Ugetsu Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Kenji Mizoguchi's "Ugetsu Monogatari" by Criterion boasts an exceptional 1080p transfer in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio, utilizing MPEG-4 AVC encoding. The source material stems from a meticulous 4K restoration guided by The Film Foundation, advancing significantly from its Region-B predecessor. Viewers will notice enhanced overall density with improved color grading, bringing extraordinary image balance and nuance; previously observed black crush is notably absent in this edition. The restoration has effectively eliminated prior edge instability, and extensive manual cleanup has eradicated small scratches, flecks, and vertical lines without resorting to aggressive degraining or sharpening techniques.

The visual presentation on this Blu-ray is nothing short of revelatory. Long-time enthusiasts of "Ugetsu Monogatari" especially will appreciate the sharpness and near-perfect grayscale achieved, which contrasts sharply with older, softer, and scratchier 16mm prints. Some minimal density fluctuations remain towards the frame’s left side later in the film, though these are minor. The stability and cleanliness of this transfer maintain the integrity and cinematic beauty originally intended by Mizoguchi. Presented with clear, white English subtitles and segmented into 19 chapters, this release stands as a paramount viewing experience for both aficionados and new audiences alike.

The Blu-ray release of "Ugetsu" features a single standard audio track in Japanese LPCM 1.0, paired with optional English subtitles for the main feature. The lossless track, operating at 1.1 Mbps, boasts remarkable clarity despite its limited dynamic range. Listeners will find a significant improvement over previous versions plagued by hisses and pops, with only minimal crackle present in a few instances. Notably, the dialogue, Fumio Hayasaka's score, and atmospheric effects blend seamlessly, enhancing the overall auditory experience.

Though the track exhibits some slight 'thinness' in the upper register, this is a minor trade-off for the overall fluidity and stability achieved through additional cleanup. The sound mix avoids distracting background hiss and maintains a consistently clear and clean presentation with no audio dropouts or digital distortions.

In summary, while the track lacks low-frequency extension and surround sound capabilities, it excels in delivering dialogue and music with pristine clarity, making it a commendable audio presentation for a film from this era.

The Blu-ray release of "Ugetsu" delivers a stellar collection of extras that enrich the viewing experience and offer deep dives into the film's production and legacy. Highlights include a thorough documentary on director Kenji Mizoguchi, insightful interviews with key figures such as Masahiro Shinoda, Tokuzo Tanaka, and Kazuo Miyagawa, as well as an engaging audio commentary by Tony Rayns. These features, complemented by original trailers and a well-curated booklet, provide comprehensive coverage of the film’s historical context, artistic approaches, and technical details.

Extras included in this disc:

Kenji Mizoguchi: The Life of a Film Director (1975): Archival documentary exploring Mizoguchi's life and legacy with numerous interviews.

Audio Commentary: Archival commentary by Tony Rayns covering various themes and technical aspects of the film.

Masahiro Shinoda Interview: Analysis by the filmmaker on the movie's reality-fantasy blend and gender portrayals.

Tokuzo Tanaka Interview: Recollections of Ugetsu's production and thematic execution by the first assistant director.

Kazuo Miyagawa Interview: Insights from the cinematographer on filming techniques and challenges.

Trailer: Original Japanese trailer with English subtitles.

Trailer: Original incomplete Spanish trailer with English subtitles.

Booklet: Featuring an essay by critic Philip Lopate and three stories that influenced the film's creation.

Kenji Mizoguchi’s Ugetsu Monogatari (1953), a cinematic masterpiece, masterfully intertwines the real with the surreal, set against the backdrop of 16th-century Japan during the chaotic civil wars. The plot centers on two farming neighbors: Genjuro (Masayuki Mori), an aspiring potter, and Tobei (Eitaro Ozawa), who dreams of becoming a samurai. Their ambitions lead them into a series of dramatic and supernatural encounters, reflecting the devastating impact of unchecked ambition. Genjuro becomes entangled with Lady Wakasa (Machiko Kyō), a ghostly figure, while Tobei's haphazard rise to samurai status culminates in a profound realization of the hollowness of his dreams. The narrative complexity, rooted in ghost stories by Akinari Ueda and Guy de Maupassant, ensures that viewers are rewarded with an atmospheric experience rather than mere plot-driven spectacle.

Mizoguchi's highly celebrated artistic vision is brought to life through meticulously crafted long takes and fluid, almost imperceptible camera movements that enhance the blending of reality and fantasy. His direction involves a steady and evocative movement of the camera seeking action rather than anticipating it, unlike Ozu’s passive approach. The film employs mesmerizing, dream-like visuals such as the hypnotic river scene, augmented by shadowy fog and eerie ambiance created within studio settings. The supernatural elements are portrayed through skillful staging, editing, and expressive performances rather than overt special effects, adding to the film’s signature restraint and ethereal quality.

Performances further elevate the film, with Machiko Kyō’s portrayal of Lady Wakasa grounded in Noh theater influences, and Kinuyo Tanaka's Miyagi delivering a subtly heartbreaking performance. Masayuki Mori and Eitaro Ozawa excel as the ambitious neighbors whose paths diverge starkly, embodying the film's anti-war stance and critical view of feudal society. "Ugetsu Monogatari" stands as a poignant exploration of human ambition and its consequences, offering a compelling blend of noir, surrealism, drama, and anti-war themes that resonate through Mizoguchi’s unparalleled craftsmanship.

Kenji Mizoguchi's "Ugetsu Monogatari" stands as an unparalleled achievement in cinematic history, intricately weaving the realms of the real and the surreal to convey profound messages on human nature and gender dynamics. The latest Criterion Collection Blu-ray release, sourced from a meticulous 4K restoration orchestrated by The Film Foundation, offers an outstanding visual and auditory experience that is near-reference quality. The restoration accentuates Mizoguchi's meticulous attention to detail and atmospheric mastery, ensuring the film’s ethereal beauty is preserved for contemporary audiences.

The supplemental features included with this edition are exemplary, headlined by an insightful documentary about Mizoguchi's remarkable life and legacy, produced and directed by Kaneto Shindo. Additionally, Tony Rayns’ commentary provides valuable perspectives that deepen viewers’ understanding of the film’s intricate layers upon each viewing. The bonuses solidify this release as an essential addition to any serious film enthusiast’s collection.

In conclusion, Criterion’s release of "Ugetsu" is a masterclass in film restoration and presentation. This edition not only honors Mizoguchi's artistry but also enriches the viewer’s appreciation through its thoughtfully curated extras. "Ugetsu Monogatari" continues to insinuate its haunting parable into our psyche, affirming its status as a timeless classic. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.