Source: Film Movement, Foundry Communications press release Special Thanks to Michael Krause
Takeshi Kitano is among Japan`s most famous multi-hyphenates. Originally entering show business in 1972 as "Beat" Takeshi, a member of the famous comedy duo Two Beats, he went one to become one of the most popular entertainers in the country in the `80s. However, it was when he went behind the camera for the first time in 1989 for VIOLENT COP, his directorial debut, that his originality, unique POV and artistic sensibilities shone, quickly making him a darling of international cinema. Going on to write, direct, edit or star in nearly a film per year since then, such as BOILING POINT (1990), SONATINE (1993) and HANA-BI (1997), Kitano would also be nominated for two Palmes d`Or Awards at Cannes and, in 2010, was made a Commander of the Order of the Arts and Letters, France`s highest cultural honor. The TKO COLLECTION - 3 FILMS BY TAKESHI KITANO collects three of the talented filmmaker`s most notable early classics in one specially-priced collection. All digitally remastered for optimal viewing, the TKO COLLECTION also includes exclusive booklets for each release, featuring essays from leading experts on Japanese cinema. The TKO COLLECTION includes: VIOLENT COP (?????????, Sono Otoko, Kyooboo ni Tsuki) Kitano`s explosive directorial debut introduced the world to a new breed of anti-hero. In the film he portrays a rogue homicide detective investigating a drug-related murder, who seeks vengeance after his sister is kidnapped by a sadistic gangster. Includes a booklet with essay by Tom Vick, author of Asian Cinema: A Field Guide. Running time 103 minutes. BOILING POINT (???????, San Tai Yon Ekkusu Jugatsu) In Kitano`s acclaimed second feature, a gas station attendant runs into trouble when the local yakuza threaten and attack his baseball coach. Both he and a friend get more than they bargained for when they travel to Okinawa looking to exact revenge. An essay by Tom Vick is also included. Running time 97 minutes. HANA-BI (???, aka FIREWORKS) Feeling responsible for the ruined lives of his loved ones, a beleaguered detective looks to set things right in a world gone wrong. Winner of the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, this masterpiece established Kitano as one of Japan`s greatest modern day filmmakers. Also includes booklet with essay by Jasper Sharp, author of The Historical Dictionary of Japanese Cinema. Running time 103 minutes. Street Date: November 27, 2018 Blu-Ray SRP: $64.95 DVD SRP: $44.95 Discs: 1 Running Time: 303 Minutes Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Widescreen Audio: 2.0 Stereo Language: Japanese with English Subtitles BONUS FEATURES That Man is Dangerous: The Birth of Takeshi Kitano featurette Okinawa Days: Takeshi`s Second Debut featurette Making-of HANA-BI featurette HANA-BI audio commentary by David Fear
About Film Movement Founded in 2002 as one of the first-ever subscription film services with its DVD-of-the-Month club, Film Movement is now a North American distributor of award-winning independent and foreign films based in New York City. It has released more than 250 feature films and shorts culled from prestigious film festivals worldwide. Film Movement`s theatrical releases include American independent films, documentaries, and foreign art house titles. Its catalog includes titles by directors such as Hirokazu Kore-eda, Maren Ade, Jessica Hausner, Andrei Konchalovsky, Andrzej Wajda, Diane Kurys, Ciro Guerra and Melanie Laurent. In 2015, Film Movement launched its reissue label Film Movement Classics, featuring new restorations released theatrically as well as on Blu-ray and DVD, including films by such noted directors as Eric Rohmer, Peter Greenaway, Bille August, Marleen Gorris, Takeshi Kitano, Arturo Ripstein, Sergio Corbucci and Ettore Scola. For more information, please visit filmmovement.com.