Cure Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Cure" by Eureka Entertainment under The Masters of Cinema Series features a Region B-locked 1080p/AVC-encoded high-definition presentation, maintaining the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. Utilizing a new 2K master from the original 35mm negative, the film's transfer presents an organic and naturalistic appearance, retaining a fine layer of film grain that is true to its 20-year-old origins. Nonetheless, the video quality exhibits a marked variability in detail – certain close-ups offer striking fine detail while some scenes appear soft and hazy. The subdued color palette, characterized by heavy browns and muted tones, effectively enhances the movie’s bleak and disturbing aesthetic.

Despite the naturalistic presentation, the Blu-ray retains some inherent limitations from its original production era. The contrast levels are generally well-balanced, but low-level lighting and shadow play contribute to occasional lapses in clarity and muddy grey-blacks. The film captures urban Japanese landscapes vividly but is occasionally plagued by noise and visual artifacts such as excessive dirt, hairs, and grit. Although fans might be disappointed by these inconsistencies, some may find that these imperfections lend the film a unique atmospheric quality in tune with its dark narrative. Ultimately, while this may not serve as a reference-quality presentation, it remains the most faithful and effective representation of "Cure" to date.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Cure" features a meticulously crafted soundscape that significantly augments the film's eerie atmosphere. Utilized formats include Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and a Japanese LPCM 2.0 track. Prioritization of the original Japanese dialogue across the front and center speakers is evident, ensuring clean, crisp, and precise reproduction that syncs well with the English subtitles. The film's minimalistic approach to its sound design employs environmental factors such as wind, water, and incidental noises like pipes and drainage, creating an organic ambiance that underscores the unsettling narrative.

Additionally, the surround sound channels are judiciary employed to enhance the naturalistic elements and sparse sound effects that punctuate the film's quieter moments. The absence of a continuous score makes the few instances of music and sudden bursts of shocking sounds stand out more effectively. This design choice, highlighted by Hiromichi Koori's expertise, lends itself well to the genre, causing scenes to ebb and flow between silence and suspenseful intensity. The low-frequency extension (LFE) remains subdued, surfacing mainly during scenes necessitating deeper bass, but aligns well with the overall moodiness of the project.

In summary, while "Cure" may not be considered demonstration-grade audio material, it delivers a compellingly eerie experience through its carefully balanced sound design. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track, with its sporadic yet impactful surround sound use, along with the clear dialogue reproduction, provides an aural complement that is both understated and haunting, making it an integral part of the film's unsettling charm.

The Blu-ray release of "Cure" offers an insightful and comprehensive selection of extras that will greatly appeal to aficionados of Japanese horror and Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s work. The package includes interviews that deliver both contemporary and historical perspectives on the film, featuring stalwarts like critic Kim Newman and Kurosawa himself. The interviews shed light on Kurosawa’s filmmaking process, style, and the enduring significance of "Cure" in the genre. Supplementing these in-depth discussions is the original theatrical trailer, providing a nostalgic glimpse into the film's initial promotion.

Extras included in this disc:

• Kim Newman Interview: Film critic discusses the legacy and significance of "Cure" and Kurosawa's methods.
• Archival Interview with Director Kiyoshi Kurosawa: Director's insights on making "Cure" and his approach to horror.
• Kiyoshi Kurosawa on Cure: New interview with the director, delving deeper into production anecdotes.
• Cure Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer for the film.

Kiyoshi Kurosawa's 1997 psychological horror-thriller "Cure" stands as an emblematic work in the genre, blending a dark narrative with a chilling atmosphere. The film, widely recognized as a milestone that helped catalyze the international J-Horror revival, revolves around Detective Kenichi Takabe (played by Koji Yakusho) as he investigates a series of grisly murders linked only by a carved 'X' on each victim. The suspects, found at the crime scenes in a trance-like state, share no evident motive or connection until Takabe uncovers the enigmatic presence of Mamiya (Masato Hagiwara). Kurosawa’s narrative approach is notable for its minimalist exposition, allowing the disturbing elements of the story to surface organically. The film’s setting eschews the sleek urbanity typically associated with Tokyo, opting instead for grimy, dilapidated locales that enhance the overarching sense of dread.

The technical craftsmanship behind "Cure" significantly amplifies its unsettling impact. Tokushô Kikumura’s cinematography paints a bleak and unnerving visual palette that matches the tension of Kurosawa's direction while Gary Ashiya's quietly haunting score punctuates the eerie atmosphere. Tomoyuki Maruo's production design adds further layers of dread, with staged settings ranging from stark murder scenes to mundane yet oppressive locations. Such details cultivate an incessant feeling of unease, making each scene more ominous. The narrative’s potency is also bolstered by Koji Yakusho’s compelling performance, infusing the film with palpable tension as his character navigates the escalating horror.

In "Cure," Kurosawa eschews conventional horror tropes, favoring psychological tension and a dramatic storytelling technique. The methodical pacing and surreal sequences invite comparisons to classics like "Se7en" and "Silence of the Lambs," yet Kurosawa's unique vision keeps the film distinct. Editor Kan Suzuki's masterful work ensures that the narrative's twists and turns maintain a persistent grip on the viewer’s psyche. This calculated synergy of performance, technical elements, and storytelling cements "Cure" as a profoundly disturbing yet essential psychological thriller in Kurosawa's repertoire.

Kiyoshi Kurosawa's "Cure" firmly establishes itself as a must-see classic in the pantheon of Japanese horror, deftly blending psychological thriller elements with an unsettling atmosphere that stays with viewers long after the credits roll. The film, featuring a masterful lead performance by Kôji Yakusho, excels in creating a brooding, tension-filled narrative that explores the darker recesses of the human psyche. This new Blu-ray release from Eureka's Masters of Cinema series aims to bring this 1997 cinematic gem to a broader audience with a presentation that honors the original vision while adding some valuable supplementary content.

The high-definition transfer, although limited by the source material, faithfully captures the film’s haunting visuals and carefully crafted soundscape. Despite some inherent restrictions, the picture quality is the best this film has ever seen outside of a theatrical release, making for an immersive viewing experience. The audio remains crisp and clear, contributing significantly to the overall mood and tension of the film. Additionally, the Blu-ray includes an array of extras such as interviews with Kurosawa, providing insightful context and enhancing the understanding of this complex work.

In conclusion, "Cure" gets right under your skin. Following on from Eureka's release of Kurosawa's "Creepy," adding "Cure" to their Masters of Cinema series is a commendable move. While the disc can only do so much with limited source material, it offers a faithful rendition paired with engaging extras. This release is highly recommended for both long-time fans and newcomers looking to explore one of the best Japanese films of the 1990s. For those equipped with a Region Free player, this Blu-ray is a valuable addition to any collection.