Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai Blu-ray Review

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of "Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai" is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, using an MPEG-4 AVC encoded 1080p transfer. This new digital transfer was meticulously crafted in 16-bit 4K resolution from the 35mm original A/B camera negative, showcasing thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, and splices being manually removed. This painstaking restoration was supervised by Jim Jarmusch and executed with precision using MTI Film's DRS for dirt removal and Digital Vision's Phoenix for jitter and flicker correction.

In terms of video quality, the transfer shines, offering impressive natural light management that maintains the film’s original aesthetic without compromising detail. The colors are vibrant and well-saturated, particularly the deep greens of the trees, contrasting beautifully with the urban brick landscape and greyish-blue skies. The dynamic color palette extends to the more vivid elements such as mafioso outfits and key props like the red convertible and dragon emblems on clothing, all rendered with striking clarity. Despite the inherent 'flatness' present in some scenes due to shadow capture nuances, the 1080p transfer exhibits excellent stability and no undesirable digital artifacts.

Detail preservation is commendable, particularly in lower-lit sequences where facial features and minute prop details stand out clearly. Black levels are robust without any signs of crush or bleeding, while skin tones remain consistently natural. This results in a visual experience that retains a wonderful filmic quality evocative of classic samurai films, ensuring the film's visual depth is maintained at exceptional levels throughout. Criterion's edition, Region-A locked, has accomplished a stellar reproduction of this cinematic piece with no discernible video issues.

The Blu-ray of "Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai" features a single audio track, an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, which marries clarity and stability with a subtle dynamism that enhances the film's organic ambiance. Particular emphasis is placed on the atmospheric soundscape, where ambient noises such as street conversations, ice cream truck melodies, and chirping pigeons are presented with excellent fidelity.

While the audio track avoids the chaos typical of blockbuster mixes, it provides a well-balanced and nuanced experience. Gunshots and vehicle sounds are robust without being overwhelming, reinforcing the film's contemplative tone. The standout element is undoubtedly the RZA’s musical score, which introduces a rich low end of bass that adds significant depth. Throughout the film, dialogue remains consistently clean and clear, free from any transfer-specific anomalies or audio issues, ensuring an engaging and immersive auditory experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai" offer a robust and comprehensive collection that spans over 190 minutes, featuring both new and archival content. Notable highlights include a highly informative Q&A with Jim Jarmusch, insightful discussions with cast members Forest Whitaker and Isaach De Bankolé, and engaging commentary on the film's music by RZA. The casting process is explored in an interview with Ellen Lewis, while Shifu Shi Yan Ming provides a brief yet impactful perspective. Archival interviews provide rich historical context on the film’s conception and thematic elements. Also included are meaningful deleted scenes and an isolated score track for audiophiles, rounding out a diverse selection that enriches the viewer’s understanding and appreciation of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Remastered vintage trailer.
• Q&A With Jim: Filmmaker answers fan-submitted questions.
• Forest Whitaker, Isaach De Bankolé, and Michel B. Gillespie: Cast discuss themes and involvement.
• Casting with Ellen Lewis: Insight into casting process.
• Shifu Shi Yan Ming: Interview with the USA Shaolin Temple founder.
• Archival Interviews
  • Jim Jarmusch, Forest Whitaker, and RZA: Film conception and contradictions.
  • The Odyssey: A Journey Into The Life of a Samurai: Interviews from 2000.
• Flying Birds: The Music of Ghost Dog: RZA discusses music involvement.
• Deleted Scenes and Outtakes: Additional footage.
• Isolated Score: Dolby Digital 2.0 score-only track.
• Booklet: Illustrated essays, quotations, and technical credits.

Jim Jarmusch's Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999) is brought to Blu-ray by Criterion, providing an immersive viewing experience that blends multiple cinematic traditions. In the film, Forest Whitaker plays Ghost Dog, a hitman for an Italian mob who follows the ancient samurai code from the book Hagakure. This juxtaposition of historical codes with contemporary criminal activity delivers a unique narrative that combines dark humor, philosophical musings, and violent drama. Ghost Dog’s solitary existence and allegiance to his boss Louie, owed to a life-saving act years prior, form the crux of the narrative. The character is complex, harmonizing the disciplined virtues of a samurai with the ruthless efficiency of a modern-day assassin.

Comparisons with Jean-Pierre Melville's Le Samouraï (1967) are inevitable, given both films center on lone killers driven by a strict ethical code. However, Jarmusch’s film diverges notably. Unlike Melville’s chameleon-like hitman played by Alain Delon, Whitaker’s Ghost Dog is a social outcast navigating two incompatible worlds—the timeless principles of samurai conduct and the crude reality of mafia operations. The film’s credibility partly hinges on this dichotomy, where Ghost Dog's adherence to his samurai discipline is consistently challenged by the goofy and clichéd representations of Italian mobsters, who often serve as points of dark comedy.

The film gains additional layers through its soundtrack by RZA, one of the key members of Wu-Tang Clan. This score enriches the atmosphere, blending seamlessly with the eclectic visual style of Jarmusch. Whitaker’s portrayal is stoic and nuanced, perfectly embodying the dichotomy of his character's internal struggle. The Criterion release further enhances this blend with meticulous attention to technical quality and supplemental features like archival interviews, a video essay on RZA’s score, and deleted scenes. This Blu-ray edition not only preserves the artistic essence of Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai but also enhances it for contemporary audiences.

Jim Jarmusch's "Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai" remains an enigmatic blend of crime drama and spiritual journey, enhanced by Forest Whitaker's absorbing performance as the titular character. Despite occasional lapses into parody, the film’s oddball humor—like the memorable scene of an Italian mobster rapping while engaged in peculiar hygiene rituals—adds a layer of unexpected charm. Criterion’s Blu Ray edition showcases a newly sourced 4K master ensuring unparalleled visual fidelity and a dynamic audio presentation, making it a must-have for collectors and new viewers alike.

The Criterion release is laden with value-added features that will gratify fans and cinephiles. Both new and vintage bonus material shed light on the film's unconventional production, offering in-depth insights into Jarmusch's creative process. The enhanced video quality captures the film's distinctive visual style, evoking a timeless appeal. Concurrently, the audio track, meticulously rendered, ensures an immersive viewing experience, preserving the ambiance that defines "Ghost Dog."

In summary, "Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai" may waver in its attempt to merge cool and arty elements but remains a captivating exploration of character and genre. The movie’s flaws are offset by Criterion’s exceptional release, which thoroughly justifies the price point with its high-quality presentation and extensive supplemental content. An irresistible product for enthusiasts and collectors, it earns a solid recommendation.