The best Sonny Chiba films on blu ray
Sonny Chiba was a legendary martial artist and actor who redefined action cinema in Japan and beyond. From bone-crunching martial arts spectacles to gripping yakuza thrillers and samurai epics, Chiba’s films are must-haves for any serious collector of classic action cinema.
With Blu-ray releases breathing new life into his classic performances, now is the perfect time to revisit his most iconic films. This guide explores the best Sonny Chiba films on Blu-ray, covering must-own box sets, individual releases, and the best editions for fans who want to experience his work in high definition.
Why Sonny Chiba’s Films Deserve a Place in Your Blu-ray Collection
1- A True Martial Arts Legend
Sonny Chiba, born Shinichi Chiba, gained international recognition in the 1970s with The Street Fighter series, marking him as a darker, grittier counterpart to Bruce Lee. His blend of brutal fight choreography and raw intensity made him a standout in martial arts cinema.
2- Remastered for High Definition
Many of Chiba’s classics have been restored for Blu-ray, offering improved picture quality, cleaned-up audio, and in some cases, special features that provide insights into his illustrious career.
3- A Genre-Spanning Career
Unlike many martial arts stars, Chiba wasn’t limited to one style of film. His catalogue includes yakuza crime thrillers, samurai dramas, sci-fi action, and even supernatural horror. This variety ensures that there’s a Sonny Chiba film for every action fan.
Best Sonny Chiba Films Available on Blu-ray
The following Blu-ray releases showcase Sonny Chiba’s best work, featuring some of the finest restorations and most essential collections for fans.
1. The Street Fighter Trilogy (Arrow Video)
Includes:
The Street Fighter (1974)
Return of the Street Fighter (1974)
The Street Fighter’s Last Revenge (1974)
One of the most famous martial arts film trilogies ever, The Street Fighter series is an unmissable part of Sonny Chiba’s legacy. Unlike many martial arts films of the time, this series was known for its brutal violence—earning it the distinction of being the first film rated X in the US for violence alone.
Why Buy the Blu-ray?
Stunning 1080p transfers with improved colour grading.
Uncut versions of the films, restoring the intense action sequences.
Special features including interviews and original trailers.
2. The Executioner Collection (Arrow Video)
Includes:
The Executioner (1974)
The Executioner II: Karate Inferno (1975)
This lesser-known but action-packed duo of films features Chiba as a rogue martial artist forced to take on corruption within Japan’s criminal underworld. While The Executioner is a brutal crime-action film, Karate Inferno shifts gears into a more comedic caper.
Why Buy the Blu-ray?
Fully remastered versions with the original Japanese audio.
A mix of intense martial arts and entertaining storytelling.
Part of Arrow Video’s high-quality collection.
3. The Sonny Chiba Collection (Shout! Factory)
Includes:
Shogun’s Shadow (1989)
Samurai Reincarnation (1981)
Swords of Vengeance (1978)
This is a must-have Blu-ray collection for fans looking to explore Chiba’s deeper filmography. The Yakuza Wolf films offer classic yakuza revenge stories, while Shogun’s Shadow and Samurai Reincarnation bring historical action into the mix.
4. Samurai Reincarnation (Eureka Entertainment)
A supernatural samurai epic, Samurai Reincarnation (1981) pits Chiba’s warrior against resurrected undead samurai, including legendary real-life figures from Japanese history. This one is a must-watch for fans of fantasy-infused action.
Why Buy the Blu-ray?
One of Chiba’s most unique and visually stunning films.
Features an eerie, atmospheric score and fantastic fight choreography.
Remastered in high definition with newly translated subtitles.
5. Sister Street Fighter Collection (Arrow Video)
While Chiba isn’t the lead, Sister Street Fighter (1974) is an essential watch for fans of his style. The film follows a female martial artist investigating her brother’s disappearance, with Chiba playing a supporting but crucial role.
Why Buy the Blu-ray?
A spiritual successor to The Street Fighter series.
Packed with fast-paced action and strong performances.
Includes all four Sister Street Fighter films in one collection.
The Best Blu-ray Box Sets for Sonny Chiba Fans
If you’re looking for the best value collections, these Blu-ray box sets are essential:
The Street Fighter Trilogy (Arrow Video) – Perfect for those who want Chiba’s most famous films in the best quality.
Samurai Reincarnation (Eureka) – A supernatural action epic with incredible swordplay.
Where to Buy Sonny Chiba Blu-rays
If you’re looking for the best selection of Sonny Chiba’s Blu-rays, Terracotta Distribution is the go-to destination. We offer an impressive collection of classic and cult Asian cinema, including many of Sonny Chiba’s greatest films. Whether you’re after box sets, limited editions, or standard releases, Terracotta Distribution has you covered. Browse our collection today and add some legendary action to your Blu-ray library.
Final Thoughts
If you’re just starting out, The Street Fighter Trilogy is the best entry point, offering the raw energy that made Chiba an international star. For a broader selection, The Sonny Chiba Collection provides a diverse set of films, from yakuza crime thrillers to supernatural samurai battles.
Whichever Blu-ray set you choose, Sonny Chiba’s high-energy action and unmatched intensity ensure that his films remain timeless classics in martial arts and action cinema.