Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low (1963) arrives in a brand-new Criterion 4K UHD edition, and it has never looked better. This taut crime thriller starring Toshiro Mifune blends corporate drama, police procedural, and social commentary into one of Kurosawa’s greatest achievements.
In this review, I cover:
• Picture and audio quality in the new 4K UHD restoration
• Supplements and special features included by Criterion
• The film’s major themes of morality, class struggle, and justice
• How High and Low influenced later filmmakers like Bong Joon Ho, David Fincher, and Spike Lee
This is one of the most influential crime films ever made, and Criterion’s 4K release is the perfect way to experience it.
What are your thoughts on High and Low? Drop them in the comments — and let’s talk Kurosawa.
▶️ Related Reviews:
• Rashomon (Criterion Spotlight)
• Thief Criterion 4K Review
• Sunset Boulevard
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13件のコメント
Thanks for watching my review of High and Low (1963) on Criterion 4K!
This release is a must for Kurosawa fans and cinephiles alike, and I’m thrilled to share my thoughts with you.
📌 If you’d like more Criterion content, check out:
▶️ My recent review of The Wind Will Carry Us – https://youtu.be/RsnBQlF9teU?si=VxcuxMXR9V7uYkjk
▶️ Full Criterion Reviews Playlist – https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVZ6Inj30MIy_nYlkAiu_lKCXwc0mLeKd&si=BzjyBmhH-jkxGbws
I’d love to hear your thoughts:
👉 Have you seen High and Low?
👉 Do you plan to pick up the 4K release?
👉 And what’s your favorite Kurosawa film in the Collection?
Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments!
— James
One of my favourite movies, great 4k release
First Time watch for me…dont ask me why i8 waited so long but i guess it was better late than never. wow wow what a masterpiece. its maybe my favorite film i own from Criterion. I was hoping BFI released the 4K because that's where I have collected the Kurosawa 4Ks but they only released a BR. i have been told that I now need to go watch Stray Dogs which has similar social economic under-pinnings. again, this was jus tone of those films, that make you wish Hollywood could return to this era of great art making. the Disk quality is immaculate. the PQ is marvelous.
You and Daisuke have the most in-depth Criterion discussions on YouTube, cheers
i did watch Highest to Lowest…..what a travesty. a total train wreck! while the first half has the 'bones' of High and Low, it has NOTHING of its "Soul' Spike just needs to stop trying to re-make classics
Saw the 4k restoration in theaters recently; definitely a bucket-list film worth seeing on the big screen
100%. This is a significant improvement over the blu-ray. And what a great movie.
Multiple times of day I've searched youtube for exactly a review like this and once again my friend you did not disappoint! Thank you!
When I saw Double Indemnity from Criterion on 4K, in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep – THAT was so cool. I might try to upgrade my High and Low based on your thoughts here. As always, your passion for cinema is much appreciated!
Is the bluray that comes with the 4k downsized or is it just the bluray from the previous release?
Traveled all the way to Baltimore to see a 35mm of this film. So worth it. This film is a wild ride of genres, from family drama to police procedural to horror. That opium den scene is quite an influence on any number of zombie films. Too bad Spikes film is so bad. Kazuo Ishiguro proved you can remake Kurosawa in English well with Living. I’m holding out for a BFI 4K. Maybe next year.
I have nothing but high praise for High and low. Truly a cinematic masterpiece among Kurosawa’s great body of work. I thoroughly enjoyed this review.
I was waiting since July for the 4K transfer. I’m glad it’s a good upgrade and can’t wait to get it in November
On a separate note, I love your slides. It’s so refreshing to find some good slides