Doberman Cop wasn’t exactly my kind of movie but it does contain the charms of the 1970s Japanese cinema with some fun cheesiness thrown in for extra measure. This Blu-ray released by Arrow includes some okay bonus features, good video and so-so audio transfers.
Doberman Cop
(1977)
Genre(s): Drama, Crime
Arrow Video | NR – 90 min. – $39.99 | July 4, 2017
Date Published: 07/10/2017 | Author: The Movieman
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PLOT SYNOPSIS
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| Based on a popular manga by “Bronson”, Doberman Cop follows the fish-out-of-water adventures of Joji Kano (SHINICHI “SONNY” CHIBA), a tough-as-nails officer from Okinawa who arrives in Tokyo’s Kabuki-cho nightlife district to investigate the savage murder and mutiliation of an island girl who had been working as a prostitute. Initially dismissed as a country bumpkin (complete with straw hat and live pig in tow), Kano soon proves himself a savvier detective than the local cops, and a tougher customer than anyone expected. As he probes deeper into the sleazy world of flesh-peddling, talent agency corruption and mob influence, Kano uncovers the shocking truth about girl, her connection to a yakuza-turned-music manager (HIROKI MATSUKATA), and a savage serial killer who is burning women alive. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 3.0/5 |
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This two-disc set comes with a 32-page booklet and a reversible cover. Beyond the Film: Doberman Cop (8:54; HD) is an introduction by Fukasaku bopgrapher Sadao Yamane. Koji Takada: Cops, Pigs and Karate (17:55; HD) – This new interview with the screenwriter as he discusses about working with Kinji Fukasaku and adapting the film from the original manga. Sonny Chiba: A Life in Action, Vol. 2 (17:53; HD) – The martial arts star talks about his long relationship with director Fukasaku, and his work on Doberman Cop. Theatrical Trailer (3:16; HD) |
VIDEO – 4.0/5 |
| Although this didn’t receive the 2K treatment like other Arrow releases – this transfer was provided by Tokei – the picture still looks pretty good, especially for a film going on 40 years now. The 1080p high-definition transfer offers some moderately bright colors, though toned down and has the distinct 1970s foreign look, but detail is relatively sharp, especially for the close-ups and there weren’t any apparent flaws like dust marks, etc. |
AUDIO – 3.0/5 |
| The Japanese language PCM Mono track is perfectly serviceable but hardly great. The dialogue sounds good enough but I did notice some minor hisses and pops while the audio also topped out in spots. Again, not bad at all especially for a film of this age and presumably not the best sound design. |
OVERALL – 3.0/5 |
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Overall, Doberman Cop wasn’t exactly my kind of movie but it does contain the charms of the 1970s Japanese cinema with some fun cheesiness thrown in for extra measure. This Blu-ray released by Arrow includes some okay bonus features, good video and so-so audio transfers. |
Check out some more 1080p screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.