Ryuichi Sakamoto: Coda Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Ryuichi Sakamoto: Coda" boasts a top-tier AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) that meticulously captures the essence of its varied film and video sources. Predominantly, the documentary remains intimate with HD footage that follows Sakamoto closely, enhancing the viewer's connection to his creative process and surroundings. The level of detail is sharp and deliberate; close-ups of Sakamoto reveal crisp facial textures and hair growth, while interior settings and musical instruments are depicted with equal clarity. Colors are rendered naturally, effectively highlighting skin tones and lush greenery, though clothing and décor incorporate richer primary hues, lending visual vibrancy.

Kino Lorber's collaboration with MUBI delivers an impressive technical execution on this Blu-ray release. The 1.78:1 video presentation encapsulates over a decade of quality HD recordings. The high-definition footage is clean and sharp, typified by the clarity common to contemporary music documentaries. The inclusion of archival concert footage from the 1980s integrates seamlessly, preserving its historical fidelity. The main feature's 101-minute runtime is efficiently encoded onto a BD-50 disc, utilizing a robust AVC encode that’s virtually devoid of artifacts, ensuring an immaculate replication of the documentary’s digital master. This results in a professional and transparent viewing experience that does justice to the film’s inherent quality.

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA audio track for "Ryuichi Sakamoto: Coda" demonstrates commendable attention to detail and superior sound quality. Instrumentation and studio segments exhibit a crispness that fills the surrounds with vibrant life, while low-end frequencies, particularly from percussion and deep synth sounds, resonantly underscore the performances. Atmospherics are immersive, with the pristine sounds of nature distinctly present, lending an enveloping auditory experience. Narration and interview sections are clear, despite occasional challenges due to Sakamoto's slight English proficiency, which might necessitate using SDH subtitles for clarity.

Remarkably, the primary Japanese 5.1 DTS-HD MA track offers an engaging and full-bodied auditory experience. The surround channels and LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) deliver a robust soundstage, imparting a rich layer of immersion and atmosphere as required. Dialogue is crisply articulated and balanced seamlessly amidst sweeping musical scores and environmental sounds. The dynamic range is expansive with no noticeable compression, providing a faithful representation of Sakamoto’s music. Expert channel separation further enhances the auditory fidelity, while the audio imaging remains stellar throughout. An optional secondary 2.0 DTS-HD MA stereo track is also available, along with English and English SDH subtitles in a clear white font for accessibility.

The extras included in the Blu-ray release of "Ryuichi Sakamoto: Coda" are superb additions that complement the main documentary. The highlight is the 2017 concert "Ryuichi Sakamoto: Async at the Park Avenue Armory," captured in high-definition with a 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix. This 65-minute performance showcases Sakamoto's remarkable ability to create a rich, unpredictable soundscape, accented by psychedelic LED visuals that synchronize perfectly with the music. The live recording, performed in front of an intimate, quiet audience, offers a mesmerizing experience that can be revisited frequently. The superb audio-visual quality adds depth, presenting the intricate details of Sakamoto’s music with excellent dynamic range. Additionally, the disc includes a theatrical trailer in HD, offering a glimpse into the documentary.

Extras included in this disc:

• Ryuichi Sakamoto: Async at the Park Avenue Armory: A 2017 concert with psychedelic visuals and a 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix.
• Theatrical Trailer: Brief preview of the documentary.

Ryuichi Sakamoto: Coda is an insightful documentary directed by Stephen Nomura Schible, which diverges from traditional biographical formats. Instead, it delves into the complex interplay between the celebrated Japanese composer’s life, artistic philosophy, and his profound interaction with nature. The film presents a deeply personal portrait as Sakamoto navigates the challenges of a cancer diagnosis while continuing to create music. A notable sequence involves Sakamoto in a contaminated area near the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, salvaging a piano amidst the wreckage. This rescued piano becomes a poignant symbol, representing his ongoing battle against environmental degradation and his steadfast advocacy against nuclear power.

The documentary intertwines different phases of Sakamoto's career, though loosely, centering primarily on his artistic endeavors around 2015. It highlights his historical triumphs, including his work with Yellow Magic Orchestra and his notable film scores for titles like The Last Emperor and The Revenant. Unique anecdotes, such as his frantic 30-minute composition for The Sheltering Sky under Bertolucci’s pressure, offer a rare view into his creative process. Sakamoto also shares intimate reflections on his legacy through first-hand footage, capturing his serene yet urgent dedication to music despite his health challenges.

Coda succeeds as a calm, intimate portrayal of a stellar musician facing his mortality through continued artistic exploration. Schible artfully frames Sakamoto’s introspective moments alongside his evocative compositions, creating a harmonious blend of personal musings and musical innovation. This documentary reveals a side of Sakamoto that is thoughtful and candid, exposing the delicate nuances of his life's work and passions. It treats audiences to an earnest glimpse into the mind of a pioneering composer who continues to make music that transcends time and personal struggles.

"Ryuichi Sakamoto: Coda" offers an intimate and insightful portrayal of the multifaceted composer and musician, Ryuichi Sakamoto. The documentary carefully chronicles his experiences, from his profound travels through the Arctic Circle and Africa to facing the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York. These life events are exquisitely woven into Sakamoto's journey of sound creation, illustrating how he blends natural world sounds with advanced computer technology, striving for sonic perfection that has evolved into a therapeutic process for him.

The film provides viewers with profound access to Sakamoto's personal and professional realms. We gain not only a glimpse into the iconic moments that shaped his musical career but are also drawn closer to his personal struggles and triumphs. The intimate nature of the documentary is accentuated by footage of Sakamoto at home, meticulously working on his music, offering a richly defined closeness to his creative process and inner world. This portrayal highlights not just his artistic genius but also his resilience in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, "Ryuichi Sakamoto: Coda" is a masterfully crafted documentary that provides a deep and personal look into the life and mind of one of music's most revered composers. It skillfully balances showcasing Sakamoto's professional achievements with an exploration of his personal battles, making it a compelling viewing experience for both aficionados of his work and those new to his legacy. The integration of technical prowess in music composition with emotionally charged storytelling makes this documentary an essential watch.