Ugetsu 4K Blu-ray Release from Criterion: April 1st!
Criterion unveils the 4K restoration of Kenji Mizoguchi's 'Ugetsu' with special features and insightful commentary.
Criterion Collection is set to enchant cinema enthusiasts with its April release of Ugetsu on 4K Blu-ray. Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi, this masterpiece intertwines the realities of war with supernatural elements, exploring themes of greed and its dire consequences. Revered by Akira Kurosawa and many, Mizoguchi's storytelling through sweeping camera movements and long takes captures the fateful journeys of its characters.
Restored with expertise at Cineric Laboratories by The Film Foundation and Kadokawa Corporation, the restoration received consultation from notable names like Masahiro Miyajima and Martin Scorsese. This edition will include uncompressed monaural soundtrack and showcases Criterion's unwavering dedication to cinematic excellence.
The release comes packed with special features aimed at both aficionados and new audiences. Delve into the film's universe through an audio commentary by Tony Rayns, as well as a documentary covering Kenji Mizoguchi's life framed by director Kaneto Shindo. Interviews, trailers, and appreciation segments further enrich this offering.
Acknowledging the cross-time relevance of Mizoguchi's insights on the human condition, Criterion's delivery maintains the authenticity of this acclaimed film. The disc serves as a bridge between contemporary viewers and the timeless storytelling prowess of auteur-driven cinema.
The Ugetsu 4K Blu-ray hits shelves with its STREET DATE: APRIL 1.
Release Contents:
- 4K RESTORATION: With uncompressed monaural soundtrack
- Audio commentary: By critic, filmmaker, and festival programmer Tony Rayns
- Kenji Mizoguchi: The Life of a Film Director: A 1975 documentary by Kaneto Shindo
- Two Worlds Intertwined: A 2005 appreciation of Ugetsu by Masahiro Shinoda
- Process and Production: A 2005 interview with Tokuzo Tanaka, first assistant director on Ugetsu
- Interview from 1992: With cinematographer Kazuo Miyagawa
- Trailers
- Plus: An essay by film critic Phillip Lopate and three short stories that inspired the film
Release Date: 01/04/2025
Source: Blu-ray.com