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

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

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

Reviewed by Justin Dekker July 7, 2025

The third title in Refuse Films' TromArchive Collection, 'Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D.' arrives on Blu-ray in this stacked release. One of the best-loved entries in Troma's extensive catalog, the film follows Harry Griswold (Rick Gianasi), a member of the N.Y.P.D. who, after being possessed by the spirit of a Kabuki master, becomes a super-powered force against evildoers. The release sports three cuts of the film, including the 1997 VHS PG-13 cut (1:39.59), the 1997 Director's Cut in open matte (1:40.27), and the HD 2015 Director's Cut sourced from the original camera negative (1:22.10). As is the standard for Refuse's TromArchive Collection titles, this release includes a massive amount of on-disc supplemental features, including multiple commentaries, cast and crew interviews, deleted scenes, and hours more. The slipcovered edition is limited to 3,000 units. This release is available directly from the Refuse Films website and is region-free.

For those new to the film and seeking an appreciation of it, please follow this link to my colleague Brian Orndorf's review of the 2015 Troma Blu-ray release, then come back for a look at the technical specs and supplemental material of this new release from Refuse Films. Those who are already familiar with the character and the film are simply encouraged to read on.

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

While I do not possess the 2015 Troma release, to my eye and based on Mr. Orndorf's comments and the screenshots in his review, the video presentations of that release and Refuse's 2015 Director's Cut in HD Widescreen found here seem to be strikingly similar - which is a good thing. This release definitely still has the same strand of hair dancing in the lower right corner during the film's early goings, though I do not recall seeing any of the judder issues that Mr. Orndorf noted in the Troma disc from a decade ago. There are some moments of softness, but fine detail is typically high, skin tones look healthy across the board, and colors are nicely saturated. The late 80s/early 90s colors are quite eyecatching and the frequently featured reds pop nicely. Fine grain is present and resolves naturally, and the image sports pleasing depth and dimensionality. It's the version I spent the most time with, and I am quite fond of it. The VHS cut displays most of the issues one would expect to see based on its source. It's certainly watchable, but most will likely only view it once. The DigiBeta-sourced 1997 Director's Cut actually looks quite impressive. Colors aren't as richly saturated here, and blacks can tend to be a bit milkier, but on the whole, it's an extremely viable viewing alternative to the shorter 2015 HD Director's Cut. Kabukiman's most ardent fans will no doubt be delighted to have them all here, but I'll be sticking with either the DigiBeta-sourced 1997 Director's Cut or the HD 2015 Director's Cut for my Kabikiman needs. It should be noted that the HD 2015 Director's Cut is the disc's default viewing option, and it serves as the source of this review's screenshots.

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

The biggest upgrade relative to the film's presentation has to be the audio track. My colleague, Brian Orndorf, noted a persistent buzzing that plagued the original Troma release from 2015. The liner notes included with this release directly reference that defect with OCN materials as well, which is why Refuse opted to use the audio mix from the original 1997 DigiBeta master tape for their HD presentation. As a result, I'm happy to report that the buzzing noise is nowhere to be found on this Dolby Digital 2.0 track. There are some occasional sibilance issues that serve as the largest issue the track has, but they are relatively minor and are by no means a derailer. Dialogue is front and center focused, and is consistently understandable. Music and special effects are satisfactorily rendered but can sometimes lack the depth possessed by more modern films and/or mixes. It's a solid accompaniment to the film and supports an enjoyable viewing experience.

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

Audio Commentaries

• 2024 Jeff Sass Commentary - Moderated by Zack Beins of the "Talkin' Troma" podcast, producer Jeff Sass gets to work quickly, discussing topics such as casting and shooting locations. He also points out more trivial details, such as the scene in which is dog appeared and the inclusion of Lloyd Kaufman's young daughters. He covers the involvement of Namco and Gaga as well, and also details the writing process and making changes to obtain a PG rating and the campy Batmanesque transitions. He also talks about working on the licensing for the Toxic Crusaders merchandising and the desire to have the property follow in the footsteps of the successful Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles line of products and toys. Though it's been some time since he worked on the film, Mr. Sass is deeply knowledgeable, and the back and forth with Mr. Beins makes for a very enjoyable and informative listen.

• 1998 Rick Gianasi Select Scenes Commentary(9.49) - Sourced from the 1998 Troma Team DVD Master, Gianasi talks about his difficulty eating fish in a scene he shared with Susan Byun, how Lloyd Kaufman listened to his actors, how he got the park, and his love for the project among other topics.

• 1998 Lloyd Kaufman Commentary - Sourced from the 1998 Troma Team DVD Master, Lloyd Kaufman, ever the showman, is as loquatious as ever as he talks about the character's origins and myriad other topics related to the film. Kaufman touches on Namco's involvement and that of the other producer, Gaga Communications. Particular attention is paid to a humorous anecdote relating to an early stunt, the ins and outs of the casting process, and the influence of Al Sharpton on the character of Reverend Snipes. Kaufman moves at his own pace, and he's clearly not working from a defined script, his comments being largely dependent upon the onscreen action. It's an entertaining commentary, and Kaufman's fans would expect nothing less.

Deleted Scenes

• 1989 In-product reel (8.45) - Sourced from 1989 D-2 master, these play-out like trailers rather than typical deleted scenes.

Interviews

• 2024 Lloyd Kaufman Interview (11.07) - Filmed by Refuse Films in sunny California, Kaufman discusses the character's origin, his own shortcomings with regard the project, the film's theatrical run, the rationale behind the PG-13 cut, and more. A soundbite from Gene Siskel's unfavorable review is also included.

• 2015 Rick Gianasi Interview (5.46) - Sourced from the 2016 Troma Team Blu-ray master, Lloyd Kaufman interviews the star of Sgt. Kabukiman NYPD at MegaCon, and includes moments from him in a panel discussion.

Kabukiman's Cocktail Corner (Complete Season 1 Episodes From 2015) - Featuring Sgt. Kabukiman (Doug Sakmann) and other colorful characters, these episodes are a mix of comedic sketches, musical performances, interviews, and the like. And, of course, cocktails. Keep an eye out for Mark Torgl. The episodes are as below.

• S1 E1: Unicorn Smack (7.03)

• S1 E2: Super Monkey Death Grip (7.44)

• S1 E3: Circus Life (7.47)

• S1 E4: Absinthe (8.06)

• S1 E5: Paul Booth and Twelve a.m. Flowers (9.44)

• S1 E6: Brian Quinn (12.06)

• S1 E7: Tania Stavera (9.07)

• S1 E8: Dave Hill and Doug Gillard (12.40)

• S1 E9: The Cowmen (9.25)

• S1 E10: Season Finale (14.49)

Kabuki Specials

• Non-denominational Holiday Extravaganza (14.31) - Premiered on December 24, 2015

• Behind the Chopsticks (5.52) - Premiered on December 30, 2015

• Kabukiman Vs. Dracula (3.12) - Premiered on April 1, 2016

• Live at the Trocadero Theatre! (16.36) - Premiered on April 10, 2016

• Kabuki-Con (14.47) - Premiered on April 20, 2016

• NYC Zombie Crawl (6.48) - Premiered on July 6, 2017

• Loaded in Las Vegas (55.59) - Premiered on February 2, 2018

Tromarchival Extras

• 2021 Kabukiman Returns Trailer (2.30) - Sourced from Digital Master

• 2015 Kabukiman's Cocktail Corner (1:38.33) - Sourced from Digital Masters, the episodes are delineated above.

• 2002 Kabukiman in England (5.00) - Sgt. Kabukiman runs amok in England, meeting passersby, visiting Buckingham Palace, and more. Sourced from 2002 Troma Team DVD Master.

• 2001 Kabukiman In Cannes (42.58) - Lloyd Kaufman conducts a Q & A, sourced from 2002 Troma Team DVD Master

• 2000 Troma's Edge TV Ep. 3 of 3 (24.11) - Sourced from 2000 DigiBeta Master, Lemmy, Matt Stone, and Trey Parker appear, and consdierable time is given to the film Terror Firmer - or one certain scene from it at least.

• 1998 Unused Kabukiman Laserdisc Intro (5.11) - Sourced from 1998 BetaSP Master, Kaufman and Kabukiman discuss the Laserdisc presentation and a sequel.

• 1997 Kabukiman VHS Sales Pitch (2.16) - Sourced from 1997 BetaSP Master, this is a vintage promo piece.

• 1997 Kabukiman Masturbation PSA (2.49) - Sourced from 1997 BetaSP Master, Kabukiman discusses the problem.

• 1996 Troma Basement Ep. 3 of 16 (7.36) - Sourced from 1996 BetaSP Master, Kabukiman is featured.

• 1996 Tromaville Cafe Ep. Stuck On You! (5.53) - Sourced from 1998 Troma Team DVD Master, Rick Gianasi stops by to publicize another Troma project.

• 1994 That's TromaTainment (25.29) - Sourced from 1994 U-Mate Master Tape, this serves as a primer to all things Troma.

• 1993 Kabukiman In Cannes (18.44) - Sourced from 2003 Troma Team DVD Master, Kabukiman's trip to Cannes is highlighted, with Lloyd Kaufman naturally appearing as well. Keep an eye out for Ginger Lynn Allen.

• 1991 Kabukiman Animated Pitch Reel (4.43) - Sourced from 1991 BetaSP Master, it's a pitch for an animated series.

• 1990 Sgt. Kabukiman NYPD Trailers (9.47) - Sourced from 1990 & 1991 BetaSP sources, this is an assortment of trailers for the film.

• 1989 The Dick Cavett Interview (23.52) - Sourced from 1989 U-Mate Master Tape, Michael Herz and Lloyd Kaufman appear after a substantial warning from Cavett and clips from Troma's films. Cavett is somewhat dismissive of their work (despite clearly never having seen any of their films), but Kaufman and Herz's schtick is on-point, and they are obviously quite proud of their studio and its output.

Tromatic Excess

• Troma Trailer Tape 3 (16.06) - Includes trailers for Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger Part IV; Blondes Have More Guns!; Femme Fontaine: Killer Babe for the CIA, They Call Me Macho Woman!; The Good, the Bad, and the Subhumanoid: Neke 'Em High III; and Beware! Children at Play.

• Doug Sakmann Tribute (4.10) - A mix of stills, clips, and behind-the-scenes footage of Doug Sakmann through the years that play out to the theme song from Sgt. Kabikiman N.Y.P.D..

• Troma Team Kabukiman Intros (5.47) - Two introductions are included, the longest features Sgt Kabukiman, Dementia, Michael Herz, and Lloyd Kaufman introducing the film, while the other features Kaufman on his own.

• Kabukiman Digital Excess (1:44.41) - This lengthy feature is dominated by Sgt. Kabukiman and contains material from Troma's Edge TV that includes an interview with Stan Lee, spots for "Troma NOW", footage of Doug Sakmann and Tiffany Shepis, and Anabella Rich's spot for Refuse Films' TromArchive Collection Vol. 1 release of Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D.. It's an interesting mix of vintage and more modern footage.

• Radiation March (0.54) - The trademark Troma extra.

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

Troma's Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. may not have quite the same level of name recognition as The Toxic Avenger, but the character has endured, and its fanbase continues to grow. Possessing all the hallmarks of a Troma film, it is perhaps a better introduction to that studio's catalog for the uninitiated or those primarily familiar with the fare released by the major studios, as it's not quite as outlandish, gory, or charged with moments of bad taste as, say, the likes of Return to... Return to Nuke 'Em High (AKA Volume 2). Refuse's release stands as the one fans need to add to their collections, given it includes three cuts of the film, a better audio track, a massive amount of on-disc supplemental material, and it comes highly recommended.