Good-Night TOKYO was video recorded in 1992 using a high-definition camera with features that didn’t become standard on consumer devices for 20 years: 1080 lines and 60 frames per second. The world depicted is clearly from decades ago, but is recorded with a sharpness and starkness that signifies the present day, at least in the U.S. and Europe. It’s a fascinating artifact which reminds me how carefully composed period films and shows have to be, because the real world is in truth empty of old things and overstuffed with the new.
It doesn’t say in the video description, but this was perhaps a trade pitch for Japan public broadcaster’ NHK’s high-definition LaserDisc specifications.