The Film
While set in a fanciful version of a period of Japanese history few Westerners understand or appreciate, director Akira Kurosawa's Kagemusha isn't exactly historical - but no one would claim to learn about ancient Rome from watching Gladiator either. Still the film does offer an excellent glimpse into this era of colorful armies and brutal warfare.
Set during the feudal wars in 16th century Japan, the daimyo (Lord) Takeda Shingen is mortally wounded in battle, and to hold the army and lands together he tells his generals to use a double for three years time following his death. This double, a thief named Kagemusha, grudgingly accepts, but he must fight his own demons while helping bring the land to peace.
As with many of Kurosawa's films, this one is rich with details from beginning to end, and epically recreates medieval Japan. However, anyone expecting a samurai bloodbath will be disappointed, and the film is long on drama but a bit short on action. Likewise, the biggest failing is that the film's plot hardly holds up to the three hour running time, but with so much fantastic scenery to view this makes up for the somewhat sluggish pacing.
The Picture
Hands down this is the best that Kagemusha has looked since it was released in the United States in 1980. Previous video releases, and even the DVD were filled with scratches and dirt, so this Criterion Collection release does a great job of restoring the color and detail. That said, don't expect miracles - while you maybe able to fool the masses with an imposter war lord - you simply can't fool your eyes into thinking that the 1.85:1 presentation on Blu-ray looks better than it does. This is not as much a criticism as a matter of fact, and overall it is nice to see what this restoration has done, including bringing out the colors of the settings, the costumes, which along with everything else on screen are a visual delight. It is just that this isn't exactly up to HD.
The Sound
The audio is on par with the picture, and while a step up from the past editions; this Blu-ray isn't exactly what we'd call reference material. The sound is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 4.0, and does a reasonable job of providing discrete sound separation for the dialog (provided you actually speak Japanese) and the effects, as well as other ambient noises. However, the musical score on the soundtrack is a little heavy at times, but as with the picture, Criterion brought the audio as far as it could go.
The Extras
With Criterion Collection editions you known this won't be light on extras, and everything from the clear plastic case to the full color booklet that includes an article on the making of the film, as well as a 1981 interview with Kurosawa, is a step above even the most special edition from a Hollywood studio. The Blu-ray's other bonus features are also impressive, and include audio commentary by Kurosawa scholar Stephen Prince, interviews with George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola (who each helped get the funding to make the film), and a 41-minute featurette on the film's making, plus a 44-minute featurette on the transition from sketches and paintings to the film. Rounded out with trailers, teasers and even a Suntory Whiskey commercial (which was made on the set of the film), this one is truly loaded with enough extras to satisfy the most hardcore of fans.
Final Thoughts
Kurosawa's films aren't for all tastes, but for those who appreciate his unique storytelling, and are interested in a realistic and colorful depiction of medieval Japan, this is one of his absolute best. The Criterion Collection Blu-ray package provides plenty of bonus materials, and has restored the film to a very watchable level. While it won't be the best looking or sounding Blu-ray, it is worth overlooking these few shortcomings.
Where to Buy
Product Details
- Actors: Tatsuya Nakadai, Tsutomu Yzmazaki, Kenichi Hagiwara, Jinpachi Nezu, Hideji Otaki
- Director: Akira Kurosawa
- Audio Languages: Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 4.0
- Subtitles: English
- Aspect Ratio: 1.85.1
- Number of Discs: 1
- Rating: PG
- Studio: 20th Century Fox
- Release Date: August 18, 2009
- Run Time: 180 minutes
- List Price: $39.98
- Extras:
- Audio Commentary by Kurosawa scholar Stephen Prince
- "Lucas, Coppola, and Kurosawa" 19-minute featurette
- 41-minute "making of" featurette
- "Image: Kurosawa's Continuity" a 44-minute video featurette
- Original Suntory Whiskey commercials made on the set of Kagemusha
- Theatrical trailers and teasers
- Booklet featuring essay by Peter Grilli and 1981 interview with Kurosawa by critic Tony Rayns
