DVD Corner

Perfect Days Criterion 4K UHD Review

“Perfect Days” is a perfect movie. 

Written by Wim Wenders and Takuma Takasaki, 2023’s “Perfect Days” revolves around the day-to-day life of the aging Hirayama who embraces living a quiet and routine existence in Tokyo. He cleans toilets to make a living, he reads, listens to cassette tapes, cares for plants, takes pictures of trees, visits a bath house and dines at a restaurant. Although he doesn’t speak much, he does interact with his fellow employee (Takashi), his niece (Niko), a restaurant patron, among others. 

From a plot perspective, it doesn’t sound like there’s much going on in “Perfect Days,” but that’s the point. Director Wim Wenders (perhaps best known for “Paris, Texas” and “Wings Of Desire”) has crafted a profound character study about finding beauty in simplicity. Hirayama’s life may sound mundane, but he’s living a largely happy and free lifestyle. Yes, it’s clear he may have some regret and pain that he hides from others, but he’s living his way and there’s something beautiful about that. Granted, others may find this type of character centric cinematic storytelling to be less than thrilling, but those with an open mind, you may just find yourself bowled over by this realistic and moving character piece like so many film buffs have (myself included).

As good as Wedners work is here (who is very much paying homage to the legendary filmmaker Yasujirō Ozu by the way), it is actor Koji Yakusho as Hirayama who makes the movie work. Yes, there are other actors in the movie, but everything is told from Hirayama’s POV. We’re following his life. Koji Yakusho brings a real depth to the character and manages to say so much without saying a word sometimes. It’s a masterclass in acting. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.33:1 2160p In HDR. How does it look? The 4K digital master provides a crystal clear print of the movie. This is the best way to watch it in my eyes.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? This 5.1 track is nothing short of effective. This is not a dialogue intensive film, but the sounds of the city and background noise are very much integral.

Extras (On The Blu-ray):
* Trailer
* Blu-ray copy
* A booklet featuring photos, credits, and an essay by Bilge Ebiri.
* An insightful newly recorded 25 ½ minute interview with Wim Wenders who talks about his love of Japan, the work of Ozu, making movies in Japan, “Perfect Days,” and more.
* A new 14 minute interview with actor Koji Yakusho who plays the main character Hirayama who answers various questions about Hirayama and acting.
* A new 9 ½ minute interview with Tokyo Toilet Project founder and producer Koji Yanai.
* “Some Body Comes Into The Light”- A Wim Wenders short film which features a dance performance by Min Tanaka. An intro is also included.  

July 15, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Criterion Collection, Perfect Days Criterion 4K UHD Review, Perfect Days Movie, Wim Wenders