The Yakuza Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Yakuza" showcases a remarkable video presentation, highlighting the craftsmanship of cinematographer Kōzō Okazaki and the meticulous efforts of Warner's Motion Picture Imaging facility. The 2.40:1 1080p transfer, created from a fresh 2K scan of an archival interpositive, delivers exceptional clarity and sharpness. This new transfer rectifies previous issues, notably improving black levels to enhance depth and shadow separation. The intricate tattoos on the yakuza characters, along with the subtle textures of clothing and set designs, are rendered with stunning detail. Film grain is present but refined, ensuring an authentic cinematic experience without dominating the visual field.

The coloration is exquisitely balanced, alternating between subdued earth tones and richly saturated reds and blues, reflecting the film’s cultural and narrative juxtapositions. Skin tones are natural, and the palette effectively conveys both the neatly ordered society and the alluring criminal underworld depicted in the film. Nighttime scenes benefit greatly from stable densities and deep blacks, ensuring that even the darkestly lit sequences maintain clarity and visual integrity. The WAC's high average bitrate (34.98 Mbps) contributes to a superior encode, free of any age-related damage or negative compression artifacts. Overall, this Blu-ray edition stands as a testament to the enduring quality of a well-preserved Seventies film source.

The audio presentation of "The Yakuza" on Blu Ray is a robust and engaging experience, leveraging a DTS-HD MA 2.0 track sourced from the original magnetic print master tracks. This mix ensures remarkable clarity with English dialogue taking precedence and Japanese dialogue seamlessly subtitled. The dynamic range is notably respectable, effectively supporting the film's diverse sequences, from intense confrontations to the immersive sounds of a bathhouse or a bustling pachinko palace.

Highlighting its dialog-centric nature, "The Yakuza" benefits from a mix that keeps dialogue front and center, crucial given the film’s focus on lengthy, character-driven conversations. Dave Grusin's distinctive score, a fusion of classic thriller elements with Japanese musical influences, complements the film perfectly, enhancing the mood without overshadowing crucial scenes. The mix adeptly balances subtle sound effects in quieter moments and delivers impactful audio during action sequences, maintaining consistent levels throughout, eliminating any need for volume adjustments.

The Blu-ray release of "The Yakuza" offers an impressive collection of extras. The highlight is the Commentary with Director Sydney Pollack, which is both insightful and comprehensive. Pollack's intricate recollections of the film's production, including his work with the cast and crew, make this a must-listen for film enthusiasts. The Vintage Featurette: Promises to Keep provides a 19-minute behind-the-scenes look that recalls the charm of 1970s promotional material with its intimate interviews and on-set footage, although the quality is limited by the original source. Additionally, the Theatrical Trailer gives an authentic glimpse into the marketing challenges faced by Warner Bros.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Sydney Pollack: Pollack discusses various aspects of the film's production and cultural themes.
• Vintage Featurette: Promises to Keep: A 19-minute behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: An original trailer showcasing excerpts with minimal narration.

Sydney Pollack's "The Yakuza," released in 1974, exists as a fascinating yet flawed cinematic amalgamation of film noir and cultural exploration. Despite its prestigious creative team, including screenwriters Paul and Leonard Schrader with revisions by Robert Towne, it struggled to find its footing upon release, both critically and commercially. The film follows private investigator Harry Kilmer (Robert Mitchum), a former American occupier of post-WWII Japan, who returns to Japan to help a friend entangled with local gangsters. The narrative hinges on Kilmer's complicated relationships with the Japanese characters, particularly his former love Eiko (Keiko Kishi) and her brother Tanaka Ken (Ken Takakura), adding layers of personal turmoil and cultural obligation.

"The Yakuza" juggles an intricate web of characters and relationships, complicating its hardboiled detective story with deep dives into Japanese customs and gangster life. These dual focuses create pacing issues and occasionally force the film into exposition-heavy scenes, often through the character of Dusty (Richard Jordan), who serves as an audience surrogate. This approach can disrupt the film’s otherwise taut atmosphere, making it feel like two separate movies vying for cohesion. While there are well-choreographed combat sequences, those drawn to the film for action might find them overshadowed by the thematic exploration of honor and apology.

Ultimately, Pollack's work is notable for its ambition and scope, even if it occasionally struggles under its own weight. The narrative's focus on honor and giri (obligation) remains intriguing, especially when portrayed through Mitchum and Takakura's nuanced performances. "The Yakuza" is thus a film that requires patience; its strengths lie in quiet moments of reflection and the complex cultural intersections it dare explores. For audiences today familiar with Japanese culture, it stands as an informative yet somewhat ponderous piece—offering a unique, albeit imperfect, glimpse into a Japan that was then still largely unknown to Western cinema-goers.

Warner Archive Collection’s Blu-ray release of “The Yakuza” encapsulates the undeniable craftsmanship of director Sydney Pollack, even as it highlights some narrative unevenness. The film, headlined by Robert Mitchum, stands out not only for its engaging storyline but also for Mitchum’s exceptional performance. His ability to convey deep emotional vulnerability through subtle expressions is commendable. The restoration work done for this release is nothing short of impressive, with a stellar audio-visual presentation that breathes new life into the film. Additionally, the Blu-ray includes solid bonus features transferred from previous DVD versions, adding value for fans and newcomers alike.

However, while the technical aspects and performances are praiseworthy, the script has its moments of weakness. With repeated viewings, the narrative inconsistencies become more noticeable. Despite these, every Sydney Pollack film invariably offers something of merit, and “The Yakuza” follows suit. The meticulously crafted scenes and the authentic portrayal of the yakuza culture overshadow the film’s shortcomings, making it an engaging journey if not a cinematic masterpiece.

In conclusion, “The Yakuza” may not rank among Sydney Pollack’s best films, but it remains a noteworthy effort with remarkable elements worth appreciating. Although it may not cater to everyone’s tastes, the Warner Archive Collection’s Blu-ray edition is superbly presented and undeniably worth a watch for its performances and technical finesse. It comes recommended with the caveat that it might not appeal universally but still offers a worthwhile cinematic experience.