I didn’t see Mishima until it was on Criterion Channel a few years ago and it blew me away. It’s such a creatively appropriate approach to a biopic and the seminal works of author Yukio Mishima. So when Criterion upgraded it to 4K I wasn’t going to wait again.
The four chapters have several distinct looks within them. It will go from a brightly colored Japanese garden to crisp black and white flashbacks. Then scenes from Mishima’s books are performed on theatrical stages with even more distinct models, textures and colors for their simplicity.
Those sets also highlight 4K shadow in the pitch black surrounding the prison cells.
2008 era bonus features showcase the collaboration between Japanese and American artists. This was a tough one because there were parts of Mishima’s story his widow did not want rehashed, but it would be irresponsible to do a biopic without them.
Bonus features also include some perspective on the real Mishima via archival interviews and reflections of his surviving associates.
Paul Schrader’s 2006 commentary is equal parts behind the scenes politics and artistic process. He also mentions retouching the Runaway Horses scene which is totally reflected on the 4K.