Plot: What’s it about?
King Gondo (Toshiro Mifune) is a wealthy executive with plans to rise even higher within his place of employment, but even his ambition is derailed by a sudden turn of events. He is contacted by someone who claims to have kidnapped his son and of course, a high ransom is demanded. Gondo wouldn’t hesitate to pay for the safe return of his son, but in a crucial mishap, the son of Gondo’s driver is taken by mistake. A life still hangs in the balance, but in order to ransom the child, Gondo will have turn over his entire fortune and life’s work. At first he balks at handing over thirty million yen for someone else’s child, but his mind is soon haunted by his conscience. Will Gondo wind up paying for the child’s release and in the meanwhile, what role with the police play and will their presence impact the situation?
High and Low is a great movie, one of the few where you know all the answers, but the tension remains palpable. Well before the end of the picture, you’ll know who did what and why, but you’ll still be unable to divert your attention. This is thanks to a great source story from Ed McBain and a skillful adaptation by Akira Kurosawa, as the story is what drives High and Low. The performances are good mind you, but it is the story that will keep you glued to the screen. While the focus shifts often in High and Low, the movie is a police drama above all else, a look at how the police work a crime. Even when the parties are all known, there is still immense work to be done, to ensure the case reaches the intended resolution. I don’t think I’d call High and Low a thriller, but it is tense and you’ll never be bored in the least. This new version from Criterion boasts a new transfer and some nice supplements, so this is the one you will want to check out.
Video: How does it look?
High and Low is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen. The original disc from Criterion had a mediocre transfer that doesn’t stand up well now. This new version is an upgrade in every sense, with a cleaner print, sharper overall clarity, and more balanced contrast. This cleaner, sharper image really shines at times and when compared directly to the original, the differences are immense. So even if you own that old disc, you can toss it, as it is now obsolete.
Audio: How does it sound?
The original Japanese soundtrack is preserved here. As you would expect from any vintage track, range is limited, but I was pleased with the clarity and sharpness found within this track. The elements never overstep their boundaries, which means each remains distinct and bold, never overshadowed or buried under the others. The dialogue is excellent, no volume errors or harshness can be found in the least. This one won’t rile up the speakers, but it sounds terrific. This disc also includes optional English subtitles.
Supplements: What are the extras?
The original disc was bare bones, but this time we have some nice supplements. An audio commentary from Kurosawa scholar Stephen Prince is well researched and educational, but runs on the dry side. Even so, a worthwhile session as long as you can stay awake through Prince’s speaking style. Akira Kurosawa: It is Wonderful to Create is a thirty-seven minute piece from the Toho Masterworks series that examines High and Low. This release also includes a rare interview with Mifune, an interview with Tsutomu Yamazaki, and three of the film’s theatrical trailers.
