Finally picked up 'The Hidden Fortress' LD box from Criterion, and although it doesn't dp feature much in the way of extras, I still love it. Do you have any Kurosawa Criterion releases? Which are the best? Or, which are the ones that I should look for?

i'm sure everyone will say seven samurai, i only have the 2 disc version.
but since LD is so cheap on the bay just get all of them.

I happen to be a huge fan of Akira Kurosawa (as well as Kenji Mizoguchi) and my interest for him began on Laserdisc as well. The first one of his I saw was The Bad Sleep Well. After seing that one, it took me almost a half year until I saw his next one, which was Seven Samurai. I saw it on LD, the CAV-edition by Criterion. My player was single-side player and when I think back to it, I usually think something like "Seven sidebreaks" just to make Laserdiscs feel a bit exclusive.

As Seven Samurai became one of the very few movies that got the highest possible score from me, I quickly began buying more Kurosawa on Laserdisc and some of these were from Criterion. My collection is still missing Rashomon, Sanjuro, The Hidden Fortress, High and low and Dodes'ka-den but overall I feel quite happy with my current collection. I only have a picture with all of his movies I have so here it is. Click on the picture to get a much better version of it.



The Ak100 box set sure helps out alot!
I've bought The Silent Duel since I took this one so my collection is pretty much complete when it comes to his own filmography. Those Who Make Tomorrow seems to be impossible to find and since Kurosawa wasn't the only director in the production, it's not that interesting.

i forgot i have Yojimbo #105 (1961) [CC1211L]
i'm a little upset that it's a criterion release and the title has been replaced with the english release.

Sanjuro #218 (1962) [CC1370L] fantastic film! the end always gets me, even though i know what's going to happen.

and part 3, not directed by Kurosawa but great anyway and fits in with the story of the other two
Incident at Blood Pass (1970) [AD098-039]

Wasn't the first Dvd by Criterion like that as well? Their transfer in the Ak 100-box set has the original title. Amazing film, anyhow.

i don't know, i never bought the DVD, unfortunatly i don't have enought space to have both.
so i get all i can and focus on LD and whatever new films or old films that are not on DVD that i really want i'll get.

I bought The Hidden Fortress box set and Rashomon today, only three titles left.

I picked up a CLV copy of Throne of Blood, one of my favorite films in general. I'm holding off until I acquire a copy of Polanski's Macbeth, for a double-feature.

Nobody mentioned "Red Beard" which was Toshiro Mifune's last work with Kurosawa.
Took too long to film and other contracts to appear in forced a conflict with the renowned actor and the Venerable Director.

Criterion Red Beard is an easy score on flea bay and usually around $10.00 plus shipping.

A great story and as expected, top notch cinematography.
Such a rollercoaster ride of emotional magnitude and cleverly thought out by Kurosawa so that one's attention is kept focused throughout the whole movie.
It has a 185 minute run time so no quickie of a film.
Would be wise to arrange for as few interruptions as possible due to the interweaving storylines that need paying attention to.

To sum up, "Red Beard" runs a "clinic" and treats the poor.
Conditions are far from ideal due to the reality of the times they were portrayed in.
Japanese hygiene is highlighted and the dignity in death which was treated with great respect and reverence by the Japanese culture.
Story follows several individuals but most notably a young highly trained medical student groomed to tend to the Shogun at the time.
A very heartfelt story only Kurosawa could create and only Mifune could bring to life as was both their gifts.
This title is a must have for any feudal Japan movie enthusiast's collection !

Thanks for this thread shawngillette !

Red Beard is the last of the famous Kurosawa-movies that I haven't seen yet (with famous, I'm talking the ones he made between Rashomon and Madadayo). I'll watch it on his next birthday.

Also, I've heard that Red Beard is supposed to be a bit like Drunken Angel, which I think is a great film. Give it a watch if you haven't seen it.

Red Beard
Ultimate visual beauty of Japan.



Original novel
Visualization of several short stories almost(skip and skip) as it.

Nice post pics cold_sleeper !
Most excellent choice of stills.....

Just made me wish to revisit redbeard.......gonna set aside a bit of time........

Hands down one of Kurosawa's greatest creations !
And although there was critical reviews for Mifune's performance, I like his portrayal of "Red Beard" !

This genre of Toho films is the MAIN reason I collect and view LaserDiscs !

If anyone cares to, try out Zatoichi - the blind samurai masseur .........

It is a good suggestion

Zatoichi meets Yojimbo
Not available on LD

Domo Arigato cold_sleeper San ! Hai !

Zatoichi vs Yojimbo !!!!!

Have found one Zatoichi LaserDisc last year.
The search continues ..............

どういたしまして！

Zatoichi :
Such problem is the shipping costs
http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/tsk- ... hist_02_en





I am currently preparing a new thread
Entitled
Full list of Japanese films available on LD 1929～1959

Thank you for the link to the series of Zatoichi cold_sleeper ! Domo Arigato..... Hai !

I will consider looking into the purchase of those 18 titles.
Perhaps the dealer will consider surface shipping which would be considerably lower in cost vs. air shipping SAL or EMS.........
Still can be registered and insured, it just takes approx. 6-8 weeks to arrive at the homestead !

Thanks for posting the pics of the Zatoichi titles !

Red Beard is a great film. Probably my favorite Kurosawa. I own all the Criterion LD ones with High and Low being the one that was the hardest for me to track down.

Sanjuro (1963)

Sound effects are a little pretentious that because it is a comedy.

It is same author as "Red Beard" original novel of this film.

Yojimbo and Sanjuro as a double feature. Then turn and watch the "Man with No Name" trilogy and kill the night with "Last Man Standing." By then you should be drunk and cursing the stinking assholes that ripped off the emperor!

i haven't seen much AK but I have seen more Ozu. So far for AK I have liked Ikiru