The Criterion package contains 3 dual-layered DVDs, progressively transferred, with anamorphic features - coded for region 1 in the NTSC standard. They are all in their original 2.35:1 aspect ratio and have mono Japanese audio. Visually - they are all similar and a small notch below past Criterion standard for image - looking slightly thicker, minutely hazier with imperfect contrast (a shade sepia/green and/or faded at times) than many may have been used to in recent years. I, of course, prefer this to digital boosting and manipulations that can become fairly easy to identify. For some reason I was reminded of, the now defunct and absorbed by Image Entertainment, Home Vision transfer efforts - good but not quite great. So while I might judge them as not escalating to Criterion's higher end appearance - they are all very watchable and supported the films quite adequately for memorable presentations.

 

Audio is mono, and unremarkable accepting for its consistency. There appear to be optional English subtitles for features and all extras.

 

Regarding the supplements - On Pigs and Battleships, Imamura the Freethinker is an hour long, 9-part, documentary about the career of Shohei Imamura, directed by Paolo Rocha, that was originally broadcast on the French television program Cinéma De Notre Temps in 1995. It was produced by audiovisuel multimedia international productions and Ina, institut national De L'audiovisuiel - it is in French with optional English subtitles. Also on the disc is the Tony Rayns interview segment on Pigs and Battleships recorded in December 2008. It runs just over 15 minutes. The liner notes booklet in that transparent keep case, with photos and an essay by film critics Audie Bock, is 16-pages. Insect Woman has a 20 minute interview with Imamura hosted by critic Tadao Sato - in Japanese with optional English subtitles. This disc includes another of the Rayn's interview segments - more specifically on Insect Woman and running shy of 15-minutes. The 16-page liner notes included with that case has more photos and an essay by Dennis Lim. On Intentions of Murder we get 24-minutes more of Imamura interviewed by Sato and a final segment with Rayns with this film in mind for almost 13-minutes - plus another 16-page booklet with an excellent essay by James Quandt.

 

Wow. Firstly, I think it's so very beneficial to have all three of these films included in one collection boxset to, hopefully, be viewed consecutively. I found they really grew on me - as I progressed through the set. Secondly, I think the interviews with Rayns are essential - I actually wish they were longer... or even commentaries. I'm very grateful this Imamura grouping isn't bare-bones being moved to the Eclipse sub-label. In closing, I absolutely loved these quasi-subversive films! I'm actually 'jones'ing' for more. I can see this getting a lot of votes for DVD package of the Year 2009 and despite some minor reservations about the image - this is a fabulous Criterion boxset that we whole-heartedly endorse. Fans of the director will definitely be ecstatic. 

Gary W. Tooze