Interesting film - and the Animeigo dual-layered transfer seems competent. There is some background noise and artifacts but I can live with both as they are not impinging-ly focal in standard viewing although dark scenes can show it like a wavering sea of fine-grain that is not particularly flattering to the appearance... in my opinion. Colors can look strong at times and dull in others. Detail shows acceptable sharpness in close-ups but is not a highlight of the transfer. It's anamorphic in the impressive 2.35 scope ratio and the standard DVD is rendered progressively. It is coded for region 1 in the NTSC standard.  I believe the image has some restoration (as the audio has!) and is fairly clean without notable scratches or damage. Overall, I'd say the appearance is not stellar but considering the clandestine history of the film and Japan's often poor record of film storage, plus its age (35+ years) and fans might well be content with what they see - just don't expect anything stunning or brilliant.

The audio option gives a statement that sounds like what was supplied to Animeigo was not premium (or perhaps is the only one is existence). You are given an option to hear the original (with some prevalent analog hiss throughout) or a 'restored track' where digital processing has damped it to some degree. Both are 2.0 channel and it defaults to the restored. I sampled the 'original' and definitely the 'restored' is superior but imperfect still even though it can sound buoyant at times for an expectantly flat sound. Subtitles also give an option that I don't recall seeing before. You can listen to it with captions, or just the dialogue - OR just the captions (?!?!). I don't know who'd like the latter but it's there if you ever require it.    

As far as supplements go - it's a bit like a blowfish trying to puff up and represent more than truly exists. In actuality it is quite limited with some static screen notes (cast + crew, Yakuza, the railway, program notes) - there is some good info here but, personally, I'd have preferred it all in some liner notes. Out of ratio images are available in some mini-galleries (black + white, color, and a movie poster). The interactive map is simply one static page - see below- (that I could determine) with a link back to the menu. There are credits two trailers; an original theatrical and one for another Gosha film - The Geisha (1983) with optional English subs (in lime green!)

Animeigo have put some effort in here and it is appreciated - just not as much as may appear on the surface. I'm actually keen to watch this film again in a few weeks as it had some emotional depth that I wasn't really prepared for. The DVD is probably about as good as it is going to get and a spin can be rewarding - despite the occasional weakness of the digital noise. The price seems a bit high but I do believe the film is worth it anyway.

NOTE Gosha's Goyokin is also available on DVD HERE.    

Gary W. Tooze