House of Bamboo Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "House of Bamboo" undeniably benefits from a new 4K scan, boasting an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.55:1 aspect ratio. This transfer is commendable for its sharpness and precision, capturing the nuances of early CinemaScope productions. While a few soft anomalies persist—likely due to the experimental lens technologies of the period—the overall image retains a high level of detail. The film's palette largely adheres to the source material, with whites appearing clean and clear, and colors generally reproducing well across a span of hues. The grain is resolved naturally, maintaining an organic texture without image instability or distractions from defects like scratches.

However, the transfer is not without fault. A noticeable blue bias permeates the entirety of the film. This tint skews whites to an overly gleaming degree, dulls other colors, misrepresents flesh tones, and introduces a washed-out contrast. Shadows, too, are affected by a blue tinge, which some argue reflects the original theatrical prints' fidelity. Despite these claims, the effect appears to be more indicative of an error in color temperature calibration rather than an intentional artistic choice. Consequently, while the restorative efforts are impressive concerning dirt and age-related defects, the overall color accuracy remains contentious and problematic for some viewers.

The preservation of the original 2.55:1 aspect ratio is noteworthy, especially as it grants clarity to previously cropped elements in older pan-and-scan TV prints. Specific details, such as DeForest Kelley's visibility on the frame's edges, are clearer than ever in high definition. Despite the ongoing debate regarding color fidelity, "House of Bamboo" on Blu-ray offers a technically proficient and visually engaging presentation that honors the film's Cinemascope origins while revealing room for improvement in color accuracy.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix on the Blu-ray release of "House of Bamboo" captures the essence of the original 4-Track Magnetic Stereo soundstage with a few modern enhancements. Leigh Harline's lush, ethnically-tinged score is well-represented, offering excellent fidelity and reasonable dynamic range. Although the mix has a tendency to be front-heavy, with environmental effects and directional dialogue primarily situated in the front channels, it does provide a faithful auditory experience as intended by the original format. Notably, the climactic shootout scene features impressive reverberations that travel through the room, adding a palpable sense of immersion.

However, while the three front channels are spread broadly to create a robust audio presence, some listeners may find the directional movement of dialogue disconcerting, particularly as it highlights occasionally obvious ADR work. Dialogue sometimes feels disconnected and occasionally exhibits a hollow tone, which slightly detracts from the overall experience. The surround channels offer only a mild presence, felt primarily during the film's final action sequence. Bass response is somewhat thin and shallow, which is consistent with the film's era and expected for a movie from 1955. Overall, while the audio mix faithfully preserves the character of the original film, it does show its age in certain aspects but delivers a solid performance free of distortions or dropouts.

"House of Bamboo" Blu-ray extras are rich and professionally curated, providing significant insights into the film's context and production. The disc includes two meticulous audio commentaries. The first, by Alain Silver and James Ursini, delves deep into Samuel Fuller's direction and the movie's noir origins, also highlighting the subtle homosexual subtext. The second commentary features Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman, whose enthusiasm and analysis complement the former commentary by revisiting key points while injecting fresh perspectives. Additionally, the isolated score by Leigh Harline in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 gives a pure, engaging auditory experience. Two Fox Movietone newsreels provide silent, candid glimpses behind the scenes, capturing moments with lead actors Shirley Yamaguchi and Robert Stack. Lastly, the original theatrical trailer, although visually dated, reinforces the film's historical marketing approach.

Extras included in this disc:

• Isolated Score Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.
• Audio Commentaries:
  • Alain Silver and James Ursini
  • Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman
• Fox Movietone Newsreel: Group in Japan: Silent footage of Shirley Yamaguchi arriving in Japan.
• Fox Movietone Newsreel: Consul Visits Set: Silent candid footage of cast, including Yamaguchi.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Historically contextual promotional material.

"House of Bamboo," directed by Samuel Fuller, is an explosive fusion of genre standards and unique stylistic flourishes. Set against the exotic backdrop of post-WWII Japan, the film masterfully utilizes the CinemaScope format. Fuller's command over the widescreen frame is evident from the film's opening, which juxtaposes a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji with a daring train robbery. The plot follows Eddie Spanier (Robert Stack), a brash American supposedly investigating the death of a friend who was murdered while committing a robbery. As Eddie delves into Tokyo's underworld, he confronts Sandy Dawson (Robert Ryan), an American crime boss running a local racket, and encounters Mariko (Shirley Yamaguchi), the widow of his deceased friend.

Fuller’s film stands out due to its bold narrative choices and visual storytelling. While the script features fairly standard noir elements, the exotic setting and meticulously composed frames elevate it beyond conventional genre boundaries. Notably, the film does not feature any Japanese antagonists, focusing instead on American expatriates embroiled in illegal activities. This choice intriguingly positions the narrative within an alien yet familiar landscape, blending American crime drama with post-war Japanese aesthetics. Despite the simplicity of some character arcs—the romance between Eddie and Mariko, in particular, lacks complexity—the film compensates with its subtextual richness. The simmering homoerotic tension between Eddie, Sandy, and Griff (Cameron Mitchell) adds layers of intrigue that are subtle yet unmistakable.

The performances are impressively restrained; Stack's reserved portrayal of Eddie contrasts with the more expressive, seething energy of Mitchell’s Griff, while Ryan’s Sandy is a minimalist yet unforgettable villain. Fuller orchestrates the action scenes with flair, particularly the climactic sequence set in an American-style amusement park in Tokyo, which underscores cultural juxtapositions and adds a unique flavor to the standard gangster tropes. Overall, "House of Bamboo" is an engaging cinematic experience that leverages its vibrant setting and evocative widescreen photography to stand out in the noir genre.

Twilight Time’s Blu-ray edition of Sam Fuller's "House of Bamboo" stands as a testament to the film's enduring appeal and technical prowess. The new transfer, derived from a meticulous 4K restoration, ensures the film has never looked better. Fuller's vibrant palette, rich in dynamic colors and contrast, is impeccably showcased, allowing the scenic vistas of post-war Tokyo to truly shine. The 5.1 surround mix complements the visual excellence with clarity and power, encapsulating Fuller's sophisticated sound design in a way that engages the modern home theater enthusiast. The inclusion of two critical/historical commentary tracks—one by noir scholars Alain Silver and James Orsini, and the other by Twilight Time curators Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman—adds an invaluable depth of insight, making this release an essential acquisition for both Fuller devotees and film students.

The disc’s special features extend its appeal beyond mere aesthetic satisfaction. The commentaries are dense with production history, cast and crew insights, and detailed visual analysis, functioning almost as masterclasses in film direction. This educational component is further enriched by auxiliary content such as Fox newsreels and the original theatrical trailer, which round out the Blu-ray's comprehensive exploration of the film.

Fuller fans will doubtlessly appreciate "House of Bamboo," while newcomers might be intrigued by its unique blend of contentious issues and visual splendor. The performances, especially Robert Ryan's commanding presence, are noteworthy. Technical merits are top-notch and the deluxe features make this Blu-ray edition highly recommended.