The Film (4/5)

During World War 2, A small Japanese naval crew is suddenly shipped wrecked on a desert island. On this island called Anatahan all seems lost expect for a young couple. As the crew men mix with the company with the couple, they hear about the defeat of Japan in the world. Fearing this is just an enemy joke, the men start to form a mini army to defend the island at all costs.

THE SAGA OF ANATAHAN is one of the more unusual films that I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing for this site. At once being a bizarre early look of Japanese culture in the West and a classical story of human greed. It’s also an interesting use of documentary like narrative with silent cinema like framing. While not a great movie, it’s one of the most out of the box think pieces out there. Being a huge lover of Japanese cinema, I was surprised by all the little touches of influence that would inform Japanese cinema for years to come.

In 1953 Josef Von Sternberg came to Japan to film a movie at Toho studios. In 1958 the film was re-released with some more risky footage. So, the correct version is up for discussion. But what can be said is this was a ground-breaking mix of western feel with Japanese cinema. With music by Akira Ifukube and special effects by Eiji Tsuburaya, the movie can boost some topline talent before they broke out in the international market. To make matters even more interesting, Sternberg himself would narrate the movie in a semi-documentary fashion. To add to the exotic feel, the whole cast speaks in untranslated Japanese and the cutting focuses mainly on the locations.

While semi-documentary in nature, the rest of the film is made up of stock footage and material filmed on the huge jungle sets. Making this Sternberg’s most experimental film. The human drama itself is in line with some of his other films like THE BLUE ANGEL (1931). Greed, lust, and betrayal is shown in the same timeless light.

ANATAHAN is one of the those see it to believe it types of films. One of the early examples of Japanese cinema in the west and an ahead of its time experimental narrative.

Audio/Video (3/5)

The audio section of the disc is a troublesome mixed bag. The track is an English LPCM 1.0 Channel track, and the mix is all over the place. The main issue is the uneven sound on the narration. Chunks of it completely vanish in spots and the volume spikes up suddenly. As for the background, there is some minor white noise and some hiss. The rest of the track is smooth, but leaves a lot to be desired.

The 1080p HD transfer is luckily in better shape. The black levels are smooth and there’s only some minor grain in some spots. The use of shadow in the film is kept in a clear light and looks great. Aside from a few bad spots the transfers look amazing.

Extras (5/5)

Eureka delivers the goods with a handsome slate of extras. First up is the complete 1953 version of the movie. This cut is watered down and doesn’t feature as much nudity. Next is a 45+ minute interview with Asian Film expert Tony Rayns, who covers all of Sternberg’s career and his impact in Japan. Whose Saga?, is a visual essay by critic Tag Gallagher, that discusses themes of the film and its place. Saga The making of Anatahan, is an interview with the Director’s son Nicolas. Next up is a series of footage of the actual surviving members of the Ananthan incident returning to Japan. There’s extra unused footage from the 1958 cut and an original theatrical trailer. As for the package, itself It comes with a reversible cover and a 44-page booklet of liner notes.

Overall (4/5)

Trying to sum up ANATAHAN is adventure onto itself. Sternberg finished his career on an oddity that I’m sure will gain in greatness with each viewing. Eureka out does themselves again with this packed disc of extras. If you’re a fan of Japanese cinema, you need to check this one out asap. Highly Recommended.