Domo Arigato 3D Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Domo Arigato 3D Blu-ray Movie Review

Domo Arigato 3D is a classic 3D feature-film originally distributed in theaters in Space-Vision 3-D. Produced by Arch Oboler (The Bubble, Bwana Devil), Domo Arigato 3D is a wonderful classic for enthusiasts of vintage 3-D. Executive produced by Louis K. Sher (The Stewardesses, Supersonic Supergirls), Domo Arigato 3D stars Jason Ledger and Bonnie Sher.

Doug (Jason Ledger) tried his hand in medical-school and is now on tour in Japan following a visit to the country of Vietnam. While exploring the scenic sights of Japan, Doug meets the beautiful tourist Tara (Bonnie Sher), who is also exploring Japan for its breathtaking beauty as a county. The two begin an unexpected romance and begin to learn more about each other – their hopes and dreams.

A tale of romance overseas, Doug and Tara are brought close together in the most unexpected of ways. Doug also learns of Tara’s struggles as a diabetic and that her health needs are a lot more serious than he first thought. Despite some difficulties, romance is in the air and the two become close with one another – a blossoming romance begins. A romance set against the beautiful backdrop of Japan.

Jason Ledger and Bonnie Sher deliver solid performances in the leading roles. The performances are laidback and enjoyable. There is a sense of old-school romance between the two leads. There is an exuberant sense of calm between the actors and their chemistry makes the film more enjoyable. Impressive scenes of the characters exploring their personal dreams highlight the actors and their dedication to these roles.

Featuring a score composed by Sherry Mills, Domo Arigato 3D is a beautiful and laidback score that adds elegance to the production. Mills is a talented composer and the score highlights the subtle beauty of the production. The music is a nice backdrop to Japan and the scenic photography.

The cinematography by Donald Peterman (Flashdance, Point Break) is one of the most elegant aspects of the production. Peterman created fantastic visuals as cinematographer – the aesthetic of the film is impressive. The cinematography showcases the elegance and beauty of Japan.

Edited by Robert Angle, Domo Arigato 3D is a well-done edit. The filmmaking feels organic and flows with good rhythm. There is a sense of calm to the filmmaking because of the efficient editing style.

Written and directed by Arch Oboler (Bwana Devil, The Bubble), Domo Arigato 3D is the final 3-D film by the filmmaker. Oboler started out in radio before becoming a filmmaker with a passion for 3-D films. A champion of 3-D for decades, Oboler experiments in 3-D filmmaking time and time again. As the last production by Oboler, Domo Arigato 3D is one of the most visually experimental 3D films by the filmmaker. Domo Arigato 3D is also a quiet and charming romantic-drama set in Japan. This is a successful melodrama with impressive experimentation with 3-D filmmaking. Well worth seeing.

Domo Arigato 3D Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on 3D Blu-ray by Bayview Entertainment, Domo Arigato 3D is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 MVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.40:1 widescreen. The release features a exclusive restoration created by the 3-D Film Archive. The release was produced in collaboration with the Library of Congress. The release is sourced from original film elements.

The release includes a variety of viewing options: 3D Blu-ray (in native 3D), anaglyph 3D (with included glasses provided inside the case), and standard 2D. The 3D Blu-ray option provides the most visually impressive option. The 3D restoration was a meticulous process by the esteemed 3-D Film Archive. Determined to help preserve and restore as many vintage 3-D films as possible, the 3-D Film Archive has dedicated their operations to helping restore and preserve as many classic 3-D films as possible. Domo Arigato 3D is presented in the original Space-Vision 3-D. The original elements showcase the 3-D effects at their absolute best.

The 3D presentation has enormous depth and detail. There is incredible visual fidelity to the presentation. The 3D effects are impressive and utilize as much depth as possible.

There are numerous sequences and shots throughout the feature-presentation in which the robust 3D detailing highlights the fantastic depth of the presentation – with specific visuals designed with 3D in mind and protruding from the screen as far as possible. The depth is enormous in regards to some of the effects – the visuals can sometimes pop out all the way across the room, almost as if right in front of the field of vision. This is something that Domo Arigato 3D pushes further than most vintage or modern 3D films, the 3D was elaborate in being as close to field of vision as possible during select scenes.  It is done with specific objects and it makes a huge impression.

On the flipside, the 3D was so close to field-of-vision that occasionally I did experience a mild headache from these shots after the transitions ended (something that doesn't ever happen to me with standard 3D films – where the emphasis is more on depth and on occasional pop outs). Perhaps the transition between the extreme 3D visuals to standard 3D (depth based), made it more jarring, but it is undeniable how fantastic the visuals are nonetheless.

The standard dramatic sequences have more modest 3D and these scenes looks quite impressive throughout the transfer. The romantic and dramatic scenes have consistent and stable 3D depth throughout. The feature-film also showcases a nice and filmic grain structure and looks true to the original source material. The video presentation remains consistently pleasing throughout and 3-D Film Archive continues to demonstrate exactly why the boutique company is the leader in vintage 3-D preservation.

Domo Arigato 3D Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono. The release features a pleasing lossless audio presentation. Dialogue is clear and well reproduced on the release. The soundtrack is well highlighted by the encoding. The track does have some slight age-related wear and isn't pristine but the elements still sound remarkably good throughout. The sound design by Mark Hopkins is well-done and preserved well by the 3-D Film Archive.

One of the benefits of physical media and the Blu-ray disc format is the lossless audio encoding. This is a noteworthy aspect of physical media and its gains over streaming services. Blu-ray provides lossless, theater quality audio while streaming video services only provide lossy (non-lossless) audio quality. Home theater enthusiasts and audiophiles prefer the lossless audio encoding. Streaming also has additional variables (such as the strength of the internet connection and how many users are connected to the same service line). Physical media provides a stable and consistent option without any chance of fluctuations happening due to service issues and other variables.

Domo Arigato 3D Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release comes with three viewing options: Blu-ray 3D, anaglyph 3D (with including red/blue 3D glasses), and standard 2D.

Audio Commentary by Matthew Rovner with Mike Ballew

Cleopatra Follies (HD, 10:52) is a wonderfully engaging burlesque 3D short and it is tantalizing for fans of vintage 3D. The beautiful visuals make it a fun experience and the 3D restoration for the short film was well done.

Skid Row Holdup (HD, 10:39) is a classic 3D comedy short. The short film revolves around a would-be thief who plans on doing "hold up" routines without actually stealing anything – a comedic spin and concept where the thief is then given the money afterwards voluntarily. The comedic short is a lot of fun and the 3D depth makes a solid impression throughout the short film.

Domo Arigato Outtakes (HD, 2:45) are also provided (as deleted moments).

Domo Arigato 3D Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Domo Arigato 3D is an engaging and creative 3D classic. Fans of vintage 3D films will be pleased with the production and its beautiful setting in Japan. The final film of 3D filmmaker Arch Oboler (Bwana Devil, The Bubble), Domo Arigato 3D is well worthwhile.

The 3D Blu-ray release features a strong restoration from the 3-D Film Archive. The release comes with a nice assortment of bonus features, too – including some 3D short films restored for the release. Recommended.