Yojimbo and Sanjuro Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD

A double bill of Kurosawa classics, newly presented on 4K Ultra HD.

Director: Akira Kurosawa directed both "Yojimbo" (1961) and its sequel "Sanjuro" (1962). Kurosawa, renowned for his innovative and influential filmmaking, co-wrote and directed these samurai films. He masterfully blends action, drama, and humor, creating memorable and iconic cinematic experiences.

Plot: "Yojimbo" follows a wandering rōnin (Toshiro Mifune) who arrives in a small town divided by two rival gangs. Playing both sides against each other, he aims to cleanse the town of its corruption. "Sanjuro" sees the same rōnin helping a group of young samurai expose corruption within their clan. The films explore themes of honor, justice, and the complexities of moral choices.

Awards: Both films received critical acclaim. "Yojimbo" won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor for Toshiro Mifune at the Venice Film Festival and was nominated for an Oscar. "Sanjuro" was also praised for its direction and performances, cementing Kurosawa's legacy as one of cinema's greatest directors.

• Restored 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
• Sword For Hire (2024, 25 mins): Kurosawa scholar Jasper Sharp discusses Yojimbo and Sanjuro in this analytical assessment
• Audio commentary on Yojimbo by film critic Philip Kemp (2000)
• It is Wonderful to Create – Yojimbo (2002, 45 mins): the film is examined in detail in this documentary study
• Introduction to Sanjuro (2003, 5 mins): filmmaker Alex Cox introduces Sanjuro
• Newly recorded audio commentary on Sanjuro by Japanese-Australian filmmaker Kenta McGrath
• It is Wonderful to Create – Sanjuro (2002, 37 mins): the film is examined in detail in this short documentary study
• Out of the Dust Storm and into the Koi Pond (2025, 18 mins): Nic Wassell considers the role of nature as a background to the machinations of mankind in role of nature as a background to the machinations of mankind in Yojimbo and Sanjuro
• Alex Cox on Kurosawa (2003, 9 mins): the director discusses the life and work of Akira Kurosawa 
• Original Japanese trailers
• Image galleries
• Both films include original 3-channel Perspecta audio
• **FIRST PRESSING ONLY** Illustrated booklet with new writing on both films by Hayley Scanlon, writing on both films by Akira Kurosawa, originally published in 1964, original reviews and credits