer, lossless audio, and a selection of bonus features. Recommended.