Kenji Mizoguchi’s 1953 masterpiece Ugetsu has been newly restored in 4K by The Criterion Collection, giving one of Japanese cinema’s most celebrated films its most definitive presentation yet. Originally released by Criterion as spine #309, this latest restoration was undertaken by The Film Foundation and Kadokawa Corporation, with Masahiro Miyajima and Martin Scorsese consulting on the process. The new release includes a 4K UHD disc of the film, as well as a Blu-ray featuring both the film and a wealth of special features.
Widely considered Mizoguchi’s most famous film, Ugetsu remains a cornerstone of Japanese cinema. The director, also known for Sansho the Bailiff (1954) and The Life of Oharu (1952), crafted a hauntingly lyrical ghost story that blends the supernatural with the harsh realities of war. Adapted from the writings of Akinari Ueda and Guy de Maupassant, Ugetsu follows two villagers whose pursuit of wealth and status leads them far from their devoted wives, weaving a tragic tale of ambition, loss, and the blurred line between the earthly and the ethereal.
Criterion describes Ugetsu as a “touchstone” of Mizoguchi’s artistry, with his signature long takes and fluid camerawork immersing the viewer in its dreamlike yet devastating narrative. The film was deeply influential, earning the admiration of directors like Akira Kurosawa, and remains one of Japan’s most internationally acclaimed films.
The 4K edition of Ugetsu comes packed with special features, including:
- An audio commentary by critic and filmmaker Tony Rayns
- A 1975 documentary on Mizoguchi by Kaneto Shindo
- A 2005 appreciation of Ugetsu by Masahiro Shinoda
- A 2005 interview with Tokuzo Tanaka, the film’s first assistant director
- A 1992 interview with cinematographer Kazuo Miyagawa
- Trailers for the film
- An essay by film critic Phillip Lopate
- A booklet featuring three short stories that inspired the film
Released on April 2, 2025, this Criterion Collection edition of Ugetsu offers the most pristine version of Mizoguchi’s ghostly wartime tragedy, ensuring its place as an essential piece of world cinema.