Rashomon Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of Akira Kurosawa's "Rashomon" delivers an exceptionally detailed and meticulously restored video experience, showcasing the 1950 cinematic masterpiece in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1. The film has undergone a comprehensive restoration process initiated in 2008 by The Academy Film Archive, The National Film Center of the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, and Kadokawa Pictures, Inc., supported by Kadokawa Culture Promotion Foundation and The Film Foundation. The restoration utilizes a 35mm black-and-white print from 1962, derived from the original camera negative, severely battered from years of use, to provide a 1080p transfer encoded with MPEG-4 AVC that reflects the director's vision with unprecedented clarity.

During the restoration, the film was scanned at 4K resolution at Lowry Digital, before the scans were converted to 2K for extensive cleanup and image processing. Automated software alongside meticulous manual cleaning addressed scratches, dust, and warps, restoring the film's original graphic detail and improving its visual stability. This painstaking process involved creating two 4K digital intermediate negatives and a complete digital archive, ensuring that "Rashomon"'s video presentation not only boasts improved crispness and depth in panoramic views and close-ups but also maintains natural film grain and balances blacks, grays, and whites accurately. Despite minor issues with softness in backgrounds and slight inconsistencies in brightness during outdoor scenes that could occasionally overwhelm finer details, the transfer remarkably preserves filmic textures and intricate details like the textures in wood and fabrics, reflecting a respectful handling of source material limitations.

Criterion's efforts result in a definitive presentation of "Rashomon," where viewers can appreciate the nuanced grayscale and cinematic depth against a stable, clean backdrop unmarred by the film's historical physical wear and tear. Film grain is carefully managed to retain its original aesthetic essence without succumbing to excessive degraining or sharpening, ensuring that the ethereal visual storytelling Kurosawa is known for remains intact. This release sets a high benchmark for future restorations, offering an immersive viewing experience that respects the film's historical significance while employing modern restoration technologies to enhance its timeless appeal.

The "Rashomon" Blu-ray presents its audiences with two distinct audio offerings: a Japanese LPCM Mono 1.0 track and an English Dolby Digital Mono 1.0 track. Avid cinephiles will appreciate the attention to detail in the restoration process, as evident from the inclusion of optional English subtitles for both tracks. The restoration process itself is noteworthy; sourced from a 1962 print and a fine-grain master positive from the Kadokawa Foundation's archives, it underwent meticulous audio correction at DJ Audio in Los Angeles and Audio Mechanics in Burbank. This rigorous selection process ensured the highest fidelity to the original sound, providing a seamless auditory experience.

Technical enhancements have clearly been prioritized, with a notable reduction in background hiss and the complete elimination of abrupt pops or audio dropouts that can distract from the viewing experience. Dynamic range, though inherently limited by the original single-channel recording, showcases a commendable effort in preserving the integrity of Fumio Hayasaka's score—a balance of high harp notes and low oboe tones, alongside environmental sounds such as the rain's crescendo towards the film’s conclusion. The Japanese dialogue track emerges crisp and intelligible, enhancing the storytelling with its clarity.

Despite some minor fluctuations possibly due to inherent source limitations, the audio track maintains a stable dialogue delivery, with the English translation receiving commendation for its excellence. The restoration effort not only aimed at cleaning up the audio but also at retaining the authentic auditory atmosphere unique to "Rashomon". Both Japanese and English tracks perform admirably under these criteria, delivering an audio experience that respects the film’s historical significance while adapting it for modern home cinema systems.

The extra presentation of the "Rashomon" Blu-ray offers a comprehensive and intriguing glimpse into the making and impact of Akira Kurosawa's cinematic masterpiece. It begins with the original Japanese trailer, providing a touch of nostalgia and a peek into how the film was marketed. The inclusion of commentary by Donald Richie enhances the viewing experience by offering deep insights into the film's production and its place in Japanese cinema. Interviews and documentaries, particularly with individuals such as Robert Altman, Takashi Shimura, and members of the production team like Teruyo Nogami, add personal reflections and behind-the-scenes stories that enrich one's appreciation of the film. Additionally, the homage to cinematographer Kazuo Miyagawa through "The World of Kazuo Miyagawa" documentary segment acknowledges his pivotal contribution. The booklet further complements these extras with scholarly essays and source material excerpts, presenting a well-rounded exploration of "Rashomon"'s legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original Japanese trailer for Rashomon.
• Robert Altman on Rashomon: Altman discusses the impact of the film and its techniques.
• The World of Kazuo Miyagawa: Documentary excerpt about the legendary cinematographer.
• A Testimony as an Image: Documentary featuring interviews with the film’s cast and crew.
• Interview with Takashi Shimura: Shimura is interviewed about his role in Rashomon.
• Commentary: Audio commentary by Donald Richie, offering insights into the film and Japanese cinema.
• Booklet: Includes an essay, an excerpt from Kurosawa's autobiography, and source stories.

Akira Kurosawa's "Rashomon" has long been heralded as a masterpiece of cinema, and its presentation on Blu-ray by Criterion only enhances its legendary status. This release, impressively packed with extras including interviews, commentaries, and documentaries, also includes a booklet rich with essays and source material excerpts, providing both newcomers and longtime fans a deeper understanding of its significance. The film, notable for winning the prestigious Golden Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival in 1951 and introducing Kurosawa to the Western world, remains a profound exploration of truth and human nature.

"Rashomon" is characterized by its innovative narrative structure and cinematography. The story unfolds through a series of flashbacks, each offering a different perspective on a crime witnessed by a woodcutter, a priest, and later discussed with a commoner seeking shelter from a rainstorm at the dilapidated Rashomon gate. This method of storytelling, combined with Kazuo Miyagawa's groundbreaking cinematography, utilizes natural light and shadow play to deepen the narrative's complexity. The performances, especially by Toshiro Mifune and Machiko Kyô, are pivotal, embodying the film's exploration of subjective truth and moral ambiguity.

The Blu-ray release is presented in its original Japanese with optional English subtitles, ensuring its integrity for both Japanese-speaking audiences and international viewers. The meticulous transfer highlights Miyagawa’s exquisite use of light and composition in high definition, preserving the film’s visual richness. Criterion’s dedication to not only presenting the film but also contextualizing its cultural and historical significance through supplementary materials reinforces "Rashomon" as not just a pivotal piece of cinema but as a necessary study in the malleability of truth and memory.

Akira Kurosawa's "Rashomon" is an undisputed masterpiece that has been brought to Blu-ray by Criterion in what can only be described as a monumental release. The 2008 restoration, undertaken by The Academy Film Archive, The National Film Center of the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, and Kadokawa Pictures, Inc., ensures that this cinematic gem shines brighter than ever before. For aficionados who have eagerly anticipated its high-definition debut, this edition will not disappoint. Criterion's commitment to quality is evident in every frame, affording viewers the definitive experience of "Rashomon" for years to come. This release is not just recommended; it's a must-own for any serious film collection.

Emerging in the post-WWII era, Kurosawa’s “Rashomon” transcends its historical context to explore themes of truth, humanity, and deception. Its narrative – focusing on a crime drama that delves into the complexities of human nature and perception – remains as compelling today as it was over seventy years ago. The Criterion package enhances the viewing experience with a wealth of extras that invite deeper appreciation and understanding of the film and its legacy. Through meticulous restoration and thoughtful curation, Criterion has provided both new and long-standing fans an unparalleled opportunity to delve into one of cinema's most important works.

In conclusion, Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of "Rashomon" is an exemplary showcase of the film's enduring power and cultural significance. The restoration work ensures the film is presented in its finest form, accompanied by a suite of extras that enrich the viewing experience. This release stands as a testament to Criterion's dedication to preserving cinematic history and makes "Rashomon" an essential addition to any film enthusiast’s library. It is a purchase that comes with our highest recommendation, promising endless returns in cinematic appreciation and insight.