A Story of Floating Weeds/Floating Weeds: Two Films by Yasujiro Ozu

A Story of Floating Weeds/Floating Weeds: Two Films by Yasujiro Ozu

In 1959, Yasujiro Ozu remade his 1934 silent classic A Story of Floating Weeds in color with the celebrated cinematographer Kazuo Miyagawa (Rashomon, Ugetsu). Setting his later version in a seaside location, Ozu otherwise preserves the details of his elegantly simple plot wherein an aging actor returns to a small town with his troupe and reunities with his former lover and illegitimate son, a scenario that enrages his current mistress and results in heartbreak for all. Together, the films offer a unique glimpse into the evolution of one of cinema's greatest directors. A Story of Floating Weeds reveals Ozu in the midst of developing his mode of expression; Floating Weeds reveals his distinct style at its pinnacle. In each, the director captures the joy and sadness in everyday life.

Film Info

  • Spine #232

Films In This Set

Special Features

Disc One: A Story of Floating Weeds

  • New high-definition digital transfer with restored image and sound
  • Audio commentary by Japanese film historian Donald Richie
  • New score by noted silent-film composer Donald Sosin
  • New and improved English subtitle translation by Donald Richie
  • Optimal image quality: RSDL dual-layer edition

Disc Two: Floating Weeds

  • New high-definition digital transfer with restored image and sound
  • Audio commentary by film critic Roger Ebert
  • Original theatrical trailer
  • New and improved English subtitle translation by Donald Richie
  • Optimal image quality: RSDL dual-layer edition

New covers by Lucien S. Y. Yang

Purchase Options

Films In This Set

A Story of Floating Weeds/Floating Weeds: Two Films by Yasujiro Ozu

Special Features

Disc One: A Story of Floating Weeds

  • New high-definition digital transfer with restored image and sound
  • Audio commentary by Japanese film historian Donald Richie
  • New score by noted silent-film composer Donald Sosin
  • New and improved English subtitle translation by Donald Richie
  • Optimal image quality: RSDL dual-layer edition

Disc Two: Floating Weeds

  • New high-definition digital transfer with restored image and sound
  • Audio commentary by film critic Roger Ebert
  • Original theatrical trailer
  • New and improved English subtitle translation by Donald Richie
  • Optimal image quality: RSDL dual-layer edition

New covers by Lucien S. Y. Yang