The Duel Project from Tartan in September
18 July 2007

In 1992 a short film project anthology titled Jam Films invited 8 Japanese directors to contribute their own segments. Directors Yukihiko Tsutsumi and Ryuhei Kitamura completed their contributions in record time, and producer Shinya Kawai (Ringu, Yi yi) set them both a challenge, to each create a feature length film with just two main characters in one setting and be shot on a low budget over just eight days. And thus The Duel Project was born.

Directed by Ryuhei Kitamura (creator of the cult yakuza zombie film Versus and the action epic Azumi), Aragami tells the story of a seriously wounded samurai (Takao Osawa) who takes refuge at a remote temple, where he is miraculously healed by a mysterious swordsman (Masaya Kato), who reveals himself to be the battle god Aragami. Man and immortal become locked in deadly combat which only one can win.

The second film, 2LDK, directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi, actresses Lana (Maho Nonami) and Nozomi (Eiko Koike) share an apartment and are both up for the same TY role and the shortlist has narrowed it down to just the two of them. As they wait all night for new of who got the part, their differing personalities lead to a clash that erupts into violence.

With Tarantino and Rodriguez's Grindhouse project getting the press attention, here's a chance to see an Asia Extreme equivalent, two compelling films in one package united by a common theme.

The Duel Project, which will contain both films, is to be released by Tartan Video as a 2-disc box set on 24th September 2007 at the RRP of £19.99. Both films will have an anamorphic widescreen presentation and optional Dolby 5.1 and DTS 5.1 surround tracks. Extras have yet to be confirmed.