Ugetsu 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Criterion's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Ugetsu" is a compelling showcase of a meticulous 4K restoration effort. Presented in its original 1:37:1 aspect ratio, the disc offers a clean and refined image that captures the film's aesthetic with minimal instances of scratches, tears, or dirt affecting the visual integrity. This restoration, supervised by Masahiro Miyajima and Martin Scorsese, utilizes both a 35mm fine grain positive and a duplicate negative to achieve remarkable fidelity. The grayscale is rendered exceptionally well, maintaining fine details and film grain that support the film's atmospheric tones.

The native 4K presentation, unfortunately devoid of Dolby Vision and HDR enhancements, still provides significant improvements over previous releases in terms of delineation and depth. Darker scenes show minor fluctuations impacting black consistency, yet the overall presentation delivers the healthiest grayscale and density levels seen to date. Visuals remain organic and notably unaffected by large cuts or debris, which enhances the viewing experience on large screens.

Notably, the 4K restoration exhibits source limitations—such as minor density fluctuations and image instability—that are present but do not significantly detract from the viewing experience. Daylight scenes benefit greatly from the 4K resolution's attributes, offering notable improvements in detail and depth when compared to older editions. Although inherited limitations are unavoidable, Criterion's UHD/Blu-ray combo undoubtedly represents the best visual quality this classic will likely achieve on home video. Whether or not you already own previous versions, if film fidelity is paramount, this release is a worthy consideration for your collection.

The "Ugetsu" 4K UHD Blu-Ray audio presentation offers a singular audio track: Japanese LPCM 1.0, complemented by optional English subtitles for the main feature. This release employs a lossless PCM track derived from a remaster of a 35mm optical soundtrack print, ensuring authenticity in the delivery of the original audio components. The monaural soundtrack encapsulates the dialogue, sound mix, and Fumio Hayasaka’s evocative score with striking clarity and fidelity. While early post-war Japanese films like "Ugetsu" are not known for vast dynamic range or depth, the track remains true to its origins, retaining the occasional thinness in the mid-range without detracting from the overall listening experience.

Throughout its presentation, the audio maintains its historical texture with minimal interference from common distortive artifacts such as crackling, popping, or hissing. When compared to previous editions, this iteration likely presents the most refined version of "Ugetsu's" audio available on home video to date, showcasing a significant improvement from past releases. Despite its inherent limitations in excitement and depth as dictated by its era of production, the faithful reproduction of the soundtrack ensures that viewers receive an immersive and authentic auditory experience that effectively complements the film's avant-garde narrative.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Ugetsu" boasts an exemplary array of extras, meticulously curated for cinephiles and enthusiasts of Kenji Mizoguchi's work. Central to the offerings is Tony Rayns' incisive commentary, originally recorded in 2005, which delves into the film’s thematic intricacies and production nuances. Kaneto Shindo’s documentary, "Kenji Mizoguchi: The Life of a Film Director," provides an exhaustive exploration of Mizoguchi's career, enriched with interviews from notable collaborators like Kinuyo Tanaka and Kazuo Miyagawa. The immersive interviews with filmmakers such as Masahiro Shinoda and Tokuzo Tanaka add depth by examining Mizoguchi’s unique narrative style and production ethos. Complementing these are vintage trailers and a thoughtfully compiled booklet featuring insightful writings.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Tony Rayns: Archival insights on the film's themes and production details.
• Kenji Mizoguchi: The Life of a Film Director: Feature-length documentary on Mizoguchi's career.
• Interview with Masahiro Shinoda: Discusses the film's narrative and visual style.
• Interview with Tokuzo Tanaka: Reveals production insights and Mizoguchi’s unique methods.
• Interview with Kazuo Miyagawa: Offers perspective on Mizoguchi’s cinematic techniques.
• Theatrical Trailers: Original Japanese and Spanish versions.
• Booklet: Essays and stories that influenced "Ugetsu Monogatari."

"Ugetsu Monogatari," directed by Kenji Mizoguchi, is a cinematic masterpiece that delicately intertwines the historical and the supernatural. Set against the backdrop of Japan’s war-laden Sengoku period, it follows the aspirations and tribulations of two protagonists, Genjuro, a potter, and Tobei, an aspiring samurai. The narrative is based on ghost stories by Ueda Akinari, further emphasized by its atmospheric composition that melds reality with fantasy. This film exhibits a critical yet poetic depiction of feudal order amidst chaos and beauty. The meticulous recreation of the era, alongside Kazuo Miyagawa’s fluid camerawork, significantly enriches the film’s aesthetic, blending surreal elements with historical authenticity.

Mizoguchi showcases his vision through long and elegant shots where the camera is a dynamic participant, capturing both action and the tranquil beauty amidst turmoil. This approach contrasts the static observational style of directors like Yasujiro Ozu, offering viewers an immersive exploration of a world where dreams seamlessly coexist with reality. The performances are naturalistic and evocative; Machiko Kyo notably stands out with her portrayal of Lady Wakasa, an enigmatic figure who draws Genjuro into a ghostly reverie. The cast's nuanced performances contribute critically to the haunting allure that defines "Ugetsu."

In recognition of its artistic achievements, the film received an Oscar nomination for Best Costume Design and won the Silver Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival. "Ugetsu" remains a vital entry in Japanese cinema’s canon, a testament to Mizoguchi’s directorial prowess and storytelling ingenuity. Its spellbinding narrative and visual storytelling continue to captivate audiences, affirming its place as a pivotal piece in cinematic history, resonating with viewers both new and returning.

Kenji Mizoguchi's "Ugetsu" stands as a pinnacle in Japanese cinema, and the latest 4K UHD Blu-ray release by Criterion is a testament to its enduring magic. This edition showcases a native 4K restoration, offering a superior viewing experience by preserving exquisite details and textures that were previously less apparent. The HDR transfer elevates the film's visual artistry, delivering richer contrast and deepened shadows, which enhance the ethereal quality inherent in Mizoguchi's storytelling.

The 4K UHD release seamlessly integrates all the special features from previous Criterion editions, providing an expansive exploration of the film's historical context and technical brilliance. For enthusiasts who appreciate cinematic heritage, these supplementary materials enrich understanding and appreciation of Mizoguchi's work. Despite commendable quality from earlier Blu-ray versions, this edition is particularly advantageous for larger screen setups where the richness of detail truly shines.

In conclusion, Criterion's 4K restoration of "Ugetsu" offers an unmatched presentation that captures the essence of Mizoguchi's vision. This release is a definitive version for both long-time admirers and new audiences, worthy of recognition in any film collection. If visual fidelity and comprehensive features are priorities, this release stands as the essential choice for experiencing one of cinema's greatest works. Highly recommended for those seeking to experience "Ugetsu" in its most pristine form.