Audition

The Blu-ray release of "Audition" presents a conundrum for fans and newcomers alike due to its 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that struggles to fully capture the essence of Miike's classic. Despite intentions to present a film faithful to its original aesthetic, complete with its inherent aggressive grain and softness, the video quality is beleaguered by an array of technical issues. Edge enhancement, wavering clarity, and contrast discrepancies mar the viewing experience, accompanied by minor artifacting, heavy ringing, occasional crush, and slight banding. These faults unfortunately detract from the high-definition upgrade’s potential.

On a more positive note, this release does boast some improvements over its DVD predecessors. Colors appear stronger and more stable, skin tones are rendered more naturally with less tendency towards flushing, and black levels are deepened, enhancing absorption into the film’s darker scenes. Details in skin, clothing, and textures are noticeably improved, providing a clearer view into the film’s meticulous craftsmanship. Scenes that explore character backgrounds stand out for their enhanced textures and delineation, offering a silver lining to the otherwise problematic transfer.

However, these improvements are bittersweet against the backdrop of technical shortcomings. The abundant grain and periodic haziness might be forgiven if not for the conspicuous edge enhancement and artifacts which intrude upon the viewing experience. The occasional color vibrancy and deeper blacks cannot fully compensate for the overall disappointing presentation. As such, while this Blu-ray edition of "Audition" represents a step up from prior releases in some respects, the vexing array of video quality issues leaves it as an averagely appealing addition for collectors, struggling to satisfy both diehard Miike followers and novices.

Shout Factory's release of "Audition" on Blu Ray offers an admirable audio presentation, particularly through its two lossless options: a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.0 and a Dolby TrueHD 5.0 track. Both tracks are meticulously mixed from the original audio elements of the film, ensuring dialogue remains warm, clear, and well-prioritized throughout. Especially noteworthy is the use of surround sound—both subtle and dynamic—across different scenes. The first half of the film focuses on dialogue, making every spoken word crisp and intelligible, whereas the second half escalates in ambiance and atmospheric tension. This transition is seamlessly supported by excellent soundfield immersion, utilizing rear speakers effectively to enhance various auditory elements like ringing phones, ambient restaurant chatter, and even the chilling sound of flesh being torn. The absence of a dedicated low-frequency effects channel (LFE) does little to undermine the overall impact, as both tracks maintain strong dynamics and inject a palpable weight to the more intense moments.

Technically, these audios present a compelling case for the film's eerie atmosphere, with sound design playing a critical role in amplifying its unsettling themes. The mix effectively balances ambient sounds with directional audio cues, allowing for an immersive experience that complements the visual horror of "Audition". Smooth pans and precise directionality ensure that environments feel convincingly real, from interior scenes with subtle background noises to the more harrowing sequences that rely heavily on the shock value of sound. The meticulous mixing ensures that every scene, whether it involves mundane activities or the buildup of dread, resonates with the viewer on a deeply instinctual level.

Moreover, alongside the notable Japanese audio mixes, there's an inclusion of an English LPCM 2.0 mix, catering to a broader audience while maintaining the film's original essence through its superior Japanese tracks. However, it's worth noting that despite the high quality of these mixes, the Blu Ray has its subtitles permanently enabled—a minor inconvenience that doesn't detract significantly from the overall auditory experience. Through these well-crafted audio presentations, "Audition" attains a new level of horror sophistication, proving once again that sound is just as vital as sight in crafting a genuinely unnerving cinematic experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Audition" enriches the experience with a carefully curated selection of extras that delve deeply into the film's production, thematic elements, and legacy. Notably, the disc presents a set of interviews featuring key cast members, offering insightful reflections that fans will find both engaging and enlightening. The audio commentary, though not perfectly synced with on-screen events, serves as an expansive dialogue between director Takashi Miike, screenwriter Daisuke Tengan, and moderator Masato Kobayashi, covering a wide range of topics from casting to character development. The inclusion of a director’s introduction, albeit brief, alongside trailers adds a conventional touch to the extras. However, it’s the collector's booklet, containing an essay by Tom Mes, that stands out by providing a concise analysis of Miike’s work. Although some content may feel familiar to those who own the special edition DVD, these additions present a compelling exploration of "Audition" well worth the attention of both new audiences and longstanding aficionados.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: An in-depth discussion led by Takashi Miike and Daisuke Tengan, moderated by Masato Kobayashi.
• Interviews: Conversations with key cast members, including Ryo Ishibashi and Eihi Shiina.
• Director's Introduction: A short introduction to the film by Takashi Miike.
• Trailers: Includes both International and Japanese trailers.
• Booklet Essay by Tom Mes: A detailed analysis of Miike's cinematic style and themes.

Takashi Miike's "Audition," a film that probes into the depths of loneliness and its chilling consequences, transcends typical horror narratives to deliver a complex and disturbing experience. The movie cleverly begins as a romantic tale, introducing us to Shigeharu Aoyama (Ryo Ishibashi), a widower who, in his search for companionship, devises an unconventional plan to audition women for a non-existent film. His encounter with the enigmatic Asami Yamazaki (Eihi Shiina) marks a turning point, slowly peeling away the layers of a seemingly innocent love story to reveal a dark, twisted core. This slow tranformation showcases Miike's mastery in handling suspense and horror, eschewing cheap thrills for a deep, unsettling dive into psychosexual madness.

As "Audition" unfolds, what starts as a deceptive romance spirals into a surreal nightmare, painting a haunting picture of obsession and psychological torment. Miike's approach to horror is cerebral and visceral; he builds tension not through overt scares but through atmosphere, sound design, and an increasingly grotesque narrative that challenges viewers' endurance. The film's climactic scenes, featuring some of the most harrowing imagery and themes in modern cinema, underscore Miike's skill in creating horror that lingers with the audience, becoming a commentary on the darker aspects of human desire and isolation.

The intricate portrayal of the characters and their descent into madness is complemented by Miike's technical prowess. The simplistic yet powerful cinematography, combined with a haunting score, amplifies the film's eerie atmosphere. Notably, "Audition" stands as a cultural milestone, influencing both Eastern and Western directors while solidifying its place among the most unforgettable horror films. Its blend of horror, drama, and psychological thriller elements showcases Miike's unique voice, making "Audition" a gripping, albeit difficult to watch, cinematic experience that transcends genre conventions and leaves an indelible mark on its audience.

Audition", Takashi Miike's masterpiece, stands as a pinnacle of horror, seamlessly blending breathtaking character arcs with haunting visuals and a storyline that embodies the essence of terror. This film not only exemplifies Miike's exceptional directorial prowess but also highlights the remarkable performances of its cast, leaving indelible marks on the audience's psyche. The Blu-ray release by Shout Factory, however, presents a mixed bag. While it notably excels in delivering robust lossless audio tracks that do the original sound design justice, and a commendable array of special features that will certainly delight fans and newcomers alike, it somewhat underperforms in the video transfer department. This drawback mildly tarnishes what could have been an immaculate home video presentation of this iconic film.

Despite these video quality setbacks, the release does not falter entirely in value. The special features included provide significant insights into the making and legacy of "Audition", fostering a deeper appreciation for Miike's craftmanship. Moreover, the strength of the audio presentation ensures that the film's chilling score and nuanced soundscapes are preserved, maintaining the eerie atmosphere that is crucial to the film's impact. While fans may find themselves wishing for a more pristine video transfer, the existing elements make this release worthwhile, especially for aficionados of horror, foreign cinema, or exemplary filmmaking in general.

In conclusion, while Shout Factory's Blu-ray release of "Audition" falls short of perfection due to its video transfer issues, it remains a compelling purchase for those looking to experience one of the most unsettling and artistically crafted horror films of our time. The excellent audio quality and rich supplementary content significantly offset the visual shortcomings, making this edition a valuable addition to any horror aficionado's collection. One can only hope for a future release that fully honors Miike's visionary work with a video overhaul. Until then, this release serves as an essential, albeit imperfect, way to delve into "Audition's" nightmarish allure.