The Eel Blu-ray Review

Radiance Films presents The Eel on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer at the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, sourced from a high definition digital file provided by Shochiku Co. Ltd. Both the Theatrical and Director’s Cuts are included on a dual-layered BD-50 disc, each occupying separate layers. The Theatrical Cut, assembled by Radiance, uses footage from the Director’s Cut HD master and supplements missing segments with standard definition material, resulting in brief, noticeable fluctuations in resolution and overall image quality. Both versions display some variability—particularly during the elongated opening credits, which can appear video-like and less detailed.

The image sees marked improvement after the credits with strong detail levels, particularly in outdoor daylight scenes. Color reproduction leans slightly subdued, occasionally brown in palette, but daytime sequences deliver vivid greens and blues. Grain is present throughout, with a heavy texture becoming pronounced in low-light or nighttime scenes, sometimes accompanied by a blue cast and thick grain structure. Despite these inconsistencies, there are no significant issues with digital artifacts due to careful encoding, maximizing bitrate and preserving natural film textures. Blacks are generally deep though shadow detail may be compromised with occasional crush.

Though the source appears to be an older 2K scan from a later generation element, this transfer stands as a substantial upgrade over previous SD releases. Some instances of telecine wobble and speckling are visible but remain unobtrusive. Overall, while not flawless—primarily due to the necessity of incorporating variable source material—the Blu-ray presentation represents a significant technical improvement that respects the film’s original photographic qualities.

The Blu-ray release of "The Eel" presents its original Japanese audio track in uncompressed LPCM Mono. The film’s audio design is understated, true to its narrative style, with a modest use of environmental effects that nonetheless provide subtle immersion in both urban exteriors and more intimate interior locations such as the barber shop. Dialogue reproduction is consistently clean and intelligible, with no detectable distortion or sibilance, ensuring that conversations and quieter moments are faithfully conveyed.

Occasional distinctive sound effects, most notably the recurring gurgling water motif linked to the central narrative, are reproduced with admirable clarity despite the limitations of a mono track. While the mix does not offer multi-channel separation or immersive dynamics found in modern surround formats, the faithful preservation of the original source ensures an authentic audio experience. Optional English subtitles are provided to support accessibility for non-Japanese-speaking viewers.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Eel" provide a comprehensive and insightful look into both the film and the broader context of Japanese cinema. The inclusion of both the Director's Cut and Theatrical Version caters to enthusiasts interested in Imamura’s artistic decisions across releases. Key supplements include a newly-produced interview with critic Tony Rayns, who delivers an expert account of Shohei Imamura’s life and legacy, alongside a candid discussion by co-writer Daisuke Tengan, who explores the screenplay's development, character evolution, and the challenges and triumphs faced during production. Tom Mes’ visual essay broadens the scope by examining Japanese cinema in 1997, setting the stage for "The Eel’s" release. The extras are rounded out by the theatrical trailer, as well as thoughtfully curated packaging that includes an informative insert booklet and collector’s Obi strip.

Extras included in this disc:

• Director's Cut: Imamura’s extended version from the 1997 re-release.
• Theatrical Version: Original release version.
• Tony Rayns Interview: In-depth analysis of Imamura and the film's place in his career.
• Daisuke Tengan Interview: Reflections on script development, character arcs, and filmmaking challenges.
• 1997: A Year to Remember: Tom Mes contextualizes the film within a key year for Japanese cinema.
• Trailer: Official promotional preview.
• Insert Booklet & Obi Strip: Supplementary printed materials enhancing the collector's package.

Shohei Imamura’s “The Eel” is a strikingly offbeat character study, notable for its idiosyncratic tone and narrative approach. The story centers on Takuro Yamashita (Koji Yakusho), an apparent everyman whose life unravels after discovering his wife’s infidelity. In a fit of rage, Takuro murders her and immediately surrenders himself to the police, launching a story that spends little time on exposition. After serving his sentence, Takuro forms an unlikely bond with an eel—a friendship conceived in prison and continued into his newfound existence as a barber. The film largely follows Takuro’s uneasy attempts at reintegration into society; his only confidant at first is the eel, but complications arise through a tentative romance with the troubled Keiko (Misa Shimizu), as well as a subplot involving blackmail and eccentric side characters.

Imamura’s direction establishes an unpredictable atmosphere: explosive violence gives way to whimsy and, at moments, surreal digressions—most memorably seen in episodes like Keiko’s mother believing herself a flamenco dancer. “The Eel” resists easy classification, blending quasi-Grand Guignol opening notes with flashes of dry humor and incongruous tenderness. Imamura, making a comeback after nearly a decade’s absence from filmmaking, wields these tonal shifts deftly, with the final product feeling both familiar in its social-issue tropes and refreshingly singular in its presentation.

Released during a transitional era for Japanese cinema, “The Eel” helped mark a renaissance for the country’s filmmakers, achieving both domestic box office success and international acclaim by sharing the Palme d’Or at Cannes. Rather than inviting viewers to decode its symbolic motifs, notably the titular creature, Imamura urges us to surrender to the film’s unusual rhythm, resulting in a sui generis portrait of trauma, redemption, and oddball companionship.

Radiance Films’ Blu-ray release of "The Eel" presents a nuanced cinematic experience that stands apart from the more commonly explored avenues of late-90s Japanese V-Cinema and J-Horror. The film itself is a deft, bittersweet character study, lightly touched with surrealism but never allowing symbolism—such as the titular eel—to overpower the genuine emotional interplay between its wounded leads.

Technically, the video quality is somewhat variable; while the transfer clearly surpasses any previous physical media editions, there remain certain visual inconsistencies and flaws that are evident to discerning viewers. Audio performance is solid, providing clear and well-balanced sound that supports the subtle dramatic tones of the narrative. The release is further enhanced with an array of enjoyable supplements, offering considerable value for those interested in delving deeper into the film’s thematic and production context.

Overall, "The Eel" emerges as an essential acquisition for aficionados of Japanese cinema seeking depth beyond genre conventions. Despite minor caveats related to picture quality, this edition represents the definitive home viewing option for Imamura’s acclaimed work. The Blu-ray is highly recommended to both collectors and new audiences for its strong technical presentation and thoughtful curation.