DVD Title
Hanzo the Razor: Who's Got the Gold?
International Title
Hanzo the Razor: Who's Got the Gold?
DVD Length Original Length
84 Minutes 84 Minutes
Company Year of Manufacture
HVE 2005
Language Subtitles
Japanese English
Region Number of Discs
1 1
Aspect Ratio Sound
2.35:1 (Anamorphic) 2.0 Mono
Extras
. Menus (English)
. Chapters (15)
. Trailers: Hanzo the Razor: Sword of Justice, Hanzo the Razor: The Snare, Hanzo the Razor: Who's Got the Gold?
. 2 pages of liner notes by Michael Raine found in the booklet
Captures
Review

The final DVD in HVE's Hanzo the Razor box set, Who's Got the Gold? matches the second disc in the set with an outstanding video presentation and good audio quality, although the added content is very sparse.


 Video:

Another excellent video presentation from HVE, Who's Got the Gold? is nearly flawless in all areas here. The colors, for example, are vibrant on this release, with a very nice distinction from scene to scene that wouldn't have been possible on the VHS format. The brightness level here is also done well, with most all scenes being readily visible while it isn't high enough to wash out some details. As for digital inconsistencies, they are handled very well here. There are almost no signs of artifacting or shimmering here, while the movie looks very sharp as edge enhancement is kept to a minimum. Noise levels are also good, as visible grain or general digital noise is low. The print used in the transfer is in nearly perfect shape too, or enough restoration has been applied to give that illusion. Like the other two discs, though, the frame isn't always stable here. It does jump on one instance during the main title, otherwise this isn't a problem in the least.

Who's Got the Gold? is presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1, and is Anamorphic for widescreen TVs.


 Audio:

Mirroring the other discs in the set, the audio presentation here is a faithful recreation of the audio track that was originally released with the film. Who's Got the Gold? is presented in a 2.0 mono presentation of the film's Japanese audio track. In terms of quality, one can't complain. The audio track here is well handled, sounding crystal clear through out, while no pops or crackles can be heard. As to be expected, the mono track has limitations, such as no speaker distinction, and more audio tracks would have made for a nice addition, but the quality of what is included is above par. The audio track here is accompanied by, removable, English subtitles.


 Extras: Star Rating

Another weak showing in regards to the added content, although its not really a bare bones release either. The same three trailers (Hanzo the Razor: Sword of Justice, Hanzo the Razor: The Snare, Hanzo the Razor: Who's Got the Gold?) make another appearance here. Some liner notes, found inside the case, are included as well. The notes here are compiled by Michael Raine, who also did the notes for The Snare, and talk about censorship inside Japan and how this relates to the Hanzo the Razor series.

It should be noted that the same, infamous, "tunnel of love" main menu screen is used here, which is still fairly painful to watch for an extended period of time.


 Overview:

Bottom line, another good release from HVE and rounding out their well done Hanzo the Razor box set. One can't argue with the great video and audio presentations here. The extra content does leave some to be desired, although considering the retail price for the whole set I suppose there isn't a great deal of room to complain.

This disc can only be purchased in the DVD box set Hanzo the Razor.

-Anthony Romero  
Buy the Box Set