Throne of Blood Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Akira Kurosawa's "Throne of Blood" arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion with a stunning 1080p transfer. The new digital transfer was created in 2K resolution from the original 35mm fine-grain master positive, given that the film's original negative no longer exists. The restoration process involved meticulous manual removal of thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, cinch marks, warps, jitter, and flicker using advanced tools like MTI's DRS and Pixel Farm's PFClean. Digital Vision's Phoenix was employed for fine dirt, grain, and noise management. The restoration was supervised by Lee Kline with scanning performed at Imagica in Tokyo.

The restored 2K transfer elevates "Throne of Blood" to an impressive level of high-definition quality. Close-ups exhibit considerable depth, while panoramic shots retain excellent fluidity even in fog-dense scenes. Both contrast and sharpness are consistently stable, vastly improving shadow definition and enhancing the darker sequences. The blacks, grays, and whites are perfectly balanced, contributing to a solid and organic visual aesthetic throughout the film. Importantly, there is no problematic de-graining or excessive sharpening adjustments. Although some minute scratches remain due to constraints of current digital tools to preserve image integrity, larger damage marks and debris have been eliminated.

Overall, this video presentation is beautifully executed, bringing out intricate details such as costume designs, individual threads, and even the fine lines in the wooden structures with remarkable clarity. The comfortable brightness and well-balanced contrast make the 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode visually stunning. Fans of "Throne of Blood" will undoubtedly appreciate the significant improvements made for this Blu-ray release. Note that this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray release, requiring a native Region-A or Region-Free player for access.

The audio presentation of Akira Kurosawa's "Throne of Blood" on Blu-ray is a technical marvel focused on delivering an authentic and immersive experience. The sole audio track provided is a Japanese LPCM 1.0, crafted from a 24-bit remaster of an optical print track. This uncompressed PCM monaural soundtrack not only ensures purity but also significantly enhances fidelity, offering viewers a more profound auditory journey. Optional English subtitles, meticulously translated by either Japanese-film translator Linda Hoaglund or Akira Kurosawa scholar Donald Richie, supplement the audio to ensure clarity and comprehension.

The improvements in this release's audio are particularly remarkable. The soundstage showcases broad and extensive imaging, allowing for sharply detailed mid-range and beautifully discrete highs. This acoustic clarity means that every nuance, like the whoosh of an arrow or the clang of instruments in Masaru Sato's score, is distinctly audible. The dialog benefits tremendously from the lossless treatment—there are no sudden spikes or drops in dynamic activity, and it remains stable and free from background hiss. Furthermore, Sato's score is more vibrant, with traditional solos gaining a new level of vivacity.

Subtle details have not been overlooked; for example, listeners can hear the noise in the fabric of Asaji's gown as she walks. The bass response is robust and terrifically responsive, adding significant depth to action scenes and musical scores alike. Overall, the lossless mix delivers Kurosawa’s original design as it was intended to be heard, and the vocals remain crystalline and well-prioritized amid other sound elements. In sum, this release provides an impeccable and immersive audio experience, demonstrating an impressive balance of technical excellence and faithful preservation.

The Blu Ray extras for "Throne of Blood" offer an enriching multimedia dive into the film's production, history, and thematic depth. Key among these is the illuminating commentary by Michael Jeck, a professor of Japanese Studies and Film, recorded exclusively for Criterion. This audio track provides a comprehensive historical context and insightful academic interpretations that enhance the viewing experience. Additionally, the Toho Masterworks documentary "Akira Kurosawa: It is Wonderful to Create" offers a profound look at the making of "Throne of Blood", enriched with archival interviews, particularly of director Kurosawa and other essential crew members. This documentary not only highlights production secrets but also Noh Theatre's pivotal influence on the film. The package is rounded off with the original Japanese trailer and an informative booklet featuring an essay by film historian Stephen Prince, contributing to a well-rounded understanding of this cinematic masterpiece.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original Japanese trailer for "Throne of Blood" with optional English subtitles.
• Akira Kurosawa: It is Wonderful to Create: Documentary featuring archival interviews and production insights.
• Commentary: An audio commentary by Japanese cinema expert Michael Jeck focusing on the film's production and themes.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet with an essay by Stephen Prince and notes on the subtitling.

A landmark in cinema, Akira Kurosawa’s "Throne of Blood" reinvents Shakespeare’s Macbeth by transporting its narrative to feudal Japan. Toshiro Mifune's portrayal of Washizu epitomizes intensity and psychological depth, delivering a riveting performance that sharply contrasts with Isuzu Yamada's chilling, manipulative Lady Asaji. Kurosawa masterfully infuses this adaptation with the aesthetic sensibilities of Noh theater, embracing static wide shots and minimalist dialogue that evoke the visual styles of Ozu and Naruse. The influence of Japanese theatrical traditions creates a unique atmosphere, contributing to the film's unsettling tone.

Kurosawa’s collaboration with cinematographer Asakazu Nakai yields stunning use of scenic compositions, particularly the evocative scenery of Spider’s Web Forest. This choice not only underscores the film’s preoccupation with fate and prophecy but also pays homage to Kurosawa's meticulous production design. The film benefits from the haunting score by Masaru Sato and Yoshirô Muraki's austere yet complex set design, particularly the imposing Spider's Web Castle built on Mount Fuji. The eerie presence of the spirit, chillingly portrayed by Chieko Naniwa, punctuates the film's exploration of predestination versus free will.

Technically impeccable, "Throne of Blood" showcases Kurosawa’s genius in merging dramatic narrative with visual spectacle. The minimalist yet grand sets, period-accurate costumes, and nuanced performances elevate the film to classic status. Despite significant alterations from Shakespeare’s original play, including role reversals and plot deviations, the essence of Macbeth's themes remains intact, and they are deftly interwoven into a uniquely Japanese cultural tapestry. Criterion’s Blu-ray release further enhances this cinematic gem, featuring insightful supplementary materials that offer deeper comprehension of the film’s historical context and artistic significance.

Akira Kurosawa's "Throne of Blood" is often hailed as a cinematic masterpiece, and its Blu-ray release does justice to this high praise. The recent 2K restoration ensures that the film's hypnotic visuals are richly detailed, bringing new life to the magnificent cinematography and intricate production design. The transfer to high-definition is executed with immense fidelity, preserving the film's haunting atmosphere and elevated aesthetic. The accompanying lossless audio track impresses, offering clear dialogue and a nuanced soundscape that enhances the viewing experience.

The Blu-ray release by The Criterion Collection stands out not only for its technical excellence but also for its presentation. Although the supplements are somewhat sparse, the essentials provided are thoughtfully curated and add substantial value to the package. Whether you are watching the mesmerizing battle scenes or the more intimate dramatic moments, the video and audio quality remain consistently top-tier. Performances are impressive across the board, with each actor inhabiting their role with depth and conviction, particularly in this reimagining of Shakespeare's Macbeth.

In conclusion, fans of this hugely atmospheric film directed by the great Akira Kurosawa will be very pleased with its transition to Blu-ray. Recently restored in 2K, "Throne of Blood" looks wonderful in high-definition. I was also pleasantly surprised with the excellent lossless track. Buy with confidence, folks. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.