Tokyo Olympiad Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Tokyo Olympiad" by Criterion, presented in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, is sourced from a new 4K digital transfer derived from the original 35mm camera negatives, including additional footage from various sports compilations. This intricate restoration project, handled by Warner Bros. Motion Picture Imaging with VFX Hollywood overseeing dirt and damage removal using DIAMANT-Film software, results in a transfer that retains the documentary's original visual integrity while significantly enhancing its overall presentation quality.

Despite inherent fluctuations in grain, density, and delineation due to the archival nature and diverse sourcing of the footage, the film’s visuals are nothing short of captivating. The color palette is notably enriched, offering dramatically healthier primaries and expanded nuances, particularly noticeable during the vibrant scenes of the opening ceremony. Enhanced details such as facial pores, sweat, and even makeup applications provide a more immersive viewing experience. The 4K master used in this transfer exemplifies superb image stability and fluidity, ensuring the film looks as spotless and engaging as possible. This Blu-ray rendition offers vastly superior visuals compared to previous DVD releases, making it an essential upgrade for connoisseurs.

Criterion's technical execution in this Blu-ray release reflects a significant leap forward in terms of image fidelity. The meticulous restoration allows "Tokyo Olympiad" to shine with breathtaking depth and clarity that rivals conventional film presentations. While maintaining some original texture elements to preserve authenticity, this edition boasts improved image stability and bolder colors, maintaining true-to-life representations of the documentary's content. This Blu-ray release not only enhances the visual experience but also provides a new perspective on Kon Ichikawa’s seminal work, making it an indispensable addition to any cinephile's collection.

The audio presentation of the "Tokyo Olympiad" Blu-ray release is delivered through a Japanese LPCM 1.0 track, with optional English subtitles that appear within the image frame for the main feature. The track authentically captures the documentary’s natural and organic soundscape, encompassing various native sounds and noises recorded on-site. This results in minor fluctuations in clarity, dynamic stability, and balance, but these variations are subtle and enhance the realistic ambiance of the film, making for a truly immersive experience.

Kon Ichikawa’s use of symphonic music is also notable, adding a rich auditory layer to the visuals, which translates excellently on this LPCM 1.0 track. The track maintains consistent quality throughout, avoiding any jarring audio spikes or dropouts. The dialogue is predominantly in Japanese, but other languages are present as well, contributing to the documentary's authenticity and realism. Overall, the audio mix effectively supports the film’s narrative and visual storytelling, making it a commendable aspect of this Blu-ray release.

The Blu-ray edition of "Tokyo Olympiad" by Criterion offers a comprehensive selection of extras, balancing archival content and new insights. The disc includes a scholarly introduction from Peter Cowie and archival interviews with director Kon Ichikawa, giving viewers an in-depth look at the film's conception, production, and lasting impact. Additionally, over 90 minutes of restored 4K footage provides an immersive dive into the 1964 Olympics. A new documentary sheds light on Ichikawa's methodologies, with interviews from his close collaborators. The extras are rounded out with technical breakdowns of the 4K restoration process, original trailers, an audio commentary from Cowie, and an insightful booklet by James Quandt.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction: Exclusive new introduction by Peter Cowie.
• Kon Ichikawa: Three archival interviews with the director.
• Additional Material: Four sets of additional scenes, including an introduction.
• A Singular Vision: Kon Ichikawa's Tokyo Olympiad: Documentary featuring new interviews.
• About the Restoration: Overview of the 4K restoration process.
• Trailers: Two vintage trailers.
• Commentary: Archival audio commentary by Peter Cowie.
• Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet with an essay by James Quandt.

The Blu-ray release of "Tokyo Olympiad" presents Kon Ichikawa's masterful documentary in stunning quality, showcasing the 4K restoration initially introduced in Criterion's "100 Years of Olympic Films: 1912-2012" box set. This 1965 film delves into the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games with an unparalleled artistic eye, going beyond the usual focus on medal winners to highlight the broader human experience—covering triumphs, defeats, and intimate moments. Employing over 150 cameramen, Ichikawa captures everything from gymnasts' performances to weightlifters' exhaustive struggles. His emphasis on close-ups, such as sprinters' legs or the faces of athletes mid-exertion, provides a raw and poignant look at the physical and emotional toll of athletic competition.

Ichikawa's documentary notably shifts attention to less celebrated athletes, such as Chad's Ahamed Isa, whose journey, despite not making it to the finals, is depicted with an empathetic lens that highlights the social and cultural challenges he faced. The film also strikingly documents the marathon's finish, not with a focus on the victor Abebe Bikila, but rather on those who barely managed to complete it, emphasizing perseverance and the human spirit. These compelling narratives illustrate the director's ability to capture moments of humanity and resilience often overlooked in conventional sports coverage.

Criterion’s Blu-ray edition further enhances this monumental film with supplemental features such as an introduction by Peter Cowie, archival interviews with Ichikawa, additional scenes, and even a newly-produced documentary program. Accompanied by an illustrated leaflet featuring an essay by critic James Quandt, this release is meticulously detailed, ensuring that viewers receive both a high-quality visual experience and rich contextual background. In Region-A locked format, with optional English subtitles, this edition elevates "Tokyo Olympiad" as both a technical marvel and a profoundly moving documentary.

The 2023 Blu-ray release of Kon Ichikawa's "Tokyo Olympiad" showcases the pinnacle of sports documentary filmmaking with a stunning 4K restoration that enhances both visual and audio quality. The meticulous restoration highlights Ichikawa's ability to capture the human spirit of the 1964 Tokyo Games, focusing on the triumphs and the heartfelt stories of athletes who did not necessarily win gold but personified the Olympic spirit.

This edition includes an impressive array of archival and new bonus features, indispensable for enthusiasts and film historians alike. Standout supplements include restored footage from major events such as the Czechoslovakia vs. Hungary soccer clash, which provide invaluable historical context and enriching cinematic experiences. The supplementary content, clocking in at hours' worth, ensures that fans will be fully immersed in the legacy and nuances of this iconic film.

Conclusively, this Blu-ray release of "Tokyo Olympiad" is an exemplary presentation of a historic film, enriched with essential bonus features. Anyone with an interest in Olympic history or cinematic craftsmanship will find this edition to be a must-have. The combination of aesthetic restoration and extensive archival material makes this release HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.