Black Cat Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the Blu-ray release of Kaneto Shindo's "Kuroneko" by Criterion boasts an impressive 1080p transfer. The high-definition digital transfer was meticulously created using a Spirit 4K scanner from a 35mm print struck directly from the original camera negative. Advanced restoration techniques were employed, including MTI's DRS, Pixel Farm's PFClean system, and Digital Vision's DVNR for reducing small dirt, grain, and noise.

This Blu-ray edition demonstrates remarkable detail and clarity with near-perfect contrast levels. Close-ups convey exceptional depth, and even the darkest sequences in the bamboo forest maintain vibrant detail. The color palette impresses with rich blacks, balanced grays, and gentle whites that naturally complement each other. There is no evidence of post-production sharpening or excessive filtering, and well-resolved grain is present throughout the film. Minor occurrences of shimmer around edges are barely noticeable, and there are no significant stability issues or damage marks. Criterion has clearly excelled in delivering a visually stunning rendition of "Kuroneko" that is best appreciated in high definition.

(Note: This Blu-ray disc is Region-A locked, requiring a Region-A or Region-Free player for access.)

The Blu-ray presentation of "Black Cat" offers a singular audio track: Japanese LPCM 1.0, supported by optional English subtitles that neatly appear within the image frame. The original monaural soundtrack has been expertly remastered at 24-bit from the original optical print, emphasizing clarity. The restoration process involved meticulous manual removal of clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum using Pro Tools HD, while crackle was attenuated with the use of AudioCube's integrated workstation.

Despite the inherent limitations of the LPCM 1.0 track in terms of dynamic amplitude, Hikaru Hayashi's minimalistic score and ambient sounds achieve an impressive depth and warmth owing to the lossless treatment. The music and audio effects are well-rounded and seamlessly integrated into the film, enhancing its moody atmosphere without ever feeling intrusive or artificial. Dialog delivery stands out as notably crisp, clean, and stable, ensuring ease of understanding. Additionally, the English subtitles provide an excellent translation that aligns well with the audio experience.

Overall, the audio presentation on this Blu-ray successfully maintains the integrity of the original soundtrack while offering a polished and immersive listening experience that significantly contributes to the film's atmospheric depth.

The extras included in the Blu-ray release of "Black Cat" are an impressive array of content that significantly enhances the understanding and appreciation of the film. The original trailer for "Kuroneko" is available, providing a nostalgic glimpse into its promotion. A standout feature is the comprehensive 61-minute interview with director Kaneto Shindo, conducted by assistant director Seijiro Koyama, where Shindo delves into his career trajectory and influences. This interview is paired with a 17-minute discussion by Japanese cinema critic Tadao Sato, focusing on the cultural impact of "Kuroneko." Additionally, the release includes a valuable 30-page illustrated booklet featuring Maitland McDonagh's insightful essay and an excerpt from a 1972 interview with Shindo by Joan Mellen, offering further scholarly perspectives on the film.

Extras included in this disc:

Trailer: Original trailer for "Kuroneko," with optional English subtitles.

Kaneto Shindo: Extensive interview with the director discussing his career and influences.

Tadao Sato: Insightful interview with a Japanese cinema critic about the film's cultural significance.

Booklet: 30-page illustrated booklet containing essays and interviews.

Kaneto Shindo's "Kuroneko" (1968) emerges on Blu-ray through Criterion with a meticulous and immersive presentation, enhanced by a suite of supplemental features such as an original trailer, video interviews with director Kaneto Shindo and Japanese cinema critic Tadao Sato, and a 30-page illustrated booklet featuring essays and interviews. The film, a masterpiece set during the Sengoku Jidai period, encapsulates a haunting tale of vengeance as two women, brutally raped and murdered by samurai, return as vengeful spirits intent on slaughtering every samurai in their path.

Shindo skillfully juxtaposes brutality with sensuality, creating a neo-gothic atmosphere through the deft cinematography of Kiyomi Kuroda. The first half of "Kuroneko" is gritty and rooted in harsh reality, depicting the rape and subsequent transformation of the women into vengeful ghosts. In contrast, the second half delves into a surreal and eerie landscape, imbued with unsettling yet beautiful visuals. Scenes in the bamboo forest, for instance, are slow-moving and dreamlike—disturbing yet captivating. This shift from grounded reality to a more ethereal plane is underscored by the dynamic interplay between violence and eroticism, reminiscent of Shindo's technique in his acclaimed films “The Naked Island” and “Onibaba”.

The film's narrative intertwines horror with profound sensuality. After the spirits begin their vengeful spree, a young warrior named Gintoku is dispatched to confront them. With unexpected encounters that blend terror with dark seduction, "Kuroneko" transforms into a deeply atmospheric voyage through vengeance and attraction. The performances, particularly by Nobuko Otowa and Kichiemon Nakamura, anchor this dichotomy, while Shindo's direction ensures that the tension remains palpable throughout. Overall, "Kuroneko" stands as a noteworthy addition to Japanese horror cinema, balancing the eerie and the evocative with masterful ease.

Kaneto Shindo's "Kuroneko" is an immensely atmospheric and deeply poetic exploration of horror, imbued with a seductively eerie charm. While it might lack the polished refinement of Shindo's acclaimed "Onibaba," "Kuroneko" remains a genuinely compelling experience, captivating a broad spectrum of viewers with its stylistic intricacies and haunting narrative. The film's effectiveness is enhanced thanks to Criterion's meticulous presentation, ensuring the film's visual and auditory elements are as arresting as possible.

Criterion continues its unparalleled standard by delivering another splendid black-and-white transfer. The crisp and detailed image quality, highlighted by clean, sparkling whites, showcases the film in a stunning new light. The uncompressed mono soundtrack, although simple, serves its purpose well, providing clear and immersive audio. Supplementary materials elevate this package further, particularly the hour-long interview with Kaneto Shindo from 1998, and a 17-minute feature with film critic Tadao Sato discussing "Kuroneko." These enriching insights deepen the appreciation of Shindo’s work. Additionally, the included booklet features a thoughtful essay by Maitland McDonagh and an excerpt from a 1972 interview with Shindo, adding significant contextual depth.

In conclusion, Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Kuroneko" stands as a testament to their commitment to preserving cinema classics. The film's haunting allure combined with the exceptional quality of the transfer and insightful extras make it an essential addition to any collection.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.