Deceit, treachery, and murder fill this vengeful ghost story that seems to be the template for many of the Vengeful Ghost Stories of the modern H-Horror era. The long-haired tortured woman, the trespasses to her during life, and the inescapable nihilism that’s omnipresent in modern horror films from Japan (and Asia) are all here very clearly defined. Though The Ghosts of Yotsuya definitely feels like a Film Noir and Ghost Story mixtape. Director Nobuo Nakagawa makes a film that’s more haunted film noir because the film is so front-loaded with criminals and corrupt officials scheming how to get the Honorable Samurai away from his devoted Wife. However, the way that the tragedy of the devoted wife plays out with ever-mounting tensions is one of the best of its ilk. It is only in the last thirty minutes does the spirit comes into play. No worry though, The Ghosts of Yotsuya, is electrifying in its construction, execution, and style.
THE SNOW WOMAN
This may be one of the more iconic stories of the three, adapted from Kwaidan by Lafcadio Hearn. Translated multiple times in both Japanese and the West. The story of a demon that makes a deal with a simple artist to not reveal the demon has killed the artist’s mentor sets up this tragic love story. Those who hear this plot know exactly the end game here. What’s wonderful is how much a mixture of love story, sexual obsession, and art in politics play into the supernatural as well. The use of snow here gives the film a dreamlike quality that only Japanese snow-bound films can really be (see Lady Snowblood and the Zatoichi series for further proof). Directed by Tokuzō Tanaka gives this a sumptuous style that makes the illusion and artistry of the mostly studio-bound film feel otherworldly ethereal.
THE BRIDE FROM HADES
The most unique and brutal of the three films. This haunted love story (necrophilia definitely plays a huge part in this) centered around the Obon Festival is also a tale of greed and obsession that ends as bloody as any ghost story could end. The film’s protagonist a Teacher of children finds a Lady and her mistress wandering outside of town as he and his students have let their lanterns float upon the lake honoring the dead. This first chance encounter leads to an obsession that when the teacher is confronted with the fact that these are two spirits sucking him of his life he cares not. As the town attempts to save the man, a greedy couple who have seen the ghosts conspire to find their missing fortune no matter the cost. Director Satsuo Yamamoto’s highly inventive film manages to be both shocking and sensual without being gross (because of necrophilia) or overtly exploitative (no ghost nudity). That tricky balance is also managed by an ample amount of humor that belies the shockingly violent end. Truly a wonderful example of style and tone for a film overflowing with story and ideas.
The Transfers
The all-new transfers from all-new 4K Restorations of each film presented on their own disc are as pristine and beautiful as modern transfers can be. The image on all three are verbose saturated images with a beautiful patina of film grain. The transfers are sharp nearly free of specks, dirt, or scratches. Each film’s transfer in beautiful widescreen will delight all who purchase.
The Extras
They include the following;
THE GHOST OF YOTSUYA
New interview with filmmaker Kiyoshi Kurosawa
A visual essay on the history and adaptations of the classic Ghost of Yotsuya story by author Kyoko Hirano
Trailer
THE SNOW WOMAN
New interview with filmmaker Masayuki Ochiai
A visual essay on writer Lafcadio Hearn by Paul Murray
Trailer
THE BRIDE FROM HADES
Audio commentary by author Jasper Sharp
New interview with filmmaker Hiroshi Takahashi
Trailer
THE GHOST OF YOTSUYA
New interview with filmmaker Kiyoshi Kurosawa (19:33) – the director of The Cure discusses the source material and the multiple versions of the story being told on screen but this one being the superior version. Kurosawa confirms it’s one of the scariest films he’s ever seen; discusses the other versions; the first time he saw it during a festival of ghost films; the historical origins of the story; the various versions; why the Misumi’s film is superior to the other versions – which leads to a larger dissection from the director about the film; and much more. In Japanese with English Subtitles.
A visual essay on the history and adaptations of the classic Ghost of Yotsuya story by author Kyoko Hirano (22:08) – this beautifully constructed essay has Hirano breaking down the history of the story; the multiple versions on film, manga, anime, and stage – and its popularity; what makes Misumi’s version so different from other versions and how special it is; the newer versions including one by Takeshi Miike and the graphic violence and sex within those newer version; and much more. There are many visual examples of these adaptations and much more on this great dissection of the source material.
Trailer (1:43)
THE SNOW WOMAN
New interview with filmmaker Masayuki Ochiai (15:50) – the director of Shutter discusses how the story of the Snow Woman differs from other Japanese ghost stories as it is more of a tragic love story than a normal vengeful ghost story. Ochiai goes on to discuss the decision to shoot in a studio; the visual style and the way that the color was achieved without the aid of digital color grading; his personal thoughts about ghosts – if they are real if he’d want to and personal experience with the afterlife; and much more. In Japanese with English subtitles.
A visual essay on writer Lafcadio Hearn by Paul Murray (6:47) – Murray’s wonderful (and all too brief) visual essay on writer Lafcadio Hearn’s masterwork Kwaidan. The essay discusses the origins of the styles of his writings tracing his childhood and the multiple religions he was indoctrinated in; his time in journalism; his transition to creative writing and Bushism; his travels around the world and finally settling in Japan in 1890; his writing in Japan; and much more.
Trailer (2:16)
THE BRIDE FROM HADES
In this all-new Audio commentary by author Jasper Sharp begins with his bondafides before diving into the various titles and credits for The Bride of Hades. Some of the details include its release and box office success; a discussion of the plot and changes made; the status of Daiei at the time – it was about to go under in the next year; how the business did not affect this film’s production look; the various filmed versions of this story – up to 13 when this one was made; the connection to Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things the novel and film; the erotic version of the story that was released in the 1980s; how ghosts differ from western ghosts in Japan – which leads to a discussion of historical context, religious history, and cultural writing; a discussion of Buddha the first Daiei 70mm production – and its failure, and the various actors that appeared in both Buddha and The Bride of Hades; a larger discussion of the work of director Satsuo Yamamoto; a larger discussion of the various actors that appear in the film; and much more. Sharp provides a wonderful commentary track filled with context (production, historical, cultural, and religious) for the story and film.
New interview with filmmaker Hiroshi Takahashi (17:39) – the screenwriter of Ringu discusses this unique film and its origins in Chinese folklore and how it traveled to Japan during the Edo period and the history behind its growth in popularity. Takahashi also discussed the other versions of this story in various eras – how it changed and evolved; the first time he saw and his impressions of The Bride of Hades – which leads to a fascinating discussion of the horror group screenings at Kiyoshi Kurosawa house; how some of the amazing FX were achieved; and more. In Japanese with English subtitles.
Trailer (2:24)
The Final Thought
Radiance continues to curate a wonderful collection of amazing works from around the world. The Daiei Gothic – Japanese Ghost Stories box set is no different. Highest possible recommendations!!!
Anyone that love J-Horror needs to have Radiance Films’ Daiei Gothic – Japanese Ghost Stories Blu-ray box set in their collection.
The Films
THE GHOST OF YOTSUYA
Deceit, treachery, and murder fill this vengeful ghost story that seems to be the template for many of the Vengeful Ghost Stories of the modern H-Horror era. The long-haired tortured woman, the trespasses to her during life, and the inescapable nihilism that’s omnipresent in modern horror films from Japan (and Asia) are all here very clearly defined. Though The Ghosts of Yotsuya definitely feels like a Film Noir and Ghost Story mixtape. Director Nobuo Nakagawa makes a film that’s more haunted film noir because the film is so front-loaded with criminals and corrupt officials scheming how to get the Honorable Samurai away from his devoted Wife. However, the way that the tragedy of the devoted wife plays out with ever-mounting tensions is one of the best of its ilk. It is only in the last thirty minutes does the spirit comes into play. No worry though, The Ghosts of Yotsuya, is electrifying in its construction, execution, and style.
THE SNOW WOMAN
This may be one of the more iconic stories of the three, adapted from Kwaidan by Lafcadio Hearn. Translated multiple times in both Japanese and the West. The story of a demon that makes a deal with a simple artist to not reveal the demon has killed the artist’s mentor sets up this tragic love story. Those who hear this plot know exactly the end game here. What’s wonderful is how much a mixture of love story, sexual obsession, and art in politics play into the supernatural as well. The use of snow here gives the film a dreamlike quality that only Japanese snow-bound films can really be (see Lady Snowblood and the Zatoichi series for further proof). Directed by Tokuzō Tanaka gives this a sumptuous style that makes the illusion and artistry of the mostly studio-bound film feel otherworldly ethereal.
THE BRIDE FROM HADES
The most unique and brutal of the three films. This haunted love story (necrophilia definitely plays a huge part in this) centered around the Obon Festival is also a tale of greed and obsession that ends as bloody as any ghost story could end. The film’s protagonist a Teacher of children finds a Lady and her mistress wandering outside of town as he and his students have let their lanterns float upon the lake honoring the dead. This first chance encounter leads to an obsession that when the teacher is confronted with the fact that these are two spirits sucking him of his life he cares not. As the town attempts to save the man, a greedy couple who have seen the ghosts conspire to find their missing fortune no matter the cost. Director Satsuo Yamamoto’s highly inventive film manages to be both shocking and sensual without being gross (because of necrophilia) or overtly exploitative (no ghost nudity). That tricky balance is also managed by an ample amount of humor that belies the shockingly violent end. Truly a wonderful example of style and tone for a film overflowing with story and ideas.
The Transfers
The all-new transfers from all-new 4K Restorations of each film presented on their own disc are as pristine and beautiful as modern transfers can be. The image on all three are verbose saturated images with a beautiful patina of film grain. The transfers are sharp nearly free of specks, dirt, or scratches. Each film’s transfer in beautiful widescreen will delight all who purchase.
The Extras
They include the following;
THE GHOST OF YOTSUYA
THE SNOW WOMAN
THE BRIDE FROM HADES
THE GHOST OF YOTSUYA
New interview with filmmaker Kiyoshi Kurosawa (19:33) – the director of The Cure discusses the source material and the multiple versions of the story being told on screen but this one being the superior version. Kurosawa confirms it’s one of the scariest films he’s ever seen; discusses the other versions; the first time he saw it during a festival of ghost films; the historical origins of the story; the various versions; why the Misumi’s film is superior to the other versions – which leads to a larger dissection from the director about the film; and much more. In Japanese with English Subtitles.
A visual essay on the history and adaptations of the classic Ghost of Yotsuya story by author Kyoko Hirano (22:08) – this beautifully constructed essay has Hirano breaking down the history of the story; the multiple versions on film, manga, anime, and stage – and its popularity; what makes Misumi’s version so different from other versions and how special it is; the newer versions including one by Takeshi Miike and the graphic violence and sex within those newer version; and much more. There are many visual examples of these adaptations and much more on this great dissection of the source material.
Trailer (1:43)
THE SNOW WOMAN
New interview with filmmaker Masayuki Ochiai (15:50) – the director of Shutter discusses how the story of the Snow Woman differs from other Japanese ghost stories as it is more of a tragic love story than a normal vengeful ghost story. Ochiai goes on to discuss the decision to shoot in a studio; the visual style and the way that the color was achieved without the aid of digital color grading; his personal thoughts about ghosts – if they are real if he’d want to and personal experience with the afterlife; and much more. In Japanese with English subtitles.
A visual essay on writer Lafcadio Hearn by Paul Murray (6:47) – Murray’s wonderful (and all too brief) visual essay on writer Lafcadio Hearn’s masterwork Kwaidan. The essay discusses the origins of the styles of his writings tracing his childhood and the multiple religions he was indoctrinated in; his time in journalism; his transition to creative writing and Bushism; his travels around the world and finally settling in Japan in 1890; his writing in Japan; and much more.
Trailer (2:16)
THE BRIDE FROM HADES
In this all-new Audio commentary by author Jasper Sharp begins with his bondafides before diving into the various titles and credits for The Bride of Hades. Some of the details include its release and box office success; a discussion of the plot and changes made; the status of Daiei at the time – it was about to go under in the next year; how the business did not affect this film’s production look; the various filmed versions of this story – up to 13 when this one was made; the connection to Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things the novel and film; the erotic version of the story that was released in the 1980s; how ghosts differ from western ghosts in Japan – which leads to a discussion of historical context, religious history, and cultural writing; a discussion of Buddha the first Daiei 70mm production – and its failure, and the various actors that appeared in both Buddha and The Bride of Hades; a larger discussion of the work of director Satsuo Yamamoto; a larger discussion of the various actors that appear in the film; and much more. Sharp provides a wonderful commentary track filled with context (production, historical, cultural, and religious) for the story and film.
New interview with filmmaker Hiroshi Takahashi (17:39) – the screenwriter of Ringu discusses this unique film and its origins in Chinese folklore and how it traveled to Japan during the Edo period and the history behind its growth in popularity. Takahashi also discussed the other versions of this story in various eras – how it changed and evolved; the first time he saw and his impressions of The Bride of Hades – which leads to a fascinating discussion of the horror group screenings at Kiyoshi Kurosawa house; how some of the amazing FX were achieved; and more. In Japanese with English subtitles.
Trailer (2:24)
The Final Thought
Radiance continues to curate a wonderful collection of amazing works from around the world. The Daiei Gothic – Japanese Ghost Stories box set is no different. Highest possible recommendations!!!
Radiance Films’ Blu-Ray edition of Daiei Gothic – Japanese Ghost Stories box set is out now
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