Yamasato's "Blood of the Samurai" now on DVD

11.17 - Posted by Editor

From the official press release:

“Samurai and Ninjas, Magic Swords and Sinister Cultists… And Ban Daisuke (Kikaida/Ringu) too! Anime without the cells!” --- Anime in the Limelight

“Blood of the Samurai: The Series is a lively blend of martial arts action and humor… Hawaii style!” --- Kokoro Online

BLOOD OF THE SAMURAI: THE SERIES, the sequel television series of the film festival and critical hit BLOOD OF THE SAMURAI (Best Hawaii-made film, Hawaii International Film Festival 2001) is now ready to own! Six episodes of Hawaii’s first locally made and groundbreaking action/martial arts television show are all now available on one DVD set!

“We’re excited to see the journey continue for all of us (cast and
crew) who worked hard on creating a fun and action-filled show”, said
Aaron Yamasato, executive producer-director of BLOOD OF THE SAMURAI: The Series. “ I am truly honored to be a part of a project that was 100% local – it was
ambitious, even with limited means, but we created a great, fun show
that we hope to continue soon!”

BLOOD OF THE SAMURAI: THE SERIES is a six episode television series
based on the multiple award winning film, BLOOD OF THE SAMURAI,
directed by Aaron Yamasato, and is Hawaii’s first ever locally
produced martial arts show. The series follows the further exploits of
the characters in the film, as well as maintaining the film's blend of
action, martial arts, humor, and pop culture sensibility. The six
episodes form a continuous, complete narrative. Although the series
culminates in an exciting resolution, it also provides a foundation to
pursue future stories.

The series opens after the events of the film. Trent (Bryan Yamasaki,
the “local” elf in the ALA MOANA CENTER/OHIA CHRISTMAS campaign) and Rob
(Michael Ng, WINDTALKERS, HAWAII) have relocated to Hawaii, and
initiated rigorous training in the use of the mystical Samurai swords
under a demanding mentor (Ban Daisuke, KIKAIDA/RINGU). The two have dedicated their lives to using
the swords to combat the forces of evil. Joining the pair are Rob's
girlfriend, Roxy (Stephanie Sanchez, HAWAII, THE SAND ISLAND
DRIVE-INN ANTHEM) and her best friend, Brooke (Colleen Fujioka, now on
GENERATION KIKAIDA TV on OC16), who is also Trent's former girlfriend.

The series begins with the duo's first steps in their crime-fighting
crusade. While Trent and Rob battle an elite underground criminal
organization called the Syndicate, they uncover another evil force,
which may spell doom for all. Over the course of their adventures,
Trent and Rob encounter several new allies and enemies, such as an
alluring female ninja (Alicia Michioka Jones, MISS HAWAII USA 2003), an
occult expert, and Shinzo (Egan Inoue, SUPERBRAWL CHAMPION), the
fearsome leader of the Syndicate. If this were not enough, Trent and
Rob must also resolve issues in their personal lives. Rob is trying to
balance his duties as a newly minted hero and his obligations to Roxy.
Meanwhile, Trent and Brooke start to realize their rekindling
attraction to each other, but will their reluctance prevent them from
pursuing it until it is too late?

A fine blend of action, humor, and suspense, BLOOD OF THE SAMURAI: THE SERIES will be an exhilarating ride from start to finish. The series was shot entirely on the island of Oahu over the summer and fall of 2003, and featured stuntwork by the Hawaiian Stunt Connection (the hit ABC series LOST). The 6-part series premiered on Oceanic/Time/Warner Cable’s OC16 Channel, garnering solid ratings during its 12 week run in 2004.

Distributed by The Mountain Apple Company and authored by Sony Entertainment, this exciting new DVD is available at stores across the State of Hawaii and Amazon.com!

For more information, please visit www.bloodofthesamurai.com and >www.ninjaex.com