Why So Blu?

The Great Killing (1964) (Blu-ray Review)

The Great Killing plays things very differently from the samurai films most people are used to, and that tone comes through clearly on this Blu-ray release. As the middle chapter in Eiichi Kudo’s Samurai Revolution Trilogy, it leans into something darker and more grounded. What starts as a political plot quickly turns into a slow-burn unraveling of loyalty, power, and survival, where doing the right thing feels like a death sentence. If you’re expecting clean sword fights and noble sacrifices, this one flips that on its head fast.

 

Film ★★★★

The story kicks off with a familiar setup, but it doesn’t stay comfortable for long. A Shogunate Elder quietly pulls strings behind the scenes, aiming to install a puppet ruler and tighten his grip on power. Opposing him is Yamaga, a sharp strategist who sees the danger early and organizes a resistance. On paper, it feels like a classic rebellion story, but things don’t play out cleanly here. Every move feels risky. Every ally feels temporary.

What really stands out is how quickly the film strips away any sense of safety. Plans unravel. Trust breaks down. Once the conspirators are exposed, the film takes a hard turn into something much more brutal. The interrogations and betrayals are not played for shock value. They feel deliberate, almost methodical. You feel the weight of each decision, especially when characters realize too late that the system they are trying to fix is already stacked against them.

Visually, this is where Eiichi Kudo really locks in. The cinematography is striking from the start, but it keeps evolving as the tension rises. Dutch angles creep into key moments, tilting the frame just enough to throw you off balance. Then you get these wide, carefully staged perspective shots that make characters look small, boxed in, or completely exposed. It is not flashy for the sake of it. Every angle feels like it is reinforcing the idea that something is off, that control is slipping.

And then there is the lighting. It is on another level. Faces drift in and out of shadow, interiors feel suffocating, and even open spaces carry this heavy, oppressive tone. The contrast between light and dark is not just aesthetic. It is emotional. You can see the tension before a word is even spoken. By the time the film reaches its final stretch, it becomes less about who wins and more about what is left standing after everything burns out.

 

Video ★★★★

NOTE: Stills are provided for promotional use only and are not from the Blu-ray.

Encoding: MPEG-4 AVC

Resolution: 1080p

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

Region: A

HDR: N/A

Layers: BD-50

Clarity and Detail: The Great Killing Blu-ray delivers a strong, filmic presentation that leans into the texture of its black-and-white source. Fine detail holds up well throughout, especially in close-ups where facial lines, costumes, and environmental textures come through with a satisfying level of precision. It never looks overly processed, which works in its favor.

Depth: Depth is one of the standout elements here. The wide 2.35:1 framing gives the image room to breathe, and those carefully staged compositions really benefit from it. Interior scenes feel layered, while exterior shots carry a sense of space that adds to the film’s tension.

Black Levels: Black levels are deep and stable, which is crucial for a film that relies so heavily on shadow and contrast. Dark scenes maintain solid separation without crushing important detail, allowing faces and movement to remain visible even in low light.

Color: N/A

Flesh Tones: N/A

Noise and Artifacts: Grain is present and consistent, giving the image a natural, authentic look. There are occasional minor specks and light imperfections, but nothing distracting. Compression holds up nicely with no major issues like banding or macroblocking. Overall, The Great Killing Blu-ray respects the source and presents it with care.

 

Audio ★★★½

Audio Format(s): Japanese LPCM 1.0 (Mono)

Subtitles: English

Dynamics: The track is understandably limited by its mono presentation, but it still carries a surprising amount of presence. Dialogue, score, and effects are balanced well, with enough separation to keep everything clear. Action moments have a bit of punch, even if they do not have the range of a modern mix.

Height: N/A

Low Frequency Extension: N/A

Surround Sound: N/A

Dialogue: Dialogue is clean and easy to follow throughout. There is a slight age-related softness at times, but nothing that distracts. Voices come through with consistency, and the mix prioritizes clarity, which is exactly what you want for a dialogue-driven film like this.

 

Extras ★★★½

The Great Killing Blu-ray comes stacked with a thoughtful set of extras that actually dig into what makes the film tick, rather than just filling space. The new audio commentary by David West is a strong anchor here, offering scene-by-scene insight into Eiichi Kudo’s direction, the historical backdrop, and how this film fits within the larger Samurai Revolution Trilogy. It’s the kind of track you can leave on for a full rewatch and come away with a deeper appreciation.

The standout might be Magician of Light and Shadow, a newly produced video essay by Daisuke Miyao that zeroes in on the film’s cinematography. It breaks down those striking compositions, the use of Dutch angles, and the way lighting shapes the mood in nearly every scene. It pairs perfectly with the film itself, especially if those visual elements stood out to you.

You also get Samurai Guerilla Part 2, an archival interview that expands on the political themes running through The Great Killing. Misao Arai and Dirty Kudo provide context on the jidaigeki genre and how Kudo pushed it into more confrontational territory. Rounding things out is Masaaki Ito Remembers Eiichi Kudo, a more personal tribute that gives some welcome insight into the director’s working style and legacy.

It’s a well-rounded package. Nothing feels like filler, and for a film like this, that kind of focused material goes a long way.

 

Special Features

DISC 2

• Brand new audio commentary by film critic David West
• Magician of Light and Shadow, a brand new video essay by film critic and Japanese cinema expert Daisuke Miyao on the cinematography seen in the film
• Samurai Guerilla Part 2, an archival interview where Misao Arai and Dirty Kudo discuss the jidaigeki genre and expand on the political dimension of The Great Killing
• Masaaki Ito Remembers Eiichi Kudo, a tribute to the director by his former assistant and brother-in-law

 

Summary ★★★★

The Great Killing lands exactly where it needs to, and this Blu-ray makes a strong case for why it still matters. It’s a darker, more grounded take on samurai cinema that doesn’t go for easy wins, and that alone makes it stand out. Arrow Video backs it up with a solid presentation and meaningful extras that add real context without padding things out. If you’re already working through the Samurai Revolution Trilogy, this is an essential piece of the puzzle. If you’re jumping in fresh, it’s a sharp reminder that the genre can hit a lot harder than expected.

 

 

The Great Killing is part of the Samurai Revolution Trilogy from Arrow Video! 

 

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