ADDITION: Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray (August 14'): To keep it short - since the screen captures tell much of the story - the 1.66:1 Criterion shows more information in the frame (generally on top bottom and left edges) - like their 2007 DVD, the color scheme is richer than the other releases with fuller colors and strong contrast. I can't tell you which is more accurate to its theatrical roots. Hopefully you can determine for yourselves which visuals are more appealing. The Criterion is dual-layered with a max'ed out bitrate. After all is said and done, yes, I prefer the Criterion image.

Audio, for my hearing, is a wash - both Blu-rays have lossless mono although the MoC may offer a shade more depth and the Criterion a more stable high-end - but I could be talking through my hat. Both offer optional English subtitles and the Criterion Blu-ray is, predictably, region 'A'-locked.

Criterion include the 2005 Rayns commentary in addition to what was already on their 2007 DVD; a 10-minute subtitled video interview with director Shohei Imamura, produced by the Directors Guild of Japan. There is also a trailer, teaser and a 32-page liner notes booklet with essays (Michael Atkinson) an interview with Imamura by writer Toichi Nakata from 1994, we also get a small glimpse into Imamura's writing and approach to filmmaking in some short writings by him. This Criterion release is NOT dual-format - the package only has a Blu-ray disc.

Great presentation, solid extras - this Criterion Blu-ray release is a must-own and those who are capable may even wish to consider double-dipping from the MoC 1080P. 

***

ADDITION - Masters of Cinema - Blu-ray - August 2010': I've watched this Blu-ray only once and would like to take another viewing - or some sample scenes toggling back and forth with the DVDs - over the next few days. As this came out at the same time as the release we will post the review but please return for more information on the image quality. On my system I saw what appeared to be an unusual type of banding while in motion but I couldn't reproduce it on my computer screen captures - so I'm a little curious. The dual-layered transfer is in and around 1.85:1 as the previous MoC DVD.

Color-wise this looks the best of all the releases besides the Criterion. The MoC DVD from 2005 (is it that long ago?) has lost much of the green haze and skin tones seem much more accurate in the new format release. With both the improved, more accurate, color scheme, slightly lighter contrast and the higher resolution I see more detail in the background.

Audio is a lossless DTS Master 2.0 channel at 1569 Kbps and it improves in clarity and depth although this would be fairly subtle to most viewers. There are optional English subtitles and my Momitsu has determined it to be Region 'B'-locked.

Digital extras are the same with the excellent Rayns commentary and Alex Cox intro (in HD) - as well as the Japanese trailers. We do get, what appears to be a new 56-page book featuring a lengthy 1994 career-spanning interview with Imamura by Tôichi Nakata, some original promotional material and a director’s statement.

Our initial feeling is that this Blu-ray is the best release - in every area. We will investigate the HD visuals and report back soon.

***

ADDITION - Criterion - Region 1- NTSC April 07': There is an issue with the aspect ratio of this Imamura film. Criterion claim 'Vengeance Is Mine is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.66:1' and the only AR details I could get about the film are that the negative ratio was 1.96:1. If we do get any more details we will post it here.

Regardless of that the Criterion image must be considered an improvement over the two existing editions. It is much brighter, colors more vibrant and most importantly there is significantly more information in the frame. The Eureka, to their credit, probably did very little in the way of digital enhancement and I think it may actually be the sharpest, but the dullness (and greenish haze) are an eye-sore next to the Criterion. I can't comment on which is more accurate in regards to theatrical representation, but purely on visual appearance the Criterion is best for the the visual appeal of the colors although skin tones do seem overly red at times to me. It seems obvious that Criterion have boosted the black levels somewhat. If this is bothersome to you then you may wish to avoid this release.

The Criterion offers a 10-minute subtitled video interview with director Shohei Imamura, produced by the Directors Guild of Japan. There is also a trailer, teaser and a 32-page liner notes booklet with essays (Michael Atkinson) an interview with Imamura by writer Toichi Nakata from 1994, we also get a small glimpse into Imamura's writing and approach to filmmaking in some short writings by him.

The Criterion supplements are good but do not eclipse the Rayns commentary on the Eureka Masters of Cinema edition which also includes the Cox intro and 35-page liner notes booklet.

I might say that overall I lean towards the Eureka (loved the commentary) but the Criterion image is so captivating in side-by-side analysis. For Imamura fans I suggest owning both. Extravagant perhaps but the film's impact and brooding intensity may warrant it. If you are not into audio commentaries then obviously the Criterion may be the way to go. It has been digitally enhanced but as it is not a blanket approach we often consider this a form of restoration. It amounts to a personal decision on which you prefer.    

****

The Master's of Cinema DVD is a bit on the dull side with a kind of greenish haze over the image. Original audio and adept removable subtitles compliment the viewing experience. The enthusiastic Cox intro, Rayns informative commentary and extensive liner notes booklet continue to signify Eureka's MoC as the PAL counterpart to the Criterion Collection. Outside of a theatrical showing, Imamura's caustic and matter-of-fact film expose has probably never looked better.

Gary W. Tooze