{"product_id":"drunken-angel-the-criterion-collection-dvd-kurosawa-early-noir","title":"Drunken Angel (The Criterion Collection) [DVD] - Kurosawa Early Noir","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of Drunken Angel (The Criterion Collection) [DVD], the bottom line is simple: classic-film collectors and serious cinephiles will find this disc essential for its raw early Akira Kurosawa vision and Toshiro Mifune's explosive breakout performance. The review emphasizes that the film is most valuable as a moody, character-driven noir set in postwar Tokyo, and that this DVD presents a memorable, often violent climax and believable performances that reward repeated viewings.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDirection and tone:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kurosawa's early noir sensibility provides an evocative snapshot of postwar Tokyo, making the film a vivid historical and cinematic document.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLead performances:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toshiro Mifune delivers a volatile, magnetic turn as a tuberculosis-infected criminal, creating intense dramatic tension with Takashi Shimura's jaded physician.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAtmospheric setting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Scenes staged in muddy swamps and back alleys reinforce the film's bleak, immersive mood and highlight Kurosawa's visual strengths.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNarrative impact:\u003c\/strong\u003e The film builds to one of Kurosawa's most memorably violent climaxes, giving the story a sharp emotional and moral payoff.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCinephile appeal:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Criterion edition caters to dedicated viewers seeking extras and context, making it well suited for collection and study.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis DVD is aimed at film collectors, students of cinema, and viewers who appreciate character-driven dramas and classic Japanese filmmaking. Those who value strong acting and atmospheric storytelling will appreciate how Mifune and Shimura carry the film and how Kurosawa frames postwar social decay.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCasual viewers who prefer modern pacing or pristine digital restorations might find the older noir style and typical DVD presentation less immediate. If resale condition is a major concern, buyers should inspect discs carefully, since some customers report issues like scratches affecting image quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePowerful lead performances that deliver believable character development and lasting emotional impact.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEvocative visual atmosphere that captures the mood of postwar Tokyo and strengthens the film's noir identity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Criterion Collection edition appeals to cinephiles who appreciate contextual material and careful curation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eAs a DVD format, the image condition can vary and some buyers have reported scratches that affect playback.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDrunken Angel (The Criterion Collection) [DVD]\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDirector\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAkira Kurosawa\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMain cast\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eToshiro Mifune, Takashi Shimura\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFormat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDVD\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGenre\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEarly noir \/ Action \u0026amp; Adventure\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSetting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePostwar Tokyo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDrunken Angel on DVD is a must for serious collectors and students of Kurosawa because of its intense performances, atmospheric direction, and narrative power; despite potential variability in disc condition, the film's historical and cinematic value makes it worthwhile for those who want a formative Kurosawa experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this the original Kurosawa film?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, this DVD presents Akira Kurosawa's early noir feature starring Toshiro Mifune and Takashi Shimura.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill the DVD have extras typical of Criterion editions?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCriterion editions generally include supplemental material for cinephiles; buyers should check the specific disc package for included extras.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre there known issues with disc condition?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSome customers report mixed resale value and occasional scratches affecting image quality, so inspect the disc on receipt if condition matters.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Takashi Shimura, Toshiro Mifune","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48193890844891,"sku":"B000VARC3C","price":39.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/81FRlATG2KL._SL1500.jpg?v=1770319512","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/drunken-angel-the-criterion-collection-dvd-kurosawa-early-noir","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}