An adaptation of Haruki Murakami's short story, "Drive My Car" is a critically acclaimed film directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi. The narrative follows stage actor and director Yūsuke Kafuku, who, two years after his wife's sudden death, accepts a residency at a theater festival in Hiroshima.

There, he is assigned a young, stoic chauffeur named Misaki Watari. The story explores themes of grief, communication, and the healing power of art. The Criterion Collection edition brings this profound work to Blu-ray with a meticulous digital restoration, supervised and approved by the director. The 4K digital transfer, sourced from the original camera negative, ensures exceptional clarity, color accuracy, and film grain preservation, faithfully reflecting the film's intimate visual style. The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround, offering an immersive soundscape that complements the emotional depth of the narrative. This release includes a wealth of supplementary materials designed to enhance appreciation of the film. Among the special features are a new audio commentary by film scholar and critic, a making-of documentary featuring interviews with cast and crew, and an archival discussion between Hamaguchi and novelist Haruki Murakami. Additional content includes the original theatrical trailer and an essay booklet featuring critical analysis. The packaging reflects Criterion's standard of quality, utilizing a sturdy case and reversible cover art. The disc's menu interface is intuitive, providing easy access to all features. The overall physical build of the Blu-ray is durable and designed for long-term storage, with the disc protected against scratches by a secure hub. The Criterion Collection is known for its commitment to preservation and context, and this edition of "Drive My Car" upholds that reputation. The transfer reveals subtle details in costume textures, facial expressions, and the austere beauty of the coastal landscapes, while the soundtrack elegantly balances dialogue, ambient sounds, and the cello-driven score. Viewers will find the presentation to be consistent in quality across the entire runtime, with no noticeable compression artifacts or playback issues. The film's deliberate pacing and layered performances—particularly by Hidetoshi Nishijima and Toko Miura—are given the appropriate space to resonate. For those seeking an emotionally resonant cinematic experience delivered with technical excellence, this edition represents a compelling choice. Beyond the film itself, the set provides an entry point into Hamaguchi's broader body of work. The included essays and interviews situate the film within contemporary Japanese cinema and its dialogue with Murakami's literature. The special features do not overwhelm but instead supplement understanding without spoiling the film's intricate revelations. The overall value is reinforced by the carefully curated extras, which respect the viewer's time while enriching repeated viewings. This Blu-ray release is positioned as an accessible option for both collectors and newcomers, offered at a notably reasonable price point that underscores its affordability without sacrificing content quality or presentation standards. It stands as a well-rounded package for anyone interested in modern auteur cinema.