The Sword of Doom Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Kihachi Okamoto's "The Sword of Doom" delivers a commendable 1080p HD transfer in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The digital restoration was meticulously performed using a Cintel C-Reality film scanner with OLIVER electronic wet-gate processing from the 35mm composite fine-grain master. Manual removal of dirt, debris, scratches, and warps was achieved through MTI's DRS and Pixel Farm's PFClean, while Digital Vision's Phoenix addressed flicker issues. The result is an evident upgrade from previous DVD releases, showcasing enhanced detail and clarity.

The transfer exhibits a notable improvement in darker sequences, which now demonstrate much improved depth compared to the previous, often flat, noisy DVD presentation. However, minor density fluctuations are observed and can be attributed to the source material. Occasional light contrast and sharpness boosting efforts, likely present in the original master, result in some scenes appearing slightly harsher than expected. The grain structure is generally well-resolved, though some underexposure is evident in specific frames. Image stability remains mostly intact with very minimal frame movement, and there are no significant debris or damage marks detracting from the viewing experience.

Visual details are strikingly sharp, with fine close-ups revealing individual hairs, wrinkles, and costume stitching intricacies. Nevertheless, some scenes exhibit a softer image quality and minor fluctuations in depth. The grain presence is consistently balanced but occasionally more pronounced than desired. The black, white, and gray levels demonstrate well-balanced tonal range, though brightness levels may slightly exceed optimal thresholds at times. Overall, the Blu-ray presentation offers a substantial quality upgrade over previous formats, mitigating major aliasing or banding issues for a solid overall performance.

The Blu-ray release of "The Sword of Doom" features a single audio track: Japanese LPCM 1.0, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles that appear within the image frame. While adhering to the original audio mix, Criterion delivers a high-fidelity listening experience marked by clean, crisp, and stable dialogue. Despite the modest dynamic intensity inherent to its mono format, the clarity and depth of the audio are commendable. Notably, the sound effects are well-balanced within the center channel, free from any major distortions.

Though the production limitations of the original source create a somewhat lacking depth, the overall quality of the LPCM 1.0 track is impressive. The mix is devoid of pops, cracks, hiss, or high-end shrills. Criterion's dedication to authenticity is evident, though the inclusion of a stereo or 5.1 mix option could have enhanced the immersive experience further. Nonetheless, the attention to detail in both the audio presentation and the excellence of the English translation, especially regarding technical descriptions of fighting techniques, significantly enriches the viewing experience.

The Blu Ray extras of "The Sword of Doom" enhance the film's appreciation by offering a range of insightful and informative features. The highlight is the audio commentary by Stephen Prince, a cinema scholar who delves deeply into director Kihachi Okamoto's cinematic techniques, the influence of Akira Kurosawa, and Tatsuya Nakadai's powerful performance. This commentary, recorded exclusively for Criterion in 2014, offers substantial depth to the film's examination. The original Japanese trailer for "The Sword of Doom," complete with optional English subtitles, provides historical context and a glimpse into the film's original marketing. Additionally, the included illustrated leaflet, featuring an essay by critic Geoffrey O'Brien, enriches the viewing experience with its critical perspectives.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Insightful discourse by cinema scholar Stephen Prince.
• Trailer: Original Japanese trailer with optional English subtitles.
• Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet featuring an essay by critic Geoffrey O'Brien.

Kihachi Okamoto's "The Sword of Doom" (1966) stands as a seminal entry in the samurai genre, presented by Criterion in a stunning Blu-ray edition. The film features the young, emotionless samurai Ryunosuke (Tatsuya Nakadai), whose brutality and amorality are established early on when he remorselessly kills an elderly pilgrim. As Ryunosuke's journey unfolds, he engages with Hama (Michiyo Aratama), the wife of a swordsman scheduled to duel him. His callous demand for her chastity results in her husband's ruin and death at Ryunosuke's hands. Nakadai's performance is chillingly effective, depicting a character devoid of empathy, marked by his unsettlingly cold stare and lethal efficiency.

The narrative structure is uneven, but Okamoto's focus on Ryunosuke's disturbing psychology captivates. This adaptation of Kaizan Nakazato’s popular novel—scripted by Shinobu Hashimoto, whose notable works include "Rashomon" and "Seven Samurai"—explores darker, more nihilistic themes compared to traditional samurai films by Akira Kurosawa or Hiroshi Inagaki. Unlike their relatable protagonists, Ryunosuke is a psychopathic figure whose violent path is neither ridiculed nor punished, highlighting the film’s unique and unsettling perspective.

The visual artistry of "The Sword of Doom," including its dynamic swordplay scenes and Nakadai's formidable presence, crafts a mood of relentless tension. A standout moment features Toshiro Mifune in a limited but memorable role, showcasing his mastery in a duel observed by an intrigued Ryunosuke. The film culminates in an intense ten-minute sword fight that underscores the protagonist's profound internal chaos. While the abrupt ending might leave some yearning for closure, "The Sword of Doom" remains an iconic and complex examination of evil within the samurai ethos.

'The Sword of Doom' is a cinematic expression of nihilism and brutality set in feudal Japan. This Criterion Blu-ray release is a significant improvement over the previous DVD release, primarily due to the enhanced video and audio quality. The 1080p high-definition transfer presents a more detailed and visually striking presentation, capturing Kihachi Okamoto’s intricate cinematography with remarkable clarity. The film's monochromatic palette is expertly reproduced, maintaining the stark contrast and gloomy atmosphere essential to its narrative.

The audio has also seen considerable refinement, offering a clearer and more immersive experience. The uncompressed mono track preserves the film’s original sound design, enhancing the chilling atmosphere with distinct precision. The included audio commentary provides insightful context and analysis that enriches the viewer's understanding of the film’s complex themes of violence, madness, and moral ambiguity.

It is rather disappointing that The Sword of Doom did not end up being the first installment in the trilogy Toho and Kihachi Okamoto were planning to produce in the early '60s. It would have been spectacular, as I feel that authentic samurai films should look exactly like The Sword of Doom -- very dark, gritty, and nihilistic. The film could look better, but the Blu-ray release unquestionably represents a good upgrade in quality over Criterion's previous DVD release. If you enjoy samurai films, do not miss this one. RECOMMENDED.