Japanese 'Sukiyaki Western Django' DVD Released February 6th 2008.

Those who pick up film magazines in England might have spotted the full-page mention for Miike's 'Sukiyaki Western Django' which states due 2008 for a western release.

Few things generally conspire against them though, one is the already mentioned likelihood that all territories outside of Japan will have a slimmed-down version of the film - it's said to be losing 25 minutes for international distribution, american distribution at least, post-festival screenings at which it was criticized for being a wee bit too long. The Japanese DVD Specification released so far state the Japanese DVD will see the original 121 minute cut of the film, and not a rejig.

Remember, considering all you options in taking in contemporary or classic films from other countries, for those outside the bubble of the american market - the one which gives the illusion of "all you need" rather than "all you might want" - you'll likely now have your eye on this disc as the better version, all other aspects completely out the window if your eye is on the film. More importantly, the idea that it's hard to have faith in what you might get beyond the domestic borders for a film, particularly with regards how far-reaching any USA distribution might actually be, but also when you'll actually get it as 2008 is a full 12 months or so in length, and America is not going to prioritize this, Tarantino or not, because it's not domestic product and it's not part of their wider picture.

You may see two alternative packages with additional discs for Japan ultimately getting listed when pre-orders appear in more places - I'm seeing only what appears to be the more special one mentioned right now (Product Code is GNBD-1430 for the Special Edition; GNBD-1429 for the Standard Edition, both seem to have English and Japanese Dubs, but only Japanese Subtitles) - and this one certainly comes with a making-of, mini feature on special effects, footage from VIFF and TIFF screenings. And yes, a first of all firsts! Japanese Subtitles!!!

Miike at Venice Coverage & Sukiyaki Western Review by Tom Mes.

MidnightEye contributor Jason Gray’s Review at his Blogspot Is also worth a nose.