Synopsis:

The screenplay for Demeking: The Sea Monster was adapted from Manga created by Takashi Imashiro (Takopon). Demeking: The Sea Monster was directed by Kôtarô Terauchi, who’s other notable film’s include Boys Love and its sequel Boys Love 2. The visual effects for Demeking: The Sea Monster were designed by Tsuyoshi Kazuno, who prolific resume includes The Machine Girl, Onechanbara – Zombie Bikini Squad, Tokyo Gore Police, Samurai Princess, Vampire Girl vs. Frankenstein Girl, RoboGeisha and The Big Tits Dragon.

Even though this film is being promoted as a monster movie. The monster ‘Demeking’ only appears in one scene. This is actually a coming of age story about a group of friends, who form a ‘exploration club’. One day, while on one of their adventures they come across a mysterious boat. And while trespassing on the boat the meet an older boy named Hachiya, who briefly tells them about Demeking. This meeting sets in motion the final adventure for ‘exploration club’. The film does a superb job setting up who everyone is and their motivations. Without a doubt this film greatest asset is its idyllic approach to the events which unfold. Performance wise the entire are all very good in their respective roles with Takeshi Nadagi in the role of Hachiya being the standout performance. Ultimately Demeking: The Sea Monster is a heartfelt story about the transition from adolescent to adulthood.

The DVD:

Cinema Epoch presents Demeking: The Sea Monster in an anamorphic widescreen that preserves the film’s original aspect ratio. Colors look vibrant, flesh tones look accurate and black levels fare well. Details look crisp and the image remains stable throughout.

This release comes with one audio option, a Dolby Digital stereo mix in Japanese. The audio is in great shape as dialog is always clear and everything sounds balanced. Also this audio mix does a very good job showcasing the more ambient aspects of the soundtrack. Removable English subtitles that are easy to follow and error free have been included.

Extras for this release include a image gallery with music from the film playing in the background and a trailer for the film (1 minute 33 seconds – letterboxed widescreen). Also included with this release are trailers for Death Tube (1 minute 28 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 Demeking: The Sea Monster gets a first rate audio / video presentation from Cinema Epoch.