Product guide

Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters — Criterion Collection DVD

Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters from the Criterion Collection is a two-disc DVD directed by Paul Schrader. It combines dramatizations of Yukio Mishima’s writings with accounts of his life and the failed 1970 coup, with listed bonus material including a documentary, featurettes and a trailer.

At a glance

The story interweaves Mishima’s life, his literary works and the failed coup that ended in his ritual suicide.
The listing describes Japanese-language film audio with English subtitles, plus English narration tracks and an English audio commentary.
Listed extras include the 1985 documentary The Strange Case of Yukio Mishima, featurettes and a theatrical trailer.

Price

$14.98Save 50%

Reference price: ~~$29.95~~

Price checked: Nov 12, 2026

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Often bought together

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Pros and cons

Pros

Two discs are listed, with a feature runtime of two hours and several kinds of bonus material described.
The film’s structure brings biographical material together with dramatized excerpts from Mishima’s works.

Technical specifications

12 specifications

Format and runtime
Media format	NTSC
Runtime	2 hours
Color	Color
Number of discs	2

Film and language
Director	Paul Schrader
Contributors	Ken Ogata, Paul Schrader
Audio description	English, Japanese
Subtitles	English
MPAA rating	R (Restricted)

Edition and release
Studio	Criterion Collection
Release date	January 8, 2019

Dimensions and installation
Dimensions listed	0.7 x 7.5 x 5.4 inches; 3.2 ounces

What to know before buying

Listing details to confirm

The listing describes Japanese audio with English subtitles, while separate fields give English as the language and list English and Japanese audio description. Confirm the audio and subtitle options if they are important to your setup.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Viewers interested in Yukio Mishima, Japanese cinema or biographical films with stylized literary sequences.
DVD collectors seeking a Criterion Collection edition with listed supplemental material.

Less suited to

Buyers specifically seeking a Blu-ray or a confirmed English-dubbed feature presentation.

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.8 / 5 · 390 ratings

5 stars89%89%
4 stars7%7%
3 stars2%2%
2 stars1%1%
1 star1%1%

Customer feedback is strongly positive overall, with comments praising the film and its visual quality. One reported response describes the film as compelling even on repeat viewing, and another highlights the cinematography and blend of factual detail with stylized sequences. That appreciation aligns with the film’s described mix of biography and dramatized literary material, though aggregate ratings do not establish how every viewer will respond.

Positive themes

Customer comments praise the film and its visual quality, including its cinematography.

Frequently asked questions

What is the film about?

It combines scenes based on Yukio Mishima’s major works with accounts of his life and the failed 1970 coup.

What bonus material is listed?

The listing names The Strange Case of Yukio Mishima (1985), featurettes, a theatrical trailer and audio commentary.

What language and subtitle information is provided?

The description specifies Japanese audio with English subtitles and also mentions English narration tracks. Other listing fields give English as the language and list English and Japanese audio description, so confirm the options you need.

How many discs are included?

The product details list two discs.