Late Spring Blu-ray Review

Criterion has presented Yasujiro Ozu's "Late Spring" with a respectable 1080p transfer, encoded in AVC MPEG-4 and preserved in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio. The high-definition transfer was sourced from a 35mm fine-grain master positive and a 35mm theatrical print, processed through a Spirit Datacine system. The restoration efforts included the extensive manual removal of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, and warps via MTI's DRS, coupled with Image System's Phoenix for addressing small dirt, grain, jitter, and flicker. Despite these efforts, some light scratches and minor damage marks persist throughout the film.

Clarity remains strong during close-ups, revealing fine details in textures and faces, though occasional fluctuations due to using two different sources are noted. Contrast and black levels have been carefully adjusted, with no post-production sharpening or excessive denoising observed. However, there are instances of frame skips and some edge flickering, although these do not present serious stability issues. Whites tend to be slightly blown out, and while black levels are deep, they can occasionally appear elevated due to contrast fluctuations.

Overall, despite visible signs of age such as specks, tears, and vertical lines, particularly evident in the opening titles and certain scenes, the majority of the film maintains a good presentation quality. The inherent beauty of Ozu's cinematography is largely preserved, delivering a sense of depth and dimension to his compositions. While the transfer is not without its flaws, it represents a commendable restoration effort that showcases the film's visual strengths, making it arguably the best available edition given the limitations of the original elements.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Late Spring" is anchored in a Japanese LPCM 1.0 track. Criterion has meticulously remastered the original soundtrack at 24-bit from the film's optical track, although viewers may experience minor distortions such as clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum. These artifacts are inherent to the original surviving materials and have been manually mitigated using Pro Tools HD and AudioCube technology. Despite these imperfections, the dialogues maintain a crisp and stable quality that enhances the viewing experience.

The mono track delivers a pleasant listening experience that faithfully conveys the film’s vintage essence. The dialogue is generally clean though it exhibits a slightly thin timbre, a common trait of films from this era. The musical score by Senji Ito beautifully augments the visual narrative, albeit with occasional strain due to the limitations of the original recording. While there is a persistent background hiss, it is subtle and does not significantly detract from the overall audio quality. Sound effects are minimal but effectively employed, ensuring they complement, rather than overshadow, the film's subtle sound design. The inclusion of clear English subtitles further enhances accessibility for non-Japanese-speaking viewers.

Overall, despite some age-related audio issues, the mono track effectively captures the essence of "Late Spring," maintaining an authentic auditory experience representative of its time.

The Blu Ray extras for "Late Spring" provide an enriching deep dive into Yasujiro Ozu's world and creative process, offering an amalgamation of informative and reflective experiences for fans and film scholars alike. Wim Wenders' "Tokyo-ga" stands out with its philosophical exploration of modern Japan juxtaposed with Ozu’s cinematic legacy, featuring thoughtful interviews with pivotal figures such as Chishu Ryu and Yuharu Atsuta. Richard Pena's audio commentary is another highlight, delivering a meticulous analysis that situates "Late Spring" within both Ozu’s body of work and the broader context of post-war Japanese culture. Additionally, the inclusion of a 20-page booklet featuring essays by Michael Atkinson and Donald Richie, alongside an interview excerpt with Ozu, provides further valuable insights. Overall, these extras create a holistic and layered understanding of Ozu's artistry and influence.

Extras included in this disc:

• Tokyo-ga: Wim Wenders’ documentary exploring Ozu's impact on modern Japan.
• Audio Commentary by Richard Pena: Detailed analysis of the film’s themes, visuals, and cultural context.
• Booklet: Features essays by Michael Atkinson and Donald Richie, plus an interview excerpt with Ozu.

Yasujiro Ozu's "Late Spring" artfully captures the delicate bonds and inevitable transitions within familial relationships during postwar Japan. The film follows the intimate yet deceptively simple lives of a widowed father, Shukichi (Chishû Ryû), and his daughter, Noriko (Setsuko Hara), as they navigate societal and familial pressures for Noriko to marry. This seemingly straightforward narrative is imbued with a deeper resonance by Ozu’s meticulous and understated directorial style. The characters' lives are depicted through carefully composed, low-angle static shots that imbue ordinary moments with profound significance. Ozu's use of "pillow shots"—scenes of nature or empty rooms—serves to accentuate the film’s emotive undercurrents, providing a serene yet poignant backdrop to the unfolding drama.

The performances are exceptional, particularly Setsuko Hara's portrayal of Noriko, whose perpetual smile becomes a complex mask hiding layers of emotional struggle. Hara deftly captures the character’s internal conflict between duty and personal happiness, making her resistance to change both relatable and heartrending. Chishu Ryu’s performance as Shukichi, initially unassuming, builds to a quiet crescendo of emotional depth, culminating in a heart-wrenching third-act revelation about the nature of happiness and familial love. His final scenes, marked by an understated yet powerful grief, are masterfully rendered, further solidifying the film's emotional impact.

"Late Spring" transcends cultural specifics, presenting universal themes of growth, change, and familial bonds in an achingly authentic manner. Its naturalistic portrayal avoids sensationalism, instead opting for a gentle realism that mirrors the ebb and flow of real life. With its blend of subtle humor and poignant drama, Ozu’s film is a testament to the complexities of human relationships, beautifully conveyed through minimalist cinematic techniques and nuanced performances. This Criterion Blu-ray edition preserves these intricate details with high fidelity, allowing new audiences to experience the timeless beauty of "Late Spring."

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of Yasujiro Ozu's "Late Spring" brings a classic of Japanese cinema to domestic audiences in a respectful and thoughtful manner. Ozu, known for his understated elegance and lyrical simplicity, delivers a profound narrative that delves into the delicate dynamics between an aging father and his daughter. The film captures the bittersweet essence of evolving family structures and cultural shifts in post-war Japan, making it emotionally resonant even today. The visual transfer, while showing some signs of age and damage, is handled competently and retains the film’s original beauty.

From a technical standpoint, the audio presentation is indicative of its era but remains clear and effective in conveying the film’s quietly powerful dialogue. Criterion's offering may be somewhat minimal in terms of supplements, providing only a documentary and a commentary track, yet these extras are insightful and enrich the viewing experience. The documentary offers valuable historical context and deeper understanding of Ozu’s filmmaking philosophy, while the commentary provides in-depth analysis that will be appreciated by fans and scholars alike.

In conclusion, "Late Spring" is a deeply moving film that showcases Yasujiro Ozu's mastery in depicting intimate human relationships. Its domestic release on Blu-ray is a noteworthy event for cinephiles, offering an opportunity to experience this poignant work in a format that respects its integrity. Do not miss it. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.