I did not find that I discovered anything on this journey with Richie. A grander scope, particularly in the photographic department, might have made a more dynamic film. The music is evocative of the mystery of Japan. Kurosawa collaborator Takemitsu wrote the score, highlighting the stark landscapes with his style of simple and magical chords. The DVD is a solid, yet uninspired transfer.
Images are clear and clean, but lack a sense of visual power.
They are obviously limited by the roar material. There are no evident disruptive artifacts. Color is clean. A tad more contrast would have been preferable. The Dolby Digital 2.0 surround is minimally enveloping.