Ikiru Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of Akira Kurosawa's "Ikiru" features a 1080p transfer encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, maintaining the film's original aspect ratio of 1.37:1. The transfer was mastered in 4K from a 35mm fine-grain master positive, given that the original negative no longer exists. The restoration process utilized a Scanity film scanner and intensive manual cleanup efforts with MTI's DRS and Digital Vision’s Phoenix, addressing a myriad of issues such as dirt, scratches, splices, warps, grain, and noise management.

While minor brightness and density fluctuations, vertical lines, and contrast pulsing are occasionally noticeable, the overall video presentation is strong. Grain is preserved throughout, contributing to a naturalistic filmic texture though it can be uneven in some segments. Detail and sharpness are praiseworthy, adding depth to Kurosawa's rich compositions. Grayscale performance is solid, with whites and blacks largely well-balanced despite some moments of slight blowout or crush.

This Blu-ray delivers Kurosawa’s masterpiece in a form that honors its visual legacy, even with inherent limitations from the source material. Stability and clarity are generally maintained, and there are no traces of problematic digital alterations. Consequently, despite some minor wear and tear that could not be fully eliminated, Criterion’s transfer offers a commendable preservation of "Ikiru's" powerful imagery, making it accessible and appreciable for contemporary audiences.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "Ikiru" features a Japanese LPCM 1.0 mono track, accompanied by optional English subtitles for the main feature. The film’s age and the less-than-optimal condition of its original elements posed challenges, yet the final audio output is commendable. Dialogue remains relatively clear throughout, though there is a slightly muffled quality to speech, particularly noticeable in earlier scenes. Despite these minor imperfections, the overall depth and clarity of the soundtrack are impressively preserved, with no noticeable dropouts or digital distortions. There are minor fluctuations in high-frequencies, but these are rare and not distracting.

The careful and deliberate sound design in "Ikiru" imbues the audio experience with a rich, evocative quality. Ambient noises like hospital background sounds and bustling scenes in a dance club display an impressive range within the mono channel, adding depth and enhancing the viewing experience. Musical cues are emotionally compelling and well-integrated into the track, reinforcing the film’s narrative nuances. Instances of dynamic sound design—such as sudden muting and subsequent elevation to reflect a character’s mental state—are effectively executed. Overall, despite some unavoidable age-related limitations, the audio remains robust and thoughtfully crafted, complementing the film's evocative visuals.

Criterion has curated an exemplary array of supplements for "Ikiru" in this Blu-ray release, providing rich, contextual insights into Kurosawa's filmmaking. The included commentary by Stephen Prince, recorded in 2003, delves deep into the narrative structure, historical context, and visual storytelling of "Ikiru", enhancing the viewing experience with professional, erudite discourse. The documentary "A Message from Akira Kurosawa: For Beautiful Movies" offers an extensive and introspective look into Kurosawa's methodologies and cinematic vision, making it indispensable for aficionados of the director. Additionally, "Akira Kurosawa: It is Wonderful to Create" explores the production history of "Ikiru" through interviews with key collaborators, offering historical depth and first-hand insights. The package is rounded off by the film's original trailer and an illustrated leaflet featuring essays by Donald Richie and Pico Iyer.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Stephen Prince: In-depth analysis of the film's narrative and visuals.
• A Message from Akira Kurosawa: For Beautiful Movies: Comprehensive documentary on Kurosawa’s filmmaking.
• Akira Kurosawa: It is Wonderful to Create: Production-focused documentary with cast and crew interviews.
• Trailer: Original trailer with optional English subtitles.
• Leaflet: Featuring essays by Donald Richie and Pico Iyer.

Akira Kurosawa's 1952 masterpiece "Ikiru", starring Takashi Shimura as the tragic bureaucrat Kanji Watanabe, is a heartfelt exploration of existential despair and redemption. Watanabe's life changes drastically upon learning he has terminal stomach cancer, triggering a profound internal reckoning. Disconnected from meaningful experiences due to decades of monotonous work, he embarks on an emotional journey to discover purpose, symbolized by his interaction with a younger clerk, Toyo (Miki Odagiri). The film's dual structure first delves into Watanabe’s despair and eventually shifts to his colleagues' reevaluation of his final actions, portraying the cold bureaucratic environment with authentic poignancy.

Kurosawa masterfully uses deliberate pacing and narrative techniques to frame Watanabe’s journey from ghostly existence to poignant self-awareness. Early scenes employ supporting characters and narration to convey Watanabe's initial invisibility within society while painstakingly unveiling his inner turmoil as he searches for meaning. Shimura's deeply expressive performance, coupled with Kurosawa's visual storytelling, evokes a formidable sense of pathos. Techniques such as framing characters amidst office paraphernalia, fluid flashback integration, and sustained close-ups contribute to a resonant cinematic experience reflecting Watanabe's quest amidst cynicism.

The second half of "Ikiru" is particularly striking in its unconventional approach. Kurosawa’s stylistic choices maintain emotional balance, avoiding excessive sentimentality while amplifying the film’s themes of hope and existential struggle. Cinematic techniques like layered frames, intentional blocking, and extended takes allow viewers to immerse in Watanabe’s bittersweet epiphany. Noteworthy scenes include intimate moments captured through unwavering camera focus, such as the moving depiction of Watanabe singing with distant eyes and swelling tears. These elements combine seamlessly to reinforce "Ikiru's" enduring significance and Kurosawa’s unparalleled vision in dissecting the human condition against the backdrop of post-war Japan's societal constructs.

Akira Kurosawa's "Ikiru" is a masterful blend of stark cynicism and heartfelt compassion, rendering it profoundly relevant in today's context. The narrative, anchored by an exceptional performance from Takashi Shimura, unfolds in two layers: the poignant journey of an aging man facing his imminent demise and the broader tale of a post-war nation grappling with a lost sense of identity. Criterion's new Blu-ray release showcases this classic with an impressive 4K restoration. Despite some inherent source limitations, this is undoubtedly the finest presentation of "Ikiru" to date. This release is highly recommended.

In terms of supplemental content, this Blu-ray edition carries over all the extras from the previous DVD release, including the insightful 2003 audio commentary by historian Stephen Prince. The extras are bolstered by engaging video features such as the 90-minute documentary "A Message from Akira Kurosawa: For Beautiful Movies." Produced in 2000 with contributions from Kurosawa’s family, this documentary delves into the director's unique working style, from story adaptation to crew engagement. Additionally, a 41-minute segment from Toho’s "Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create" series provides a detailed look at the making of "Ikiru," featuring interviews with surviving cast and crew members, as well as a biographical exploration of actor Takashi Shimura. The packaging also includes an insert booklet with liner notes by Donald Richie which adds further depth to the viewing experience.

In conclusion, "Ikiru" stands as a monumental work in cinematic history, offering an evocative meditation on life, purpose, and existential reflection. This Criterion Blu-ray release not only provides top-notch video and audio quality but also enriches the viewing experience with valuable supplementary materials. For enthusiasts of Kurosawa and classic cinema alike, this edition of "Ikiru" is an indispensable addition to any collection.