![Kurosawa: The Samurai Collection [4 Disc Set] [1954]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51C+9FXU0XL.jpg)
Product Description KUROSAWA: THE SAMURAI COLLECTION (4-DISC BLU-RAY BOX SET)Akira Kurosawa is one of the world's greatest filmmakers. His films have been acclaimed by critics the world over, and his celebrated samurai epics featuring international star Toshirô Mifune have inspired filmmakers as diverse as Steven Spielberg and Sergio Leone, and inspired countless films, including The Magnificent Seven. This indispensable Blu-ray collection contains digitally remastered High Definition presentations of five of Kurosawa's greatest films, are accompanied with extra features including interviews with directors George Lucas and Alex Cox, feature-length audio commentaries and original theatrical trailers. Contents SEVEN SAMURAI When the residents of a small Japanese village seek protection they hire seven unemployed 'ronin' (masterless samurai). Paid only in handfuls of rice, the samurai remain distant from the villagers, knowing that their assignment may prove fatal. Unanimously hailed as one of cinema's greatest masterpieces, Seven Samurai has inspired countless films, including The Magnificent Seven. Japan | 1954 | 207 minutes | Japanese language, with optional English subtitles | Original aspect ratio 1.33:1THRONE OF BLOOD In this brilliant re-imagining of Shakespeare's Macbeth Toshirô Mifune plays a samurai fated to betray his friend and master in exchange for the prestige of nobility. Kurosawa's bloody tale is a triumph of economic style, and the climactic battle scene is full of remarkable, and brutal, imagery. Japan | 1957 | 108 minutes | Japanese language with optional English subtitles | Original aspect ratio 1.33:1THE HIDDEN FORTRESS In this classic collaboration between Kurosawa and star Mifune, a warrior and a princess try against all odds to return to their homeland with their fortune. Acknowledged by George Lucas as the inspiration for Star Wars, The Hidden Fortress combines an epic tale of struggle and honour with modern comic sensibilities to masterful effect Japan | 1958 | 144 minutes | Japanese language, with optional English subtitles | Original aspect ratio 2.35:1YOJIMBO A drifting samurai for hire plays both ends against the middle with two warring factions, surviving on his wits and his ability to outrun his own bad luck. Eventually the samurai seeks to eliminate both sides for his own gain and to define his own sense of honour. Yojimbo provided inspiration for A Fistful of Dollars. Japan | 1961 | 110 minutes | Japanese language, with optional English subtitles | Original aspect ratio 2.35:1SANJURO After the success of Yojimbo, Kurosawa teamed up once again with Mifune one year later to make this comedy of manners. The film, which follows a man fighting corruption in local government, offers a twist on the classic Samurai tale by gently, but perfectly parodying the conventions of the Japanese period action movie tradition. Japan | 1962 | 99 minutes | Japanese language, with optional English subtitles | Original aspect 2.35:1Running times are to be confirmedSpecial featuresAll films presented in High DefinitionOriginal theatrical trailersThe Art of Akira Kurosawa (2013, 49 mins): Asian-cinema expert Tony Rayns discusses Kurosawa's career and influenceInterview with filmmaker George Lucas (2001, 8 mins)Interview with filmmaker Alex Cox (2003, 9 mins)Introduction to Sanjuro by Alex Cox (2003, 5 mins)Full-length audio commentary on Throne of Blood by Japanese-film expert Michael JeckFull-length audio commentary on Yojimbo by film critic Philip Kemp Review 'The pictorial shakespeare of our time' --Steven Spielberg'His influence on filmmakers throughout the entire world is so profound' --Martin Scorsese'I have learned more from him than from almost any other fimmaker on the face of the earth' --Steven Spielberg Review: Kurosawa's Greatest? - Firstly; films from this period, especially some from Japan, even Kurosawa's, often seem to suffer from flickering (light levels alter, irrespective of the scene) and poor contrast. However, these remastered classics presented here by the BFI have been transferred superbly and quality is as good as I've seen, ever, in B&W - good, deep blacks and with subtle tonal range and barely any flickering. Virtually all blemishes, spots and streaks have been painstakingly removed. Sound is good, too. I, like many who are re-exploring this absolute master had seen a few of these in dribs and drabs. I rented Seven Samurai years ago - I didn't have time to watch it properly and didn't really 'get' it back then. Now, though, I find the action akin to any spirited Western (a genre that literally transferred many of Kurosawa's to Hollywood and inferior at that - The Magnificent Seven is based squarely on this film) and the range of emotion from sheer animal anger to pathos is quite astounding. Throne of Blood is famously based on Macbeth, its dark mood and austere surroundings are in contrast to the enjoyably light humour of The Hidden Fortress, which could be seen as a John Ford "Eastern", complete with scurrilous larger than life characters and instead of Monument Valley, the lower slopes of Mt. Fuji was used for much of its filming. It is well known that basic story for Star Wars was drawn from this film. I agree with another reviewer about the lack of Rashomon; this is essential viewing and often cited as one of the best ever, of all time. I bought that DVD separately & viewed it before starting on this box set. It is definitely worth buying on its own. I find the set neat, clear and all I really need to have the backbone of a master's work. The slimline cases have the year clearly shown in white on the spine, so you can easily see which order they were made in. The backs of them have clear, concise information on plot and how they fit into both Kurosawa's work and film generally. Enough to entice viewing, not so much to swamp you or cloud an open and eager mind. For the money I can't see how it could be beaten and what many forget is that BFI are championing good film from wherever it is sourced and much of that must be relatively unprofitable. We must support their sterling work and this collection, in my mind, doesn't step a foot wrong. I notice that BFI have released an 'Early Kurosawa' box set, too. Many of the other titles included are, according to quality film sources and critics, sheer classics too. This ultimately would be an ideal and affordable gift for the film buff in your life, even if that so happens to be yourself! Review: A Giant in Cinema - First off, this blue ray edition is good, but highlights the fact that Kurosawa's films all need serious time and money spent on restoration. Apart from that niggle, quite frankly this collection is a must, not only for fans of Kurosawa's work, but anyone who loves cinema, or is a student of the media. Its sadly ironic that Kurosawa is somewhat neglected in Japan, even during his own lifetime. He met with disapproval with the his love of Shakespeare, which is even more ironic, as 'Throne of Blood', is now regarded as the best film version of Macbeth ever made. Its a masterpiece in putting Shakespeare onto the screen, capturing the plays theme of 'power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely'. It makes Roman Polanski's version look dated and pedestrian, whilst Kurosawa's film is over ten years older truly captures Shakespeare, and is enthralling. Now what can I say about the rest of this collection?!. Its hard to believe that one director could make so many influential films. The Seven Samurai still my favourite, it is a eulogy on old age and past glories lost, a final swan song, resulting in death and redemption. It is a a classic in all senses of that word. It manages to still grip me in ways modern films very rarely come close to, in making you truly care about each of the Samurai . No wonder Hollywood remade it as the 'Magnificent Seven', one of Yul Briner and Steve McQueen's finest outings. Its regarded as a Hollywood classic in its own right, but for me The Seven Samurai, is more powerful yet at times a subtle and graceful film. Yojimbo is Kurosawa's 'pop corn' movie. A simple tale of an unemployed Ronin, turning circumstance to his own advantage, in getting two waring factions in a town to fight amongst themselves so he can capitalise on the conflict. Sound familiar? Well that's because Sergio Leone remade it as ;The Fistful of Dollars;, and made Clint Eastwood a star.Yojimbo, I feel is a better picture as it has more humour which balance's the cynical plot, a criticism made of Fistful of Dollars when it was released. Sanjuro is the most 'Japanese' in this Samurai collection, as the booklet that comes with the blue ray states, ' a comedy of manners'. My partner and I looked after two Japanese students once, on a three week exchange , and we were struck by how well mannered the boys were, which is very important in Japanese society. So watching Sanjuro with that in mind, the film makes sense, however it may for western sensibilities seem somewhat vacuous. Its still a good film however , but in this collection, it's the weakest, but I would say that about many Hollywood movies I've watched over the years, in comparing them to Kurosawa. The Hidden Fortress is the reason I bought this collection. I've read about how it influenced George Lucas in his making of Star Wars and was curious to see how. Kurosowa tells the story through what would be regarded as two minor characters in normal film making. They are caught in the maelstrom of a war, and its Kurosawa's genius to use these characters to suck you into their part in a larger story. In Star Wars' Lucas used CP30 and R2D2 to do the same thing and like Kurosowa , sucks you into what would be regarded as a fairly pedestrian plot if told through the main protagonists. In the Hidden Fortress, you watch it because you can easily identify with the characters as lets face it, how many of us are princesses or Jedi Warriors ? (put down that Light sabre before you hurt yourself ) So in conclusion, this Samurai collection is a bargain and a must. The Seven Samurai alone makes it worth it, but add Throne of Blood and Yojimbo, its essential if you love cinema. These films alone cements Kurosawa as a giant in the world of film, never mind his final epic RAN, not included here, which even surpasses Throne of Blood in putting Shakespeare on the big screen, but that's another review.
| ASIN | B00LA1ZV52 |
| Actors | Minoru Chiaki, Seiji Miyaguchi, Takashi Shimura, Toshirô Mifune, Yoshio Inaba |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3 - 1.33:1 |
| Best Sellers Rank | 20,525 in DVD & Blu-ray ( See Top 100 in DVD & Blu-ray ) 621 in World Cinema (DVD & Blu-ray) 3,381 in Box Sets (DVD & Blu-ray) 4,220 in Action & Adventure (DVD & Blu-ray) |
| Customer reviews | 4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars (807) |
| Director | Akira Kurosawa |
| Is discontinued by manufacturer | No |
| Language | Japanese (Dolby Digital 2.0) |
| Media Format | Blu-ray, PAL |
| Number of discs | 4 |
| Product Dimensions | 17.2 x 14 x 2.6 cm; 250 g |
| Release date | 1 Sept. 2014 |
| Run time | 11 hours |
| Studio | Bfi |
| Subtitles: | English |
T**R
Kurosawa's Greatest?
Firstly; films from this period, especially some from Japan, even Kurosawa's, often seem to suffer from flickering (light levels alter, irrespective of the scene) and poor contrast. However, these remastered classics presented here by the BFI have been transferred superbly and quality is as good as I've seen, ever, in B&W - good, deep blacks and with subtle tonal range and barely any flickering. Virtually all blemishes, spots and streaks have been painstakingly removed. Sound is good, too. I, like many who are re-exploring this absolute master had seen a few of these in dribs and drabs. I rented Seven Samurai years ago - I didn't have time to watch it properly and didn't really 'get' it back then. Now, though, I find the action akin to any spirited Western (a genre that literally transferred many of Kurosawa's to Hollywood and inferior at that - The Magnificent Seven is based squarely on this film) and the range of emotion from sheer animal anger to pathos is quite astounding. Throne of Blood is famously based on Macbeth, its dark mood and austere surroundings are in contrast to the enjoyably light humour of The Hidden Fortress, which could be seen as a John Ford "Eastern", complete with scurrilous larger than life characters and instead of Monument Valley, the lower slopes of Mt. Fuji was used for much of its filming. It is well known that basic story for Star Wars was drawn from this film. I agree with another reviewer about the lack of Rashomon; this is essential viewing and often cited as one of the best ever, of all time. I bought that DVD separately & viewed it before starting on this box set. It is definitely worth buying on its own. I find the set neat, clear and all I really need to have the backbone of a master's work. The slimline cases have the year clearly shown in white on the spine, so you can easily see which order they were made in. The backs of them have clear, concise information on plot and how they fit into both Kurosawa's work and film generally. Enough to entice viewing, not so much to swamp you or cloud an open and eager mind. For the money I can't see how it could be beaten and what many forget is that BFI are championing good film from wherever it is sourced and much of that must be relatively unprofitable. We must support their sterling work and this collection, in my mind, doesn't step a foot wrong. I notice that BFI have released an 'Early Kurosawa' box set, too. Many of the other titles included are, according to quality film sources and critics, sheer classics too. This ultimately would be an ideal and affordable gift for the film buff in your life, even if that so happens to be yourself!
M**5
A Giant in Cinema
First off, this blue ray edition is good, but highlights the fact that Kurosawa's films all need serious time and money spent on restoration. Apart from that niggle, quite frankly this collection is a must, not only for fans of Kurosawa's work, but anyone who loves cinema, or is a student of the media. Its sadly ironic that Kurosawa is somewhat neglected in Japan, even during his own lifetime. He met with disapproval with the his love of Shakespeare, which is even more ironic, as 'Throne of Blood', is now regarded as the best film version of Macbeth ever made. Its a masterpiece in putting Shakespeare onto the screen, capturing the plays theme of 'power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely'. It makes Roman Polanski's version look dated and pedestrian, whilst Kurosawa's film is over ten years older truly captures Shakespeare, and is enthralling. Now what can I say about the rest of this collection?!. Its hard to believe that one director could make so many influential films. The Seven Samurai still my favourite, it is a eulogy on old age and past glories lost, a final swan song, resulting in death and redemption. It is a a classic in all senses of that word. It manages to still grip me in ways modern films very rarely come close to, in making you truly care about each of the Samurai . No wonder Hollywood remade it as the 'Magnificent Seven', one of Yul Briner and Steve McQueen's finest outings. Its regarded as a Hollywood classic in its own right, but for me The Seven Samurai, is more powerful yet at times a subtle and graceful film. Yojimbo is Kurosawa's 'pop corn' movie. A simple tale of an unemployed Ronin, turning circumstance to his own advantage, in getting two waring factions in a town to fight amongst themselves so he can capitalise on the conflict. Sound familiar? Well that's because Sergio Leone remade it as ;The Fistful of Dollars;, and made Clint Eastwood a star.Yojimbo, I feel is a better picture as it has more humour which balance's the cynical plot, a criticism made of Fistful of Dollars when it was released. Sanjuro is the most 'Japanese' in this Samurai collection, as the booklet that comes with the blue ray states, ' a comedy of manners'. My partner and I looked after two Japanese students once, on a three week exchange , and we were struck by how well mannered the boys were, which is very important in Japanese society. So watching Sanjuro with that in mind, the film makes sense, however it may for western sensibilities seem somewhat vacuous. Its still a good film however , but in this collection, it's the weakest, but I would say that about many Hollywood movies I've watched over the years, in comparing them to Kurosawa. The Hidden Fortress is the reason I bought this collection. I've read about how it influenced George Lucas in his making of Star Wars and was curious to see how. Kurosowa tells the story through what would be regarded as two minor characters in normal film making. They are caught in the maelstrom of a war, and its Kurosawa's genius to use these characters to suck you into their part in a larger story. In Star Wars' Lucas used CP30 and R2D2 to do the same thing and like Kurosowa , sucks you into what would be regarded as a fairly pedestrian plot if told through the main protagonists. In the Hidden Fortress, you watch it because you can easily identify with the characters as lets face it, how many of us are princesses or Jedi Warriors ? (put down that Light sabre before you hurt yourself ) So in conclusion, this Samurai collection is a bargain and a must. The Seven Samurai alone makes it worth it, but add Throne of Blood and Yojimbo, its essential if you love cinema. These films alone cements Kurosawa as a giant in the world of film, never mind his final epic RAN, not included here, which even surpasses Throne of Blood in putting Shakespeare on the big screen, but that's another review.
W**Y
Kurosawa for the Soul
While laid low with the flu for several days, I was stationed on my sofa in my duvet and literally devoured this boxset. Never mind "Chicken Soup for the Soul", the best remedy I can think of is "Kurosawa for the Soul". Perhaps I was delirious with fever at the time, but the experience of watching these films in high-definition was absolutely remarkable. Especially surprising is how modern and fresh they feel, with a remarkable fluidity of action and character. Kurosawa is an artist in every sense of the word. Three of the five films in this set are presented in the "Tohoscope" anamorphic ratio of 2.35:1, and the black and white visuals really sing on the blu-ray format. That's not to say that the other two -- Seven Samurai and Throne of Blood -- are presented badly, but that the others seem to have benefited the most from these transfers. My only complaint is that Rashomon is not included in this set, nor Ran or Kagemusha, but I guess that's just me being greedy! Eagerly looking forward to releases of the contemporary (non-period) Kurosawa films on blu-ray. Holding out hope that the BFI gets their mitts on "High and Low", "Drunken Angel", "Stray Dog", and "The Bad Sleep Well" very soon.
D**Ć
Hello from Alaska, I was excited about my favorite Japanese movie, When I put DVD into my Blue-Ray disk player Won’t play, don’t “know why “ Every another movie I received, is playing fine If you can help Model is Samsung BD-J5700 Blue- Ray Disk
J**E
Classic movie but I didn’t realize it was the European form of vhs
W**Z
A colection of 5 Eternal Masterpieces .
A**X
Super coffret de 5 excellents films de Kurosawa. Le British Film Institute à fait un travail magnifique sur ces films, surtout sur les bande son qui ont trouvé un nouvel éclat. Effectivement on a là un vrai travail de remastérisation et pas juste une qualité DVD portée sur BluRay. Le seule point négatif est qu'il n'y a pas de sous-titres français mais les dialogues sont assez simples à comprendre même pour quelqu'un qui comme moi ne brille pas dans la langue de Shakespeare. Alors les films : - "Seven Samourai"/"Les 7 Samourais" n'est plus a présenter. C'est le film qui, je penses, est la meilleure introduction à la filmographie de Kurosawa avec "Rashomon" qui manque un peu à ce coffret même si ce n'est pas un vrai film de Samourais. - "Throne Of Blood"/"Le château de l’araignée" film inspiré par "Macbeth" et mélangeant Théâtre Noh et Renaissance Englaise et un chef-d'oeuvre - "The Hidden Fortress"/"La Forteresse cachée" est un très bon film, mais c'est celui que j'aime le moins dans ce coffret. - "Yojimbo"/"Le garde du Corps" le film qui m'a fait découvrir la filmographie de Kurosawa grâce au film "Pour une Poignée de Dollars" de Sergio Leone qui est un remake de "Yojimbo". Les deux films sont excellents et n'ont rien à voir, si vous n'avez pas vu l'un ou l'autre c'est intéressant de voir comment Sergio Leone à transposé la même histoire dans l'ouest. - "Sanjuro" est un très bon film aussi avec un peu plus d'humour que les autres films. Un peu plus léger du coup que "Yojimbo" j'ai un peu moins adhéré mais ça reste un très bon film. Le coffret n'est pas très beau comparé à d'autres édition Blu-Ray mais franchement pour le prix avoir 5 films aussi bien remastérisés avec de vrai Bonus Intéressants car oui on a de vrai bon bonus dans cette édition, dont les trailers d'origine, Un documentaire de 49mn "The Art of Kurosawa" Un Interview avec George Lucas... Par rapport aux DVD que j'avais c'est un réel plus et c'est bienvenu.
G**P
Acquistato per un regalo che è stato molto apprezzato.
ترست بايلوت
منذ شهر
منذ 3 أسابيع
