High and Low 4K Blu-ray Arrives September 9 from Criterion

High and Low (1963), directed by Akira Kurosawa, arrives on 4K Blu-ray from Criterion on September 9. The film stars Toshiro Mifune as Kingo Gondo, a wealthy industrialist whose family becomes the target of a calculated kidnapping. Adapted from Ed McBain's novel King's Ransom, the film blends tense police procedural elements with incisive social commentary on class and contemporary Japanese society.

This edition features a new 4K restoration paired with a 4.0 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack. Criterion includes an audio commentary from Kurosawa scholar Stephen Prince, enhancing the understanding of the film's production and themes. The set also contains Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create, a documentary produced as part of Toho’s Masterworks series.

Supplemental materials include interviews with stars Toshiro Mifune and Tsutomu Yamazaki, theatrical trailers and teasers, plus an essay by critic Geoffrey O'Brien and an on-set account by Japanese film scholar Donald Richi. These features offer a comprehensive view of the film’s artistic and cultural impact.

Presented by The Criterion Collection, this release provides both a technical upgrade and contextual richness for collectors and cinephiles keen on Kurosawa’s legacy.

Release Date: September 9, 2025