Fireworks Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray transfer of Takeshi Kitano's "Fireworks" offers a largely excellent 1080p/AVC-encoded High Definition video presentation that is a notable upgrade over previous DVD editions. Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, the film showcases impressive detail and depth. Close-up shots reveal rich textures, while broader scenes maintain clarity and depth. Colors appear healthy and natural despite the sometimes limited palette due to weather and location. Black levels remain strong, preserving good contrast with minimal digital defects. Although the opening minutes exhibit some scratches and marks, these do not persist throughout the film.

Kitano's unique visual style, reminiscent of his distinct painting technique, shines through in this transfer. The daylight footage stands out, offering commendable depth and fluidity, while nighttime scenes are also presented effectively. Colors are stable with a wide range of healthy nuances, and contrast levels remain consistent. Image stability is excellent overall, although viewers with larger screens may notice some minor compression artifacts during daylight scenes. Fortunately, there are no significant damage marks, dirt spots, or stains, making this one of the best visual presentations of the film to date.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Fireworks" features a Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track that, while not aligning with the current Dolby Atmos standards, retains the integrity of the original soundtrack. The dialogue remains clear and well-prioritized across the array, bolstered by accurate English subtitles. The track delivers a warm, rich sound experience with notable increments in depth and clarity, staying faithful to the material's natural design. Frequently punctuating effects emerge sharply across the channels, especially during heightened sequences, adding to the immersive experience.

Joe Hisaishi's score, characterized by its somber and melancholic tones, is a critical component that significantly benefits from this audio upgrade. The emotional resonance of the music enhances the on-screen narrative and is complemented by strategic sound effects that provide an additional layer of engagement. While this may not achieve reference status for demo material, the distinctive soundtrack now boasts improved separation, balance, and clarity—ensuring this Kitano classic has never sounded better. Notably, there are no audio dropouts or digital distortions, attesting to the track's robust quality.

The Blu Ray extras for "Fireworks" provide a rich and insightful look into Takeshi Kitano's artistic vision and filmmaking process. Headlining the package is an Audio Commentary by Kitano expert Mark Shilling, offering deep analysis of the film's technical and stylistic choices, including symbolism, framing, and use of color. A quarter-hour Interview with Kitano himself adds depth, elaborating on his TV background, dual persona of ‘Beat’ Takeshi, and his visual-oriented approach to storytelling. Further contextualization comes from a near half-hour Director Takeshi Kitano Retrospective featuring trailers of his classic films and behind-the-scenes footage. The disc is rounded off with the original UK trailer for "Hana-bi." All features are in Japanese with optional English subtitles.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Insightful commentary by Mark Shilling.

Interview with Director Takeshi Kitano: In-depth discussion of Kitano's methods and dual persona.

Director Takeshi Kitano Retrospective: Trailers and behind-the-scenes footage.

UK Trailer: Original UK trailer for "Hana-bi."

Takeshi Kitano's "Hana-bi," also known as "Fireworks" (1997), is a captivating cinematic journey that masterfully interweaves somber introspection with abrupt violence and bone-dry humor. The film, which earned global recognition for Kitano, follows the emotionally and financially burdened ex-cop Nishi, portrayed with nuanced intensity by Kitano himself. As he embarks on a poignant road trip with his terminally ill wife, the narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion, characterized by several disjointed yet artistically framed sequences. The static-camera shots, minimal dialogue, and frequently vacated frames underscore Kitano's unique directorial style. These elements are seamlessly complemented by Joe Hisaishi's melancholic score, renowned for its work with Studio Ghibli, which enriches the emotional landscape of the film.

The plot's underlying structure relies heavily on flashbacks to reveal Nishi's tragic past—his wife's worsening health, the paralysis of one partner, and the death of another during a stakeout. This history drives Nishi to rob a bank to alleviate his financial woes and take a therapeutic journey with his wife. Here, Kitano's portrayal of a stoic yet unexpectedly violent character is a stark departure from his comedic roots. His comfort in this dramatic role indicates a significant evolution in his acting career, solidified by the film's critical success and Golden Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival.

Visually, "Hana-bi" is striking. Cinematographer Hideo Yamamoto crafts long takes filled with rich, contrasting colors, predominantly blues that establish the film’s unique atmosphere. The camera lens brings forth an authentic portrayal of Nishi and his wife's tender relationship, contributing to the film's deeply moving moments. The ambient soundtrack by Hisaishi marries the visual elegance with emotionally resonant chamber pieces. Together, these elements create a richly layered, fluid narrative that is as visually arresting as it is emotionally complex.

Fireworks (Hana-Bi) on Blu-ray is a highly anticipated release that finally brings one of Takeshi Kitano's most iconic films to the high-definition format. The film, which helped establish Kitano's reputation in Japan, combines unconventional storytelling with visually arresting scenes that are evocative of a forgotten Wim Wenders project. This release from Third Window Films delivers impressive video and audio quality, even though it does not reach perfection in encoding.

The Blu-ray transfer brings out the best that Hana-Bi has ever looked and sounded, with colors and soundscapes that enhance the viewer's experience. While there are some minor technical flaws in the encoding, they do not significantly detract from overall enjoyment. The supplementary features included in this release provide valuable insights and added depth to Kitano's uniquely beautiful work, making it a must-have for both long-time fans and newcomers intrigued by this extraordinary film.

In conclusion, the first of hopefully many classic-era Kitano titles to finally be released on Blu-ray. With strong video and audio, both appreciably not without flaws but also representing, respectively, the best that Hana-Bi has arguably ever looked or sounded like, and a solid selection of supplemental features, fans of the director should celebrate the chance to finally pick this up, and those intrigued should definitely watch this unconventionally beautiful work.