Ran Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of Kurosawa's Ran on Blu-ray, encoded in 1080p utilizing the VC-1 codec at an average bitrate of 17Mbps, offers an experience that falls short of expectations for such a visually ambitious film. Detail is noticeably lacking for a high-definition transfer, with large-scale scenes missing the fine textures that could reveal the meticulous efforts of Kurosawa’s design and direction. The initial sequences in the grassy fields are particularly telling, with the blades of grass appearing blurry rather than sharply defined. Although the film presents an elevated clarity over standard definition versions, it doesn’t achieve the striking improvement typically expected for films of this era.

Despite the lack of fine detail, the color palette is a highlight, showcasing vibrant reds, yellows, and blues that lift the visual aesthetics. Unfortunately, various medium-distance shots suffer from noticeable edge enhancement and occasional color fringing, which disrupts the visual integrity. This inconsistency is a detractor from an otherwise potent presentation of color and overall grain structure, which remains largely intact and pleasing compared to prior releases. Shadow detail appears weak at times, with fluctuating brightness levels and contrast impeding overall depth and dimensionality. Additionally, makeup effects for characters' topknots (chonmage) can be distinctly distracting due to their artificial appearance, adding another layer of visual discomfort.

In summary, while Ran on Blu-ray offers superior coloring and maintains film grain without major digital noise reduction (DNR), it fails to provide the substantial upgrade in clarity expected from a high-definition transfer. Fans will find marginal gains over previous editions but should temper their expectations for a largely acceptable though not revelatory visual experience.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Ran" is an intriguing case of strengths and areas needing improvement. Rendered in a Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, the film offers a commendable surround experience, notably in its use of Toru Takemitsu's musical score, which envelops the audience in an immersive soundscape. The battle scenes offer substantial LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) to underscore the chaos, while quieter sequences rely heavily on ambient sounds. However, these environmental effects are sometimes overstated, occasionally detracting from the overall immersion.

Despite the potential for sonic grandeur during large-scale battle scenes, there are noticeable shortcomings. Notably, a 10-second interval of intermittent static around the 1:08 mark distracts from an otherwise intense siege scene. Dialogue is, for the most part, clear and transitions fluidly between channels as camera angles shift, though some scenes suffer from imbalanced audio levels and awkwardly pronounced background noises. Instances like intrusive crickets and inconsistent feedback during prolonged scenes underscore these inconsistencies. Additionally, there were some complaints about the lack of movement in the audio field, especially noticeable during scenes with dynamic elements such as a cavalcade of soldiers.

Overall, while "Ran" provides a sound experience that amplifies its dramatic impact, it falls short in delivering a flawlessly balanced and immersive audio track. The tremendous effort put into creating an atmospheric landscape in the film occasionally backfires, resulting in either muted highs or overwhelming ambient sounds. Despite these issues, the audio design does succeed in many aspects, particularly in conveying the emotional weight of Takemitsu's score and the grandeur of Kurosawa's vision.

The supplemental package for the Blu-ray release of "Ran" offers a respectable array of extras, although it's worth noting that some content from prior Criterion releases is missing. The standout feature is "AK," a comprehensive behind-the-scenes documentary that provides an intimate glimpse into Kurosawa's meticulous directing style, capturing his multifaceted role on set. Additionally, "Akira Kurosawa: The Epic and the Intimate" delves into interviews highlighting the collaborative effort between Kurosawa and producer Serge Silberman, discussing both the production and thematic elements of "Ran." "The Samurai" explores the history of samurai in modern cinema, while "Art of the Samurai" features an extensive analysis of ancient Japanese weaponry and armor from historian Jean-Christophe Charbonnier. Lastly, the package is rounded out with a standard definition trailer for the film, giving nostalgic value despite its lower quality.

Extras included in this disc:

• AK: Behind-the-scenes documentary showcasing Kurosawa's directing style.
• Akira Kurosawa: The Epic and the Intimate: Interviews on the collaborative production of "Ran."
• The Samurai: Documentary on samurai history in modern cinema.
• Art of the Samurai: Analysis of Japanese weaponry and armor.
• Trailer: Standard definition theatrical trailer for "Ran."

Akira Kurosawa's "Ran" is widely regarded as a magnum opus within the cinematic world, combining breathtaking visuals with profound thematic depth. Set during feudal Japan and partially based on Shakespeare's "King Lear," the narrative unfolds with Hidetora (Tatsuya Nakadai) relinquishing his throne to his three sons: Taro, Jiro, and Saburo. The intricate plot navigates the resulting power struggle, deception, and familial betrayal, amplified by the haunting presence of Lady Kaede (Mieko Harada). Her machinations elevate the story's complexity, contributing significantly to the film's tragedy. As Hidetora's logical succession plan crumbles, "Ran" lays bare human nature's darkest aspects—greed, betrayal, and insanity—against a visually stunning backdrop.

Kurosawa's meticulous attention to detail is evident in every frame. The production, filmed entirely in Japan, utilizes Mt. Fuji as a majestic canvas for the unfolding drama. Kurosawa's preference for wide shots and multi-camera setups results in visually arresting scenes that are both grand and intimate. The use of vivid colors enhances the film's emotional impact and visual storytelling. This technique, perfected throughout Kurosawa's career, finds its ultimate expression in "Ran," making it a landmark in visual cinema. The film's extensive use of extras, elaborate sets, and award-winning costumes contribute to its epic scale, solidifying it as an unparalleled cinematic experience.

Thematically, "Ran" explores the consequences of past sins and the tragic inevitability of human flaws. Hidetora's descent into madness serves as a poignant narrative arc, juxtaposed with the ruthlessness of his offspring and the manipulative genius of Lady Kaede. Supported by a stellar cast delivering multifaceted performances, the characters in "Ran" are rendered with depth and nuance. Particularly notable is Jinpachi Nezu’s portrayal of the treacherous Jiro. Within this tragic epic, every character’s motivations are complex and interwoven, enriching its replay value. "Ran" stands as a monumental achievement in Kurosawa's illustrious career, offering a blend of visual grandeur and profound storytelling that continues to captivate audiences and film historians alike.

The latest Blu-ray release of Akira Kurosawa's "Ran" stands as a substantial improvement over previous editions, albeit with areas that could certainly benefit from further enhancement. Visually, the film benefits from cleaner and more defined image quality, offering greater clarity in both color and shadow detail which emphasize Kurosawa's meticulous aesthetic. In terms of audio, the surround sound has been handled competently, augmenting the dramatic battle scenes and atmospheric score to good effect. However, some may still find the presentation lacking when compared to potential restorations that have rejuvenated other cinematic classics like "The Godfather."

Supplemental content on this release provides an adequate, though unremarkable, addition to the main feature. While there are new inclusions that might pique the interest of dedicated fans, such as unique insights requiring subtitle reading, they do not significantly elevate the overall package enough to supplant treasured Criterion editions where extra features are concerned. The distribution changes and differing sets of features may also leave some collectors desiring a more definitive and comprehensive collection akin to previous releases.

In conclusion, while this edition of "Ran" may not be the ultimate presentation fans might hope for, it remains a valuable acquisition for any serious film enthusiast's collection. Its superior visual and audio quality make it arguably the best version commercially available today. A future restoration might someday offer an even more polished version of this iconic masterpiece, but until then, this Blu-ray edition ensures that Kurosawa's vision is held in high regard. Despite minor letdowns in supplementary areas, it deserves a place on the shelf for its historical and cinematic importance. Count this reviewer in for a restrained but positive recommendation.