5 star restoration of a brilliantly horrifying Japanese thriller.
First released in 1999, this iconic J-horror classic is based on the novel by Ryu Marakami (Tokyo Decadence) and adapted for the screen by Daisuke Tengan (The Eel, 13 Assassins).
It was directed by Takashi Miike (The Happiness of the Katakuris, Ichi the Killer) and is regarded as something of a turning point in Japanese cinema.
It has enjoyed a brand new 4K restoration from the original Super 16mm camera negative and is available to own in the UK from 15th June 2026, courtesy of Arrow Films.
“I’m not sure whether I could become an actress. Probably not. I was simply fascinated by the story.”
It tells the story of Shigeharu Aoyama (Ryo Ishibashi – The Grudge, Suicide Club), raising his son Shigehiko (Tetsu Sawaki – Harmful Insect) after the tragic death of his wife seven years before.
At the suggestion of his son, he decides that it is time for him to remarry, so he goes to his friend and partner in their film production company, Yoshikawa (Jun Kunimara – Kill Bill, The Wind Rises) for advice on dating.
Yoshikawa comes up with a cunning plan, they can use their position as film producers to hold an audition for a film which may or may not be made, but which will enable Aoyama to choose his dream girl.
He takes home all the CVs and chooses 30 girls for the audition, but before they even start he has already made up his mind. He is fascinated by the tragic ex ballet dancer Asami Yamakazi (Eihi Shiina – Tokyo Gore Police, Helldriver).
After her audition they begin to meet up for drinks and then food, but Yoshikawa has serious misgivings about her. He is unable to check her background or indeed find anyone who knows her.
Aoyama remains undeterred but the situation is about to take a horrifyingly sinister turn as Asami is not at all what she appears to be.
Audition is a masterclass in tension building. From the start I was transfixed and as it rolls towards the inevitable climax the suspense grows so that by the time you get there your nerves are already shredded, even before the violence starts.
“The audition will be next week. Choose thirty girls by then.”
This film really is for hardcore horror fans. There are no elaborate special effects and you don’t really see a lot until right at the end, but when it comes it is brutal, graphic and totally uncompromising.
An absolute must own for horror fans, just bear in mind that this release is in Japanese with English subtitles, but as long as you can deal with that then you should be fine and this is a real eye opener. The 4K restoration is thoughtfully done, making a noticeable difference in picture quality, improving everything without losing the all important vibe.
Packed with special features and featuring newly commissioned artwork, this is well worth adding to your 4K collection.
“When I was young, I burned myself in an accident. I want you to know everything about me.”
Audition is available to buy now on Limited Edition 4K UHD.
4K ULTRA HD LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS
• Brand new 4K restoration from the original Super 16mm camera negative by Arrow Films approved by director of photography Hideo Yamamoto
• 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray™ presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
• Newly restored original lossless stereo and 4.0 audio, plus optional DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround audio
• Optional English subtitles
• Introduction by director Takashi Miike
• Audio commentary by director Takashi Miike and screenwriter Daisuke Tengan
• Audio commentary by Miike biographer Tom Mes
• Callback, a brand new interview with actor Ryo Ishibashi
• Ties that Bind, an interview with director Takashi Miike
• Damaged Romance, an appreciation by Japanese cinema historian Tony Rayns
• Archive interviews with stars Ryo Ishibashi, Eihi Shiina, Renji Ishibashi and Ren Osugi
• Deeper Deeper Into Audition, an audio essay by author and critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
• Trailers
• Image gallery
• Collectors’ booklet featuring new writing on the film by Anton Bitel, Jennie Kermode and Jamie Graham
• Reversible sleeve featuring newly commissioned artwork by Dark Inker – Sampson and original UK artwork by Graham Humphreys
| Director | Takashi Miike |
| Genre | Horror, thriller |
| Starring | Ryo Ishibashi, Eihi Shiina, Tetsu Sawaki, Jun Konimura |