Two Classic Asian Horror Anthologies to Receive Killer 4K Release

Great news for fans of the cultural movement that was the J-horror craze in the 2000s: Two of the best horror anthologies to come from Asia have been given a richly deserved 4K release, granting modern audiences a new chance to see the extremely disturbing Three and Three… Extremes. The two-disc set comes from Arrow Video’s line of 4K releases, and it’s already available for pre-order at a discounted price.

Although it’s technically a sequel, Three… Extremes was not marketed as such outside Asian territories. The original anthology, Three, was originally released only in Asia, but became more widely known and came to the United States only after Three… Extremes gained traction. The title of the original in the U.S.? Three… Extremes II. Yes, it’s confusing, but in terms of the narrative, it isn’t a big deal. You can see them separately, and the result will likely be the same. The new Blu-ray release from Arrow Video features both films under their original titles, and they include the following special bonus features for both films:

DISC ONE: THREE

Cross-Pollination Horror Part 1, a brand-new interview with producer and “Going Home” director Peter Ho-Sun Chan

Recalling Memories, a brand-new interview with “Memories” director Kim Jee-woon

Making Memories, a brand-new interview with “Memories” cinematographer Hong Kyoung-pyo

Terror Without Borders, a newly edited interview with Peter Ho-Sun Chan, filmed in 2005 by Frédéric Ambroisine

Between Life and Death, a newly edited interview with “Going Home” star Eugenia Yuan, filmed in 2004 by Frédéric Ambroisine

Peter Ho-Sun Chan: Cinema Without Borders, an archival interview

Kim Jee-woon: Memories from Beyond the Grave, an archival interview

Making-of featurette

Original theatrical trailer

DISC TWO: THREE… EXTREMES

Audio commentary on the segment “Box” by director Takashi Miike

Cross-Pollination Horror Part 2, a brand-new interview with producer Peter Ho-Sun Chan

Cooking Dumplings, a brand-new interview with “Dumplings” director Fruit Chan

Something a Little More Beautiful, a brand-new interview with Takashi Miike

Taste, Taboo and Truth, a newly edited interview with Fruit Chan, filmed in 2004 by Frédéric Ambroisine

More That Skin Deep, a newly edited interview with “Dumplings” star Bai Ling, filmed in 2005 by Frédéric Ambroisine

Making-of featurettes for each segment

Trailers for Three… Extremes and the feature-length version of Dumplings

‘Three… Extremes’ Is One of the Most Underrated Horror Anthologies Ever Made

J-horror was a ruthless style of horror. Hollywood tried to imitate it with their own string of remakes, but they were seldom as effective and graphic. Japanese filmmakers pushed boundaries in ways Hollywood rarely dared, and they showed this with major game-changers like Tetsuo: The Iron Man, Ichi the Killer, and Tokyo Gore Police. Three… Extremes is a great approach to this horror style, but curiously, the most extreme segments come from Hong Kong and South Korea.

Dumplings and Cut are astonishing horror entries that could give any Hollywood production a run for its money. Dumplings was so well-received, it was re-edited and released as a standalone feature. Cut is the best segment in the entire franchise, featuring a very original blend of visuals and story. It’s one of those horror pieces that will stay with you.

Three… Extremes may not be as popular as other Asian horror movies. Nevertheless, it is exactly what you need in order to enter the bizarre territory that is horror from a culture that seems to have fewer creative limitations in terms of what can be shown and told. Trust us when we say Three and Three… Extremes are a disturbing experience.