Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		5.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

It worked once for Troma Entertainment, why not try again? After the success of 1984’s “The Toxic Avenger,” another superhero saga was created for the company to help with mainstream appeal, with “Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D.” taking a more cartoon approach to askew heroism. Japanese culture is the inspiration for the offering, but co-directors Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz spin the material in their own Troma-like manner, creating another scattergun-style comedy that emphasizes cartoon extremes and strange violence. Working with their largest budget to date, the helmers certainly attempt to pull off some highly unusual visuals in the movie, and while production polish isn’t welcome here, there are moments of imagination that make for an intermittently engaging sit. Overall, “Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D.” isn’t as strong as it could be, with all this crazy energy and attention to special effects trapped in a poorly edited endeavor.

Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Screenshots are taken from the Blu-ray.

"Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D." was originally issued on Blu-ray in 2015 by Troma Entertainment, and returns with a new UHD release from Vinegar Syndrome, listed as "presented in Dolby Vision HDR and newly restored from its 35mm original camera negative." This is certainly a most colorful picture, and the image presentation really brings "Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D." to life in a way previously unseen. Hues are excellent throughout the viewing experience, offering bold reds and whites on makeup additions, and costuming delivers sharp pinks and greens. NYC greenery is distinct, along with colder city tours. Period fashion choices are bright. Skin tones are natural. Detail is marvelous, getting into sharp skin particulars on the cast, and special effects are textured, maintaining rubbery, slimy appeal. Costuming is fibrous. Interiors are often loaded with decorative additions, remaining clearly defined when technical achievements allow for it. Exteriors are dimensional. Blacks are deep, securing evening activity and shadowy events. Highlights are tasteful. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in good condition.

Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA is an improvement over the previous Troma release, maintaining clear dialogue exchanges throughout the listening event, with a few slight moments of sibilance. There are plenty of technical issues in the feature, including what appears to be a creative choice to dial down scoring selections and soundtrack cuts, which maintain minimal volume support. Sound effects are prioritized instead.

Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet collects essays from Chris Shields, Austin Trunick, and Jesse Berberich.

• Commentary #1 features co-writer/co-director Lloyd Kaufman.

• Commentary #2 features podcasters James Branscome and Nick Vance.

• "A History Lesson on Kabukiman" (26:31, HD) is an interview with co-writer/co-director Lloyd Kaufman, who's joined by film programmer Jesse Berberich. Kaufman gets warmed up with a little clarinet playing before launching into the genesis of "Sgt. Kabukiman," which dates back to American hostility toward the Japanese during World War II. The project was co-funded by Japanese producers, giving Troma their largest budget to play with, and Kaufman claims all kabuki scenes were monitored by theater professionals, maintaining their authenticity. The interviewee veers into political talk (also taking a rip from some type of vaping device), but Berberich does a decent job keeping the Troma Entertainment honcho focused, helping him to reflect on the project's origin as a PG-13 adventure, which Kaufman was never interested in, pushing in as much Troma-style material as possible, upsetting the investors. Production details are offered, forcing Kaufman to deal with live animals, claiming "Tiger King" star Joe Exotic was the handler on-set, and true crime was encountered during the shoot. The host explores themes in "Sgt. Kabukiman," including a commentary on political power, and Kaufman dissects a major car-flipping stunt in the picture, which was subsequently recycled in many Troma productions, becoming a running joke. The conversation closes with an appreciation of the feature's lasting legacy.

• "Troma Olivier" (18:05, HD) is an interview with actor Bill Weeden, who was newly divorced in the late 1980s, electing to shake up his life by becoming an actor, seeking out Troma Entertainment for his big break in the business. The interviewee explains his character origin, presented as a loose parody of former MPAA president Jack Valenti, and professional challenges are detailed, tasking Weeden to work past speech impediment issues and contribute to the script, earning co-writer/co-director Lloyd Kaufman's respect. Production experiences are shared, putting the actor to work with live animals, and co-stars are assessed. The legacy of "Sgt. Kabukiman" is examined, with Weeden discussing aborted plans to launch a sequel and the empowerment of bad reviews.

• "A Bond Girl, Troma Style" (16:43, HD) is an interview with actress Shaler McClure Wright, who was involved in the world of PR before taking a chance on an acting career, earning early notices to help fuel her ambition to work for Troma Entertainment honcho Lloyd Kaufman. Responsible for purchasing her own costuming, Wright examines her efforts to create characterization through style. The speed of the film shoot is remembered, putting the interviewee in the middle of production chaos, reflecting on Kaufman's on-set presence and her early experiences, trying to get used to the Troma way. Technical challenges are highlighted, allowing Wright to fire weapons, run across rooftops, and deal with her character's fate, working with live animals. The rise of cult appreciation is remembered, and Wright gets a little emotional when discussing what "Sgt. Kabukiman" means to her, still in possession of her costumes.

• "From Redneck Zombies to Tromaville" (7:54, HD) is an interview with second unit director Pericles Lewnes, who was initially inspired to join the film business after viewing "Taxi Driver." Going on to make "Redneck Zombies," Lewnes eventually joined the Troma team, working his way up to greater responsibilities, including his time on "Sgt. Kabukiman." The interviewee shares his memories of Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz, handling different personalities and demands, and talk of career evolution is offered, with Lewnes itching to get back to moviemaking.

• Intro (6:34, HD) features co-writer/co-director Lloyd Kaufman, who experiments with anime-style humor before presenting a clip from "Behind the Chopsticks," which interviews Sgt. Kabukiman and explores his personal and professional history.

• Interview (6:52, HD) with actor Rick Gianasi finds the "Sgt. Kabukiman" star at an Orlando convention, where Lloyd Kaufman catches up with his boothmate, with the pair marveling over the legacy of the character. Gianasi tries to keep up with "Uncle Lloydee," but seems a bit overwhelmed by the conversation.

• Select-scene commentary features actor Rick Gianasi (9:54, SD).

• "The Dick Cavett Show" (24:03, SD) is a 1989 interview with Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz.

• In Production Sales Reel (8:46, SD) provides an early glimpse at the promotion of "Sgt. Kabukiman," which was once simply titled "Kabukiman."

• Laserdisc Intro (5:11, SD) teams co-writer/co-director Lloyd Kaufman and Sgt. Kabukiman to welcome viewers to the "lovingly restored" presentation of the film, soon joined by actress Roxanne Michaels (now Jasi Cotton Lanier), the Toxic Avenger, and a collection of crack addicts.

• Troma Team Video Intros (5:47, SD) teams co-writer/co-director Lloyd Kaufman and Sgt. Kabukiman for additional high jinks and production information.

• VHS Sales Pitch Promo (2:24, SD) is hosted by Sgt. Kabukiman, who works to sell the popularity of his movie to video store owners.

• And "Multiple Trailers" (9:47, SD) are included.

Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D." often feels like its playing out in slow motion. Kaufman and Herz refuse to shorten overlong scenes or extended moments of slapstick, which tend to grind down whatever pacing manages to surface during the run time. The viewing experience can be a real slog, but "Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D." is largely supported by moments of low-budget imagination, especially when highlighting crazy special effects and the strange world of the eponymous character. It's arguably one of the best Troma films (it doesn't take much to achieve such a status), but one certainly wonders how much better the picture could be with some judicious editing.