Battle Heater

[Mandi Apple]

I'm not going to post a humoungously long review of this... here (I'm working to finish one for the main site right now), but I have to say, as loath as I was to watch it, being as how it's a Joji Iida movie and all <spit! spit!>, er.... it's actually pretty funny IMHO. Not exactly deep and involving stuff, but if you dig silly, cute popcorn flicks like Bio-Zombie, you'll probably really like this one. I do

What did you guys think, if you've seen it? I actually laughed out loud at points, so for an Iida movie, I'm quite impressed

Here are some links:

http://www.artsmagic.co.uk/EasternCu...E%20HEATER.htm - features some pics, info etc
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0222798/ - IMDB with a bit of an over-deep review of it in the user comments (it's just a silly, daft bit of fun IMHO, nothing post-modern-ironic that I picked up anyway)

[Fulltime Ando Lover]

it looked stupid so I decided not to buy it. Maybe if they didn't charge 15 pounds for it then maybe I would buy it.

[Mandi Apple]

Well, that is of course your choice. Myself, I rather enjoyed it - not despite its inherent stupidity, but because of it. For example - and without wanting to give too much away - there's a really funny scene near the beginning involving some old folk, a very Heath Robinson-esque contraption and electricity which was so left-field and daft it gave me the giggles - and I appreciate the giggles from time to time

As for £15 - well, sh!t, I've spent tons more than that on infinitely worse movies with even less going for 'em so it's good money after bad in my case

[Fulltime Ando Lover]

well I spent alot on DVDS this week and it's not really top of my list though I did consider getting it once, but the storyline and front picture puts me off. I did actually like Another Heaven even though the end was a bit far fetched and boring. If it comes on Sci-fi channel or sky movies I will probably watch it, but they have a tendency to put things on randomly that I end up missing them. I was lucky to catch the Happiness of Kat's, fulltime killer and Shiri on Sky. Hopefully they will put Battle Heater on there too.

[Yani]

I'm pretty sure I'd love it. I very much like silly Japanese movies and I'd probably die in laughter. *adds to my wishlist*

[Yani]

Just reading the plot in your review Mandi, made me smile a weird twisted smile. When that smile is seen, people know when I've found a movie for my taste. Very trashy-looking film, and that suits me well. One thing bothers me though: I've seen Iida's segment for the "Jam Films" movie, and as it was... original, the segment didn't amuse me much. "Battle Heater's" over 14 years old, so I hope it was something funnier than the jokes "Cold Sleep" offered. But I'm in a positive mood.

[Mandi Apple]

I just hope it doesn't disappoint you - I'll feel rotten if it does. It's just a really silly film. Absurdist and cheap and tacky but I found it funny nevertheless...

I haven't seen the Jam Films segment, but I thought it was sad how Battle Heater seemed to me IMHO to be better than both Rasen and Another Heaven, directorially speaking - which would suggest a downward shift in standards, unfortunately

[Yani]

Originally Posted by Mandi Apple

I just hope it doesn't disappoint you - I'll feel rotten if it does. It's just a really silly film. Absurdist and cheap and tacky but I found it funny nevertheless...

I haven't seen the Jam Films segment, but I thought it was sad how Battle Heater seemed to me IMHO to be better than both Rasen and Another Heaven, directorially speaking - which would suggest a downward shift in standards, unfortunately

Then it's just my bad taste if I won't find it funny. I like silly films, very much. And it doesn't matter much if the career is downward oriented. He has successed as a filmmaker if at least one of his films is a gem and is remembered. ^_^

Too bad the DVD is a bit pricey. Once I'll find it cheap somewhere and have the right feeling, I'll buy it.

[Midori no Saru]

I enjoyed reading the review, it was a good one Thanks!

As for the film, it doesnt sound like my cup of sencha, though I do enjoy silly Japanese films from time to time. But given that any Godzilla film can be mine for a fiver a throw, providing years worth of as yet untapped silliness reserves then the prices that Artsmagic will charge must be too high.

I've bought my share of Artsmagic releases, and according to Mongip's site they are opening a branch in America to sell region 1s. Tap into America!

I'm really looking forward to the Wishing Stairs review when it arrives

[Mandi Apple]

Originally Posted by Midori no Saru

I've bought my share of Artsmagic releases, and according to Mongip's site they are opening a branch in America to sell region 1s. Tap into America!

http://www.artsmagicdvd.com is the US branch

Tap Into America, indeed! *lol*

I'm really looking forward to the Wishing Stairs review when it arrives

Sorry for the Offtopic, but hopefully I'll keep it short-ish

Wishing Stairs may be a while yet, but certainly I hope to have it finished before the end of the summer... I have a huge Artsmagic backlog to clear first, and I'm SO behind Alex is working on Oldboy and should have it uploaded quick-smart

[TylerDurden]

Anyone know where I can get a decntly priced copy of Battle Heater? I've wanted to see it ever since I first read the review on the site about a year ago. I'm a sucker for the campy A-Horror films like Stacy and Bio-Zombie.

I even tried getting one on Ebay, but they're all $25 plus shipping????

[Alex Apple]

Doesn't seem to have a US release, Tyler - www.artsmagic.co.uk will carry the UK version if your equipment can cope with multiregion and PAL, but at £18.99 + bits it's well over the $25 you've found on ebay.

[TylerDurden]

Thanks for the info there Alex.

I may go that route seeing as how with Ebay you never know if you're going to get a bootleg or a legit release.

[ladysovay]

battle heater is one of the funniest comedy/horror films i've seen . it's just plain daft. a must for anyone with a sense of humour.