High and Low Blu-ray Review

Akira Kurosawa's "High and Low" is stunningly presented on Blu-ray in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The 1080p high-definition transfer was masterfully crafted using a Spirit 4K Datacine from a 35mm fine-grain master positive, ensuring high fidelity to the source. Integral restoration processes employing MTI's DRS system and Pixel Farm's PFClean system removed thousands of instances of dirt, debris, and other visual imperfections, while Digital Vision's DVNR system handled minor grain and noise reduction, making the image cleaner without losing its cinematic quality. This meticulous attention to detail has resulted in a print that remains nearly free of damage and defects, offering a superior visual experience that aligns with Criterion's reputation for quality.

The transfer maintains a level of grain throughout the film, lending it a rich, textured feel that enhances its cinematic authenticity. Detail varies from scene to scene but overall is impressive, allowing Kurosawa’s intricate compositions and use of telephoto lenses to shine through. While some sequences display exceptional clarity and depth, others are softer and show traces of moderate sharpening, especially evident in the intense white levels during key dramatic moments. Despite occasional issues with slightly elevated black levels and minimal frame skips, the general contrast is well-preserved with deep blacks and luminous whites that enrich night scenes and shadowing.

Overall, despite some minor criticisms regarding digital enhancement and isolated brightness issues, this transfer stands as a testament to Criterion’s commitment to restoring classic films with care and precision. "High and Low" on Blu-ray is a must-see for any cinephile or Kurosawa fan, offering a visual presentation that successfully balances authenticity with modern viewing standards.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release for "High and Low" comes meticulously remastered, offering a Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 4.0 track with optional English subtitles. Derived from 24-bit remastering of the original 4-track stems, the soundtrack benefits from manual removal of clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum via Pro Tools HD, and reduction of crackle using AudioCube's integrated workstation. The DTS-HD MA 4.0 track showcases substantial dynamic amplitude and depth, significantly enhancing the clarity and resonance of dialogue across the frontal array—a commendable achievement given the film’s vintage.

Dialogue is notably crisp and clear, without suffering from the thin quality typical of older films. Directionality is effectively managed across the front soundstage, although the initial half of the movie leans towards being center speaker-heavy with limited surround engagement. Nevertheless, the rear channels activate during critical scenes— like the tense train sequence and the bustling climax nightclub scene—providing a more immersive experience. The balance between elements is well-maintained, ensuring that effects do not overpower the dialogue. The dynamic range is robust, with bass activity adding depth, especially during pivotal moments.

Overall, the audio fidelity of this release surpasses expectations for a film of this era. Although not a full-blown 5.1 mix, this 4.0 track adeptly utilizes Kurosawa's artistic sound design, enhancing both subtle and intense sequences with clarity and depth. With minimal audio imperfections like pops or dropouts, and enhanced surround usage during key scenes, "High and Low" achieves an impressive auditory landscape that will notably exceed the sound quality of many other digitally remastered films from the same period.

Criterion offers an expertly curated collection of extras for the Blu-ray of "High and Low," presenting a comprehensive range of content that thoroughly enriches the viewing experience. Presented in 1080i with Japanese Dolby Digital 1.0 and English subtitles, these supplements extend beyond mere spectacle, providing deep insights into the film's production and context. The audio commentary by film historian Stephen Prince is particularly detailed, even if a bit dry in delivery. The documentary "Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create" delivers a behind-the-scenes look at the film's making, enriched by cast and crew interviews that emphasize Kurosawa's meticulously planned shooting style. Additionally, the interviews with Toshiro Mifune and Tsutomu Yamazaki are invaluable, offering personal reflections on their contributions to the film. Trailers and a well-crafted booklet round off this robust package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: In-depth analysis by renowned film historian Stephen Prince.
• Documentary – Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: Retrospective making-of documentary featuring cast and crew interviews.
• Interview – Toshiro Mifune: Rare interview with the legendary actor discussing his life and career.
• Interview – Tsutomu Yamazaki: Insights from the actor who played the kidnapper, recorded in 2008.
• Trailers: Japanese trailer, Japanese teaser, and U.S. trailer with unique footage.
• Booklet: Includes essays by Geoffrey O’Brien and on-set accounts by Donald Richie.

Akira Kurosawa’s “High and Low” (1963) stands as a testament to the director’s unparalleled versatility and narrative strength. Adapted from Ed McBain’s crime novel “King’s Ransom”, the film expertly merges two distinct crime sub-genres: the kidnap and ransom thriller and the police procedural. Kurosawa crafts a compelling narrative filled with socio-political commentary, examining post-WWII Japan’s class structures while delving into universal themes of greed, jealousy, and moral dilemmas. Anchored by a stellar performance from Toshirô Mifune as Kingo Gondo, a wealthy industrialist caught in a heartrending moral quandary, the film scrutinizes human covetousness and societal disparity. The narrative beautifully transitions from the concentrated tension within Gondo's household to an expansive, meticulous police investigation, creating a well-rounded portrayal of moral and social strife.

Cinematically, “High and Low” is a visual and auditory masterpiece. Kurosawa’s first use of stereophonic sound and minimalist score by Masaru Sato imbue the film with a vivid noir atmosphere. The director’s impeccable use of composition, blocking, and lighting provides an engaging visual experience, transforming even the most disturbing sequences into elegant spectacles. The unique interplay of light and shadow is deliberate, always enhancing the thematic undertones. Particularly striking is the transition marked by a pink trail of smoke, symbolizing a descent into socio-economic inferno. Expertly choreographed long takes build a sense of real-time tension, and detailed frames foster a multifaceted visual narrative.

Criterion’s Blu-ray release presents “High and Low” with great fidelity to its original texture, offering superb video quality and resonant audio. Supplementary materials enrich the viewing experience, featuring film trailers, interviews with cast members such as Toshiro Mifune and Tsutomu Yamazaki, commentary by scholar Stephen Prince, and an insightful booklet with essays by Geoffrey O’Brien and Donald Richie. This release is an indispensable acquisition for Kurosawa aficionados and new viewers alike, offering profound engagement with one of cinema's most intricate and compelling films.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Akira Kurosawa's "High and Low" stands as an essential offering for cinephiles, bringing this intense and beautifully lensed film into the modern era with commendable quality. While it may not quite reach the technical heights of Criterion's release of Masahiro Shinoda's "Pale Flower," it is nonetheless an improvement over previous releases, ensuring it remains an essential film to both see and own. The visual presentation is fantastic, capturing Kurosawa's masterful command of imagery and plot, while the audio remains robust, supporting the film’s immersive experience.

A significant highlight of this release is the comprehensive suite of supplements. All the extras from the DVD carry over, most notably an engaging commentary track by Kurosawa historian Stephen Prince, who offers insightful context and analysis. The inclusion of a 37-minute documentary on the making of the film from Toho’s "It Is Wonderful to Create" series adds depth, and rare interviews, such as Toshiro Mifune’s 1981 appearance on "Tetsuko no Heya" and a recent conversation with actor Tsutomu Yamazaki, enrich the viewing experience. This edition also features U.S. and Japanese theatrical trailers and a 35-page booklet with liner notes by Japanese cinema historian Donald Richie and critic Geoffrey O’Brien, further enriching its historical value.

In conclusion, Criterion's Blu-ray edition of "High and Low" does justice to Kurosawa's classic. The video and audio presentations are strong enough to enhance appreciation for the director's nuanced narrative about jealousy and compassion within Japanese society. The extensive supplements provide valuable insights into the film’s production and legacy. This release is a must-have for fans of Kurosawa, offering both historical depth and exceptional technical quality. Highly recommended.