Ran (Digitally Restored) [Blu-ray] [2016]

I have a region free blu ray player. Just received my copy of “RAN” yesterday and checked out a few scenes on my flat screen. The disc plays fine and the video looks great. This presentation is also full screen, not letter boxed. So, it fills the entire screen; no black bars. I’m looking forward to seeing it magnificently displayed on my alternate home theater projection system w/15 foot wide wall screen.4K hardware is NOT needed for this (though it is advertised as a “4K Restoration”). However, you will need a region free blu ray player. Region free players are not expensive at all these days. I got mine (and it’s a 3D blu ray player) for about $159. Whether or not you want to get a region free player for just one movie (and, yes, what a great film “RAN” is) is your call. But I imagine that every true lover of film should have one of these nifty devices, the better to collect video gems from around the world. I have quite a handful of discs not playable to Region 1 and just got tired of having to convert them on my computer.So, bottom line is that for "RAN", though you will need to go with a region free player, you will not have to go with 4K technology. I was kinda sweating bullets until my disc arrived because I have not yet invested, and probably won't invest anytime soon, in 4K.

IF YOU LIVE IN AMERICA, and WANT TO PURCHASE THIS FANTASTIC BLURAY, THEN YOU MUST, MUST, MUST already HAVE OR BE WILLING TO BUY A MULTI REGIONAL BLURAY PLAYER…IT’S THAT SIMPLE! I, personally, just upgraded my RAN experience by purchasing the brand new 4K UHD edition from AmazonUK. It specifies that it’s compatible with Regions: A, B, & C, so if it’s actually NOT, I Will be pissed about it…Will review it when it comes in!

I won't waste inadequate words in trying to describe the genius of this film. Others have done if far better. All I will say is that this blu ray edition is a dream come true. The picture and audio are amazing and there's a comprehensive list of extras. If you love this film as I do, you owe yourself this amazing print. Enjoy!

Major improvement over the previous Blu Ray, which was disappointingly produced. Many great supplements from various iterations. Finally, the restoration this film deserves.

On time delivery of a great movie.

This BluRay does NOT have a 4k version of the film, only 1080p. Of course, there are no 4k blu ray players, and most likely never will be, but don't think you're buying a 4k video with this in any case. You're not. The movie is phenomenal, 5 stars. I give one star because it indicates it is something it is not.

One of Kurosawa’s greats as well as the lead actor, Tatsuya Nakadai. A fantastic adaptation of King Lear, with a wonderful actor (named Peter) playing the Fool.To answer the other reviewer, a 4K restoration does not imply that it’s 4K resolution, only that it was scanned at 4K to get maximum detail for the Blu-ray format. Most Criterion Collection blu-rays are scanned at 4K, but none of them are 4K transfers. Hollywood is only doing that to movies they think will sell well enough.

The movie came quickly & in excellent condition (hence the 2 stars) but it will not play. The product page said it was a Region 0. Since I've bought other Region 0 products & had no trouble I figured it would be ok, but the disc says that it is only a Region B. I don't know if the company sent me a Region B instead of a Region 0 by mistake or if they only sell Region B & the product page was mislabeled, but it's kind of disappointing. Other than that the purchasing experience was excellent.

Unfortunately when buying (was a gift) did not realize that it was a Region B disc.

Ran (roughly translated as 'Chaos' or 'Pandemonium' ). I recommend this film. It is a stunning historical drama, 15 century feudal Japan, based on the story of King Lear. The 1985 film has been restored and shows spectacular colourful scenery and marvellous costumes. The opening scene is quiet but soon changes as the drama unfolds. The music score is haunting especially during the bloody battle scenes. The film ends with a strong message for mankind. Disc 2 is a bonus with documentary and interviews and shows how much detail and preparation work went into the making of the film. There is also a nice informative booklet with photographs.photographs.

Brutal. Wrong region format. Can not watch in North America. Noticed once I tried in the small print of description. Seller should be more upfront with films they’re sending. Totally disappointed.

This is without doubt one of the all time masterpieces of film making. The transfer to Blu-Ray is phenomenal with colour being such an important part of the visual language in this film it is really done justice here.If you love the medium of film then this is a must have work from Akira Kurasawa at the very peak of his powers, loosely modelled around King Lear it shows the precariousness of power as age affects you, and the reality that one generation can influence but not control the next.Absolutely breath-taking

This is Akira Kurosawa's last "Big" film and is an adaption of William Shakespeare's King Lear set in an undefined feudal period of japan, the whole film is excellently paced with a dreamy use of the camera in many scenes showing at later points the mind of the Lord as it unravels.