An Autumn Afternoon Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Yasujiro Ozu's "An Autumn Afternoon" offers an outstanding 1080p transfer courtesy of Criterion. The restoration process involved creating a new digital transfer from a 4K scan of the 35mm original camera negative on a Scanity film scanner, with color correction and 2K resolution restoration performed at IMAGICA Corp. in Tokyo. The effort shines through in the final product, with detail and clarity enhancing every frame. Notably, indoor sequences boast an improved depth of field, and well-lit close-ups offer tighter and more balanced images. Issues present in previous releases, such as frame instability and edge shimmer, have been entirely eliminated, resulting in a stable and impressive presentation.

The film's visual presentation is clean and sharp, free of digital artifacts, debris, and damage marks. Colors are particularly well-rendered, with reds, blues, greens, and browns appearing vibrant and accurate. The color scheme is warmer compared to earlier releases, which is evident in both indoor and outdoor scenes. While some outdoor shots could benefit from a broader range of nuanced blues, the current color rendition is still commendable. The overall color stability enhances the film's visual appeal with a solid but occasionally crushing black level and varying contrast. This meticulous restoration effort positions "An Autumn Afternoon" as arguably the most beautiful Ozu film available on Blu-ray to date.

The Blu-ray release of "An Autumn Afternoon" provides a solitary audio track: Japanese LPCM 1.0. Criterion has included optional English subtitles. As expected from Yasujiro Ozu's movies, the dynamic intensity is minimal, in line with the organic sound design that characterizes his work. Music doesn't take a prominent role but the remastered audio offers a superior overall balance, noticeable in certain transitions such as at the 00.51.23 mark. Dialogue is crisp, stable, and clear, with no pops, cracks, background hiss, audio dropouts, or digital distortions. This quality suggests meticulous remastering efforts.

The original monaural soundtrack was meticulously restored from a 35mm optical track print at 24-bit. Utilizing Pro Tools HD, AudioCube’s integrated workstation, and iZotope RX4, restoration efficiently removed clicks, thumps, hiss, hum, and crackle. The dialogue remains clear and unaffected by age-related defects. While the music, effects, and bass are limited and the dynamic range is constrained, the subtler sounds such as the creaking of wood floors under footsteps are well-rendered, maintaining a soft yet effective audio delivery throughout the film.

The Blu-ray extras for "An Autumn Afternoon" present an insightful and enriching experience for enthusiasts of Yasujiro Ozu's work. The commentary by David Bordwell provides a meticulous analysis, adding depth to the viewer's understanding of Ozu’s cinematic techniques. Furthermore, the inclusion of the French TV episode excerpt from Cine regards, where critics discuss Ozu's directorial evolution, is invaluable for context and appreciation of the film’s nuances. The two original Japanese trailers offer a nostalgic glimpse into the film's initial promotion. Lastly, the illustrated leaflet with essays by prominent critics delivers additional perspectives that are both informative and engaging.

Extras included in this disc:

Trailer 1: Original Japanese trailer for An Autumn Afternoon. In Japanese, with optional English subtitles.

Trailer 2: Original Japanese trailer for An Autumn Afternoon. In Japanese, with optional English subtitles.

Yasujiro Ozu and The Taste of Sake: Excerpts from Cine regards episode discussing Ozu's directing style. In French, with optional English subtitles.

Commentary: Insightful analysis by David Bordwell, recorded for the 2005 Criterion DVD release.

Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet featuring essays by Geoff Andrew and Donald Richie.

Yasujiro Ozu's An Autumn Afternoon, also known as The Taste of Sake (1962), is a profound exploration of Japanese family dynamics and societal transitions during the post-war era. Anchored by Chishu Ryu's compelling portrayal of Mr. Hirayama, a widower preoccupied with securing his daughter's future, the film delves deeply into the clash between maintaining tradition and embracing modernization. Michiko, portrayed by Shima Iwashita, embodies the younger generation caught between these two worlds. The narrative unfolds with Hirayama and his married son, Koichi, navigating the complexities of finding Michiko a suitable husband amidst her own aspirations and the shifting social landscape.

Ozu's cinematic technique remains timeless, characterized by his signature low camera angles and static shots that invite viewers into the intimate conversations and silent contemplations of the characters. His subtle yet powerful direction allows the actors to deliver performances that reveal layers of humanity and vulnerability. The film is set against the backdrop of Ozu’s minimalist style, which heightens the emotional impact and emphasizes the characters' internal struggles. The societal transformation Japan undergoes is reflected in Hirayama’s personal journey—his gradual acceptance of change despite his nostalgic longing for the past.

An Autumn Afternoon is a poignant narrative filled with moments of humor, sadness, and profound reflection. It illustrates the universal themes of aging, loneliness, family obligations, and societal expectations. While Ozu’s work may have been overshadowed internationally by contemporaries like Akira Kurosawa, his focus on everyday experiences makes his films resonate deeply with audiences. This Blu-ray edition from The Criterion Collection preserves Ozu's meticulous framing and rich color palette, offering an authentic glimpse into post-war Japanese life. It stands as a testament to Ozu's enduring legacy and his ability to capture the nuanced ebb and flow of human relationships.

Yasujiro Ozu's final film, "An Autumn Afternoon," is a masterpiece of elegance and quiet poignancy. The 4K restoration of this cinematic gem is nothing short of mesmerizing, rendering each frame in stunning clarity and detail. The crisp visuals and delicate composition work harmoniously to draw viewers into the emotionally resonant narrative, reaffirming Ozu's unparalleled craftsmanship. Of all the restored Ozu films available on Blu-ray, "An Autumn Afternoon" arguably stands out as the best-looking one, providing an exceptional visual experience that is truly hard to parallel.

Capable of engaging a contemporary audience, the Blu-ray edition of "An Autumn Afternoon" excels not only in its visual restoration but also successfully preserves the integrity of its mono audio track. Although the mono audio and a limited selection of supplements may slightly detract from the disc's overall appeal, these are minor setbacks in an otherwise high-quality release. This edition presents Ozu's reflections on family dynamics and the passage of time with a nuance and subtlety that remains profoundly moving. The immersive quality of the film offers a welcome distraction from the usual mainstream comic book or superhero genres dominating today’s market.

In conclusion, Yasujiro Ozu's final film, "An Autumn Afternoon," may well be his most elegant film. It tells a simple but moving story that anyone can relate to. The film has been restored in 4K and I think that it looks wonderful on Blu-ray. In fact, from all of the restored Ozu films that have transitioned to Blu-ray "An Autumn Afternoon" is arguably the best looking one. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.