The Makioka Sisters: The Criterion Collection DVD

The Makioka Sisters: The Criterion Collection DVD presents Kon Ichikawa’s adaptation of Junichiro Tanizaki’s novel, following four sisters and their family business through years of changing customs before the Pacific War. Its 2-hour, 20-minute runtime suits viewers interested in a gradual Japanese family drama rather than a brisk-paced film.

At a glance

A Japanese drama about four sisters, their kimono business and family marriage traditions.
Directed by Kon Ichikawa and adapted from Junichiro Tanizaki’s novel.
Listed as a color, widescreen, subtitled special edition on one NTSC DVD.

Price

$9.98Save 50%

Reference price: ~~$19.95~~

Price checked: Nov 12, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

English subtitles are listed for the Japanese-language film.
The story description gives a clear sense of its family and cultural focus.

Technical specifications

12 specifications

Disc and presentation
Format	Color, Multiple Formats, NTSC, Special Edition, Subtitled, Widescreen
Disc count	1
Runtime	2 hours and 20 minutes
Subtitles	English
Rating	NR (Not Rated)

Language and credits
Audio language	Japanese (Mono)
Director	Kon Ichikawa
Contributors	Juzo Itami, Keiko Kishi, Kon Ichikawa, Sayuri Yoshinaga, Yoshiko Sakuma, Yuko Kotegawa
Studio	Criterion Collection
Release date	June 14, 2011
Model number	CRRN2020DVD

Dimensions and installation
Dimensions listed	0.7 x 7.5 x 5.4 inches; 4 ounces

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Viewers of Japanese cinema and family dramas focused on tradition and changing times.
Collectors seeking the Criterion Collection DVD edition.

Less suited to

Viewers looking for fast pacing or action. Customer feedback includes mixed reactions to the film’s slow, gentle approach.

The Makioka Sisters: The Criterion Collection DVD · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.5 / 5 · 146 ratings

5 stars80%80%
4 stars7%7%
3 stars4%4%
2 stars4%4%
1 star5%5%

Customer feedback praises the film’s visuals, cinematography, emotional story and cultural insight, including its depictions of cherry blossoms and kimonos. Viewers’ enjoyment is mixed, with some finding the gentle, extended drama compelling and others finding it boring. That divide matters for a film with a listed runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes and a story centered on family life rather than fast-moving action.

Positive themes

Customer feedback highlights the visuals, cinematography and cultural context.
The story is described by customers as gentle and emotional.

Mixed feedback

Enjoyment is mixed. Some customers appreciate the film, while others find it boring.

Frequently asked questions

What language and subtitle options are listed?

The listing identifies Japanese mono audio and English subtitles. A separate format field also lists English as the language, so the language details are not fully consistent.

How long is the film?

The listed runtime is 2 hours and 20 minutes.

What is the film about?

It follows four sisters who run their family’s kimono business, with family traditions and marriage expectations shaping their lives in the years before the Pacific War.

Is this the DVD or Blu-ray edition?

This listing is for the DVD edition. The title identifies it as DVD, and the format information lists NTSC.