Maiku Hama Trilogy, The | Blu-ray

What a wonderful little hidden slice of 90s cinema. I am always on the hunt for creative and entertaining detective fiction, but the Maiku Hama trilogy really snuck up on me. Three films, all directed by Kaizo Hayashi with the same cast, over a period of just three years.

The first, The Most Terrible Time in My Life is a beautifully filmed black & white neo-noir involving a turf war between Hong Kong and Japanese gang factions. The second film brings the series into eye-popping color for a confrontation with Maiku's long-forgotten parents, suddenly back in his life. The third takes a more horror-focused, experimental approach with star Masatoshi Nagase taking on dual roles, of both killer and detective.

All three movies bring their own unique flavor. With the first two feeling like the exploration of a single story arc, and the third moving into new territory. Hayashi and Nagase even spun the films off into a 12-episode TV series. It's not nearly as well crafted or energetic as the films, but you can check out the first two episodes on YouTube.

Special Features (via vinegarsyndrome.com)

• New art by Maxime Gérin
• Booklet
• English, English SDH subtitles

DISC 1 - The Most Terrible Time in My Life

• New 4K Restoration of The Most Terrible Time In My Life
• Audio commentary by writer Jasper Sharp
• Interview with director Kaizo Hayashi
• Interview with producer Shunsuke Koga
• Trailer

DISC 2 - Stairway to the Distant Past

• New 4K Restoration of The Stairway to the Distant Past
• Selected scene commentary from director Edmund Yeo
• "The Mike Hama Trilogy: An Introduction," a video essay by Matthew Carter
• Trailer

DISC 3 - The Trap

• New 4K Restoration of The Trap
• Audio Commentary by film writer Samm Deighan
• "From Memphis to Yokohama: Chasing the Shadow of Masatoshi Nagase," a video essay by James Balmont
• Trailer