4K Ultra HD تقييم - أوديشن (1999)

      Audition, 1999.

      Directed by Takashi Miike.

      Featuring Ryô Ishibashi, Eihi Shiina, Jun Kunimura, and Tetsu Sawaki.

      SYNOPSIS:

      A widower enlists the help of his film producer friend to arrange a fake audition in hopes of finding a new girlfriend, yet the woman he chooses is not who she seems.

      Ten years have passed since Arrow Video released Takashi Miike’s iconic proto-torture porn film Audition on Blu-ray – a review of which can be found elsewhere on this site – and to commemorate this anniversary (though it might just be coincidental), Arrow has decided to re-release it on 4K UHD with a brand new restoration, allowing viewers to experience the chaos once more.

      For those unfamiliar with Audition, it tells the tale of widower Shigeharu Aoyama (Ryo Ishibashi), who, while trying to re-enter the dating scene, is persuaded by his friend Yoshikawa (Jun Kunimura) to hold auditions under the guise of casting for a TV show, when in fact he is searching for a new wife. Though he doesn’t particularly enjoy the auditions, one applicant, Asami Yamazaki (Eihi Shiina), a beautiful and gentle young woman who appears ideal, catches Shigeharu's attention, and they begin a relationship. However, after a night of intimacy, Asami disappears, prompting the lovestruck Shigeharu to seek her out, only to uncover that she has not been entirely truthful and does not match her claim.

      If you are unaware of how the story unfolds, you will likely recognize the influence it has had on many horror films, since Audition is nearly 30 years old, predating torture porn, and remains unsettling, just as it was in 1999. In today's era of social media and numerous sexually explicit dating shows, Audition possesses a unique charm. It was a standout feature during the J-horror boom and made significant waves, yet after all these years, it feels like a relic of a different time—something once seen as extreme and dark, with little else for comparison. Therefore, if this is your first viewing, you may find it somewhat lacking if you anticipate graphic gore, especially considering the movies it inspired, making such a reaction understandable.

      Nonetheless, the shocking moments still retain their impact, and the final 30 minutes deliver one of the most rewarding conclusions after an 80-minute romance that seemingly oscillates between sweet and unsettling. Despite Asami’s eventual actions, the film's standout performance is from Ryô Ishibashi, who portrays a grieving man searching for love in a way that no romantic comedy or melodrama has quite captured, eliciting sympathy for him even if you are aware of the outcome.

      To enhance the intensity of his experience, the 4K UHD restoration succeeds. Audition was never designed to be a vibrant or flashy film, yet the natural color palette shines through, and Arrow has commendably preserved the grain while sharpening details, resulting in a noticeably improved image compared to the previous Blu-ray release. There are a few moments where the image softens, but not enough to be distracting, and the newly restored lossless audio significantly enriches the viewing experience, particularly during the climax when sound is vital for conveying what Takashi Miike’s camera leaves unsaid. All the extras from the previous Blu-ray have been included, along with a new interview featuring actor Ryô Ishibashi and an audio essay by author and critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, providing ample context from the past and present.

      So, if you already own the Blu-ray, is this new edition worth purchasing? As with all Arrow Video 4K upgrades, it depends on your affection for the film and your willingness to spend money to indulge that affection. In the case of Audition, it’s certainly worth considering, especially during an Arrow sale. However, if you are watching for the first time, this is definitely the version to acquire. Regardless, Audition remains an exceptional horror film that any self-identified horror enthusiast should own.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★

      Chris Ward