Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters 4K Blu-ray Releases June 3 from Criterion

Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters arrives on 4K Blu-ray from the Criterion Collection on June 3, 2025. Directed by Paul Schrader, this film offers a visually rich and intricate exploration of the life of Japanese author and playwright Yukio Mishima. Known for its stylized narrative approach, the film reflects on Mishima's attempt to reconcile self, art, and society against the backdrop of his final day.

This edition features a new 4K restoration of the director's cut, supervised and approved by Paul Schrader and cinematographer John Bailey. The transfer includes a 2.0 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack. Two alternate English narrations are included, one featuring actor Roy Scheider.

Special features provide detailed insights into the film's production and subject. These include an audio commentary with Schrader and producer Alan Poul, a program on the making of the film with contributions from Bailey, producers Tom Luddy and Mata Yamamoto, composer Philip Glass, and production designer Eiko Ishioka, as well as a program devoted to Yukio Mishima featuring his biographer John Nathan and friend Donald Richie.

Additional materials include an audio interview with co-screenwriter Chieko Schrader, a 1966 interview excerpt of Mishima discussing writing, and the documentary The Strange Case of Yukio Mishima (1985). An essay by critic Kevin Jackson complements this comprehensive release alongside a piece on the film’s censorship in Japan and photographs highlighting Ishioka’s set designs.

Release Contents:

• NEW 4K RESTORATION OF THE DIRECTOR'S CUT: Supervised and approved by director Paul Schrader and cinematographer John Bailey.
• Audio Commentary: Featuring Paul Schrader and producer Alan Poul.
• Making of Program: Insights from cinematographer John Bailey, producers Tom Luddy and Mata Yamamoto, composer Philip Glass, and production designer Eiko Ishioka.
• Yukio Mishima Program: Featuring biographer John Nathan and friend Donald Richie.
• Alternate English Narrations: Including one by actor Roy Scheider.
• Audio Interview: Co-screenwriter Chieko Schrader.
• Interview Excerpt: Yukio Mishima discussing writing from 1966.
• Documentary: The Strange Case of Yukio Mishima (1985).
• Essay and Additional Materials: Critic Kevin Jackson’s essay, a censorship analysis, and set photographs.

Release Date: June 3, 2025.