Karate Kiba 1 & 2 | Blu-ray (Eureka)
On March 18, 2024, Eureka is releasing the Blu-ray (Region B) for Bodyguard Kiba 1 and 2 (aka The Bodyguard 1 & 2), a a pair of 1973 martial arts thrillers from Ryuichi Takamori (North Sea Chivalry) that star Sonny Chiba (Doberman Cop).
A double bill of Japanese martial arts mayhem starring action superstar Sonny Chiba!
Based upon the manga by celebrated writer Ikki Kajiwara, Bodyguard Kiba follows the eponymous karate master and professional bodyguard (Chiba) as he is hired to protect the mysterious Reiko (Mari Atsumi), a woman embroiled in the world of organised crime. Kiba’s involvement with Reiko brings him into conflict with the yakuza, leading to a final bloody showdown. Then, in Bodyguard Kiba 2, Kiba is released from prison after taking revenge on the rival martial artists who blinded his sister Maki (Etsuko Shihomi). Back on the streets, he takes a job working for shady nightclub owner Akamatsu (Shoki Fukae), once again forcing him to take on Japan’s criminal underworld.
Two riotously entertaining tales of betrayal and bloodshed from director Ryuichi Takamori, Bodyguard Kiba and Bodyguard Kiba 2 were released just a year before Sonny Chiba would find international success with his breakout hit The Street Fighter. Eureka Classics is proud to present both films for the first time ever in the UK from new restorations.
Collectively, the films star Mari Atsumi (The Hot Little Girl), Kinji Takinami (The Killing Machine), Yayoi Watanabe (Female Prisoner Scorpion: Beast Stable), Mas Oyama (Bodyguard Kiba 2), Takashi Hio (Bullet Train), Akira Kuji (Zero Woman: Red Handcuffs), Etsuko Shihomi (Sister Street Fighter), Shoki Fukae (Gangster VIP), Tsunehiko Watase (Heaven and Earth), Maki Mizuhara (Trail of Blood) and Maki Mizuhara (Shadow Warriors).
Features:
- Limited edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Chris Malbon
- 1080p presentations of both films across two Blu-ray discs, from new restorations of the original film elements by Toei
- Original Japanese mono audio
- Optional English Subtitles
- Brand new feature length audio commentaries on both films
- The Bodyguard – alternate US version of Bodyguard Kiba
- Viva Chiba! – Brand new documentary featurette looking at Sonny Chiba’s Bodyguard Kiba films
- Original theatrical trailers
- A limited edition collector’s booklet featuring new writing by Jasper Sharp
This title will soon be available at The Goodie Emporium, a U.S.-based online store that currently has many Import Shaw Brothers/Golden Harvest/martial arts DVD/Blu-ray movies in-stock – with New titles being added regularly!
Watch Eureka’s New Trailer for the films below:
