Better then than Criterion's past shorter edition, the film having been sliced and reduced in various manners for different territories across the globe - the duration being adjustable, it seems, by removing one or more of the stories than are held within the film, or at least portions of each or any one - for this Kobayashi film from 1964. A nice chance for the complete version then, a full three hours and more, in a lovely new Progressive Transfer - nice - and another hefty booklet no doubt. Due (currently) on May 22nd 2006 on R2 UK DVD, I am simply not going to let this one pass by. Masters of Cinema, you do a lovely job, and I really do cherish my 'Vengeance is Mine' disc from last year.
'Kwaidan' 183min Full Japanese Version for 2006 on R2 UK DVD from Masters of Cinema.
'Kwaidan' 163min American Cut Version for 2003 on R1 USA DVD from Criterion.
oh but does the R4 come with this?
DVD Extras
New progressive transfer of the complete 183-minute Japanese version; A selection of original trailers; Promotional material gallery; New and improved optional English subtitles; Special 72-page illustrated book with reprints of Lafcadio Hearn's original ghost stories; a survey of the life and career of Masaki Kobayashi by Linda Hoaglund and a wide-ranging interview with the filmmaker — the last he ever gave.
Bravo for madman then, I had heard that the audio was uncorrected, but I'll take you're word for it.
Why this is even an issue this day and age I don't even know... yet it is. : (
australia doesnt get much attention, no. but its never seemed to be worth the effort following it closely, the amount of exclusives and decent editions might be there but theyve taken years to accumulate (?) in comparison to other territories. at least, you simply dont see coverage for them really, and that says something - misleading that may be, but with only a few standout releases peoples eyes soon change direction. when ever ive looked at australian dvd stores theyre usually a bit far behind when i notice a title thats been released elsewhere - perhaps i just notice because ive seen stuff there mentioned elsewhere before. then again, if theres enough original territory being covered in australia, someone only need post regularly in well known forums populated largely by folks from this way in order to draw attention : maybe.
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDReviews8/kwaidan.htm
R4 added to the comparison. I must say that it has a very nice image indeed! In my opinion, the color saturation is better on the R4 - really a shame that it has those yellow subtitles that I despise, might have bought it otherwise.
Thanks Fabool. The R4 colours were unadjusted with respect to the Toho master, keeping it true to the original ("original" being defined by Toho, as the creative personnel involved in the film's creation are sadly no longer alive).
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