Dreams Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Akira Kurosawa's "Dreams" boasts a meticulously detailed 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoding, rendered in the film's original 1.85:1 widescreen aspect ratio. The Criterion Collection's 4K digital restoration is a testament to their commitment to cinematic preservation, with thousands of instances of dirt, debris, and scratches meticulously removed under the expert supervision of cinematographer Shoji Ueda. The result is a print that is extraordinarily crisp, maintaining excellent detail throughout, without any visible signs of digital noise reduction (DNR), thus preserving the film's original aesthetic integrity.

The film's visual elements are further enhanced by a consistent and healthy layer of film grain, which adds a touch of authenticity to the viewing experience. Colors are rich and vibrant, delivering an immersive and dynamic visual presentation. This 4K master transcends any previous editions, offering a breathtaking, high-definition scan that breathes new life into "Dreams." Criterion's efforts ensure that long-time fans and new viewers alike can appreciate Kurosawa's visionary work in a quality it truly deserves.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Dreams" features a superbly mastered Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 surround sound track. The clarity and heft of the audio are truly first-rate, with a dynamic range that far exceeds expectations for a film of this age. The high-resolution audio plays an integral role in enhancing the narrative, particularly through its music, which underscores the unfolding stories with precision and emotional depth. Dialogue is notably crisp, clear, and easily understandable throughout, free from any distracting elements such as hiss, crackle, clicks, or pops. This impeccable attention to audio quality ensures that the viewer's experience remains undisturbed and immersive. English subtitles are provided and well-translated to maintain Kurosawa’s original intent.

Complementing the audio, the film is presented in a meticulously restored 1080p HD at a 1.85:1 aspect ratio from a new 4K transfer supervised by cinematographer Shôji Ueda. The remastered Japanese 2.0 surround audio in DTS-HD Master Audio format is particularly commendable for its clean and clear sound, without any age-related artifacts that might have been present in the original source material. The soundstage feels full and surprisingly expansive, adding spatial richness to the auditory experience. Optional new English subtitles are available, further ensuring that non-Japanese-speaking audiences can fully appreciate the nuance of the film. Criterion's A/V execution here is nothing short of magnificent, reinforcing their reputation for high-quality releases.

The Blu-ray release of "Dreams" from Criterion is a collector's treasure trove, featuring an exhaustive compilation of insightful extras that provide deep dives into the production and legacy of Akira Kurosawa's work. Highlights include a feature-length making-of documentary by Nobuhiko Obayashi, delivering extensive behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with Kurosawa that capture his directorial process. Complementing this is "Kurosawa's Way," directed by Catherine Cadou, which showcases reflections from eleven renowned filmmakers on Kurosawa's influence. Additionally, interviews with long-time collaborators Teruyo Nogami and Takashi Koizumi offer compelling anecdotes and technical insights into the maestro’s later years. This collection is indispensable for film scholars and enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive understanding of Kurosawa's genius.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Featuring Film Scholar Stephen Prince.
• Making of Dreams: Feature-length documentary by Nobuhiko Obayashi.
• Kurosawa's Way: Documentary featuring interviews with eleven directors.
• Interview with Teruyo Nogami: Working with Kurosawa as a script supervisor.
• Interview with Takashi Koizumi: Insights from Kurosawa's assistant director.
• Dreams Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.

Akira Kurosawa's Dreams is an extraordinary film that stands out as one of the most ambitious and visually striking projects in the filmmaker’s illustrious career. Crafted as a series of eight ethereal vignettes, each segment represents a dream of Kurosawa, interweaving themes of life, death, nature, and humanity's technological hubris. The non-traditional narrative structure—an amalgamation of beautifully crafted short films—allows Kurosawa to explore profound and complex topics, such as the haunting consequences of nuclear warfare and the transcendent beauty of Vincent van Gogh's art, with unparalleled depth and finesse.

The cinematography, courtesy of Takao Saitō and Shōji Ueda, alongside the meticulous production design by Yoshirō Muraki and Akira Sakuragi, renders each scene visually breathtaking. Each vignette is a testament to Kurosawa's mastery of cinema as a visual medium, making full use of vivid color palettes and intricate set designs to immerse viewers in his dreamscapes. Emi Wada’s costume designs seamlessly align with the varying tones and settings of the shorts, enhancing the narrative realism and thematic resonance of each segment.

The score by Shinichirō Ikebe complements the visuals perfectly, utilizing pieces like Chopin's Prelude No. 15 in D-flat major Raindrop to underscore pivotal moments. Notably, Martin Scorsese’s portrayal of Van Gogh in "Crows" is a striking highlight, merging live action with digital effects from Industrial Light & Magic to create an immersive painterly world. Each segment in Dreams operates as an individual work of art, akin to navigating through an elaborate museum. Overall, Dreams is a profoundly personal masterpiece from Kurosawa that celebrates the essence of life through the fantastical lens of dreams fulfilled and offers an essential viewing experience for both cinephiles and admirers of Kurosawa’s oeuvre.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Akira Kurosawa’s Dreams is a remarkable achievement in cinematic restoration. The film, an assemblage of eight visually stunning and thematically rich vignettes, showcases Kurosawa's unparalleled ability to blend theater, art, and literature into a cinematic tapestry. Each vignette transitions effortlessly through a spectrum of emotions—curiosity, wonder, anguish, outrage, and tranquility—capturing the essence of Kurosawa’s introspective narrative deeply rooted in his personal reflections. Criterion’s commitment to quality shines through in this 4K restoration, which breathes new life into the film’s intricate visuals, making it the definitive way to experience this multifaceted masterpiece.

The supplemental features on this release are particularly noteworthy. They include a feature-length documentary that delves into the production intricacies of Dreams, offering a profound understanding of Kurosawa’s creative process and the cultural contexts that influenced his work. Each scene is meticulously crafted, and the restoration highlights Kurosawa's expertise in merging visual and narrative elements to create an immersive cinematic experience. The audio and visual fidelity of this Blu-ray elevate the viewing experience, allowing audiences to fully appreciate the meticulous details and artistry inherent in each frame.

In conclusion, as a college student, I once had an art appreciation class where our professor asked students in the classroom to speak up and provide their definition of art to everyone. I raised my hand. My own answer? Akira Kurosawa's Dreams. Kurosawa’s Dreams stands as a quintessential example of cinematic art—a film where every frame is a canvas meticulously painted with emotion and vision. This Criterion Blu-ray release is an essential acquisition for cinema enthusiasts, offering an unparalleled viewing experience with exceptional supplemental content. Kurosawa’s passion, love, and dedication to his craft resonate deeply through this remarkable work, making it an indispensable addition to any collection. Don’t miss this essential masterpiece.