Happiness of the Katakuris

[I am 138]

My favorite (so far) Miike film has got official DVD release in the US. I just got my copy in the mail. It has an interview with Miike, a making of, and a commentary (in Japanese w/ English subs). Pretty cool. There may be a few other extras as well, that's just what I remember.

[Chris Slack]

What label is this on?

[Nocturnaloner]

I think it's Ventura, but also involved are American Cinematheque and Chimera Entertainment, none of which I have ever heard of.

Great disc btw, and a hilarious movie. Highly recommended.

[I am 138]

It appears to be part of a Chimera/American Cinematheque line put out by the Ventura label.

I got mine through Best Buy online for $20 including shipping. The Lynnwood Best Buy didn't have it in stock, and Suncoast didn't even have it listed as available. Scarecrow probably have some.

Extras:

Commentary
Making of (61 minutes)
TV Spots
Interview with Miike (33 minutes)
Theatrical trailers for upcoming releases through Chimera (haven't watched yet, so don't know if Happiness is on there).

[Chris Slack]

Thanks, sounds like a worthy addition to my Region 3 disk which is as barebones as they get.

[I am 138]

Update: The commentary is available in Japanese or in an English translation. The translation is pretty well done, but it's not Miike talking. He also has a film critic join him; the critic has the honor of being the first guest to die and the first to sing a song in the movie. There are no subs for the Japanese audio commentary.

[Nocturnaloner]

I started cracking up when I heard the dubbing from the Miike interview, because it's like, "Hey, let's get the community college acting class to voice this!" but after you get used to it, they do a decent job.

The making of doco is good too. It's subtitled, and it seems like everyone had a great time making the movie, which shows in the finished product. The interplay between Miike and 'Grandpa' is a riot.