Branded to Kill Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Seijun Suzuki's "Branded to Kill," delivered by Criterion, exemplifies a finely executed transfer that elevates the 1967 classic to modern high-definition standards. Presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1 with a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded transfer, the film has been masterfully restored using a fine-grain master positive. Dirt, debris, scratches, splices, warps, and various other imperfections have been meticulously removed using MTI's DRS and Pixel Farm's PFClean. The restoration effort also involved minor dirt, grain, and noise reduction using Image System's DVNR, supervised by Telecine expert Lee Kline and colorist Joe Gawler.

The high-definition transfer reveals an astonishing improvement in detail and color stability compared to Criterion's earlier non-anamorphic DVD release from 1999. The noirish nighttime sequences now possess a striking beauty with well-defined shadows and deep blacks, while close-ups exhibit remarkable depth and clarity. The film retains a lovely, organic film-like quality thanks to a thin veil of ultra-fine grain, enhancing its visual appeal without compromising the blemishes and textures on the actors' faces. Moreover, contrast levels are sharp and crisp, ensuring brilliant whites and profound gradational details in the darkest scenes. Minor stability issues and random artifacts are infrequent and do not detract from the overall viewing experience.

"Branded to Kill" on Blu-ray stands as a testament to Criterion's commitment to preserving cinema classics with technological finesse. The transfer showcases haunting depth of field in deep focus sequences and maintains impressive clarity even in scenes shot with diffusion lenses. This Region-A locked Blu-ray is an exemplary upgrade that allows viewers to appreciate Suzuki's magnetic visual storytelling with newfound sharpness and dimensionality.

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of "Branded to Kill" features a single Japanese LPCM 1.0 audio track, accompanied by optional English subtitles that are clear and well-synchronized. The monaural soundtrack has undergone meticulous remastering at 24-bit from the original print, with extensive use of Pro Tools HD to remove clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum. AudioCube's integrated workstation was instrumental in attenuating crackle, resulting in an uncompressed sound that significantly enhances the film's auditory experience.

The uncompressed PCM mono mix excels in delivering crisp and clear dialogue that maintains stability throughout the film. Detailed inflections and nuances in the actors' voices are well-preserved, making the conversations effortless to follow. Naozumi Yamamoto's score, although not as prominent as in other works like "Tokyo Drifter," benefits from a boosted presence that adds depth to the soundtrack. The sound effects during shootouts and car crashes are particularly intense and effective, though it should be noted that high-pitched sounds, such as gunshots, occasionally exhibit sharp-piercing noise and clipping. Despite this minor issue, which could stem from the original design, the overall presentation remains engaging without significant sync issues or audio dropouts.

Though the mid-range frequencies are mostly flat and uniform, resulting in minimal movement in the upper frequencies, the soundfield is sufficiently widened by the music. The inclusion of mild bass further adds weight and gravity to the lower octaves of the orchestration, delivering a sound mix that successfully captures the essence of Suzuki's film. This careful remastering ensures that "Branded to Kill" offers an authentic and immersive auditory experience that complements its visual flair.

The extras in the Blu-ray release of "Branded to Kill" offer a rich and insightful exploration of the film's production history, featuring a series of interviews with key figures involved. Notably, the interviews with director Seijun Suzuki, both archival and newly recorded, provide a deep dive into his creative process and the tumultuous reception of the film. Assistant director Masami Kuzuu and lead actor Joe Shishido add enriching perspectives, reflecting on their collaboration with Suzuki and the broader impact of the film. These features are well-produced, with optional English subtitles providing accessibility. The collection is rounded out with an illustrated booklet, further contextualizing the film's artistic significance.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Seijun Suzuki and Masami Kuzuu: Interview discussing the film's production history.
• Joe Shishido: Amusing interview recalling collaboration experiences.
• Seijun Suzuki (Archival): Director's discussion from a 1997 retrospective.
• Booklet: Illustrated essay and statement by the art director.

"Branded to Kill," directed by Seijun Suzuki, manifests as a landmark in Japanese cinema. The film follows Yakuza hitman Goro Hanada (Joe Shishido) as he grapples with the perilous pursuit of the top rank in his profession. Hanada's life is meticulously ordered until a botched job shatters his career prospects and sanity alike. Director Suzuki leverages surreal aesthetics to thrust Hanada into a spiral of paranoia and existential dread, catalyzed by his encounter with Misako, a death-obsessed femme fatale played hauntingly by Annu Mari. The narrative's shift from structured assassination to disordered chaos is underscored by Suzuki’s penchant for austere yet stylized violence.

Technical artistry plays a pivotal role in the film's execution. Cinematographer Kazue Nagatsuka renders a visual lexicon that aligns with the film's postmodern undertones, blending noir with stylistic surrealism. The editing by Mutsuo Tanji eschews linearity, reflecting Hanada's psychological fragmentation. Iconic sequences—Misako's introduction and the climactic confrontation with the elusive Number One—are orchestrated with a palpable sense of experimental daring. The sound design also integrates Japan's cultural motif and avant-garde elements to craft an auditory experience that unsettles as much as it engages.

The Blu-ray release by Criterion Collection solidifies "Branded to Kill" as an essential viewing experience. Supplementary features include comprehensive interviews with Suzuki and principal cast members, along with insightful essays by Asian cinema experts. This edition captures Suzuki's audacious vision with a remarkable fidelity, preserving the film’s original textures while enhancing its visual and auditory impact. As Hanada’s world unravels on-screen, viewers are invited into a uniquely chaotic yet meticulously crafted exploration of identity, desire, and disintegration, hallmarking this as not just a gangster film but an avant-garde triumph.

"Branded to Kill," directed by Seijun Suzuki, stands as an unparalleled work of stylistic and atmospheric brilliance, representing the apex of 1960s Japanese noir cinema. This film has enthralled audiences not just because of its audacious narrative and visual flair, but also for its notorious history that saw Suzuki temporarily blacklisted from the film industry. The Blu-ray release is nothing short of revelatory, providing fans and cinephiles with a definitive presentation that ensures the film's legacy endures.

The Blu-ray boasts exceptional video quality, enhancing the film's moody monochromatic palette and intricate visual details. Additionally, the audio presentation maintains a high standard, ensuring that every element of the soundtrack complements Suzuki's unique cinematic vision. Although the supplemental features are somewhat minimalistic, they include a gem—a new and entertaining video interview with the movie’s enigmatic star, Joe Shishido—adding value and intrigue to this definitive edition.

In conclusion, "Branded to Kill" on Blu-ray is a must-have for any serious collector or fan of classic Japanese cinema. It is a perfect marriage of art and entertainment; an immersive experience that continues to captivate and intrigue. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.