‘The Tale of Oiwa’s Ghost’ Blu-ray Review (Radiance Films)
Stars: Tomisaburo Wakayama, Ayuko Fujishiro, Atsushi Watanabe, Sentarô Fushimi, Jûshirô Konoe, Yumiko Mihara, Kikugorô Onoe, Hiroko Sakuramachi, Tosshô Sawamura | Directed by Tai Kato
Japanese horror films are some of the most disturbing and nerve-rattling pieces of cinema in history. There is one thing for sure: Japanese filmmakers know how to make horror films that will stick with you for years.
Radiance Film have been releasing Japanese cinema on Blu-ray for a while now. And I must say they never cease to amaze me with the quality of the Blu-rays. Now it is time for a 60s Japanese horror film to receive the same treatment – The Tale of Oiwa’s Ghost from 1961.
When the daughter of an elite family takes a shine to poor samurai Iemon (Tomisaburo Wakayama, lone wolf and cub), he sees an opportunity to climb the social ladder. He just needs to rid himself of his only obstacle: his loving wife Oiwa. He poisons her and dumps her corpse in a nearby swamp, but she returns as a horribly disfigured ghost to haunt Iemon on his wedding night. Crime film specialist Tai Kato (I, the Executioner) brings the famous Ghost Story of Yotsuya to the screen as a gritty tale of murder and greed, with an intense lead performance by Wakayama (The Bounty Hunter Trilogy, Big Time Gambling Boss).
Tai Kato’s film is a real hidden gem in Japanese horror cinema. The film takes full advantage of the Edo period ghost stories and Japanese supernatural folklore to bring a real creepy tale to the screen. The film is based on the 1825 kabuki play Yotsuya Kaidan, written by Tsuruya Nanboku IV. Amazingly Yotsuya Kaidan has been adapted to film over 30 times and remains popular, even to this day.
Even though in 1961 we had colour cinema, Tai Kato chose black and white. And this is a wise decision in my humble opinion as the black and white palette really brings a dark, moody noir feel to this horror film.
Radiance Films have transferred The Tale of Oiwa’s Ghost to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The audio track is a Japanese Language uncompressed mono PCM audio. There are also English subtitles provided on this release.
Radiance Films did a nice job with the HD digital transfer. The picture is sharp, and the black and white really benefits from the HD transfer. There is very little damage on this print. But in all honesty, there are some scratches and debris found on the screen when you watch the film. However, these are very minor imperfections and shouldn’t take away from the experience.
Now, as with all the Radiance Films’ releases, there are some very cool bonus features included on this Blu-ray. Take a look at what Radiance added to this release:
- Interview with Mari Asato (2025)
- Visual essay on tormented female ghosts by Lindsay Nelson (2025
- Trailer
- Newly improved English subtitle translation
- Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Time Tomorrow
- Limited edition booklet featuring new writing by Tom Mes and an archival review of the film
- Limited Edition OBI: A strip of paper looped around a book or other product
Radiance knows how much physical media film fans love their Japanese cinema, so as you can see above, they really put the work in to make their Blu-rays the absolute best they can be. They never disappoint!
If you love a good ghost story, The Tale of Oiwa’s Ghost is a wonderful, moody, creepy, underrated and unforgettable film. Radiance Films’ Blu-ray is the perfect way to experience this film.
**** 4/5
The Tale of Oiwa’s Ghost will be released on Blu-ray on June 23rd, courtesy of Radiance Films. Pre-order your copy on Amazon now.
______
