Pulse

The video presentation of "Pulse" on Blu-ray, brought forth by Arrow Video with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.78:1, creates a divisive yet nuanced discussion amongst cinephiles and reviewers alike. Arrow's deliberate choice to offer this film in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, accompanied by the standard 2.0 stereo sound, indicates an attempt to preserve the movie’s intended visual and auditory experience. However, sourced from a High Definition master provided by Kadokawa Pictures, the transfer's fidelity to cinematographer Junichiro Hayashi's vision is a point of contention. The visible inconsistency in color saturation leads to a palette that can often appear drab, if not faded, straying from the vibrancy that some viewers might expect. This is further complicated by fluctuations in clarity and grain structure throughout the film, where certain scenes exhibit commendable organic detail and texture, while others fall prey to a more granular and less refined appearance.

The variable quality in the film's visual elements suggests a challenge in maintaining the integrity of its original 35mm shot, often mirroring characteristics more commonly associated with 16mm film, including fuzziness and notably noisy grain. Contrast levels and black depths are occasionally lackluster, rendering some scenes with a hazy and unfocused quality. This is further exacerbated by minor artifacts and compression issues, like slight macroblocking that becomes evident in darker sequences. Moreover, the creative staging by Kurosawa and Hayashi, employing visual obstructions to craft a narrative of isolation, inadvertently impacts the clarity and detail within many scenes. With these technical considerations in mind, the visual presentation of "Pulse" on Blu-ray garners mixed reactions. On one hand, some of the detail and color choices may be understood as deliberate artistic decisions; on the other, these can be viewed as detracting from the viewer's experience. The delineation of whether these qualities are flaws or stylistic nuances depends largely on personal interpretation, making the overall assessment of the video presentation a subject of varied opinions.

The LPCM 2.0 audio track accompanying the "Pulse" Blu-ray presentation provides a fascinating auditory experience, capturing the essence of the movie's atmospheric tension with remarkable fidelity. The soundtrack capitalizes on the naturalistic sounds of modern technology and human interaction—be it the distinctive hum of computers or the unsettling noise of feet shuffling and doors being unsealed—to create an immersive soundscape. This choice of sound design, focusing on mundane yet disquieting effects, lends an almost subterranean level of discomfort, enhancing the film's overarching themes without the need for an extravagant audio mix.

Although the track does not feature extensive stereo separation, this does not detract from the overall experience. Instead, it subtly underscores the film's thematic isolation and existential dread. The sound quality is pristine, with no noticeable imperfections or distortions, ensuring that every audio element, from the eeriest silence to the most sudden burst of activity, is conveyed with crystal clarity. This clean delivery is instrumental in maintaining the film's chilling atmosphere throughout.

What stands out is how effectively the audio presentation of "Pulse" leverages simple acoustic elements to evoke a profound emotional response. The deliberate limitation to a 2.0 mix might seem rudimentary by modern standards, where multi-channel surround sound is often the norm, yet it perfectly suits the film's minimalist aesthetic and psychological horror elements. Overall, the audio track serves as a critical vehicle for the movie's suspenseful narrative, proving that in the realm of horror cinema, less can indeed be more—especially when every sound carries weight.

The Blu-ray extras for "Pulse" deliver an enriching dive into the film's creation and impact, melding comprehensive interviews with the crucial creatives, including a significant discussion with writer-director Kiyoshi Kurosawa in "Broken Circuits", and a fascinating look at the visual tone from director of photography, Junichiro Hayashi, in "Creepy Images". Additionally, "The Horror of Isolation" offers a unique perspective on the film's influence on contemporary horror filmmakers. Archival materials alongside behind-the-scenes content highlight the technical craftsmanship behind some of its most memorable scenes. Notably, the inclusion of festival introductions and TV spots rounds off the package, providing a full-circle view of the film's journey from production to public reception, while also preserving some of the more ephemeral aspects of its initial release.

Extras included in this disc:

• Kiyoshi Kurosawa: Broken Circuits: An in-depth interview discussing Kurosawa’s career and "Pulse".
• Junichiro Hayashi: Creepy Images: Insights into the film's photography.
• The Horror of Isolation: Adam Wingard and Simon Barrett discuss the film's impact.
• Archival Making of Featurette: Behind-the-scenes look at the making of "Pulse".
• Tokyo Premiere Introduction: Opening remarks at the Tokyo premiere.
• Cannes Film Festival: Footage from Cannes screening.
• Special Effects Breakdowns: Detailed looks at key special effects scenes.
  • The Suicide Jump
  • Harue's Death Scene
  • Junko's Death Scene
  • Dark Room Scenes
• TV Spots: A collection of promotional TV spots.
• NHK Station IDs: Brief station identification clips.

Kiyoshi Kurosawa's "Pulse" is a distinctive film that delves into the dark side of internet connectivity, positing it as a conduit for isolation and despair rather than the hoped-for global community. This Japanese horror film stands out for its exploratory theme that swims against the tide of the early 2000s' internet optimism. Through its narrative, "Pulse" presents an intriguing yet disturbing concept: technology as a malevolent force, drawing power from human isolation and transforming ordinary online experiences into encounters with the supernatural. The film's exploration of these themes reflects a foresight into the potentially detrimental effects of the internet on societal connectedness and mental health, distinguishing it significantly from its American counterpart, which lacks this depth and prefers to stick closer to conventional horror tropes.

The original "Pulse" intertwines two parallel stories, a narrative complexity not present in the American remake, and employs a subtler form of horror that eschews jump scares for an omnipresent sense of dread. Scenes are meticulously staged to highlight the characters' solitude, effectively enveloping the viewer in an atmosphere of continuous dread. The visual storytelling, with characters often seen through barriers like curtains or from within a computer screen, reinforces the film's central theme of technological isolation, making "Pulse" more than just a horror movie; it's a commentary on the disconnection in the digital age. The unsettling imagery, combined with the lack of emotional connection to characters facing their doom, enhances the eerie ambiance Kurosawa aims to create.

In comparison to its American adaptation, Kurosawa's "Pulse" offers a more thoughtful, albeit somber, reflection on the consequences of digital life. Its portrayal of victims numbed before their demises, more than the deaths themselves, leaves a lasting impression of unease. This approached to horror, prioritizing atmospheric tension over explicit scares, provides "Pulse" with a unique and haunting identity within the genre. Despite some pacing issues and underdeveloped character arcs resulting in a certain emotional detachment for viewers, "Pulse" successfully presaged the growing concerns over internet-induced isolation - concerns that have only become more pertinent over time.

The Blu-ray release of the Japanese horror film "Pulse" presents a stark divergence from its American counterpart, emphasizing a chilling exploration of isolation and technology that situates it distinctly within the realm of J-Horror. The film itself thrives on creating a dense atmosphere, enveloping the viewer in a world that’s as haunting as it is eerily beautiful. However, it's worth noting that some may find the pacing somewhat languorous, with the film dedicating more to building ambiance than propelling the narrative forward at a brisk pace.

Regarding the technical presentation, there are elements that might raise eyebrows among the aficionados. The video quality, while generally competent, may not meet the loftiest expectations set by other genre Blu-ray releases. Despite this, Arrow has once again proven its dedication to providing a comprehensive viewing experience by including a robust array of supplemental materials. These extras not only enrich the understanding and appreciation of "Pulse" but also serve to contextualize its place within both its domestic and international horror film landscapes.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Pulse" is a commendable effort that manages to capture the essence of the original Japanese film, albeit with some minor shortcomings in video quality that will not deter the dedicated fan. Arrow's commitment to enhancing the package with a wealth of supplementary content should be lauded, making this release recommended for enthusiasts eager to dive deep into the eerie and contemplative world that "Pulse" constructs.