Written by: Michael Den Boer on March 9th, 2011
Theatrical Release Date: Japan, 2010
Director: Yohei Fukuda
Writer: Yohei Fukuda
Cast: Naomi Inoue, Satoshi Sakurai, Kawatsura Akihiro, Akiyama Ao, Takuya Motono
DVD released: February 15th, 2011
Approximate running time: 103 Minutes
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
Rating: NR
Sound: Dolby Digital Stereo Japanese
Subtitles: English
DVD Release: Cinema Epoch
Region Coding: Region 1 NTSC
Retail Price: $19.99
DeathTube 2, picks right up where its predecessor left off. The premise is as follows, eight strangers become unwilling participants in a deadly online murder game called DeathTube. With the big twists this time around being four victims are paired with four people victimizers.
This film likes its predecessor was directed by Yohei Fukuda, who’s other notable films include Onechanbara – Zombie Bikini Squad and Tokyo Gore School. He was also the cinematographer for Grotesque.
When compared to the aforementioned DeathTube. This sequel brings nothing new to the table. So those who saw DeathTube. Might walk away from this film with a feeling a Deja vu. If any the biggest difference is that DeathTube 2 does not rely so much on the games that the eight participants are forced to play. Things are slightly opened up. With some of the participants at one point gaining an upper hand on one of the guards in a bear custom. So a sizable chunk of the film revolves around them trying to find a way out. This plot diversion also lays groundwork for the film’s biggest twists.
Once again the characters are one dimensional and for the most part unlikable. Performance wise the cast are at best merely adequate in their respective roles. Two of this film’s most durable assets is its subversive humor and the way in which its tries to inject some deeper meaning into each of the tasks that are given to the eight participants. Ultimately DeathTube 2 is a middle of the road horror film that lacks inspiration.
The DVD:
Cinema Epoch presents DeathTube 2 in an anamorphic widescreen that preserves the film’s original aspect ratio. And just like its predecessor. Some of the footage has been purposefully degraded, like the footage taken from DeathTube. The other footage that makes up the bulk of the film is in great shape. Colors and flesh tones look accurate. Black levels look consistent good and details look generally crisp. There are no problems with compression, edge enhancement is minimal and the image remains stable throughout.
This release comes with one audio option, a Dolby Digital Stereo mix in Japanese and removable English subtitles have been included. The audio sounds clean, clear and balanced throughout.
Extras for this release include a image gallery with music from the film playing in the background, trailer for DeathTube (1 minute 28 seconds – letterboxed widescreen, in Japanese with English subtitles) and trailers for Demeking (1 minute 33 seconds – letterboxed widescreen, in Japanese with English subtitles), Slaughter Island (1 minute 33 seconds – letterboxed widescreen, in Japanese with English subtitles), The Roommate (1 minute 45 seconds – letterboxed widescreen, in Japanese with English subtitles), Killer Car (1 minute 26 seconds – letterboxed widescreen, in Japanese with English subtitles) and Scream Girls (1 minute 29 seconds – letterboxed widescreen, in Japanese with English subtitles). Also included with this release is a promo image gallery of titles that are available on DVD from Cinema Epoch. Overall DeathTube 2 gets a well rounded audio / video presentation from Cinema Epoch.