Karate for Life Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Karate for Life Blu-ray Movie Review

Karate For Life is an action-packed classic inspired by a true story. Considered the final installment of the Masutatsu Oyama trilogy, Karate For Life is based on the manga by Ikki Kajiwara, Jirô Tsunoda, and Jôya Kagemaru. Produced by Kazunori Ota (Gangster Cop), Karate For Life stars Sonny Chiba. Co-starring an ensemble cast including Kôjirô Hongô, Hideo Murota, and Masaru Shiga.

Sensei Masutatsu Oyama (Sonny Chiba) is a hot-shot fighter on a path to glory. The fighter began his life under the name Choi Bae-dal. Sensei Masutatsu Oyama went on to become the founder of the highly successful Kyokushin Karate. The Japanese Kyokushin Karate helped to inspire many others in pursing the art.

Along the journey forward, Masutatsu Oyama steps aside from a westing gig. While Masutatsu Oyama travels, Masutatsu Oyama goes through Okinawa and fights in the ring to help out a friend needing medical care and supplies. Can Masutatsu Oyama defeat the opposition while becoming a legend of Karate?

Sonny Chiba delivers an intense and exciting performance. The action star delivers a solid performance that highlights his acting chops. The role is one that required some range for Chiba as he explores a world of Karate and the significance it holds in his life. For fans of the star, it’s another great and noteworthy role.

The production design by Hiroshi Kitagawa (Zenka onna: Koroshi-bushi, Snake Woman's Curse) on Karate For Life is well-done. The design elements certainly play an effective role in the filmmaking. The style of production design is something that enhances the storytelling. The canvas of Karate For Life is bigger as a result.

Edited by Osamu Tanaka (Graveyard of Honor, A Haunted Turkish Bathhouse), Karate For Life is well- cut. The editing is done well and Karate For Life flows well as an action feature. The filmmaking is certainly highly entertaining and the editing helps in this regard.

The cinematography by Yoshio Nakajima (Zero Woman: Red Handcuffs, Yakuza Wolf: I Perform Murder) is essential to the filmmaking. The cinematography is a remarkable showcase for the production and it manages to highlight the visceral qualities of the karate scenes. Karate For Life is all the more beautiful as a production due to the cinematography.

The score composed by Hajime Kaburagi (Terrifying Girls' High School: Animal Courage, Female Yakuza Tale: Inquisition and Torture) is one of the best components of the feature-film. Composer Kaburagi is talented and the music plays a significant role. The score is energetic fun and demonstrates why the composer is a legend in his own right.

Written by Masahiro Kakefuda (Female Yakuza Tale: Inquisition and Torture, Sex & Fury), Karate For Life is certainly an entertaining and fun script. Though it might not be the strongest script out of the Chiba films, the story is nonetheless charming, well-done, and worthwhile. There are some great moments.

Directed by Kazuhiko Yamaguchi (Wandering Ginza Butterfly, A Haunted Turkish Bathhouse), Karate For Life is a must-see for Chiba fans. Director Yamaguchi not only does a great job bringing out the best in Chiba but the filmmaker finds ways to make the film stand out as an essential visual experience. The filmmaking is artistic and inventive fun.

Karate for Life Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Shout Factory, Karate For Life is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The release features a solid high-definition presentation. The transfer does display some occasional minor print damage and specks. Colors aren't as robust as on some restorations but the transfer still retains a reasonably engaging presentation. The transfer will satisfy fans with a reasonably engaging scan of the feature-film.

Karate for Life Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio Mono (with English subtitles). The lossless audio quality capably showcases the audio soundstage. Dialogue is clear and easy to understand. The soundtrack is a highlight, too. The score well integrated into the mono mix. Of note: the release doesn't provide an English dubbed option.

Karate for Life Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Brian Bankston

Karate for Life Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Karate For Life is an entertaining and energetic action gem. The film is a nice showcase for the martial artistry of Sonny Chiba. The filmmaking is exciting and well worthwhile. The Blu-ray release has a solid high-definition presentation and lossless audio encoding. The Blu-ray release also includes an audio commentary track. Fans of Sonny Chiba will certainly want to see this action classic. Recommended.