‘Cash Calls Hell’ Blu-Ray Review – An Invigorating Crime Thriller From Hideo Gosha

Fresh out of prison, a broken man reluctantly takes a job to kill three men, but changes his mind when some gangsters target the same men. He then tries to find out why the men are being targeted in the first place.

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Video Quality

Cash Calls Hell arrives on Blu-Ray courtesy of Film Movement Classics sourced from a new 2K restoration of the original broadcast elements in the original 2.39:1. The lovely black-and-white photography shines in high definition with natural grain intact and resolved without issue. The grain field is gritty yet never devolves into noise. Even after the restoration process, there are still a handful lingering nicks and scratches, but there is nothing that takes away from the viewing experience. The contrast holds firm with a desirable interplay between light and dark. Highlights are handled with care to avoid blooming. Black levels are fairly deep with no distracting trace of black crush or compression artifacts. There is a welcome amount of detail present with nice texture on the clothing and within the production design. The transfer is as favorable as we have come to expect from this label. Fans should be quite pleased. 

Audio Quality

This Blu-Ray comes with an LPCM 2.0 mono track in the original Japanese (with optional English subtitles). While there are plenty of thrilling moments, your typical scene provides more of a dialogue-driven approach that allows for the plot to unfold. Exchanges typically sound clear without sound effects or the score drowning out important information. The music comes through decently in relation to the competing sounds with only a bit of age-related strain. Some exchanges show instances of distortion, but this is not a consistent issue. The film brings forth some formidable sound effects when things come to a head that are given the appropriate weight within the mix. These tracks present everything accurately with agreeable fidelity and without major damage or other unwanted issues. 

Special Features

• Fighting Spirit: A new nine-minute video essay by TokyScope author Patrick Macias in which he discusses how this fits into the career of director Hideo Gosha, the background of the performers, and more. 

• Bitter Little World: A new nine-minute video talk by Black Caesars and Foxy Cleopatras author Odie Henderson that explores the film noir trappings of the film.

• Trailers: This disc provides the Trailer (1:04), Original Theatrical Teaser (1:24), and Original Theatrical Trailer (2:34) for Cash Calls Hell

• Booklet: A 16-page booklet is included featuring a new essay by writer, filmmaker, and film programmer Steve Macfarlane that provides a nice observance of Hideo Gosha. 

Final Thoughts

Cash Calls Hell is an invigorating crime thriller from Hideo Gosha that unfurls with a confidence that reassures you that you are in the hands of a master. The narrative is continuously evolving with many engaging revelations. The performances are exactly what you need from this genre, and the technical elements are pulled off with ease. The way everything comes together is very exciting from beginning to end. Film Movement Classics has released a Blu-Ray with a noble A/V presentation and fine supplemental features. Fans of the filmmaker will rejoice with this release. Recommended 

Cash Calls Hell is currently available to purchase on Standard Edition Blu-Ray or with a Limited Edition Slipcover exclusively through Vinegar Syndrome.  

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Film Movement Classics and OCN Distribution have supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.