Blu-ray Review: The Island Closest to Heaven (Cult Epics) – Restoration & Bonus Features

Cult Epics have been thoroughly impressing with the spectacular quality of their Blu-ray releases here recently. The latest we have covered was Director Nobuhiko Obayashi's films His Motor Bike, Her Island and School in the Crosshairs. Asian cinema has really become popular over the years. So Cult Epics are feeding that cinematic hunger with their releases.

In 1984 Director Nobuhiko Obayashi brought Katsura Morimura's 1966 best-selling travelogue to life on film. Now over 40 years after its release Cult Epics have restored and released this coming-of-age drama to deluxe Blu-ray!

Synopsis: Fulfilling her late father's (YMO's Yukihiro Takahashi) dream to take her to 'the island closest to heaven,' bookish teen Mari (Tomoyo Harada) ventures solo to the archipelago's indigo waters in search of this mythic locale. Taking in the island's sites, Mari journeys off the beaten path, befriending a host of friendly locals in the process, from islander Taro (Ryoichi Takayanagi) to footloose tour guide Yuichi. 

This film is defiantly one of Obayashi's best features. The cinematography is a beautifully visual experience. The story is classic romantic one. Tomoyo Harada is just wonderful as Mari.

Cult Epics have transferred The Island Closest to Heaven to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The audio is a Japanese language DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. But if you don't understand Japanese, that's okay there are English subtitles included.

Cult Epics didn't just take a film and transfer it to Blu-ray.. no way! They restored this film in 2k and transferred it to Blu-ray. What results is an image that is clear and clean. There is a nice layer of film grain. The colors are simply gorgeous. In addition to a wonderful restoration, Cult Epics added some great bonus features to this Blu-ray set.

Bonus Materials
* Audio Commentary by film critic Derek Smith
* Kadokawa and Obayashi - Visual essay by Alex Pratt
*Tomoya Harada 28 Days in Caledonia: The Making of The Island Closest to Heaven
* Theatrical Trailers
* New improved English subtitles
* New Slipcase art design by Sam Smith
* Reversible sleeve with original Japanese poster art
* First Pressing includes repro 24-page Japanese booklet (pamphlet)

The Audio Commentary and Video Essay give the viewer a lot of insight into this dramatic film. For me I love the artwork and there are three including the slipcover and the reversible Blu-ray insert. The artwork really is spectacular.

If you have picked up Nobuhiko Obayashi's His Motor Bike, Her Island and School in the Crosshairs. Well, you need this next Blu-ray release in your collection. Head over to MVD Shop or Amazon and order your copy today!



Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) Cult Epics Blu-ray of The Island Closest to Heaven receives.....