NOTE: The 5 main features of this boxset are housed in individual slim transparent keep cases (see image above) they are not sold separately at this time. These particular editions can only be obtained in Criterion's Eclipse Series Three - Late Ozu package at present.

All five DVDs are dual-layered and, very encouraging, are NOT pictureboxed transferred (see our full description of 'pictureboxing' in our Kind Hearts and Coronets review). Each are coded for Region 1 in the NTSC standard. The transfers are progressive (except for Tokyo Twilight) and in the original 1.33 aspect ratio. The audio for all is original mono Japanese (HooRAY!) and there are optional English subtitles. The Shochiku logo starts each film so we can assume that is the transfer source.

Tokyo Twilight (1957) - This is the least improved over its Panorama counterpart. In fact the transfer looks just about the same - both have speckles - perhaps the Eclipse is slightly darker - plus it is also interlaced! This kind of thing will crop up from time to time on Eclipse releases, I'm afraid. The normal Criterion Collection standard would have caused them to reject this master on technical grounds, delaying the release, possibly indefinitely. Eclipse favors making films available in spite of technical imperfections. In this case the best available master was the one digitally restored in Japan. At some point during the restoration process inconsistencies were introduced in the 3:2 pulldown sequence, which meant that they could not flag the encode for progressive playback. Whenever possible, of course, they use masters fully up to Criterion spec, but between releasing a non-progressive master in Eclipse and leaving it on the shelf, it's part of the Eclipse mission to make sure these films are available. And we should be appreciative if nothing else.

Equinox Flower (1958) - I recall many of us being quite happy with  the Panorama edition when it first came out - it appeared to be a strong improvement over previous Ozu DVD releases from them. The green haze (seen on many Asian transfers) looks quite prominent next to the Eclipse, which is superior in other areas (less artifacts, better subs, marginally cleaner etc.). Whether the Eclipse is more accurate (to theatrical) I'll never know but to me it looks better with brighter colors and acceptable detail although it does exhibit some artifacts of its own. On a side note I really loved this film - quite possibly in my Top 5 Ozu.

Late Autumn (1960) - Colors are pretty much exactly the same as the corresponding Panorama edition. There is a shade less green (although some is still present) and there are far less artifacts on the new dual-layered Eclipse. Subtitles on the Panorama's are not of their usual poor quality but once again appear improved upon by the North American edition.            

The End of Summer (1961) - The Eclipse colors are closer in appearance to the un-subtitled Toho edition and far more detailed than the slightly heavier UK Artificial Eye release. Bottom line is that the Eclipse, like all in this boxset, is the best English subtitled DVD edition available. It is wonderful to have this available in such a strong NTSC release as this was a very rare Ozu film, unreleased on VHS in the UK or USA (until the AE DVD), and it was *very* hard to see.  

Bitrates are very strong ranging from from 6.85 MPS (Tokyo Twilight) to 8.30 MPS (The End of Summer).

Aside from one page liner notes for each film (visible on the inner case sleeve through the transparent case cover) there are no supplements. 

The sound is, much appreciated, original mono and dialogue is clear and quite audible - I noted a couple of instances of softened pops and drop-outs, but overall it is very good.

To get dual-layered DVD transfers of these masterwork films so competently rendered at a purchase price of about $12 each is indeed a ridiculous bargain. I consider no DVD library complete without this collection of films by, arguably, the great director in cinema history. Even with the interlacing flaw of Tokyo Twilight (a very rare error by Criterion) this boxset goes well beyond buzz phrases like 'must-own' or 'essential' - I am actually considering it as a present to many groups of friends - Eclipse are making some of the most important films ever made affordable and accessible to vast audiences that have never been exposed to them before. We continue to encourage them in this project.