Paula Hammond - Features EditorThe existence of a Japanese Cut of Johnny Mnemonic has been something whispered about in British fan circles for years. Notoriously difficult to source—and selling for eye-watering amounts online—this May, 101 Films finally offers fans a decent and affordable copy of this holy grail of cult collectables.
Adapted for the screen from his own short story by visionary writer William Gibson, Johnny Mnemonic stars a pre-Matrix Keanu Reeves in a role that film-goers loved and hated in equal measure.
It’s the year 2021 and Johnny (Keanu Reeves) is a data courier with a secret: he mind is overloaded with a dangerous stash of data that literally puts a price on his head. Accompanied by physically enhanced bodyguard Jane (Dina Meyer), Johnny sets out to acquire the passwords he needs to save himself—and possibly the world.
Johnny Mnemonic will be title 025 on 101 Films Black Label, and comes to Blu-ray for the first time in the UK.
This limited edition release not only includes special packaging, a collector’s booklet, two commentaries, the short film Tomorrow Calling, based on the short story by William Gibson, an archive extras… but, yes, the fabled Japanese cut of the film in SD.The cut is notable for more action sequences as well as the presence of Takeshi Kitano, whose role was greatly expanded from the English version.
Is it worth the wait? You bet-ya. Sure Johnny Mnemonic is an old film in terms of visuals and SFX. And even with the blu-ray sheen, it looks its age. But, if you enjoyed it first time around, then you’re going to adore this new edition. The packaging and extras are lush. There’s even more Johnny. There’s even more Cyber. Which all adds up to even more Collector’s Bliss. What’s not to love?
Brand New Extras:
• Audio commentary by film critic Rich Johnson
• Limited Edition Booklet: Features ‘Future Proof: A Cyberpunk 101’ by Rich Johnson and ‘The Semiotic Ghosts of William Gibson’ by Brian J. Robb
• Limited Edition packaging with new artwork by Lucas Peverill
• Set of art cards – reproductions of Spanish lobby cards
Additional Extras:
• Tomorrow Calling (1993), a short film adaptation of William Gibson’s short story The Gernsback Continuum
• Commentary with director Robert Longo
• Japanese Director’s cut (SD)
• Featurette
• Behind the Scenes
• Interviews from the shoot
• Music video
• Trailer
