Shohei Sugiyama (Koji Yakusho) seems to have it all – a high-paying job as an accountant, a beautiful home, a caring wife and a doting daughter he loves dearly. However, he feels something is missing in his life. One day while commuting on the train he spots a beautiful woman staring wistfully out a window and eventually decides to find her. His search leads him head-first into the world of competitive ballroom dancing.

An “infinitely touching” (Washington Post) modern classic from director Masayuki Suo, SHALL WE DANCE? is a feel-good romantic comedy that “will sweep you off your feet” (Austin Chronicle). A box office sensation in North America upon its initial release (which led to a Hollywood remake with Richard Gere), Film Movement Classics presents SHALL WE DANCE? in a new 4K restoration of the original 137-minute film, available uncut for the first time in North America.

For thoughts on Shall We Dance (1996), please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required:

Video Quality

Shall We Dance arrives on Blu-Ray courtesy of Film Movement Classics sourced from a new 4K restoration in the original 1.85:1 uncut presentation. The film has a natural, consistent grain structure that preserves the filmic source of the picture, unveiling subtle details never before seen at home. The film is filled with dazzling costumes during the dance competition, along with numerous production design flourishes to delight in, so the texture on display is a gift for audiences. The grain field avoids any semblance of noise or swarming. This presentation is virtually free of print damage such as specks, scratches, and tears.

Colors are especially vibrant within this world with everything appearing accurate with the ideal amount of depth. Certain pieces of clothing and some lighting flourishes make a bigger impression. Black levels hold up well and never come up short in shadow detail. The picture never suffers from crush, and the highlights are strong with no indication of blooming. Skin tones look natural, with an excellent amount of facial detail present in close-ups. The label has given this film an astounding Blu-Ray presentation that has been well worth the wait for fans of this classic.

Audio Quality

This Blu-Ray comes with a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track and an LPCM 2.0 track in the original Japanese which both deliver by every metric. Dialogue comes through clearly without being overshadowed by the environmental effects or the soundtrack. Music is a prominent part of the film with it playing during routines, and it comes through impeccably in this presentation. The sounds of the world creep through to provide some exceptional ambient details. All of the various sounds in the mix seem rendered with precision so that nothing ever feels askew. Film Movement Classics has provided an audio track that showcases this one with the utmost care. Optional English subtitles are provided.

Special Features

Masayuki Suo Introduction: A three-minute introduction from the director in which he discusses his inspiration to tell this story.

Interviews: A collection of archival interviews with the cast and creative team is provided that explores each individual’s work on the film, why they got involved with the project, the collaborative process, and more.

- Masayuki Suo (16:25)

- Koji Yakusho (16:21)

- Tamiyo Kusakari (21:43)

- Naoto Takenaka (12:48)

- Hiromasa Taguchi (13:20)

Trailer (1:45)

Booklet: A 16-page booklet is included featuring a new essay by writer Ariel Esteban Cayer that provides a good examination of the film’s background, the key players, the themes, and more.

Final Thoughts

Shall We Dance is a lovely film that shows the magic that can still be found in life, even after you have reached a level of complacency within your routine. The story provides a colorful collection of personalities who help keep you engaged while you wait for the lead to break down some of the walls he has built up. The performances are great across the board, and the movie maintains a good pace despite the lengthy runtime. Whether you have seen the American version or not, you owe it to yourself to seek out the original and discover its brand of magic. Film Movement Classics has released a Blu-Ray which features a top-tier A/V presentation and a couple of supplemental features. If you like a strong, emotionally-driven character study, give this one a whirl. Recommended

Shall We Dance is currently available to purchase on Standard Edition Blu-Ray or with a Limited Edition Slipcover exclusively through Vinegar Syndrome.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Film Movement Classics and OCN Distribution have supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.