‘Shigurui: Death Frenzy’ Review (Blu-Ray)

Japanese Anime, widely known for its extremely graphical content and vivid imagery, has given birth to a new gem that will have your heart palpitating with each sickeningly blood-drenched moment. Shigurui: Death Frenzy forces you to gasp in shock as you follow the tale of two samurai who have sacrificed everything for their art.

Shigurui starts off as your basic Samurai tale during the Tokugawa peace. In the year 1629, a daimyo under Tokugawa Tadanaga has initiated a tournament to satisfy his own blood lust. Instead of fighting with bokken, wooden swords, the competitors would fight with traditional weapons. Despite warnings from his samurai as to the dangers of a tournament like this, the daimyo continues with the contest.

From the moment you see the first two competitors, you’ll realize that Shigurui is anything but your typical tale. Shigurui begins at the end of the tragic relationship of two disfigured samurai who show up to open the tournament. The first is Gennosuke Fujiki, a man missing an arm, who has strengthened his back to such a degree as to compensate for the loss. The Second is Seigen Irako a blind man with a deep cut in one of his feet. At first, it appears as though these two have shown up to mock the contest they’re in, but upon closer inspection the spectators realize that these two samurai possess skill that surpasses the ordinary man.

The scars these samurai wear bear the history of their disturbing and fatefully bloodied past. Each episode reveals more and more about how these two warriors came to that moment. From their desire to learn the secrets of their Master Kogan’s sword art to the right to marry his daughter, Fujiki and Irako will embark on a journey that will stain your mind with the blood of the fallen.

One thing Shigurui: Death Frenzy is not is a tale for the weak of heart. The visuals blend reality with the surreal dream world. Each moment is a masterfully crafted work of artistic storytelling. The colors of the characters and settings are all desaturated, allowing the blood to stand out as its own character in the world. The slow pacing will have your nerves on edge as you anxiously watch the story unfold. The music and eerie childlike singing reinforces the chilling atmosphere of Shigurui.

The Blu-Ray comes with twelve episodes that, when watched in Marathon mode, plays out like a sordid documentary. Shigurui is so disgustingly grotesque you’ll have to watch it twice since your eyes were closed the first time. But, you’ll love every minute of it.

If you’ve been starving for a reason to get back into the world of Japanese Anime, make Shigurui that reason. However, Shugurui isn’t restricted to your average anime junky. Death Frenzy is so beautifully executed that anyone with an appreciation for a well-executed story will want to see it – even if only to test how strong your stomach really is.

The Blu-Ray release is light on special features. It would have been great if it included a few behind-the-scenes featurettes or on-camera interviews with members of the original creative team.

Special Features:
- Marathon Play Feature
- Actor and Director Episode Commentaries
- Production Artwork Galleries
- Opening and Closing Song – Closing Song done with images from Shigurui
- Trailers