Onibaba (1964) - October 5, 2021

[MifuneFan]

https://www.criterion.com/films/665-onibaba

SPECIAL FEATURES
On the Blu-ray: Restored high-definition transfer, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack
On the DVD: High-definition digital transfer, with restored image and sound and enhanced for widescreen televisions
Audio commentary from 2001 featuring director Kaneto Shindo and actors Kei Sato and Jitsuko Yoshimura (Blu-ray only)
Interview from 2003 with Shindo
On-location footage shot by Sato
Trailer
Stills gallery featuring production sketches and promotional art (DVD only)
Filmmaker’s statement from writer/director Kaneto Shindo
English subtitle translation
Optimal image quality: RSDL dual-layer edition (DVD only)
PLUS: An essay by film critic Elena Lazic (Blu-ray only), a 2001 director’s statement by Shindo, and a version of the Buddhist fable that inspired the film

Blu-ray cover illustration by Edward Kinsella (pictured); DVD cover by Lucien S. Y. Yang

[DukeTogo84]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

https://www.criterion.com/films/665-onibaba

Finally! Love the new cover art too.

[SeanJoyce]

I'll likely get this just to complement Kuroneko, but I'm still convinced the latter is a much stronger and creepier film.

[DukeTogo84]

Originally Posted by SeanJoyce

I'll likely get this just to complement Kuroneko, but I'm still convinced the latter is a much stronger and creepier film.

Kuroneko is the better film for sure. It flows better and is just more entertaining overall. However, still really enjoy Onibaba.

[SeanJoyce]

Originally Posted by DukeTogo84

Kuroneko is the better film for sure. It flows better and is just more entertaining overall. However, still really enjoy Onibaba.

Don't really want to derail the thread but it seems like you and I are in the minority.

[The Great Owl]

I'm all in. This film is wonderfully creepy and atmospheric.

[Cremildo]

Good for those who don't own the MoC.

[Warm Gun]

Originally Posted by Cremildo

Good for those who don't own the MoC.

Good for those who want the Masters of Cinema to be darker.

[HipsterTrash]

Finally.

[DukeTogo84]

Kei Sato is a personal favorite actor of mine, so will be interesting to hear his commentary. The fact that we got the Human Condition and Onibaba in the same year is amazing news. Now if Arrow were to release Yakuza Graveyard which one of my favorite roles of his, despite it being a minor supporting role.

[Banned User]

I actually find this film better. Both films really have a lot in common though. Glad to finally see this get a Region A release.

[DaveyJoe]

I freaking love this movie, I actually prefer it to Kuroneko. I'm so excited for this.

[DukeTogo84]

I'm actually surprised it took so long to upgrade, but hey, better late than never.

[Grethiwha]

I thought everyone liked this movie more than Kuroneko. Shindo's best IMO.

This was a title that was near the top of my wishlist for Criterion upgrades, especially after Eureka announced it (for the UK), I crossed my fingers every month for Criterion to do the same. Finally I gave up and bought a region-free player, and this was one of my first Region-B pick-ups.

If only I'd have waited eight and a half years. :|

[BluProofie]

Finally!

[Dragun]

It says "restored high-definition transfer" as opposed to a 2K or 4K master, so is it correct to assume it's from an older master?

[TravisTylerBlack]

Sure took their sweet time on this one! UK MOC edition came out nearly 8 years ago and looks great. Not sure why Criterion sat on such a fan favorite for so long since it appears that they'll be utilizing the exact same transfer.

Originally Posted by Dragun

It says "restored high-definition transfer" as opposed to a 2K or 4K master, so is it correct to assume it's from an older master?

Most likely the same master that Eureka featured on their 2013 blu but with Criterion's trademark contrast boosting applied.

[Grethiwha]

Originally Posted by Cremildo

I certainly don't. I much prefer Kuroneko.

Interesting. To me Kuroneko is more of a conventional samurai ghost-story film. Onibaba is much stranger, the whole film is set in this marsh where everything is hidden in the tall grasses, the characters live their whole lives here, hiding away from the outside world, living these desperate lives, I find the setting (and characters) really creepy and unforgettable.

Originally Posted by TravisTylerBlack

Sure took their sweet time on this one! UK MOC edition came out nearly 8 years ago and looks great. Not sure why Criterion sat on such a fan favorite for so long since it appears that they'll be utilizing the exact same transfer.



Most likely the same master that Eureka featured on their 2013 blu but with Criterion's trademark contrast boosting applied.

lol I hate that I'll probably double dip on this, even though the Criterion is offering almost nothing that isn't available in the MOC version (the 2003 Shindo interview I guess?)... But this is such a good movie I kinda want it on Region A, and I love the artwork. I love the MOC artwork too so they can complement each other on the shelf.

[Cremildo]

Originally Posted by Grethiwha

I thought everyone liked this movie more than Kuroneko.

I certainly don't. I much prefer Kuroneko.

[DukeTogo84]

Originally Posted by Cremildo

I certainly don't. I much prefer Kuroneko.

Well, that makes three of us!