Woman in the Dunes Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.34:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Hiroshi Teshigahara's "Woman in the Dunes" arrives on Blu-ray via Criterion with a stunning 1080p transfer. Derived from a 35mm composite fine-grain master positive using a Spirit DataCine, the high-definition digital transfer underwent meticulous restoration. DRS by MTI Film, PFClean by Pixel Farm, and Digital Vision's Phoenix were utilized to remove dust, debris, scratches, and warps while managing jitter, flicker, grain, and noise. Audio clicks and hums were handled using Pro Tools HD and iZotope RX4. Transfer supervision was managed by Maria Palazzola with color grading by Gregg Garvin at Modern VideoFilm.

The video presentation is strikingly improved over previous DVD releases, especially noticeable in the darker footage where the depth and shadow definition have significantly increased. Background details now exhibit substantial clarity absent in earlier versions. The improved fluidity eliminates previously observed smeary or blocky patches. Grain is well-managed, contributing to the film's organic feel without causing distractions. Color stability and accuracy are excellent, with no visible sharpening artifacts. The effort to eliminate age-related imperfections is evident, presenting a remarkably clean and stable image that faithfully retains the film's original aesthetics.

Criterion's restoration work has provided an image transfer that is both lush and precise, making fine details such as individual grains of sand and insects burrowing into the dunes exceptionally clear. Contrast levels are robust with deep blacks and bright whites, enhancing the visual experience. Overall, this Blu-ray release of "Woman in the Dunes" sets a new standard with its meticulous restoration efforts, delivering an unparalleled visual experience that honors Teshigahara's masterpiece.

Criterion's Blu-ray edition of "Woman in the Dunes" features a Japanese LPCM 1.0 audio track supported by optional English subtitles. The lossless audio delivers remarkable depth and an impressive range of nuanced dynamics, notably replicating the unique ambient noises such as wind, falling sand, and barking dogs with exceptional clarity. While the overall dynamic intensity doesn't equate to what you might expect from contemporary films, the detailed reproduction of natural and atonal sounds is quite extraordinary. Dialogues are clean and well balanced, though minor fluctuations inherent to the original sound design are present. Importantly, there are no instances of pops, audio dropouts, or digital distortions, ensuring a seamless auditory experience.

Takemitsu’s haunting score is a standout component, meshing perfectly with the film's mood while adhering to the limitations of a mono track. Despite the volume of the dialogue being somewhat soft, the clarity remains pristine, providing an immersive experience that showcases the audio engineering's meticulousness. The depth and clarity of the track effectively complement the film's atmospheric tension, enhancing the overall viewing experience without overshadowing the minimalist and deliberate sound design that is integral to this classic film.

The Blu Ray extras for "Woman in the Dunes" are comprehensive, featuring an array of valuable content for cinephiles and scholars. The assortment includes an original Japanese trailer, providing an authentic glimpse into the film's initial presentation. A standout is James Quandt's video essay, which delves into the film's themes, interpretations, and visual style, originally created for Criterion in 2007. Additionally, the “Teshigahara and Abe” documentary explores the professional relationship between the director and writer, enriched by interviews with notable film scholars and industry figures. The disc also offers four short films by director Hiroshi Teshigahara, showcasing his early work and artistic evolution. Accompanying these is a substantial illustrated booklet featuring analytical essays and interviews, further contextualizing the film within its cultural and cinematic landscape.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer in Japanese with optional English subtitles.
• Video Essay: James Quandt on themes and reception.
• Teshigahara and Abe: Documentary on their collaboration.
• Hokusai (1953): Short on wood-block artist Hokusai.
• Ikebana (1956): Film on Sogetsu School founder.
• Tokyo 1958 (1958): Documentary on Tokyo's atmosphere.
• Ako (1965): Short film about adolescent experiences.
• Booklet: 30-page illustrated booklet with essays and interviews.

Hiroshi Teshigahara's "Woman in the Dunes" (1964), nominated for an Oscar Award for Best Director, has been masterfully brought to Blu-ray by Criterion. This release, aimed at Region-A audiences, comes enriched with supplemental features such as an original trailer, four short films from Teshigahara, an archival video essay by James Quandt, and a 30-page illustrated booklet that includes Audie Bock's essay "Shifting Sands," an interview with Teshigahara by Max Tessier, and additional technical credits.

The story begins in a striking desert landscape in rural Japan, where amateur entomologist Niki Jumpei (Eiji Okada, "Hiroshima mon amour") is searching for exotic insects. After missing his bus, local villagers lead him to a secluded house at the bottom of a sand pit. Hosted by a kind widow (Kyoko Kishida, "The Face of Another"), Niki soon discovers that leaving the pit is impossible; the escape route rope has been removed. The widow must shovel sand nightly to prevent her home from being consumed, trading the sand on the black market for essential supplies. Niki's realization of his entrapment and subsequent interactions with his host unfurl into a profound exploration of human existence.

Thematically dense, "Woman in the Dunes" delves into survival, conformity, and identity. The nameless characters serve to erode distinctions between educated rationality, represented by Niki, and the raw, unexamined existence of the widow. This unsettling duality is further highlighted by the film’s engrossing cinematography. Teshigahara uses light and shadow to create hypnotic visuals of encroaching sand, reinforced by Toru Takemitsu's jarring score. Detailed close-ups of both insects and human bodies drenched in sweat and sand add layers of tension and symbolism, evoking a visceral sense of dread and existential inquiry.

"Are you shoveling sand to live, or living to shovel sand?" This central metaphor encapsulates "Woman in the Dunes," making it an enduring arthouse classic ripe for repeated viewings and rich interpretive discussions.

Hiroshi Teshigahara's "Woman in the Dunes" is a multifaceted cinematic experience that captures the essence of human existence through a meticulously minimalist approach. The film's portrayal of isolation, survival, and existential angst resonates deeply, making it a timeless piece of art. Criterion’s latest Blu-ray release further elevates this classic, sourced from a robust organic master that significantly enhances the viewing experience. The haunting atonal score by Tōru Takemitsu is particularly effective in this rendition, immersing the audience in the film's stark emotional landscape.

This Blu-ray edition is not just a visual upgrade but also a treasure trove of insightful supplementary materials. Included are four short films by Hiroshi Teshigahara and an array of archival features that provide greater context and depth to his work. The A/V presentation is nothing short of stunning, eclipsing all previous releases and bringing the grainy, textured visuals to life with unparalleled clarity.

In conclusion, Criterion has outdone itself with this release of "Woman in the Dunes." The superior audiovisual quality combined with thoughtfully curated extras makes it an essential addition to any serious film enthusiast's collection. Highly recommended.