Party 7 Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

Party 7 Blu-ray Movie Review

Party 7 is an independent spirit Japanese action-adventure. The over-the-top action film is also a zany comedy extravaganza. Produced by Hilo Iizumi, Shunsuke Koga, and Kazuto Takida. Starring Masatoshi Nagase, Akemi Kobayashi, Yoshinori Okada, Keisuke Horibe, Tatsuya Gashûin, Yoshiyuki Morishita, and Kanji Tsuda.

Shunichirô Miki (Masatoshi Nagase) might be luckier than expected. Miki finds himself with a suitcase loaded with money. The money might be mob money but in the hands of Miki maybe luck will win unexpectedly.

As Miki arrives at a shady hotel with the suitcase of money, things start to get a bit strange. The hotel has a former lover, a bellboy, a weirdo in a banana suit, and much more. The experience is full of strange encounters at the hotel. The hotel room may also be home to an odd, voyeuristic peeping hole. Can Miki survive the stay in the hotel and live to see a better tomorrow?

Party 7 relies on the strong lead performance of Masatoshi Nagase as Shunichirô Miki. The lead performance certainly adds a lot to the production. The lead role is compelling and engaging. A entertaining performance by Nagase.

The supporting cast of characters includes Kana Mitsukoshi (Akemi Kobayashi), Todohei Todohira (Yoshinori Okada), Shingo Sonoda (Keisuke Horibe), Wakagashi (Tatsuya Gashûin), Baldie (Yoshiyuki Morishita), Fuka Zume (Kanji Tsuda), Ryûjirô Okita (Nobuto Okamoto), and Old Lady Sakagami (Yoneko Matsukane). The supporting cast does a good job with their respective roles, too. Party 7 is as much an ensemble film as it is a highlight for the lead actor. The ensemble enjoys the eccentric storytelling and the cast does well with the filmmaking style.

Composed by James Shimoji (Redline, Survive Style 5+), Party 7 features a solid score. The music is certainly one of the major highlights of the film. The score adds whimsy and adventure to the production. The comedic sensibilities are well highlighted by the score, too.

The cinematography by Hiroshi Machida (Shark Skin Man and Peach Hip Girl, The Intermission) is engaging and creative fun. The cinematographic style adds a lot to the production. The visuals completely enhance the experience and make it all the zanier and engaging.

Edited by Yumiko Doi (Shark Skin Man and Peach Hip Girl, Hachigatsu no yakusoku), Party 7 is well- paced and the storytelling is compellingly told. The editorial style works well for the film. Well done.

The art direction by Yuji Tsuzuki (Bakuman, April Story) makes a solid impression. The filmmaking relies a lot on the single room setting of the hotel room. The basis of the story often unfolds in this simple but creative setting. The art direction feels independent and creative throughout.

Written and directed by Katsuhito Ishii (Shark Skin Man and Peach Hip Girl, The Taste of Tea), Party 7 is a quirky and strange action-comedy. Ishii is a talented filmmaker. Party 7 is an unusual film and one that audiences won’t soon forget. Party 7 is well worth discovery and for audiences to seek out.

Party 7 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Discotek Media, Party 7 is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. The high-definition transfer appears filmic throughout. The engaging scan looks quite compelling in 2K. The scan shows an impressive degree of detail and clarity. A pleasing and faithful presentation.

Party 7 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (with English subtitles). The lossless surround sound presentation is quite engaging. The soundtrack is well reproduced. Dialogue remains crisp, clear, and easy to understand. The English subtitles are well done and are free from any egregious spelling or grammatical errors.

Party 7 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The first print run of the release includes a nice o-card slipcover. The slipcover features unique key artwork that is different from the artwork highlighted underneath the slipcover. A nice collectable packaging design. Slipcover fans will appreciate the added collectability of the release.

On disc supplements include:

Alternate Ending (SD, 2:51)

Director Interview (SD, 18:08)

Making of Party 7 (SD, 20:41)

Storyboards (SD, 1:02:31)

Teaser (SD, 1:35)

Trailer (SD, 2:05)

60 Second Trailer (SD, 1:00)

TV Spots (SD, 00:45)

Party 7 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Party 7 is an entertaining and offbeat action-comedy. The strange and quirky filmmaking is independent in spirit and highly creative. Party 7 is from Katsuhito Ishii: the same filmmaker behind the similarly offbeat Shark Skin Man and Peach Hip Girl.

Shark Skin Man and Peach Hip Girl was a favorite of mine in high school and one I hadn't seen in quite some time. It was nice to see another film from the same quirky-minded Japanese filmmaker. The Blu-ray release includes a nice transfer, lossless audio, and a nice selection of bonus features. Recommended.