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The Criterion 2006 3-disc version of Seven Samurai is currently the definitive release of Kurosawa's masterpiece. With digital remastering, the picture is infinitely better than other versions (you can make out the sweat on the actors faces) with no scratches or other artifacts. A curious audio option is a surround mode, that affects only the music in the soundtrack (minimally), but the spoken parts are still monaural and slightly harsh in loud scenes (1950's audio technology, but might have been equalized better in this upgrade). As usual, the Criterion supplements are excellent, with a two-hour interview with Kurosawa, and an incisive documentary on the lasting effects of this film. A great booklet is included, and the Criterion graphics and packaging are exemplary. If you love this film, this is the set to own!Read full review
This movie has been a favorite of mine for decades (I first saw it at the old Toho La Brea Theater in Los Angeles, home to Kurowawa movies in Southern California). The 2006 release contains some commentaries that were highly enlightening, even for one who has read several books on samurai history and traditions. The additional stuff also gives you a fine insight into the development of Japanese cinema, particularly as it was influenced by external events. While the movie is admittedly long, over three hours, ask yourself what scenes could you cut without compromising the story. This DVD set isn't cheap, but then neither are Ferraris or Patek Phillippe watches!
One of the greatest movies ever made. 7 Samurai changed the way American Westerns were made, as much as the Eastwood "Dollars" Spaghetti-Western films. Kurosawa's framing is profound. If you watch any of his films he will teach you just how long you can remain on a shot without boring your audience to death. He also invented several camera shots. The only other movie that comes close to this elegance, grace, and passion is Rashomon [In A Grove].. also by Kurosawa. Finally, I would like to brag about eBay's quality policy. While I have had to return 2 film DVDs to Amazon, eBay continues to bat a 1000 for product punctuality, transparency, and quality. So far (and that's a LOT of so far) all orders have been on time, and as advertised.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
...And said to yourself "Wow, I wonder how they got that idea?" or "Gee, that had excellent cinematography", look no further than Kurosawa's quintessential masterpiece Seven Samurai, the very definition of an epic, and the movie that started it all. Honestly, if you've ever been curious about seeing this film, do yourself a favour and watch it. It's been credited as the first action movie ever made, and it truly lives up to its name. And the Criterion Re-issued box set is unbelievable, as is the exceptional job they did in the remastering process: It looks and sounds as though it came out this year, yet it's 53 years old. Again, do yourself a favour, see this movie.
Never before has a director been able to make his audience love the characters more than Akira does in Seven Samurai. In the 3+ hour movie, you grow terribly fond of each and every character which in its self, is reason to buy this movie. The camera work makes you stand in astonishment thinking "How could they have possibly pulled these shots off in 1954?" weather it be from the composition of the shot or the technical skill it took to perform the pictures. This movie portrays a life every person wants to live, a life full of standing, standing up for what you believe is right, even when the odds are horribly against you.
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