Rider Faiz Paradise Lost Director 39s Cut Link: Kamen
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Review: Kamen Rider 555: Paradise Lost – Director’s Cut
The Verdict: The Definitive Version of a Tokusatsu Tragedy
If the original theatrical release of Paradise Lost was a high-octane popcorn flick, the Director’s Cut is the somber, character-driven war drama that the story always deserved to be. For fans of Kamen Rider 555, this extended version is not just a "bonus feature"—it is the essential viewing experience that bridges the gap between the series' bleak themes and its cinematic conclusion.
The Atmosphere: A World Ruined by Rain The most immediate improvement in the Director’s Cut is the pacing and tone. The theatrical version felt somewhat rushed, leaning heavily on the spectacle of the new Rider suits. The Director’s Cut reinserts critical scenes that let the "World of the Rider" breathe.
We see more of the human resistance’s desperation. We see Mari and the others surviving in a genuinely oppressive environment, not just talking about it. There is a pervasive sense of melancholy that permeates the extra footage—particularly in the scenes involving the thriving Orphnoch society. Seeing humans willingly lining up to "become" Orphochs adds a layer of psychological horror that was missing from the standard cut. It emphasizes the film’s central theme: humanity isn't just being hunted; it is being assimilated.
Character Arcs: Giving Takumi a Reason In the standard cut, Takumi Inui’s (Faiz) temporary allegiance with Smart Brain felt like a plot contrivance—a way to set up a cool "evil Rider" fight. The Director’s Cut fixes this narrative fracture. By restoring the scenes where Takumi interacts with the oppressed humans and witnesses the collapse of his own morality, his fall from grace feels earned.
We get a clearer look at his internal conflict. He isn’t just fighting because he’s the hero; he’s fighting because he has nothing left. The extended runtime allows his relationship with Mari to simmer rather than boil over too quickly, making the film’s tragic ending hit significantly harder. We also get more development for the secondary Riders (Kaiza and Delta), whose rivalry and exhaustion are more palpable.
The Action: Brutal and Extended You don’t watch a Kamen Rider movie for the quiet moments alone; you want the action. The Director’s Cut delivers extended fight sequences that are shockingly violent by the standards of the franchise. The brutality of the Ryuki/Orphnoch battles is emphasized, showcasing the raw power of the suits without the rapid-fire editing of the theatrical version. The final confrontation feels less like a staged wrestling match and more like a desperate struggle for survival.
The Soundtrack: A Darker Symphony The audio mix in this version deserves praise. The iconic "Justifaiz" tracks are used more sparingly, allowing the instrumental score to underscore the dramatic weight of the scenes. The silence in the ruins of the city speaks volumes, creating a soundscape that complements the visual restoration.
Final Thoughts The Kamen Rider 555: Paradise Lost Director’s Cut transforms a standard summer movie into a genuine tokusatsu epic. It leans into the tragedy of Takumi Inui, offering a version of the film that respects the intelligence of its audience. It is darker, deeper, and emotionally resonant in a way the theatrical release only hinted at.
Rating: 9/10 – A masterclass in how to restore a film’s soul.
If you want to experience Paradise Lost as Ryuta Tasaki intended, the Director’s Cut is essential. While difficult to find legally outside Japan, the search is worthwhile for die-hard Faiz fans. Check second-hand DVD retailers, fan preservation projects, or hope for a future Toei Blu-ray release (which, as of 2026, has not been announced).
Have you seen the Director’s Cut? What did you think of the alternate ending? Share below (legally, of course).
The Director's Cut of Kamen Rider 555: Paradise Lost extends the movie's runtime from 81 minutes to 93 minutes, adding significant character development and darker plot details that reinforce its "alternate ending" status. Key Content Differences
The Director's Cut includes several notable changes and additions to the original theatrical version: kamen rider faiz paradise lost director 39s cut link
Alternate Ending Credits: While the theatrical version’s credits spell out "THANK YOU!", the Director's Cut changes this to "SEE YOU AGAIN!" using the names of the 10,000 extras filmed at Ajinomoto Stadium.
Extended Character Scenes: Additional footage focuses on the bond between Mari and Takumi, highlighting how essential they are to each other's motivation in a world where 90% of the population are Orphnochs.
World-Building: The cut provides more context on the Human Liberation Front and their desperate struggle against the Smart Brain corporation.
Violence & Tone: It features slightly more graphic or extended action sequences, emphasizing the bleak, post-apocalyptic atmosphere where humans are on the brink of extinction. Where to Find it
Physical copies of the Director's Cut are often included in special editions, such as the Kamen Rider 555 The Movie Complete Blu-ray or dedicated Director's Cut Edition DVDs available through retailers like CDJapan and Solaris Japan.
Finding the Director's Cut of Kamen Rider 555: Paradise Lost
can be tricky because it is primarily available through Japanese physical media and select regional streaming services. This version adds roughly 10 minutes of additional footage, including more character interactions and extended action scenes. Where to Watch or Buy
You can find the Director's Cut through the following official and secondary channels:
Official Physical Media: The most reliable way to own the Director's Cut is through the Kamen Rider 555 The Movie Complete Blu-ray Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
, which includes both the theatrical and Director's Cut versions. You can purchase this on Amazon.com or specialized retailers like CDJapan.
Second-Hand Market: Collectors often find the original Director's Cut DVD (released in 2004) on sites like Solaris Japan or via eBay listings. Streaming Options: Japan: It is available on Apple TV (Japan) and Hulu Japan.
International: Official English-subtitled streaming is limited, though some fans use Plex to check for regional availability. Why the Director's Cut?
仮面ライダー555（ファイズ） THE MOVIE コンプリートBlu-ray [Blu-ray]
| Aspect | Theatrical | Director’s Cut | |--------|------------|----------------| | Pacing | Tighter, action-focused | Slower, more melancholic | | Character development | Minimal | Significant (Mari’s backstory added) | | Ending ambiguity | Clear “hope” ending | Darker, open-ended | | Best for | First-time viewers | Rewatches & completionists |
Veteran fans generally prefer the Director’s Cut for its emotional weight, though some find the extra fight scene with Gorilla Orphnoch disrupts the flow. For direct links, always use official retailers or
If you're looking for a specific version of an episode or movie from the Kamen Rider series, I recommend supporting official channels or releases to ensure both the safety of your devices and the support of the creators.
You can find the Kamen Rider Faiz (555): Paradise Lost Director's Cut through various retail and informational links: Purchase Physical Media (DVD/Blu-ray):
Amazon: You can buy the Director's Cut DVD or the Complete Blu-ray Box which includes both the theatrical and extended versions.
CDJapan: Offers the Kamen Rider 555 The Movie Complete Blu-ray, specifically noting it features the Director's Cut on Blu-ray for the first time.
Solaris Japan: Often carries the Director's Cut Edition DVD for collectors. Streaming & Availability:
Official streaming options for the movie are limited outside of Japan. In Japan, the series and related films are sometimes available on Amazon Prime Video.
For general series viewing in the US, platforms like TokuSHOUTsu and Pluto TV often host older Kamen Rider content, though availability for specific movie Director's Cuts varies. Key Differences in the Director's Cut:
Runtime: The Director's Cut is 93 minutes long, adding 12 minutes of footage to the original 81-minute theatrical version.
Ending: Features an alternate credit message that says "SEE YOU AGAIN!" instead of the theatrical "THANK YOU!".
The Director's Cut of Kamen Rider 555: Paradise Lost is primarily available on physical media, featuring extended scenes and an alternate ending. The film is available through Japanese import retailers, including the CDJapan Blu-ray release that contains both the theatrical and director's cut versions. Purchase the film at
Kamen Rider 555: Paradise Lost (Director’s Cut) is more than just a tokusatsu movie;
it is a bleak, Shakespearean reimagining of the series that elevates the franchise into the realm of high-stakes dystopian tragedy
. By extending the runtime, the Director’s Cut transforms a standard superhero flick into a meditative exploration of , and the blurred lines between human and monster.
The film’s greatest strength lies in its world-building. Setting the story in a timeline where
have effectively won—relegating humanity to a dying resistance—creates a sense of desperation rarely seen in children’s media. The Director’s Cut enhances this by restoring quieter, character-driven moments that flesh out the Smart Brain If you want to experience Paradise Lost as
hierarchy and the internal rot of the Orphnoch society. It highlights the irony that in their quest for evolution, the Orphnochs have inherited all of humanity's worst traits: greed, bureaucracy, and a soul-crushing fear of death. Visually and tonally, director Ryuta Tasaki
leans into the "Paradise Lost" theme with religious iconography and grand, sweeping battles. The addition of extended fight choreography and more graphic depictions of the Orphnoch "dusting" process emphasizes the finality of their existence. The protagonist, Takumi Inui
, is portrayed not as a shimmering beacon of hope, but as a reluctant, exhausted savior. His dynamic with and the tragic fall of the Riotrooper
army feel more earned here, as the longer runtime allows the audience to sit with the crushing weight of their inevitable extinction. Ultimately, the Director’s Cut of Paradise Lost
is the definitive version of the story because it refuses to pull its punches. It serves as a grim reminder that "saving the world" often means simply buying a little more time for a sunset that is already fading. It is a masterpiece of the genre that proves Kamen Rider
can handle complex socio-political themes with the same grace as its high-octane action. thematic differences
between the theatrical and director’s cuts, or perhaps analyze the ending's symbolism
Title: The Ultimate Alternate Ending—Why the Director’s Cut is Essential Score: 9/10
Kamen Rider 555: Paradise Lost isn't just a side story; it’s a high-stakes, nihilistic "what-if" scenario where the villains have already won. Set in a world where Orphnochs make up 99% of the population, the film feels more like a post-apocalyptic survival drama than a standard superhero flick.
Why the Director’s Cut?The Director's Cut is the definitive way to watch this movie. It reintroduces vital character beats that the theatrical version rushed, particularly fleshing out the Human Liberation Front’s struggle and the tragic misunderstandings that drive the core cast. Small additions, like the "SEE YOU AGAIN!" message in the credits (formed by the names of 10,000 real-life fans who served as extras), add a unique emotional weight to the experience. The Highlights:
The World-Building: Unlike many Rider movies that feel like a "monster of the week" on a bigger budget, Paradise Lost builds a tangible, hopeless society where humans are treated as an endangered species.
The Villains: Peter Ho as Kamen Rider Psyga is a standout, delivering one of the most memorable "Blue Rider" performances in the franchise. The eventual debut of Kamen Rider Orga provides a heartbreaking, Shakespearean climax that fits Toshiki Inoue’s writing style perfectly.
Production Value: The stadium battle remains one of the most ambitious sequences in Tokusatsu history. Seeing Faiz Blaster Form take on an entire arena of enemies is peak Heisei-era action.
Final Verdict:Whether you're a die-hard Faiz fan or just looking for a standalone sci-fi action movie, this is a must-watch. It manages to capture the TV series' themes of trauma and identity while pushing them to their absolute breaking point.
Check the following platforms for legal access to the movie or special editions:
Physical Media:
Official Toei Channels: