In the age of cookie-cutter paranormal films and retreads, it’s refreshing to take a step back to something slower but more refined. Daiei’s productions were often meticulously crafted, and in this boxset released by Radiance Films, we are presented with three examples of Japanese Gothic horror from feudal-era Japan that focus on classical tropes and myths. In all three of these presentations, jump scares take a back seat to pathos and character drama; elaborate special effects are replaced with a keen eye for historical accuracy; ghosts and monsters are simplified, but made more terrifying because of their persistence and beliefs of the Edo period.
All of these elements may seem somewhat foreign to a western mindset, but Radiance Films has assembled a number of extras, and a thick essay booklet, that provide contextual education for the ignorant. In presenting the original Lafcadio Hearn stories, Radiance allows viewers to appreciate the variations and changes to the mythology. And with various extras from knowledgeable critics and filmmakers, each of the three films is well-represented with warranted adulation of what these films accomplished, and how they’ve inspired. Rather than re-review each of the films, here are snippets from the three individual reviews we’ve posted previously.
The Ghost of Yotsuya
For some, The Ghost of Yotsuya may be a little too slow, since its horror elements are only truly pronounced in the last twenty minutes of the film. But for those that stick with it, the film features a very rewarding and eerie experience once Oiwa returns from the dead as a disfigured ghost, with prominent makeup features for her facial complexion and effective use of floating effects as the ghost moves.
The Ghost of Yotsuya is an important feature in Japanese cinema history and this Radiance Films boxset collects it with a very nice transfer for home video that suffers from some color timing issues but ultimately should meet expectations from this solid boutique label. Illuminating extras and excellent essays add context to the feature film.
The Snow Woman
The first scene is perhaps the most compelling element of the film, and that can also be something of a disappointment considering the rest of The Snow Woman is a lot slower and more plodding in its depiction of Yosaku and Yuki’s eventual marriage and the burden of Yosaku’s task of sculpting a Buddhist statue.
The Snow Woman features an effective retelling of the myth of yuki-onna couched in a tale of humanity for both mortal and immortal beings. This Blu-ray from Radiance sports a very good transfer and a number of helpful contextual extras.
The Bride from Hades
Yamamoto infuses The Bride from Hades with a fairly pointed criticism of societal expectations, especially considering the film’s main conceit involves Shinzaburo agreeing to marry Omine due to life events that force her into prostitution. This variation from Hearn’s story (in that one, the origin of the ghastly marriage is simply out of earthly love) is intentional and lends a weightier motif to the tale, made even more critical as Yamamoto points his lens at the community surrounding Shinzaburo, who all band together to perform an all-nighter trying to pray away the ghosts looking to snatch Shinzaburo out of the realm of the living. Interestingly, though, The Bride from Hades refrains from divulging exactly why the spirits are so interested in Shinzaburo specifically, or the end goal of the marriage.
The Bride from Hades features a unique take on the original story of the ghost with the peony lantern, and Radiance Films’ release in the Daiei Gothic boxset presents a quality transfer and extras that aid in the appreciation of this relatively forgotten film.
Overall, this Radiance Films boxset will appeal to a wide demographic – those that enjoy J-horror will appreciate the moody sensibilities of these films, while others looking to take in some classic films outside the usual American canon should find a lot to savor and digest. A strong collection from Radiance, in a well-crafted boxset.
