Giants and Toys Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's Blu-ray release of "Giants and Toys" presents a mostly commendable 1080p AVC encoded transfer in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio, based on a High Definition master supplied by Kadokawa and graded by Arrow Films at R3Store Studios, London. The transfer excels in its color palette, with vivid primary colors especially noticeable in the reds and yellows, providing a striking visual experience. However, it does present occasional issues such as minor fading, where flesh tones skew towards brown, and occasional crush in darker scenes. Overall, the density and depth remain consistent, and fabric patterns are impressively detailed, adding to the authenticity and texture of the visuals.

Despite its virtues in color rendering and detail, the transfer is not without its drawbacks. Heavy grain is consistently present, giving a rougher texture to the picture and, in some instances, affecting clarity—particularly during scenes with superimposed imagery or optical effects. Additionally, black levels are sometimes too aggressive, leading to shadow smothering and a compressed visual appearance in darker scenes. This effect aligns with the film’s somber mood but might not be to everyone’s taste. A particular scene at the 25-minute mark in the cafe highlights grain falling into noise and chroma artifacts appearing, further impacting the overall film aesthetic. Nonetheless, occasional slight damage from the original print remains minimal and does not detract significantly from the viewing experience.

Ultimately, this Blu-ray edition manages to breathe new life into "Giants and Toys," balancing vibrant colors with careful handling of the original film elements. While it faces some technical challenges—such as grain management and shadow detail—it succeeds in delivering a visually appealing presentation that remains faithful to the film's original cinematic charm. Scored at 3.75 out of 5, this release provides a pleasing resurgence of a classic piece, albeit with room for minor technical improvements.

The audio presentation of "Giants and Toys" features a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track in the original Japanese, which delivers a generally fine level of audio fidelity. Dialogue is rendered cleanly and clearly, ensuring comprehension without noticeable dropouts, static, or popping. However, some of the music sequences exhibit signs of distortion, particularly during the more intense moments, such as the primal screams in the exotic number toward the film's end. This slight audio imperfection can influence the overall listening experience but does not significantly detract from the enjoyment of the film.

While the DTS-HD mono track effectively manages the frantic dialogue exchanges and maintains coherence in its treble, the age of the recording does impede the clarity of the musical segments. The music falters somewhat in its fidelity, with certain passages sounding slightly creaky. Despite these age-related limitations, the audio track remains clear with no discernible static interruptions or popping noises. Optional English subtitles are available, ensuring accessibility for all audiences.

The Blu-ray of "Giants and Toys" provides a compelling array of extras that enhance the viewing experience with in-depth insights and academic perspectives. Irene González-López delivers a comprehensive commentary track, which is complemented by Tony Rayns' succinct introduction that sets the stage for the film's themes. Earl Jackson's 20-minute video essay offers an academic perspective, adding depth to the understanding of the film's impact and relevance. Additionally, the disc includes a theatrical trailer and a well-curated image gallery. The detailed insert booklet, featuring a Michael Raine essay, adds to the scholarly value, offering cast and crew information and a Masumura filmography.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Irene González-López: An in-depth audio commentary.
• Introduction to Giants and Toys by Tony Rayns: Brief overview of the film.
• In the Realm of the Publicists: A 20-minute video essay by Professor Earl Jackson.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer.
• Image Gallery: A collection of stills from the film.

Giants and Toys, directed by Yasuzo Masumura, is an incisive satire of post-war Japanese corporate culture. Adapted from Takeshi Kaikō’s novel, this 1958 film uniquely situates its critique within the context of Japanese candy manufacturers vigorously competing for market dominance. The story revolves around the seemingly arbitrary rise of Kyoko Shima (Hitomi Nozoe) to media stardom, despite her imperfect teeth—a deliberate metaphor for cultural decay amid Western influence. The narrative closely follows Yusuke Nishi (Hiroshi Kawaguchi), whose middle-management struggles mirror broader existential questions about loyalty and ambition within a cutthroat corporate environment. Notable sequences, such as Kyoko's astronaut-themed commercial shoot, underline the absurdity and sometimes surreal nature of marketing strategies, further accentuating the film’s critique of consumerist culture.

The film's opening credits sequence sets a striking tone, featuring Kyoko desaturating from color to black and white, symbolizing commodification. This visual motif resonates throughout the film, sharpened by a frenetic pace that echoes American contemporaries such as Frank Tashlin’s Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? and Billy Wilder’s The Apartment. Masamura's depiction of corporate ruthlessness is not confined to office politics but extends to personal lives; relationships and social interactions are monetized and transactional in nature. This relentless focus on corporate demands leaves characters like Nishi hollowed out, forced into roles that mock their initial virtues. Adding a layer of biting humor, the film's quasi-musical interludes, including a cannibalism-themed J-pop number, offer a juxtaposition that highlights the absurdity ingrained in corporate-driven success narratives. This thematic depth is captured with a visual flair that utilizes space and time distortions effectively, providing a unique cinematic experience that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

The Blu Ray release of "Giants and Toys" presents a compelling restoration of this classic Japanese film, providing viewers with both an immersive visual experience and an engaging narrative critique. The transfer quality is excellent, with a sharp, detailed 1080p presentation that brings out the film's rich textures and vibrant colors. The restoration work has clearly been meticulous, minimizing any signs of wear and tear and capturing the director's original vision with high fidelity.

Audio quality also excels, featuring a clean, clear soundtrack that ensures every line of dialogue and musical cue is delivered with precision. The disc includes a robust array of supplementary materials, including insightful commentary tracks, in-depth interviews, and a wealth of contextual information that enriches the viewing experience. These extras delve into the historical and cultural contexts in which the film was made, enhancing the viewer's understanding and appreciation.

As some of the bonus material on this disc delves into, "Giants and Toys" is a remarkably prescient piece of filmmaking which subtly but pretty acerbically documents aspects of Japanese culture that were already spinning out of control, even before the wide advent of television. The comedy here may be decidedly dark, but this is a film with a memorable aesthetic supporting a fascinating takedown of fame and fortune. Technical merits are generally solid, and the supplementary package is outstanding. Recommended.