Vengeance Is Mine Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Shohei Imamura's "Vengeance Is Mine" boasts an exceptional video presentation, rendered in an aspect ratio of 1.66:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. The 1080p transfer is derived from a high-definition digital transfer, created on a Spirit 2K Datacine from a new 35mm low-contrast print made from the original camera negative. The comprehensive restoration process involved the manual removal of thousands of instances of dirt, debris, and other imperfections using MTI's DRS and Pixel Farm's PFClean, resulting in a pristine image quality free from scratches, noise, or artifacts. The original monaural soundtrack has also been meticulously restored, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Distinctly, Criterion’s transfer diverges from the 2010 Eureka Entertainment Region-B release, displaying a notably different color scheme. Criterion's edition favors a nuanced range of browns and reds, replacing the blues and greens seen in the Region-B version. This edition also features toned-down brightness levels, producing more accurate black levels and maintaining a rich, detailed aesthetic true to the late '70s film era. The encoding quality is significantly superior to that of the Region-B release, allowing for better-exposed grain without any problematic degraining or sharpening adjustments. However, a few tiny flecks may still pop up occasionally.

The image quality stands out with its consistent golden, hazy color palette, even in scenes set during twilight or amidst falling snow. Colors remain sharp and never oversaturated, maintaining consistency and evenness throughout the film. Middle-class settings are portrayed with earthy, dusty hues until neon-lit Tokyo scenes introduce heightened vibrancy to reflect geographical and economic changes. Fine detail is especially pronounced during close-ups, with textures and background elements clearly defined, adding depth to the film. Contrast levels are well-balanced, featuring deep shadows and bright whites that are not blown out, underscoring the meticulous restoration efforts by Criterion. This Blu-ray release should significantly please North American audiences looking forward to this film’s high-definition debut.

The Blu-ray release of "Vengeance Is Mine" delivers a commendable audio presentation through its Japanese LPCM 1.0 track. Criterion has included optional English subtitles, enhancing accessibility. Shinichiro Ikebe's music score is notably effective, weaving seamlessly with various sequences and ensuring each scene's emotional weight is appropriately underscored. The dialogue is presented with crispness and stability, making it effortless to follow. Remastering efforts are evident, providing slightly better depth compared to the Eureka Entertainment release. Notably, there are no disruptions such as pops, cracks, background hiss, or audio distortions reported.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 mix impresses with its balanced and clean presentation. The soundtrack, ranging from jazz-filled openings to traditional scores, stands out with a richness that enhances both the dialogues and other audio elements. The clarity of the score accentuates the film’s emotional peaks effectively. Dialogue retains its clarity, devoid of any detrimental tinny or echo effects commonly found in older soundtracks. While sound effects maintain their clarity, they occasionally lack resonance or aggressiveness to match the cinematic expectations. Despite these minor points of contention, the overall audio mix integrates seamlessly with the film's visual narrative, solidifying its crucial role in the viewer's experience.

The extras on the Blu-ray edition of "Vengeance Is Mine" present a deep dive into the film's creation and its director, Shohei Imamura. Offering a rich commentary track from Tony Rayns, notable for providing detailed insights into the film's production and Imamura's directorial approach, this disc is invaluable for both fans and film scholars. Additionally, the archival interview with Imamura, alongside collaborators Kenichi Benitani and Kunio Takeshige, offers an intimate glimpse into the creative process behind the film. The inclusion of original Japanese trailers and teasers, complete with optional English subtitles, further enhances this comprehensive package. The 32-page illustrated booklet stands out as a scholarly companion to the disc, featuring essays and interviews that delve deeper into Imamura's techniques and cinematic philosophy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original Japanese trailer with optional English subtitles.
• Teaser: Original Japanese teaser trailer with optional English subtitles.
• Commentary: Audio commentary by critic and filmmaker Tony Rayns.
• Shohei Imamura: Excerpt from a 1999 interview conducted for the Directors Guild of Japan.
• Booklet: 32-page illustrated booklet featuring essays and interviews.

Shohei Imamura's 1979 film "Vengeance Is Mine" stands as a compelling and intricate exploration of moral decay, artfully blending fact and fiction. The narrative revolves around Iwao Enokizu (Ken Ogata), whose chilling 78-day crime spree culminates in his capture just days before the story begins. The film employs a non-linear storytelling approach, revealing Enokizu’s complex psyche through fragmented glimpses into his past, from traumatic childhood experiences and a tumultuous marriage to murky relationships with a depressed innkeeper (Mayumi Ogawa) and her eccentric mother (Nijiko Kiyokawa). Instilling a sense of disarray, this structure mirrors Enokizu’s chaotic inner world, examined through his inexplicable urge to harm those closest to him. Imamura masterfully converges these disparate elements into a cohesive narrative, making every scene pivotal, even when its importance is not immediately apparent.

"Vengeance Is Mine" delves deep into themes of moral ambiguity and societal transformation during the 1960s. Enokizu’s actions are juxtaposed against his father Shizuo's (Rentaro Mikuni) complex, taboo-laden relationship with his daughter-in-law Kazuko (Mitsuko Baisho). These explorations of moral compromise unravel against the backdrop of Japan's evolving social landscape. The film also subtly embeds religious iconography and motifs, reflecting Enokizu's Catholic upbringing even as he outwardly rejects these ideals. The narrative’s deliberate manipulation of time enriches the characters' moral and psychological depths while highlighting societal changes post-World War II and into the ‘60s. This temporal fluidity elevates the film beyond a conventional true-crime story.

Imamura's nuanced direction cohesively binds the film’s jarring narratives, culminating in an unsettling denouement that defies conventional resolutions. The Blu-ray release by Criterion enhances this experience with a 2K high-definition transfer and a monaural soundtrack, encapsulating the film's raw essence. Supplementary materials, including archival interviews and a 32-page booklet, provide invaluable insights into Imamura’s vision and the film’s cultural context, offering a rich, multi-dimensional viewing experience.

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of Shohei Imamura's "Vengeance Is Mine" is a much-anticipated acquisition for North American audiences and markedly surpasses that of previous releases, such as Eureka Entertainment’s. Imamura's work is notoriously difficult to dissect, known for its unsettling content interspersed with bizarre humor. Yet, it offers an absorbing lens on post-war Japan, a characteristic of Imamura's filmography that remains unrefuted. Viewers also hope for a simultaneous upgrade on Criterion's 2009 release of the "Pigs, Pimps, and Prostitutes" box set, given the quality witnessed here.

The film’s claim of being 'fact-based' breathes new life into a somewhat hackneyed term, avoiding the stale gimmickry prevalent in many contemporary productions. Imamura ingeniously melds the visceral allure of crime fiction with his documentarian roots, challenging audiences to confront deeper truths about the human condition and post-war societal structures. The nuanced interplay between raw crime dramatization and factual introspection provides a fertile ground for contemplation and conversation.

In conclusion, Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of "Vengeance Is Mine" is technically superior and captures Imamura's complex narrative in stunning clarity. A highly recommended addition for film enthusiasts seeking both aesthetic quality and intellectual depth in their collections.