Perfect Blue (movie)

The "Big Body" pizza box in the infamous stabbing scene usually gets a few chuckles from English-speaking viewers, who are no doubt thinking about the food's fat content. However, "Big Body" is actually an homage to Susumu Hirasawa (who would later compose music for Millennium Actress and Paranoia Agent, also by director Kon) and his electronica band "P-Model." Big Body is the name of their tenth album, released in 1993.

Many sharp-eyed viewers have noticed a startling similarity between the bathtub scene (where a very upset Mima is holding her breath underwater) and a scene in Darren Aronofsky's 2000 film "Requiem for a Dream" where Jennifer Connelly does the same. Aronofsky has never officially commented on the scene or its origins.

Manga Entertainment's 1999 US theatrical release of Perfect Blue was the original uncut version, and was not rated by the MPAA. However, a slightly edited R-rated cut was produced for VHS only, for retail outlets that would not sell or rent unrated films (such as Blockbuster and Walmart). The R-rated cut was never released on DVD.

The movie also contains other references to Susumu Hirasawa. An ad for a "Haldyn Hotel" can be seen in the subway, and shopping bags with the letters "FGG" are used at various points. Both are titles of songs by Hirasawa.