Ugetsu 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s 4K UHD Blu-ray release of “Ugetsu” features a native 4K restoration sourced from a 2016 scan of both a 35mm fine grain positive and a duplicate negative, supervised by Masahiro Miyajima and Martin Scorsese. Presented in the original 1.37:1 aspect ratio, the 4K UHD disc showcases the film in HDR, markedly surpassing SDR presentations available on the accompanying Blu-ray. The restoration is meticulous—film grain remains intact and organic, while fine details and grayscale are rendered with notable fidelity. Surface imperfections such as scratches, dirt, and debris are minimal, preserving a clean and artifact-free visual experience.

In comparative terms, the 4K disc demonstrates clear advancements over previous Blu-ray and DVD editions, particularly in scene delineation and image depth. Source limitations persist: minor density fluctuations, image instability, and occasional inconsistency in shadow detail are evident, especially in darker sequences where blacks can fluctuate slightly. However, daylight scenes and mid-tone ranges show substantial improvements, with a richer, more convincing grayscale than any prior release. Despite inherited limitations from available elements, this is the most authentic and robust presentation of “Ugetsu” to date. The UHD edition delivers a viewing experience that meets modern archival standards and is especially recommended for those utilizing larger screens seeking the finest possible home presentation.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Ugetsu" features a single audio option: the original Japanese LPCM 1.0 monaural track, accompanied by optional English subtitles. The soundtrack has been meticulously sourced from a remaster of the film’s 35mm optical print, maintaining high fidelity to the film's historical audio character.

Audio reproduction here is inherently limited by the source material’s post-war era production values, presenting a narrow dynamic range and occasional thinning in the mid-range. Dialogue, sound effects, and Fumio Hayasaka’s evocative score are delivered with notable clarity and an authentic tonal palette, showing minimal instances of hiss, crackle, or pops—previously common artifacts with older transfers. While depth and sharpness are modest, and periodic thinness can be detected, these are faithful reflections of the original mix rather than deficiencies in the lossless PCM encode. Overall, this release represents a significant technical improvement over earlier home video editions, and provides a clean, faithful representation of "Ugetsu’s" audio legacy.

The extras for the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Ugetsu" present a comprehensive and technically robust package, blending significant archival content with thoughtful interviews and supporting materials. The meticulously researched audio commentary by Tony Rayns adds scholarly depth, drawing on his extensive study of Mizoguchi’s oeuvre. Kaneto Shindo’s substantial 1975 documentary offers an in-depth exploration of Mizoguchi’s career, interwoven with interviews with collaborators and insight into his enduring legacy. Archival interviews with director Masahiro Shinoda, assistant director Tokuzo Tanaka, and cinematographer Kazuo Miyagawa provide first-hand perspectives on the film’s narrative structure, visual style, the director’s perfectionism, and the filming process. Historical trailers and a detailed booklet with essays and original stories further contextualize the film within Japanese cinema. This suite of extras demonstrates a cohesive curatorial philosophy, placing technical and artistic appreciation at the forefront.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Tony Rayns: In-depth archival audio analysis covering themes, production, and historical context.
• Kenji Mizoguchi: The Life of a Film Director: Extensive 1975 documentary profiling Mizoguchi’s career through direct interviews with key collaborators.
• Interview with Masahiro Shinoda: Renowned filmmaker discusses Ugetsu’s narrative complexity and visual innovation.
• Interview with Tokuzo Tanaka: Assistant director provides production insights and reflections on Mizoguchi's working methods.
• Interview with Kazuo Miyagawa: Esteemed cinematographer examines the photographic approach and his collaboration with Mizoguchi.
• Original Japanese Theatrical Trailer: Period trailer capturing the film’s original release context.
• Spanish-Language Trailer: Archival promotional material offering alternate-market perspective.
• Booklet: Illustrated essay by Phillip Lopate and three literary works that influenced the film’s creation.

Kenji Mizoguchi’s Ugetsu (1953) stands as a defining achievement in Japanese cinema, blending the jidaigeki (period drama) and kaidan (ghost story) genres with remarkable atmospheric precision. Set during the Sengoku period’s social upheaval, the film follows potter Genjuro and his ambitious brother-in-law Tobei as their personal quests—Genjuro’s for prosperity through pottery, Tobei’s for samurai status—bring irreversible consequences for themselves and their families. The intertwined stories, drawn from Ueda Akinari’s ghost tales and elements from Guy de Maupassant, unfold in a world where reality and fantasy often bleed together.

Mizoguchi’s meticulous recreation of 16th-century Japan is matched by Kazuo Miyagawa’s cinematography, defined by long, elegant tracking shots and luminous black-and-white imagery. The camera remains fluid and inquisitive, capturing both beauty and devastation with striking clarity and contributing to the film's surreal, dreamlike tone. Performances are deeply naturalistic; Masayuki Mori, Eitarō Ozawa, Kinuyo Tanaka, Mitsuko Mito, and especially Machiko Kyo—whose portrayal of Lady Wakasa is haunting and unforgettable—anchor the film’s emotional core. The narrative is unflinching in its antiwar perspective, critiquing feudal structures as it immerses viewers in a liminal realm where ambition, love, loss, and the supernatural are inseparable. Ugetsu remains a haunting cinematic experience, celebrated for its masterful blend of technical artistry and thematic depth.

Kenji Mizoguchi’s "Ugetsu" receives exemplary treatment in its new 4K UHD Blu-ray release. Leveraging a comprehensive 4K restoration, this edition finally allows the film to be experienced in its native resolution with a native HDR transfer. The visual presentation is notably improved compared to previous Blu-ray editions, with increased clarity and detail particularly evident on larger displays. The black-and-white cinematography benefits significantly from enhanced dynamic range, offering deeper blacks, refined gradations, and heightened overall fidelity. Subtle textures, such as the nuances of fabric and landscape, are reproduced with increased precision, making the haunting visuals more immersive than ever.

In addition to the visual upgrade, this release retains all supplemental features from prior editions, ensuring that cinephiles have access to an extensive array of contextual and historical insights alongside the film itself. The packaging as a combo pack gives new and returning viewers flexibility in their viewing experience while maintaining archival and scholarly value. Criterion’s work here reaffirms their commitment to both cutting-edge presentation and preservation of cinematic legacy.

In summary, this 4K UHD Blu-ray edition of "Ugetsu" stands as the definitive home video presentation of Mizoguchi’s classic. The native HDR transfer and attention to visual detail mark a substantial enhancement over earlier releases. It is highly recommended for both longtime admirers of Japanese cinema and those encountering the film for the first time.