Arrow Releasing Takashi Miike's Audition

[Ian Jane Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close Ian Jane]

Coming from Umbrella in December.

Audition 25th Anniversary Collector's Edition (1999) (Blu-Ray +Book +Rigid case +Slipcase +Poster +Artcards)

Only available from the Umbrella webstore, the Audition Collector's
Edition includes:

48 page bound book
Custom design outer rigid slipcase
Custom artwork slipcase
8 replica lobby cards
A3 reversible poster
Limited Edition numbered release
NEW! Exclusive Audio commentary with filmmakers Aaron McCann & Dominic Pearce
NEW! Deeper Deeper into Audition - Video Essay by Alexandra Heller Nicholas
Audio Commentary by Japanese Film Expert Tom Mes (in English)
Audio commentary by director Takashi Miike and screenwriter Daisuke Tengan, hosted by Masato Kobayashi
Interviews with lead actors
Interview with actor Ryo Ishibashi (16:17)
Interview with actress Eihi Shiina (20:07)
Interview with actor Renji Ishibashi (20:53)
Interview with actor Ren Osugi (16:23)
Japanese Trailer
International Trailer

[JoeS Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close JoeS]

– Takashi Miike's creepily effective psycho-thriller lulls the viewer in by having the first two acts function as mostly a light drama. Widower Shigeharu (Ryo Ishibashi) buys into a ruse by a Producer friend to set up Auditions for young actresses for a new film - which may or may not even be made. Lots of women apply and try out, but Shigeharu is immediately drawn to an ex-dancer, Asami (Eihi Shiina). Of course, it doesn't hurt that Asami is a long-legged model type with bewitching eyes (Shiina began as a model).

What's interesting here is that Miike disavows the notion that this is a Feminist tale. Further, he notes that in Asia it's seen more as pure rage and revenge, compared to views in the West. It's an interesting contrast. Either way, AUDITION is sturdy stuff. No matter one's personal interpretation, it forces the viewer to sit up and pay attention – whether they may be the auditioner or auditionee.



AUDITION is currently streaming on Shudder, The Criterion Channel, Kanopy (free w/library card), Tubi, Midnight Pulp and elsewhere. It's on this Blu Ray and DVD.