In a small hot spring town in Japan, a ferocious ancient shark reawakens and begins terrorizing the local hot spring facilities. As the threat escalates, the townspeople band together to protect their beloved town from the menacing predator, leading to a fierce and thrilling battle.

For in-depth thoughts on Hot Spring Shark Attack, please see my colleague Phil Walsh’s review from its theatrical debut here.

Video Quality

Hot Spring Shark Attack comes to Blu-Ray in a 1080p presentation that handily translates the film to home viewing. The first thing to address with this particular title is the reserved nature of the budget and the intentionally unappealing digital effects. Things look incredibly dated when it comes to the titular sharks, but it adds to the cheesy charm of the endeavor. This is not the most colorful film, but there are facets of the costumes, production design, and lighting that stand out with a bit more vibrancy. Highlights are handled carefully with no instances of blooming, and the blacks are deep and do not give over to any crush or compression artifacts. The transfer showcases texture within the design elements that adds some complexity to the picture. Skin tones are detailed and natural all around. Utopia has captured the look of this picture quite well.

Audio Quality

The Blu-Ray disc comes with an admirable DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track in the original Japanese that dutifully accomplishes everything that it needs to. Dialogue comes through crisp and clear without ever being trounced upon by competing sounds. Environmental flourishes liven up the story with flashy details that serve the experience well. The film uses a bouncy soundtrack and score to set the outrageous tone as it flows through the room with a confident soundscape. The shark attacks add some notable texture to the low end. The sound design keeps things positioned just right in the mix for a consistent experience. There are no shortcomings with the audio. Optional English subtitles provided.

Special Features

Audio Commentary: Assistant Director/Special Effects Coordinator Jun Shimazaki and Writer/Director Morihito Inoue provide a commentary track in which they discuss the development of the film, how they accomplished various sequences, nailing down the tone of the film, working with a low budget, and more.

Recording the Musical Score: A nearly three-minute video is provided showing the score being recorded.

Making the Practical Special FX: A six-minute behind-the-scenes look at some of the practical effects used within the film.

Making the Visual FX: A nearly seven-minute demonstration of some of the digital effects employed within the film.

Crowdfunding Promotional Video (1:49)

Social Media Trailers (2:31)

Atami Monster Film Festival Trailer (1:40)

“Fake News” Teaser Trailer (0:41)

“Hot Spa Shark” Early Teaser (0:16)

Theatrical Trailer (1:32)

Shinjuku 3D Billboard Footage (1:32)

Cheering Audience Footage from the 2024 Tokyo International Shark Film Festival (5:30)

“Scorching War Song” Music Video (5:23)

“Shark Count” Confirmation Frames Collection (2:47)

Final Thoughts

Hot Spring Shark Attack is a knowingly goofy and ridiculous film, and those who love an over-the-top cheese-fest will have a good time here. The spoof humor is a bit forced at times, and anyone who wants top-tier performances and crafts will be left struggling on the sidelines while connoisseurs of trash eat it up. You have to be in on the joke to have a good time here, but if the title itself makes you chuckle, you will be in good shape. Utopia has released a Blu-Ray featuring a grand A/V presentation and some terrific special features.

Hot Spring Shark Attack is currently available to purchase on Standard Edition Blu-Ray or with a Limited Edition Slipcover exclusively through Vinegar Syndrome/OCN Distribution.

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

Disclaimer: Utopia & 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.