Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence" arrives on Blu-ray with a robust 1080p transfer. The high-definition transfer was created from a 35mm interpositive, scanned in 2K resolution on a Spirit Datacine 4K machine, and underwent meticulous color correction using Assimilate's Scratch system. Dirt and scratch removal were conducted via Pixel Farm's PFClean system, with additional refinement using MTI's DRS and Digital Vision's DVNR systems. The resultant video is notable for its fine object detail, pleasing clarity, and consistent contrast levels throughout.

The color scheme is dramatically improved compared to previous SDVD releases, with earth tones in the camp scenes coming across richly and brighter colors such as the reds on uniforms standing out vividly. The old issues of color bleeding are a thing of the past, with the current transfer showcasing well-saturated and natural hues. Edge-enhancement and macroblocking are minimal, and there is a healthy amount of film grain, particularly in low-light shots, that never distracts from the viewing experience. The source is predominantly clean with no significant stability issues or visible debris, ensuring an immersive experience when projected digitally.

In summary, this high-definition transfer of "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence" on Blu-ray by Criterion provides a compelling visual upgrade, delivering substantial improvements in color accuracy, texture detail, and overall image stability. The grain structure remains intact, offering a filmic quality that purists will appreciate while maintaining technical excellence free of digital artifacts.

The Blu-ray of "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, incorporating sections of Japanese dialogue, with optional English subtitles for the non-English portions. The audio track, which has been meticulously remastered at 24-bit from the original 35mm Dolby LT/RT magnetic audio track, ensures a clean and stable auditory experience. The dialog is crisp and intelligible, allowing for effortless comprehension.

Despite the film's age, the soundtrack exhibits commendable depth and fluidity, though the dynamic range remains somewhat limited. Ryuichi Sakamoto’s musical score notably enriches the viewing experience, filling the surrounds effectively while the ambiance is confined to the front channels. The mix does an admirable job of balancing dialog and music; however, it does reflect some inherent limitations of the source material, such as occasional flatness in the voices. Certain effects, like gunfire, may sound slightly off with an unusual echo.

Overall, while there are minor intricacies stemming from the original recording's limitations, the audio presentation on this Blu-ray is solid. This release preserves the integrity of the original audio experience while mitigating common age-related audio issues through advanced restoration techniques, offering a satisfying auditory experience for listeners.

The Blu-ray release of "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence" offers a robust array of supplemental materials that provide deep insights into both the film’s production and its historical context. These extras include a range of interviews and featurettes that delve into the creative processes behind the screenplay, music, and overall production. Particularly noteworthy is the inclusion of unique perspectives from key contributors such as David Bowie, Tom Conti, and Ryuichi Sakamoto, alongside director Nagisa Oshima and screenwriter Paul Mayersberg. The fidelity and integrity of these historical documents are maintained with impressive technical quality, predominantly in high-definition formats.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Oshima Gang: Behind-the-scenes featurette with interviews from 1983.
• On the Screenplay: 2010 interview with screenwriter Paul Mayersberg.
• On Location: Interviews with Conti, Sakamoto, and Thomas from 2010.
• On the Music: Ryuichi Sakamoto speaks about the film's score in 2010.
• Hasten Slowly: 1996 documentary on Sir Laurens van der Post.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Booklet: Illustrative booklet with essays and interviews.

'Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence,' directed by Nagisa Oshima, is an intricate examination of the complex relationships formed during WWII in a Japanese POW camp. Notable for its nuanced portrayal of cultural clashes and interpersonal dynamics, the film is set in Java, 1942. The narrative follows British POWs, including the defiant Major Jack Celliers (David Bowie) and the fluent-in-Japanese Lt. Colonel John Lawrence (Tom Conti). Their interactions with the camp commandant Captain Yonoi (Ryuichi Sakamoto) and Sgt. Hara (Takeshi Kitano) evolve from mutual respect to profound confusion, revealing the characters' internal struggles and differing worldviews.

Based on Sir Laurens van der Post's novel "The Seed and Sower," the film challenges traditional war movie tropes by focusing on the spiritual and psychological dimensions of its characters rather than physical escapes or battles. The score, composed by Sakamoto, features synthesizer-based music with bell-like sounds that initially clash with the historical setting but eventually underscore the film's themes of cultural dissonance and personal conflict. The film also incorporates disturbing yet enlightening moments, such as Yonoi's insistence on honorable suicide for transgressions, which underscores the deep-rooted values of Japanese spirituality regarding life and death.

Despite its depth, one criticism lies in Oshima's decision to use David Bowie in a flashback sequence as his own younger self, which breaks continuity due to Bowie's visible age difference compared to his younger co-actors. Nonetheless, 'Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence' stands out for its introspective narrative and unorthodox portrayal of wartime virtues and vices, forming a multi-layered exploration that transcends conventional war films.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence" is a standout presentation, offering both exceptional video quality and immersive audio. The film, directed by Nagisa Oshima, is rendered in stunning high definition, highlighting the meticulously crafted visuals and evocative scenes. The fidelity in the transfer ensures that both color reproduction and contrast are presented with impressive accuracy, preserving the film's original aesthetic integrity. The audio mix is equally commendable, delivering clear dialogue and a nuanced soundscape that enhances Ryuichi Sakamoto's hauntingly beautiful score.

Supplemental features on this Blu-ray are particularly noteworthy. The inclusion of a comprehensive video interview with screenwriter Paul Mayersberg offers a deep dive into the intricate themes and complex messages conveyed within the narrative. These extras not only provide context but also enrich the viewing experience by shedding light on the creative process behind the film. Other features, such as behind-the-scenes footage and director commentary, add further layers of appreciation for both new viewers and longtime fans alike.

In conclusion, Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence" exemplifies their commitment to preserving and presenting global cinema with utmost care. The film itself is a powerful study of culture and humanity, carrying lessons of enduring relevance. With its superior visual and audio quality and thoughtfully curated supplemental features, this release is VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Criterion has once again proven why they remain a benchmark in home entertainment.