‘The Island Closest to Heaven’ Blu-ray Review (Cult Epics)
Stars: Tomoyo Harada, Ryoichi Takayanagi, Yukihiro Takahashi, Toru Minegishi, Miyoko Akaza | Directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi
Cult Epics have been on a roll lately, consistently delivering Blu-ray releases of exceptional quality. The most recent titles we covered were Nobuhiko Obayashi’s His Motorbike, Her Island and School in the Crosshairs, both standout examples of the label’s commitment to celebrating Asian cinema. With the growing global appetite for films from Japan and beyond, Cult Epics are more than rising to meet that demand. Back in 1984, director Nobuhiko Obayashi adapted Katsura Morimura’s bestselling 1966 travelogue The Island Closest to Heaven for the screen. Now, more than 40 years later, Cult Epics have given this coming-of-age drama new life with a beautifully restored deluxe Blu-ray edition.
Fulfilling her late father’s (YMO’s Yukihiro Takahashi) dream to take her to ‘the island closest to heaven,’ bookish teen Mari (Tomoyo Harada) ventures solo to the archipelago’s indigo waters in search of this mythic locale. Taking in the island’s sites, Mari journeys off the beaten path, befriending a host of friendly locals in the process, from islander Taro (Ryoichi Takayanagi) to footloose tour guide Yuichi.
This film is definitely one of Obayashi’s best features – the cinematography is a beautifully visual experience, and the story is a classic romance. Plus, Tomoyo Harada is just wonderful as Mari.
Cult Epics have transferred The Island Closest to Heaven to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The audio is a Japanese language DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. But if you don’t understand Japanese, that’s okay, there are English subtitles included.
Once again, Cult Epics have gone far beyond a simple Blu-ray transfer. The film has been fully restored in 2K before being carefully authored for its Blu-ray release. What results is an image that is clear and clean, with is a nice layer of film grain, and the colours are simply gorgeous. In addition to a wonderful restoration, Cult Epics added some great bonus features to this Blu-ray set, including:
Bonus Features:
- Audio Commentary by film critic Derek Smith
- Kadokawa and Obayashi – Visual essay by Alex Pratt
- Tomoya Harada 28 Days in Caledonia: The Making of The Island Closest to Heaven
- Theatrical Trailers
- New, improved English subtitles
- New Slipcase art design by Sam Smith
- Reversible sleeve with original Japanese poster art
- First Pressing includes a repro 24-page Japanese booklet (pamphlet)
The audio commentary and video essay give the viewer a lot of insight into this dramatic film. Me? I love the artwork, and there are three (including the slipcover and the reversible Blu-ray insert). And all of it really is spectacular!
If you have picked up Nobuhiko Obayashi’s His Motor Bike, Her Island and School in the Crosshairs, well you need The Island Closest to Heaven in your collection. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today.
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