Posted Fri Dec 20, 2013 at 06:00 AM PST by Tom Landy
The samurai classic from the legendary Akira Kurosawa is planned for Blu-ray in March.
In an early announcement to retailers, the Criterion Collection will present 'The Hidden Fortress' on Blu-ray on March 18.
A grand-scale adventure as only Akira Kurosawa could make one, 'The Hidden Fortress' stars the inimitable Toshiro Mifune as a general charged with guarding his defeated clan's princess (a fierce Misa Uehara) as the two smuggle royal treasure across hostile territory. Accompanying them are a pair of bumbling, conniving peasants who may or may not be their friends. This rip-roaring ride is among the director's most beloved films and was a primary influence on George Lucas's Star Wars. 'The Hidden Fortress' delivers Kurosawa's trademark deft blend of wry humor, breathtaking action, and compassionate humanity.
The Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack will feature a new 2K digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray; Alternate 5.1 surround soundtrack preserving the original Perspecta simulated stereo effects, presented in DTS-HD Master Audio on the Blu-ray; and supplements include: New audio commentary by film historian Stephen Prince, author of The Warrior's Camera: The Cinema of Akira Kurosawa; Documentary from 2003 on the making of the film, created as part of the Toho Masterworks series Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create; Interview from 2001 with filmmaker George Lucas about Kurosawa; Trailer; and a booklet featuring an essay by film scholar Catherine Russell.
Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.95.
You can find the latest specs for 'The Hidden Fortress' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under March 18.
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
The latest news on all things 4K Ultra HD, blu-ray and Gear.