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'American Yakuza' Blu-ray Review

Physical Media Release Date: 02/10/26.

Label: Arrow Video.

Form of Release: Limited Edition Blu-ray.

The Verdict: A Maybe


IN AMERICA, THEY CALL IT THE MAFIA... IN JAPAN, THEY CALL IT YAKUZA... WHEN THEY MEET, THEY CALL IT WAR!


When Japanese filmmaking powerhouse Toei Pictures decided to expand their iconic V-Cinema line to North America, the first result was the explosively violent American Yakuza, featuring an early lead performance from Viggo Mortensen in the title role.


Ex-convict Nick Davis (Mortensen) gets a job in a factory that turns out to be owned by a powerful Japanese crime family. When Nick intervenes in a fiery confrontation and saves the life of family member Shuji (Ryo Ishibashi, Audition), he finds himself climbing the deadly ranks of the Yakuza in its bloody war against the Mafia. There's one problem, however; Nick's real name is David Brandt, and he's an undercover FBI agent whose loyalties will soon be tested to their breaking point.


Featuring an outstanding supporting cast including Michael Nouri (The Hidden), Franklyn Ajaye (Deadwood), Nicky Katt (Grindhouse) and Robert Forster (Jackie Brown), director Frank Cappello weaves an exhilarating tale of deception and betrayal in this underseen trans-continental gangster thriller.

Special Features:

  • Brand New audio commentary with director Frank Cappello and actor Anzu (Cristina) Lawson

  • Yakuza Style, a newly filmed interview with director Frank Cappello

  • Decoding Honor, an archive interview with actor Viggo Mortensen

  • Newly filmed interview with actor Ryo Ishibashi

  • Original trailer

  • Image gallery


Rotten Tomatoes Scores:

  • Tomatometer: N/A (as of 04/01/26)

  • Popcornmeter: 42% (as of 04/01/26)


Physical Release Specs & Other Details:

  • MPAA: Rated R

  • Runtime: 96 minutes

  • Original Release: 1993


Video

Codec: MPEG-4 AVC

Resolution: 1080p

Aspect ratio: 1.85:1

Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1


Audio

English: LPCM 2.0


Subtitles

English SDH


Discs

Blu-ray Disc

Single disc (1 BD-50)


Digital

Not Included


Packaging

Slipcover in Original Packaging

Reversible Cover


Physical Bonuses

  • Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by OC Agency

  • Collectors' booklet featuring new writing on the film by Patrick Macias


Playback

2K Blu-ray: Region A

Positives and Negatives

- Negative Audience Reception

+/- NO Critical Negative Audience Reception

+ Viggo Mortensen LONG Before LOTR

+ First Time on Blu-ray

+ x02 Physical Bonuses

+ x06 Special Features

+ Brand New Audio Commentary

- NO Digital Code Included

 
 
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