Constructed in the late nineteenth century to house political prisoners, Japan's infamous 'Abashiri Prison' served as the inspiration for a popular and prolific run of yakuza movies released between 1965 and 1972. We are proud to present the first three entries in this landmark franchise, directed by the "King of Cult" Teruo Ishii (Shogun's Joy of Torture) and starring a titan of Japanese genre cinema, Ken Takakura (The Bullet Train). In 'Abashiri Prison', Takakura stars as Shinichi Tachibana, a yakuza sent to Abashiri as punishment for an attack on a rival gangster. He intends to serve his time as a model prisoner until he is shackled to the bullish Gonzo Gonda (Koji Nanbara), unwittingly roped into an escape attempt orchestrated by Heizo Yoda (Torn Abe) and forced to face the frozen wilderness of Hokkaido. In 'Another Abashiri Prison Story', Tachibana has just been released when he stumbles across a stash of stolen jewels - and attracts unwanted attention from criminals and cops alike. Finally, in 'Abashiri Prison: Saga of Homesickness', Tachibana reunites with his former yakuza associates, who are trying to go straight. That is, at least, until old rivals come looking for trouble...
Brand new audio commentary tracks by Tom Mes (Abashiri Prison), Chris Poggiali (Another Abashiri Prison Story) and Mike Leeder and Arne Venema (Abashiri Prison: Saga of Homesickness)
Break Out: Jasper Sharp and Mark Schilling discuss Abashiri Prison
Tony Rayns on Abashiri Prison - brand new interview with film critic Tony Rayns
Trailers
Disc 1:
This disc includes the following: - Abashiri Prison I-II
Disc 2:
This disc includes the following: - Abashiri Prison III
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