Rating: 
Summary: Itami's first deserves better!!
Review: This is the first movie by Japanese director Juzo Itami, depicting the Japanese perspective on a subject that most of us would like to avoid. However, with a humorous eye, he presents a universally appealing approach, showing that humankind, despite cultural differences, is the basically the same: the funeral is for the family and friends as much as for the deceased.I purchased the DVD because it took forever to find a copy of the VHS, and didn't want to miss the chance. However, the Fox-Lorber FLV5109 release is little improvement over the VHS. The video portion is sharper. However, it is still a cut down version with the subtitles occasionally disappearing off the screen (this happens on the VHS also). The subtitles are burned into the video track so you can't turn them off. The sound to me sounds mono, whereas the VHS is stereo. This could just be my poor hearing ;). Conclusion: The film is well worth owning. However, if you already have a VHS copy, the only reason to "upgrade" is for a slightly sharper image or having it on a more durable format. The DVD also gives a filmography for the main actors, about the only plus. If you don't own it, you can get almost the same quality on the VHS.... If money is no object, the DVD is OK; just don't expect anything beyond owning VHS quality with fast scene selection. ...
Rating:
Summary: Itami's first deserves better!!
Review: This is the first movie by Japanese director Juzo Itami, depicting the Japanese perspective on a subject that most of us would like to avoid. However, with a humorous eye, he presents a universally appealing approach, showing that humankind, despite cultural differences, is the basically the same: the funeral is for the family and friends as much as for the deceased. I purchased the DVD because it took forever to find a copy of the VHS, and didn't want to miss the chance. However, the Fox-Lorber FLV5109 release is little improvement over the VHS. The video portion is sharper. However, it is still a cut down version with the subtitles occasionally disappearing off the screen (this happens on the VHS also). The subtitles are burned into the video track so you can't turn them off. The sound to me sounds mono, whereas the VHS is stereo. This could just be my poor hearing ;). Conclusion: The film is well worth owning. However, if you already have a VHS copy, the only reason to "upgrade" is for a slightly sharper image or having it on a more durable format. The DVD also gives a filmography for the main actors, about the only plus. If you don't own it, you can get almost the same quality on the VHS.... If money is no object, the DVD is OK; just don't expect anything beyond owning VHS quality with fast scene selection. ...
Rating: 
Summary: Japanese foibles comically skewered with sharp insight
Review: Those who still think modern Japan has anything to do with "Shogun" should see this flick. Keen insights abound and modern Japanese life is humorously parodied. Been there/done that ... this is real, folks, and very funny, even while the subject is macabre. Don't miss.
Rating:
Summary: Japanese foibles comically skewered with sharp insight
Review: Those who still think modern Japan has anything to do with "Shogun" should see this flick. Keen insights abound and modern Japanese life is humorously parodied. Been there/done that ... this is real, folks, and very funny, even while the subject is macabre. Don't miss.
Rating: 
Summary: Good, if you know Japanese culture.
Review: Unless your familiar with Japanese funerals, or are very culture curious then you will like this movie. The film is billed as a comedy but really only Japanese (or people who have experience with Japan) can really understand the sarcastic look at typical Japanese funeral. Although I can appreciate Juzo Itami's work, I had a hard time watching this movie to the end. If you really want to know what a Japanese funeral is like in a long, drawn out manner, then give it a try. Once was enough for me.
The way this dvd was transferred is truly horrible. Fox/Lorber are well known for doing things as cheaply as possible. Burned in subtitles which sometimes get cut off by the screen, bad translation, English grammar mistakes and poor color control are Fox/Lorber's trademarks. Too bad they just dont care anything about quality.
Rating: 
Summary: Not even pan and scan
Review: Who gets a DVD thinking that it could be cut to fit full screen anymore? It's not only modified, but it's also crooked and off-center. The camera doesn't even move. The subtitles are forced and not good visual quality. Juzo Itami deserves better. Tampopo is brilliant.
Rating:
Summary: Not even pan and scan
Review: Who gets a DVD thinking that it could be cut to fit full screen anymore? It's not only modified, but it's also crooked and off-center. The camera doesn't even move. The subtitles are forced and not good visual quality. Juzo Itami deserves better. Tampopo is brilliant.
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