Akira Kurosawa - Samurai Collection (4 Films) DVD

The films of Akira Kurosawa, one of cinema's greatest auteurs, have had a profound effect on audiences around the world, and his acclaimed samurai epics—starring international star Toshir? Mifune—have inspired filmmakers such as George Lucas and Sergio Leone. Mifune—have inspired filmmakers such as George Lucas and Sergio Leone. SEVEN SAMURAI (1954) When the inhabitants of a small Japanese village seek protection, they hire seven unemployed "ronin" (masterless samurai). Paid only in a handful of rice, the samurai remain aloof from the villagers, aware that their mission could prove deadly. Unanimously acclaimed as one of cinema's greatest masterpieces, Seven Samurai has inspired countless films, including The Magnificent Seven.

Japan | 1954 | 190 minutes | Original format 1.33:1

THRONE OF BLOOD (1957)

In this brilliant adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth, Toshir? plays a samurai who is doomed to betray his friend and master in exchange for noble prestige. Kurosawa's bloody tale is a triumph of economical style, and the climactic battle scene is full of remarkable and brutal imagery. Japan | 1957 | 104 minutes | Original aspect ratio 1.33: 1

THE HIDDEN FORTRESS (1958)

In this classic collaboration between Kurosawa and star Mifune, a warrior and a princess attempt against all odds to return to their homeland with their fortune. Recognized by George Lucas as the inspiration for Star Wars, The Hidden Fortress combines an epic tale of struggle and honor with modern comic sensibilities to masterful effect.

Japan | 1958 | 138 minutes | Original format 2.35:1 (16x9 enhanced)

YOJIMBO (1961)

A drifter samurai hired as a bodyguard plays both sides against the middle with two warring factions, surviving on his wits and his ability to run faster than his own bad luck. Eventually, the samurai attempts to eliminate both sides for his own gain and to define his own honor. Yojimbo inspired A Fistful of Dollars. Japan | 1961 | 106 minutes | Widecreen 4:3 format SANJURO (1962) Following the success of Yojimbo, Kurosawa collaborated with Mifune again a year later to make this comedy of manners. The film, which follows a man who fights corruption in local government, offers a twist on the classic samurai story by gently but perfectly parodying the conventions of the Japanese period action film tradition.

Japan | 1962 | 95 minutes | Original format 2.35:1 (16x9 enhanced)

 

Subtitles

English

 

Audio

Japanese