The Bullet Train

Bottom line: If you like your entertainment fast and furious, then Junya Satō’s edge-of-your-seat drama, Bullet Train, is this month’s must-buy release.
Rating: 5/5.

Format: Special Edition Blu-ray.
Cast: Ken Takakura, Sonny Chiba, Ken Utsui.
Certificate: PG.
Director: Junya Satō.
Language: Original Japanese theatrical version and alternate dubbed International version included Optional English subtitles.
Run time: 152 min.

Presented as part of the Eureka Classics range, in its UK debut on Blu-ray, Bullet Train stars the legendary Sonny Chiba and Ken Takakura in a thriller that’s been imitated but  rarely bettered.

Ken Takakura stars as a bomber who plants a device on a high-speed Japanese train, programmed to detonate if the train’s speed drops below 80 kilometres per hour. The train’s conductor (Sonny Chiba) must keep the train moving whilst the police track the madman down.

Known for inspiring the 1994 Hollywood blockbuster, Speed, Bullet Train is a class act. Director Junya Satō really knows how to pace a drama, and the addition of flashbacks, explaining how the trio of terrorists ended up highjacking the train, adds a level of depth and narrative that’s rare in Western action movies.

The men aren’t in it for the money or some extremist cause. Rather, their actions are wrapped up in onion-layers of hurt. The result is both engaging and believable—even when the dated SFX lets things down.

Bullet Train is a film full of twists and turns, drama, and human connections. It’s a film that rewards thoughtful viewers while still delivering an adrenaline rush. Catch it while you can.

Features:

• Limited Edition slipcase featuring new artwork by Tony Stella (2000 copies).
• 1080p presentation on Blu-ray from a 2K restoration of the original film elements.
• Brand new audio commentary by Jasper Sharp and Tom Mes.
• Brand new interview with author/critic Kim Newman.
• Brand new interview with Tony Rayns.
• “Big Movie, Big Panic: Junya Sato on The Bullet Train” archival featurette.
• Trailers.
• A limited edition collectors booklet featuring a new essay by film writer Barry Forshaw (2000 copies).