The Tale of Oiwa's Ghost Blu-ray Review: Classic Japanese Horror Restored in Stunning HD

Actors: Tomisaburo Wakayama, Ayuko Fujishiro, Atsushi Watanabe, Sentarô Fushimi, Jûshirô Konoe, Yumiko Mihara, Kikugorô Onoe, Hiroko Sakuramachi, Tosshô Sawamura | Director: Tai Kato

Japanese horror films are some of the most disturbing and nerve rattling pieces of cinema in history. There is one thing for sure the Japanese film maker know how to make horror films that will stick with you for years.

Radiance Film have ben releasing Japanese cinema on Blu-ray for a while now. And I must say they never cease to amaze me at the quality of the Blu-rays. Now it is time for a 60s Japanese horror film to receive the Blu-ray treatment. The Tale of Oiwa's Ghost from 1961.

Synopsis: When the daughter of an elite family takes a shine to poor samurai Iemon (Tomisaburo Wakayama, lone wolf and cub), he sees an opportunity to climb the social ladder. He just needs to rid himself of his only obstacle: his loving wife Oiwa. He poisons her and dumps her corpse in a nearby swamp, but she returns as a horribly disfigured ghost to haunt Iemon on his wedding night. Crime film specialist Tai Kato (I, the Executioner) brings the famous Ghost Story of Yotsuya to the screen as a gritty tale of murder and greed, with an intense lead performance by Wakayama (The Bounty Hunter Trilogy, Big Time Gambling Boss).

Tai Kato's film is a real hidden gem in Japanese horror cinema. The film takes full advantage of the Edo period ghost stories and Japanese supernatural folklore to bring a real creepy tale to the screen. The film is based on the 1825 kabuki play Yotsuya Kaidan written by Tsuruya Nanboku IV. Amazingly Yotsuya Kaidan has been adapted to film over 30 times and remains popular even to this day. 

Even though in 1961 we had color cinema Tai Kato choice black and white. An this is a wise decision in my humble opinion as the black and white palette really bring a dark moody noir feel to this horror film.

Radiance Films have transferred The Tale of Oiwa's Ghost to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The audio track is a Japanese Language uncompressed mono PCM audio. There are also English subtitles provided on this release.

Radiance Films did a nice job with the HD digital transfer. The picture is sharp and the black and white really benefits from the HD transfer. There is very little damage on this print. But in all honesty, there is some scratches and debris found on the screen when you watch the film. However, this is very minor imperfections and shouldn't take away from the experience. 

Now as with all the Radiance Fims releases there are some very cool bonus features included on this Blu-ray. Take a look at what Radiance added to this release.

* Interview with Mari Asato (2025)

* Visual essay on tormented female ghosts by Lindsay Nelson (2025

* Trailer

* Newly improved English subtitle translation

* Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Time Tomorrow

* Limited edition booklet featuring new writing by Tom Mes and an archival review of the film

* Limited Edition OBI: A strip of paper looped around a book or other product.

Radiance knows how much physical media film fans love their Japanese cinema so as you can see above, they really put the work in to make the Blu-rays the absolute best they can be. They never disappoint! 

If you love aq good ghost story The tale of Oiwa's Ghost is a wonderful, moody, creepy, underrated and unforgettable film. Radiance Films' Blu-ray is the perfect way to experience this film. Head over to MVD Shop or Amazon and order your copy today!


Out of 4 Film Reels (4 being the best) the Radiance Blu-ray of The Tale of Oiwa's Ghost receives....