Akira Kurosawa’s 1985 Ran is one of them.
The Lionsgate release, based upon the latest Studio Canal restored master is a magnificent affair, especially at around $20 in a beautifully designed steelbook with printed transparent slipcover (via Best Buy).
Presented in Dolby Vision, with the audio via DTS-HD MA 5.1, it all works beautifully, even if there’s very little about the image that can take advantage of true 4k resolution. What’s important in this instance is that everything on the film has been captured and reproduced. The difference is resolution becomes apparent comparing the background and production imagery to titles, which appear razor sharp against less highly resolved production footage.
Color and densities are beautifully rendered. I don’t recall the original prints with any specificity, but this release has just the slightest tendency toward a warmer scale, and it’s it’s lovely.
For those unfamiliar with the work of Akira Kurosawa, or have only seen his earlier black and white classic productions, are highly advised to see this color work by a master craftsman.
Shakespeare’s King Lear meets the age of the samurais.
Image – 5 (Dolby Vision)
Audio – 5 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors – Yes
Makes use of and works well in 4k – 3.75
Upgrade from Blu-ray – Absolutely
Very Highly Recommended
RAH
Ran [4K UHD]
30% Off $41.99 $27.94
Robert has been known in the film industry for his unmatched skill and passion in film preservation. Growing up around photography, his first home theater experience began at age ten with 16mm. Years later he was running 35 and 70mm at home.
His restoration projects have breathed new life into classic films like Lawrence of Arabia, Vertigo, My Fair Lady, Spartacus, and The Godfather series. Beyond his restoration work, he has also shared his expertise through publications, contributing to the academic discourse on film restoration. The Academy Film Archive houses the Robert A. Harris Collection, a testament to his significant contributions to film preservation.
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