AnimEigo re-releasing ‘Sleepy Eyes of Death’

U.S. home video distributor AnimEigo is re-releasing the classic SLEEPY EYES OF DEATH chambara film series in several “collector’s set” boxed DVD volumes beginning with the first four feature films, THE CHINESE JADE (1963), SWORD OF ADVENTURE (1964), FULL CIRCLE KILLING (1964), and SWORD OF SEDUCTION (1964).

In THE CHINESE JADE (Nemuri Kyoshiro: Sappôchô, 1963), Kyoshiro makes quick work of a group of ambushers, convincing their master Lord Maeda that this is a man that could be useful for his own purposes. Maeda sends his ward Chisa to seduce Kyoshiro in an attempt to convince him to attack a man who has evidence linking Maeda to an illegal smuggling ring. Blinded by love, Kyoshiro is eventually forced to face off against criminals and a Shorenji boxing master who’s obsessed with finding out if his technique can beat the Full Moon Cut.

In SWORD OF ADVENTURE (Nemuri Kyoshiro: Shôbu, 1964), Kyoshiro is tasked with protecting the financial adviser of the Shogunate after he cuts off the allowance of the Shogun’s spoiled, rebellious daughter. For revenge—not to mention her own perverse whims—Princess Taka drugs Kyoshiro and attempts to have him kidnapped. Kyoshiro is eventually challenged by various enemies looking to defeat his Full Moon Cut, leading to a final battle in which he takes them all on.

In CIRCLE KILLING (Nemuri Kyoshiro: Engetsu Giri, 1964), Kyoshiro shows off his skills by slicing the clothes off a female opponent before running afoul of the Shogun’s illegitimate son and an obsessive sword collector.

In SWORD OF SEDUCTION (Nemuri Kyoshiro: Onna Jyôken, 1964), Kyoshiro gets caught up in a plot to kill an innocent girl who’s posing as a washerwoman. After enlisting the help of a few unlikely allies, he must stop the fanatical mob that wants her dead before it’s too late.

The distrib previously released this 12-film series from Daiei Studios on VHS tape. This will mark the films’ first licensed release on DVD. All titles will be presented on an individual region 1 disc in anamorphic (16:9) widescreen with Japanese audio, and optional English subtitles.

Bonus features will include audio commentaries by Ric Meyers and Jeff Rovin, program notes, cast and crew info, stills gallery, trailers, and a collector’s booklet.

AnimEigo’s SLEEPY EYES OF DEATH: COLLECTOR’S SET, VOL. 1 will be released on July 14th.

THE CHINESE JADE – Trailer

Source: Nippon Cinema

Tags: chambara, Sleepy Eyes of Death (1963-69)