Third Windows Releasing Rarely Seen J-Horror Hiruko the Goblin

Third Window Films are set to release the rarely seen J-Horror Hiruko the Goblin (妖怪ハンター ヒルコ) on Blu-ray in January. The wonderfully bizarre film is directed and released in 1991 by Shinya Tsukamoto (Tetsuo: The Iron Man,) and is based on Daijiro Morohoshi’s Yokai Hunter manga.

The film stars Kenji Sawada, Masaki Kudou, Naoto Takenaka, Megumi Ueno and Hideo Murota. The is considered very experimental which in a way pays homage to the early gonzo style of Sam Raimi. Delivering unpredictable gruesome body horror with a big slice of campy humour.

Called to an idyllic countryside town, disgraced archaeologist Professor Hieda (pop idol Kenji Sawada) teams up with high schooler Masao (Masaki Kudou) when a series of disappearances—including those of Masao’s father (Naoto Takenaka) and classmate crush Reiko (Megumi Ueno)—take place. Together, the unlikely duo discover that the local high school sits atop an ancient burial mound that may very well be a subterranean gateway to hell. Offering a raucous mashup of genres—ranging from campy adventure to Lovecraftian body horror—Hiruko the Goblin delivers pulse-pounding thrills with over-the-top visuals including stop-motion animation and practical effects that recall the early works of Sam Raimi and John Carpenter.

Bonus Features

• New Restoration
• New Interview with Director Shinya Tsukamoto
• Audio Commentary by Tom Mes
• Original Japanese Trailer
• Special Creature Effects: Takashi Oda interview
• Creature Effects
• Vintage Interview with Director Shinya Tsukamoto
• Special slipcase edition w/illustrated artwork by Ian MacEwan limited to 1000 copies

Hiruko The Goblin will be released by Third Window Films in the UK and Ireland on Blu-ray from 24th January 2022.