Unboxing [UK]: Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno - Limited Edition Steelbook (Blu-ray)

The sequel to one of the best manga adaptations has finally arrived on Blu-ray over here in the UK.

Rurouni Kenshin Kyoto Inferno is the second film in the live-action adaptation of the classic Rurouni Kenshin manga. The second film takes place not long after the first film and adapts the most popular arc in the manga series; the 'Kyoto' arc which involves Kenshin defending Japan against Shishio a samurai, who is as strong and skilled as he is, who wants to seek revenge against the government for what happened during the war.

I saw the first film and really enjoyed the action scenes and score that went with each moment. The sequel is as good as the first, however it's one of those two parters and I had to wait quite a while for the third film 'The Legend Ends' to show up in cinemas (which starts 17th April in the UK). I'm glad that Warner Bros was able to release the film on Blu-ray because it deserves one.

Blu-ray Specs:
Languages: Japanese
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 [Japanese]
Video: 1080p HD Native 16:9
Region: A B
Subtitles: English [On-Screen]
Subtitles Locked: Yes, Hard-subbed
Discs: 1

Since it's been released under the Warner Bros brand, the film is compatible with North America's players (and anyone with a Region A player). In terms of the Steelbook design, the front cover looks great though it could do without the '2' on the title. The back is just.. plain which is disappointing but then again the first film did the same thing,

Plot Synopsis (via Back Info):

Kenshin Himura is a legendary swordsman in the wars accompanying the turbulent fall of Japan's Shogunate in the 19th century. Once feared as 'Battosai the Killer', he has adopted a peaceful life since the arrival of the 'new age' in Japanese history. But Makoto Shishio, the 'Shadow Killer' who succeeded to Kenshin's position in the service of the new government, has since then been active in the Kyoto underworld. Because he knew too much of the dark side of the new government, he was stabbed and his body set on fire. He survived, however and, wrapped in bandages, has raised an army of disaffected former samurai with the aim of overthrowing the new regime. Agreeing to a request by Toshimichi Okubo, the Home Minister, Kenshin leaves his friends in Tokyo and sets out for Kyoto. He and Shishio are a match in skill and wits, but their aims are opposite. Kenshin seeks to preserve the nation without breaking his vow that he will kill no more.

Extra Content:

Limited Edition Steelbook

Ultraviolet Copy

Cast Interviews

Rurouni Kenshin 2: Kyoto Inferno is available on Blu-ray (Limited Edition Steelbook) and DVD by Warner Bros for the UK. It's also available in Australia by Madman.