DVD Corner

Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus Blu-ray Review

A concert to remember.

“Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus” is a concert film directed by his son Neo Sora. The 2023 film sees the renowned pianist perform a solo concert comprised of 20 tracks: “Lack Of Love,” “BB,” “Andata,” “Solitude,” “for Johann,” “Aubade 2020,” “Ichimei- small happiness,” “Mizu no Naka no Bagatelle,” “Bibo no Aozora,” “Aqua,” “Tong Poo,” “The Wuthering Heights,” “20220302- sarabande,” “The Sheltering Sky,” “20180219 with prepared piano,” “The Last Emperor,” “Trioon,” “Happy End,” “Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence,” and “Opus- ending.”

Before he tragically passed away from cancer, Ryuichi Sakamoto took the stage, sat on a stool and performed on a Yamaha piano. There’s no crowd, there’s no interviews, and there’s no other accompanying musicians. It’s just him, the filmmaking crew, lights, and microphones. It’s an intimate and emotional 103 minute musical experience. It’s a nearly wordless film with only a moment in which Sakamoto asks for a break as he is pushing himself too hard.

The 20 pieces performed here are a culmination of his life’s work. He is perhaps best known as a pianist, but he was also a producer and an Academy Award winning composer (the Oscar win came for his score for “The Last Emperor”). Sakomoto had not performed in years prior to this show, but you would have never known. He puts his heart and soul into this concert.

On the subject of the film, it is gorgeously shot in B&W by cinematographer Bill Kirstein. Director Neo Sora certainly goes all out in making this a special concert experience for fans to treasure, but it’s much more than that to him and to the viewer. It’s also a farewell show and a touching tribute to an acclaimed artist and, in the case of Neo, his father.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? The beautifully shot film absolutely shines in hi-def.

Audio Track: Japanese Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? Every musical note has power to it with this Atmos track.

Extras include a trailer, a booklet with photos and an essay by Michael Joshua Rowin, and a near 16 minute “Meet The Filmmakers” interview with director Neo Sora and cinematographer Bill Kirstein.

December 22, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Concert Film, Pianist, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus Blu-ray Review, The Last Emperor