Search - Sanjuro [Widescreen] [Criterion Collection] on DVD

MPAA Rating: NR Content Advisory: Questionable for Children Movie Release: 1962 DVD Release: 09/14/1999 Format: DVD - Black and White,Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Audio Tracks: Japanese Subtitles: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 36 mins Studio: Criterion Members Wishing: 26 Genres: Adventure, Martial Arts, Samurai Film See Also: Sanjuro [Criterion Collection]

Set in the mid-19th century when the disintegration of a rigid social structure was turning the once wealthy into paupers, or vice-versa, this kinetic drama by acclaimed Akira Kurosawa features the hero Sanjuro (Toshiro Mifune), one of many samurai whose once traditional positions were fast disappearing. In this tale of false perceptions and truth, of honor and dishonor, Sanjuro is a character who captures and holds attention from the moment he appears on screen. When he arrives in a small city, he discovers that a band of nine men are anxious to overthrow the corrupt ruling elite. Physically strong and agile, mentally sharp and clear-headed, Sanjuro still has an deep commitment to justice and honor underneath his dirty, abrasive, and cynical exterior. The nine men may doubt his nobility, but that is because they are only looking skin deep. While the sword fighting and action scenes are memorable, it is Toshiro Mifune's characterization and Kurosawa's camera eye that enhance the story. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide

Toshiro Mifune - Sanjuro Tsubaki
Yuzo Kayama - Ioti Izaka
Tatsuya Nakadai - Hanbei Muroto
Keiju Kobayashi - Spy
Reiko Dan - Chidori, Mutsuta's daughter
Takashi Shimura - Kurofuji

Akira Kurosawa's Sanjuro comes to DVD with a widescreen transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The Japanese soundtrack is rendered in Dolby Digital Mono. English subtitles are accessible. Supplemental materials include the original theatrical trailer, and footage from the film's production. Although this disc appears to have little on it, Criterion once again shows why they are one of the finest DVD companies. Anyone with an interest in Japanese film should definitely take a look at this excellent disc. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide