ADDITION: Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray - May 11': Home Vision often shared distributorship with Criterion but were taken over by Image Entertainment many years ago. They always produced competent DVD transfers, in my opinion. As far as the SD format goes - their rendering of Shinoda's Pale Flower  was quite strong. We can easily see from the screen captures below the benefits of 1080P. The Blu-ray image has superior contrast and shows more detail in the frame - some of which was lost in the background blackness of the Home Vision transfer. Sharpness too, a function of contrast, improves quite drastically. There is a shade of depth but overall the image advancement in hi-def really improves the presentation with less artifacts and the widescreen scope achieves more of its imposing potential.

Criterion remains faithful with the audio and there is no surround bump - we get a linear PCM mono track in original Japanese mono at 1152 kbps. Obviously front dominant there is still some depth and the film's more aggressive scenes come through with a bit of gusto. Criterion, predictably, have optional English subtitles on the Region 'A'-locked Blu-ray disc.

Supplements adds some flavor to the post-viewing with a 20-minute new video interview with director Masahiro Shinoda pleasantly talking about the film and its place in his career. There is also about 1/2 hour's worth of selected-scene audio commentary by film scholar Peter Grilli, coproducer of Music for the Movies: Toru Takemitsu. Included is an original theatrical trailer, like all video extras in HD, and 20-page liner notes booklet with a new essay by film critic Chuck Stephens.

I get a big kick out of Pale Flower and have shown it to a number of friends. It is a lot of cool atmosphere and pulpy charm. It is super to have it looking so tight and film-like. It is one of those films that you seek during noir-leaning moods - it's a gem that I've seen at least a half dozen times. The Criterion Blu-ray is certainly recommended!     

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ON THE HomeVision DVD: I love 2.35. This is a great disc from Home Vision. I am surprised it was not bumped to be a Criterion issue. Clear audio and an anamorphic image tight image. Very strong contrast and pitch black - black levels. The interviews are wonderful in the Extras. Great clear subs with unobtrusive font. Only thing missing is a commentary.  out of     

Gary W. Tooze