A quite unusual and ambitious DIY project will be available to home audiences next week as Synapse Films releases the sword-swinging, gore-spraying samurai epic Bath of Blood on Blu-ray on March 13 (SRP $24.95). The impressive feat of film takes its inspiration from the ultra-violent Japanese series Lone Wolf and Cub, and was painstakingly animated in paper cut-out stop motion by one determined artist/madman working on his dining room table … for several years.
Path of Blood is the first animated film by Eric Power, who handcrafted the work in a unique visual style punctuated by visceral martial arts action. In addition to the film, the Blu-ray release includes a Making of Path of Blood featurette, the original short film, original promo trailer and “video game” inspired trailer, and image gallery.
Synopsis:
Japan, 1614. War is over. Samurai displaced through defeat or reform wander the countryside as Ronin, seeking work where they can find it. At the edge of a forgotten village lies a path leading deep into the mountains. It is rumored the brave few who make it down the path will be rewarded with a life of freedom and purpose. However, none who have entered the path have returned. When a lone samurai sets his course towards the Path of Blood, unknown danger and terror awaits. Will his great swordsmanship be enough to survive?
Read more about the project at ericpowerup.net.
