183 The Boxer

[Finch]

A former boxing champ on the skids (Bunta Sugawara, Japanese Godfather) finds an opportunity for redemption by training a young fighter everyone judges beyond hope (Kentaro Shimizu, Mermaid Legend). Legendary director and playwright Shuji Terayama (Throw Away Your Books, Rally in the Streets) made The Boxer for major studio Toei, at the request of lead actor Sugawara. While the story has the studio's trademark gritty 1970s setting, Terayama imbues the film with his characteristic carnivalesque atmosphere and his unparalleled passion for sports, resulting in a boxing movie like no other and a unique entry in his own filmography.

BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION SPECIAL FEATURES

High definition digital transfer
Original uncompressed mono audio
Interview with composer J.A. Seaver (2026)
New visual essay on Toei studio in the year 1977 by Tom Mes (2026)
New and improved English subtitle translation
Reversible sleeve featuring artwork based on original posters
Limited edition booklet featuring new writing by Roberta Novielli
Limited edition of 3000 copies, presented in full-height Scanavo packaging with removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings

[Peacock]

Whoa!!! What an amazing surprise! And isn’t this the first English friendly Terayama released on disc in the world since 2007’s Private Collections? We’ve only been waiting 19 years! And the only other Terayama I think that was available prior was Fruits of Passion.

Thank you Radiance. Although I hope we are still getting a Radical Japan Terayama set. But perhaps as this is a studio title by Toie it falls outside the remit of a boxset.

[Peacock]

The fact that none of the extras on this are about Terayama the man makes me think they are saving them for a boxset. Fingers crossed. (And again, fingers crossed Emperor Tomato Ketchup can be released too, even as a separated off US only title if it’s going to be hard to put out in the UK).

[rapta]

Biggest announcement for me this month, and an instant pre-order (along with Two Boxes, and yes, Vampire's Kiss...and probably the Has 4K too). Had suggested this was the most likely guess for the 'BOX' clue both others were set on Boxcar Bertha (which now feels more like a Transmission suggestion, if anything).

I suppose this may indicate the next Radical Japan set is not Terayama focused, as they would've bundled them together if that was the case. Now leaning towards Wakamatsu or Hani for that one.

[What A Disgrace]

This is a Toei film, the other Terayama films are with ATG. They might be contractually obligated to release it separate, or it may not fit in thematically with the others.