Empire of Passion (1978) | DVD Review | Criterion Collection
By thisguyoverhere | April 28, 2009
Cast: Tatsuya Fuji, Kazuko Yoshiyuki, Takahiro Tamura
Directed by: Nagisa Oshima
Written by: Nagisa Oshima
Genre: Drama, Horror
Rating:
Video:
Audio:
Extras: 1/2
Value:
Review:
Video:
A great deal of effort has gone into restoring the astounding photography of Empire of Passion, which can be appreciated and felt in every frame. There is certainly no flicker, or damage to be seen, and almost all of the bits of debris have been removed. The color palate is what is most notable, ranging from bright colors of nature in the spring and summer, to the almost monochrome colors of winter. It’s quite a beautiful transfer that is only slightly hindered by its DVD compression in wider shots depicting the village or the forests.
New, restored high definition transfer in its original 1.66:1 aspect ratio.
Audio:
Crisp, clean audio can really change the effect of a film. Criterion goes to great lengths to preserve the haunting atmosphere of sound design that is woven through Empire of Passion. No hiss, pops, or otherwise distracting gremlins rear their head in the audio track, allowing for a gorgeous aural experience that at once compliments the beautiful nature of the landscape photography, and also casts an evocative soundscape.
Presented in its original monaural format.
Extras: 1/2
At first glance there isn’t much here, but what is here is quite substantial. Candid interviews with the main actors and numerous production members paint a portrait of the set of an Oshima film, while an visual essay provides historical and cultural context for the film. Plus, the booklet contained in this release includes a wonderful essay by Tony Rayns (a Japanese film scholar) and an interview with Oshima himself.
Interviews
Conducted in 2003, these interviews are with essential cast and crew.
Yoshiyuki and Fuji (17:05)
The two actors discuss their experiences working together on the film with great fondness, divulging a bit of their acting process and thoughts on Oshima’s direction.
On the Set (13:17)
Production crew discuss working on the set of Empire of Passion, specifically the process of working with Nagisa Oshima and bringing his vision to life.
Double Obsession: Seki, Sada, and Oshima (20:17)
A visual essay by professor Catherine Russell that examines the Empire of Passion and In the Realm of the Senses side by side to draw comparisons and exploit differences between the two sexually driven films.
U.S. Trailer (01:52)
Value:
Nagisa Oshima still stands as one of the most controversial and skillful of Japanese directors. Any film of his made when in stride is invaluable and should be seen by any means necessary. Criterion has done what they can to compliment his important works, and add a decent value to this release that surely won’t disappoint potential buyers.
Will There Be A Double Dip?
I have to believe that a film so wrought in color, atmosphere, and imagery will certainly see a Blu-ray upgrade. It is peculiar that this film was released after Criterion had unveiled its Blu-ray line, but even so, I’d imagine that this will see the high def upgrade soon enough. Otherwise, this is the quintessential edition of the film that must be owned by anyone interested in Japanese cinema. The restoration alone sets it apart from other releases of the film.
