Cinema Guild

[artfilmfan]

Thank you.

I have the unsubbed Japanese DVD; but this CG release is very tempting.

[Michael Kerpan]

The long-ago unsubbed Japanese DVD was really surprisingly quite low-quality. The version that was on the Criterion Channel looked MUCH better.

[artfilmfan]

The unsubbed Japanese DVD that I have is the one from long ago. You are making it harder for me to resist the temptation to buy this CG release, Michael.

[Michael Kerpan]

As I recall it was released by some really minor label. The scenes from the dream climax did not look awful, but the more ordinary life stuff looked pretty grotty.

[artfilmfan]

I watched the unsubbed DVD probably only once, on a 20-in CRT TV years ago. It didn’t look too bad on such a small-screen TV. But I remember I liked the movie a lot. This was around the time, or soon after, my discovery of the films of Ozu and Naruse. So, for it to stand out like that, it must be a very good film. That was my opinion of this movie then. Michael, your subtle persuasion has been fairly effective so far. I think I’ll revisit the DVD, with the low expectation on the picture quality on a large-screen TV, and let the movie itself do the final persuasion.

By the way, I’ve always felt that this movie/film would look amazing on a high definition TV, especially if it has been restored.

[Finch]

I put an order in too for the Moving UHD. Crazy that CG are offering it for 50% off during the pre-order period. I hope it sells strongly enough for them to consider releasing The Friends.

[Michael Kerpan]

I have been shilling for this film for 25 years or so. I am so glad to see it get a legit release at last. Now if only we get more Somai -- and then lots of Jun Ichikawa.

[artfilmfan]

I have been shilling for this film for 25 years or so. I am so glad to see it get a legit release at last. Now if only we get more Somai -- and then lots of Jun Ichikawa.

And perhaps Naomi Kawase’ Shara.

When I saw Jun Ichikawa’s name, I (incorrectly) thought of April Story which I found my DVD of the other day while looking for a DVD of Linda, Linda, Linda. I’v just looked and found out that he directed Tokyo Marigold which is the only film of his that I’ve seen. What other films of his do you recommend?

[Calvin]

Jun Ichikawa is long overdue some appraisal and wider distribution. I wouldn't be surprised to see the new restoration of Tony Takitani get a US release but I think it's going to need the Japanese to restore and re-release Bu-Su or Tsugumi before anything else happens

[Michael Kerpan]

Lost my first draft response ...

Calvin -- Ironically, while I like Tony Takitani, it is probably my least favorite JI film. BuSu and Tsugumi are both lots of fun (and looked pretty decent in the JI memorial DVD box set)

artfilmfan -- Tokyo Marigold had a long-ago, decent-looking Japanese DVD (with subs, albeit sort of hidden away). Lovely film. I've liked all 15 of his films I've managed to see (most unsubbed). BuSu, Tsugumi, Memories of You (once on the Criterion Channel), Tokyo Siblings, Tokyo Lullaby (apparently set in the neighborhood that vanished in favor of Tokyo Disney), Osaka Story and How I Became Myself are special favorites -- but the others are also very worth while.

Kawase's Shara really is an underappreciated gem, ditto the earlier Suzaku (which got a nice French-subbed DVD release long ago).

[Finch]

How long does it typically take for Cinema Guild to email you the order notification? I ordered as a guest yesterday and am glad I took a screenshot of my order on my phone before I closed the tab because the email still hasn't arrived.

[therewillbeblus]

I haven’t received an email and I don’t recall if I ever have. All my past orders (that I did receive!) are listed as “pending” on my account along with this one, so it doesn’t seem that well organized. You’d think that with priority $8 shipping it’d get here fast, but who knows

[artfilmfan]

Thank you Calvin and Michael for the recommendations on the Jun Ichikawa films.

I do have the Japanese DVD of Tokyo Marigold and the unsubbed Japanese DVDs of the two Kawase films mentioned above which I watched a long time ago. The funny thing is I also have the R1 subbed DVD of Linda, Linda, Linda (another currently hot topic on this forum) but I think I’ve never watched it.