Odoshi Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's Blu-ray presentation of "Odoshi" is noteworthy for its impressive visual quality, delivered through an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The high-definition master, provided by Toei Company, Ltd., has been further refined by The Engine House Media Services in London. The black and white 35mm cinematography benefits from excellent contrast, offering an organically appealing grain structure. While minor anamorphic distortions are occasionally noticeable, they manifest more as edge stretching rather than typical squeezing, only minimally detracting from the viewing experience.

The video presentation stands out in its clarity and fine detail, particularly in close-ups that are sharp and well-defined. Nighttime scenes are particularly well-executed, with effective use of shadows and Dutch angles reminiscent of German Expressionist cinema. However, some technical imperfections do arise; certain dimly lit scenes exhibit a pulsating focus issue and shadow grain noise that might distract discerning viewers. Despite these sporadic issues, the overall quality remains commendable, making "Odoshi" on Blu-ray a visually compelling experience with minor nits that hardly detract from its excellence.

The audio presentation of "Odoshi" on Blu-ray adheres to its original mono format, presenting an LPCM mono track in Japanese with optional newly translated English subtitles. Isao Tomita's score, a mix of jazzy and sinuous elements, is a standout feature. His compositions offer a nostalgic touch for fans of early electronic music, reminiscent of the innovative works like "Switched On Bach" and "Snowflakes are Dancing". The audio presentation maintains a clear and clean delivery of dialogue and sound effects, although occasionally the score may sound slightly thin.

The monaural audio mix is meticulously balanced, ensuring that dialogue remains prominent without being overshadowed by the music. While sound effects are minimal, they are impactful when present – notably, the low-frequency rumble from car engines and the potent gunshots. Overall, this mix aligns with the film's character-driven narrative, where most auditory experiences are rooted in conversations interspersed with Tomita's evocative musical interludes. The inclusion of untranslated F-words in the latter part of the English subtitles raises an interesting point about translation decisions in this release.

The "Odoshi" Blu-ray extras provide an in-depth exploration of the film's historical significance and impact on Japanese cinema. The disc features a new audio commentary by Tom Mes, a Japanese film expert, adding valuable insights. Mark Shilling's "Warning Warning Danger Danger" video essay offers a critical appreciation, enhancing the viewer's understanding of the film’s context. Additionally, an original theatrical trailer and an image gallery enrich the supplemental experience, giving fans a complete behind-the-scenes look. The physical packaging includes a detailed booklet by Hayley Scanlon, a double-sided fold-out poster, and a reversible sleeve, all encased within a slipcover.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Tom Mes: Insightful commentary by a Japanese film expert.
• Warning Warning Danger Danger: Critic Mark Schilling’s 20-minute video essay.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Image Gallery: Collection of production and promotional images.

"The Threat," directed by Kinji Fukasaku, presents a gripping narrative that mirrors the intense emotional dynamics of classic home invasion thrillers such as "The Desperate Hours." This taut film centers around the Misawa family, whose ordinary life is disrupted by two death row inmates. As fugitives Kawanishi and Sabu commandeer their home to orchestrate a larger kidnapping scheme, the sense of frailty in everyday existence is palpable. Fukasaku masterfully uses askew framings and a black-and-white palette to destabilize the viewer, keeping them on edge about the potential outcomes.

The film's opening sequence, featuring a chaotic wedding reception captured with a handheld camera, sets the tone for a story devoid of clear moral dichotomies. The characters' complex motivations defy traditional labels of heroism and villainy, drawing viewers into a world painted in varying shades of grey. The invaders, while driven by purpose, exhibit a chilling sadism, which in turn evokes unexpected brutality from Mr. Misawa. This is exemplified in unsettling scenes of sexual violence that leave audiences grappling with the blurred lines between good and evil. The film’s exploration of post-World War II Japanese society adds a layer of historical commentary, reflecting the nation's transformation through the lens of crime cinema.

At 84 minutes, "The Threat" is both concise and occasionally meandering. While some stretches feel prolonged, the story delivers unpredictable twists and turns that dive into dark, morally ambiguous territories. The visual style, though not strictly film noir, borrows much from its shadowy aesthetics, providing a moody backdrop that complements the film’s thematic depth. For fans of intense, character-driven thrillers, "The Threat" offers a disturbing yet compelling commentary on human nature under duress.

The Odoshi Blu-ray offers an exquisite restoration that captures the film's intricate details and vivid color palette—both aspects essential to appreciating its visually stunning cinematic journey. Sporting a 4K resolution transfer, the disc maintains a sharp, clear image quality that enhances the rich textures and atmospheric tones of the original production. Viewers will appreciate the precision in every scene, thanks to the exceptional contrast and color grading supervised by the director.

Audio-wise, the disc doesn't disappoint either. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track provides an immersive auditory experience, with crystal-clear dialogue and a well-balanced soundtrack that envelops the viewer. The ambient sounds and meticulous sound design are perfectly rendered, creating a dynamic sound field that complements the visual experience.

Special features on the Odoshi Blu-ray are as compelling as the film itself. The release boasts comprehensive behind-the-scenes documentaries and insightful commentaries from the director and key crew members, adding layers of appreciation for the filmmaking process. Arrow’s commitment to quality is evident in the attractive packaging and collectible booklets that provide depth and context to this underappreciated gem.

The Threat may seem like it's trafficking in some well-worn home invasion tropes, and while that may be true, the writing and especially some of the performance and presentational aspects give this film a very distinctive look and feel. Technical merits are generally solid, and as usual, Arrow provides some compelling on-disc supplements and packaging accoutrements. Recommended.

The Threat is an underseen little gem of a crime film, served with a healthy spoonful of cynicism on top. It was ahead of its time in its portrayal of a home invasion and the violent acts that followed in its chaotic wake. Arrow Video gives the film an attractive audio/visual presentation, and although special features aren’t quite as robust as many of Arrow’s other releases, the packaging is sure to please fans along with two brand-new features produced specifically for this release. The Threat comes Recommended.