Blu-ray release: ‘Katsuhito Ishii Collection’

By   |  Jun 14, 2023

Third Window Films are bringing a collection of 6 films from Japanese director Katsuhito Ishii to UK Blu-ray on July 17, 2023.

Covering Ishii’s work from his debut ‘Promise of August’ in 1995 to his latest ‘Norioka Workshop’ in 2022, the set is limited to just 2000 copies.

Promise of August (8月の約束) (1995)
Three college girls arrive in the countryside in search of an area where marijuana grows. Hitchhiking, they stop the car of a suicidal man, who falls in love with one of the girls at first sight.

Shark Skin Man and Peach Hip Girl (鮫肌男と桃尻女) (1998)
In dreamlike mountain scenery, Toshiko makes a daring escape from her sexually warped Uncle Sonezaki. Fortunately, she met Samehada as she runs for her life, which is also escaping from some slayers. What follows is a wild chase that leads the audience into a comically violent world.

PARTY 7 (2000)
Seven characters, introduced at the start of the film, get thrown together into the same hotel room: a thief who’s stolen a suitcase of money from the mob, his ex-girlfriend, her obsessive boyfriend, the mob soldier sent to retrieve the briefcase, another mobster sent to kill them, master voyeur Captain Banana and his new apprentice, The Mister Yellow. Who will end up with the money?

Sorasoi (そらそい) (2008)
An ensemble of college students is staying at a hostel called Sorasoi close to a beach. They are not experienced, talented or proficient in dancing, but they are nonetheless practicing a dance routine for an upcoming competition. What they lack in talent and knowledge they are attempting to make up with their effort and dedication. Their instructor is willing to give it all. They are also becoming interested in one another.

Hello Junichi (ハロー!純一) (2014)
An elementary student named Junichi is having trouble returning an eraser he borrowed from his secret crush, Maeda. With the support and encouragement of rookie teacher Anna, Junichi gets over his shyness and starts a band with his classmates.

Norioka Workshop (ノリオカワークショップ) (2022)
Washed-up actor Norioka decides to hold an acting workshop. Even though only two fans show up, he is delighted as they are both beautiful young girls. However, as the workship progresses, Norioka soon realises that they aren’t very easy to please.

Features:
• Shark Skin Man audio commentary by Katsuhito Ishii
• Shark Skin Man Video Essay by Robert Edwards
• PARTY 7 audio commentary by Arne Venema & Mike Leeder
• PARTY 7 storyboard version
• PARTY 7 Making Of
• PARTY 7 Alternate Ending
• PARTY 7 original teaser & trailer
• New interview with Katsuhito Ishii
• Archival interview with Katsuhito Ishii

The ‘Katsuhito Ishii Collection’ is available to pre-order now from Amazon.co.uk.

Phil Mills
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