30 May 2008

One of the truly great works of Japanese cinema, Yasujiro Ozu's Tokyo Story (Tokyo monogatari) is a beautifully realised character drama and one of the most celebrated works of this most influential and revered of all filmmakers. Yasujiro Ozu's reputation has grown since his death in 1963. It was only towards the end of his career that he gained his reputation in the West standing now alongside such international luminaries as Buñuel, Bergman, and his contemporary countryman, Kurosawa. And with the recent centenary anniversary of his birth, audiences have rediscovered the quiet contemplative world of domestic, middle-class life in his movies, almost the filmic equivalent of still-life painting. 

An elderly couple make an arduous journey to Tokyo in order to spend time with their grown-up children but their selfish offspring are too busy with work and their own family lives to accommodate them. However, despite her own problems, their son's widow is prepared to spend time with them since they remain the only link to her missing husband.

It's a measured, melancholic tale about mortality, family loyalty and the changing face of post-war Tokyo. However, it's deceptive simplicity conceals a deeper emotional poignancy that has remained universally popular over the decades.

Remastered for the 50th anniversary of the film's initial release, Tokyo Story is consistently considered one of the best films of all time, beating the likes of Citizen Kane and Raging Bull. It has recently been declared the Top Film of All Time in Halliwell's Top 1000 films list, as well as listed as one of top 5 best films by Sight and Sound.

Previously only available on UK DVD as part of the Ozu Noriko Trilogy box set, Tartan are now to release the film as a stand-alone disc on 25th August 2008 with a remastered Academy ratio transfer and a Dolby 2.0 stereo soundtrack at the RRP of £19.99. No extras have been listed.