NOTE: The 4 main features of this boxset are housed in individual slim transparent keep cases (see images above) they are not sold separately by Criterion at this time. One NTSC edition - from Masters of Cinema - is available in a package with Empress Yang Kwei Fei - fully reviewed HERE. We have compared three captures from that issue below. As fra as we know the other three - in NTSC - can only be obtained in Criterion's Eclipse Series Thirteen package at present.

All four DVDs are single-layered and 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 and in the 1.33 aspect ratio.

The audio is in original Japanese mono and there are optional English subtitles.

Bitrates are very strong ranging from from in the high 7 MPS.

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

Video quality varies from the weak to the acceptable. I strongly suspect that dual-layering of Osaka Elegy and Sisters of the Gion would have improved their appearance as noise is monochromatic black backgrounds can be quite heavy at times. There is also flickering contrast - heavy at times. Before it settles down, Women of the Night, has a very rough beginning with marks in the form of vertical scratches and print damage (see the subtitle sample) but it eventually corrects itself to be almost as strong visually as Street of Shame. Differences in the last feature compared to the UK edition (that is also NTSC btw) lead one to lean towards the dual-layered MoC with less noise. Criterion may have minutely boosted the black levels. I should note that subtitle translations are, at time, different (see samples below) and I felt the Criterion might have the edge although I doubt this would be a big enough factor to most viewers. Essentially the comparisons don't prove anything conclusive excepting that both editions are in good enough shape to make them very watchable.

We've tried to make the screen captures below a good representation of the image quality.      

The sound is original mono is similarly fraught with occasional weakness but dialogue is clear enough and audible - I noted a couple of instances of softened pops, but overall it is adequate and I suspect, like the video, it was the best that could be rendered - on single-layered discs. But I am a bit surprised by the lack of dual-layering (ex. Eclipse One - Early Bergman had 5 dual-layered discs in that package!).

I would say the Mission Statement description on the back of the boxset is remains accurate: "Eclipse is a selection of lost, forgotten, or overshadowed classics in simple, affordable editions. Each series is a brief cinematheque retrospective for the adventurous home viewer." Having reviewed every 'Eclipse' release so far I can tell you that my expectations were not especially high for these Mizoguchi films-to-DVD but I was very content with the package as a whole. The lack of supplements also help one realize and appreciate the, often painstakingly obtained, extras frequently included on Criterion DVDs.

Fans have longed for these films - with many seeking the available French editions. These classic are about $10 each in this package and make this Eclipse edition irresistible... although many would long for more complete releases with commentaries and other supplements - perhaps one day. As for now - this is very much appreciated by this reviewer.