Samurai Revolution Trilogy (Limited Edition)

One of the most important and politically charged samurai trilogies ever produced, Eiichi Kudo's Samurai Revolution trilogy dismantles the romanticised image of the noble samurai and exposes the corruption, brutality and authoritarianism that defined Japan's feudal past.

Beginning with 13 Assassins (1963), followed by The Great Killing (1964) and 11 Samurai (1967), the trilogy presents a scathing portrait of the Tokugawa shogunate. Across all three films, corrupt lords abuse their power, loyalty is valued above justice, and many samurai have abandoned honour in pursuit of personal gain. In response, small groups of principled warriors risk everything by plotting the assassination of tyrannical rulers, hoping to ignite the spark of political change. Yet their rebellion comes at a devastating cost, as the survival of both the shogunate and the samurai class hangs in the balance.

Combining expressive black-and-white cinematography, spectacular swordplay and outstanding performances, Kudo crafts a powerful examination of morality, duty and resistance. Featuring a remarkable cast including Chiezo Kataoka, Ko Nishimura, Kei Sato and Toru Abe, the Samurai Revolution trilogy remains essential viewing for fans of chanbara cinema and Japanese film history.

LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS:
• High-Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentations of all three films  
• Original lossless Japanese mono audio on all three films  
• Optional newly translated English subtitles  
• Limited edition packaging with reversible sleeves featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Tom Fournier  
• Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing by Chris D., Earl Jackson and Alain Silver  

DISC ONE – 13 ASSASSINS
• Brand new audio commentary by film critic and Japanese cinema expert Tom Mes  
• "The Samurai Variations" – new video essay by James Balmont exploring Akira Ifukube's score  
• "Samurai Guerilla Part 1" – archival interview with Misao Arai and Dirty Kudo discussing Eiichi Kudo and Toei's role in 1960s Japanese cinema  
• Theatrical trailers  

DISC TWO – THE GREAT KILLING
• Brand new audio commentary by film critic David West  
• "Magician of Light and Shadow" – new video essay by Daisuke Miyao examining the film's cinematography  
• "Samurai Guerilla Part 2" – archival interview exploring the political themes of the film and the jidaigeki genre  
• "Masaaki Ito Remembers Eiichi Kudo" – tribute to the director from his former assistant and brother-in-law  

DISC THREE – 11 SAMURAI
• Brand new audio commentary by film critic David West  
• "Fighting the Poison" – new video essay by Jonathan Clements examining the film's historical context  
• "Samurai Guerilla Part 3" – archival interview discussing the filmmaking techniques and samurai philosophy found throughout Kudo's work  
• "Eiichi Kudo: The Art of Realism" – archival interview with filmmaker and programmer Fabrice Arduini on Kudo's films and the jidaigeki genre