Yojimbo / Sanjuro: Two Samurai Films by Akira Kurosawa 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD presentation of "Yojimbo / Sanjuro: Two Samurai Films by Akira Kurosawa" emerges as a standout due to the meticulous use of the original 35mm camera negatives. Both films are showcased in 2.35:1 HEVC 2160p (4K UHD) SDR, delivering a remarkable upgrade in video quality. The portrayal of stark black and white imagery benefits from excellent contrast and a wealth of textural detail. The inky blacks and three-dimensional detail contribute to a visually immersive experience, effectively highlighting Kurosawa’s exquisite cinematography.

Compared to the recent 4K release of "Seven Samurai," these films offer a notably cleaner source, showcasing less visual noise and greater clarity. The argument for HDR grading could be entertained here more plausibly than with "Seven Samurai" due to the precise benefits that HDR could add to the already impressive contrast and dimensional detail. Despite the absence of HDR, the SDR transfer doesn't fall short of expectations, providing satisfying results with its vivid representation of the film’s visual narrative.

Overall, these UHD presentations stand as an essential improvement in the digital restoration of Kurosawa’s work, permitting greater appreciation for the nuanced visuals inherent in his filmmaking style. The integrity of the original film elements is preserved beautifully within this release, offering audiences a visually enriching experience that pays homage to Kurosawa's legacy.

The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray releases of "Yojimbo" and "Sanjuro" is commendable, providing a rich auditory experience that enhances Akira Kurosawa's cinematic masterpieces. Each film features the original monaural Japanese track in LPCM 1.0 as well as the Perspecta Stereophonic 3.0 mix in DTS-HD Master Audio. The traditional LPCM 1.0 track offers an authentic, albeit slightly less dynamic, experience that retains the classic feel, ensuring purists get the pristine sound quality reminiscent of its original theater screenings.

Meanwhile, the innovative Perspecta Stereophonic 3.0 mix deserves special mention. While not a genuine discrete stereophonic mix, this system brilliantly utilizes three sub-audible tones embedded within a monaural optical soundtrack to enhance audio perception. This technique successfully enriches the film's score, resulting in a notably fuller and more immersive sound. Dialogue clarity is also elevated, offering a more engaging and expansive auditory experience that complements the visual splendor of Kurosawa's work.

In summary, both audio options present on these releases are well-executed. The LPCM 1.0 provides a straightforward and satisfying experience for those valuing traditional sound reproduction. Conversely, the Perspecta 3.0 offers a more dynamic and enhanced auditory experience, balancing historical authenticity with modern audio techniques. Both options ensure Kurosawa's films are experienced with sonic integrity, making this 4K UHD Blu-ray release a must-have for enthusiasts of classic cinema presented with modern audio advancements.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray edition of "Yojimbo / Sanjuro: Two Samurai Films by Akira Kurosawa" comes richly equipped with engaging extras that provide a deep dive into the filmmaking genius of Akira Kurosawa. This release showcases dedicated contributions from film historian Stephen Prince through audio commentaries, providing insightful context and analysis. Additionally, the Toho Masterworks series "Akira Kurosawa: It is Wonderful to Create" offers comprehensive documentaries on the making of both films, featuring key figures such as actor Tatsuya Nakadai, production designer Yoshiro Muraki, and cinematographer Takao Saito. The inclusion of original trailers, teasers, and a stills gallery further enriches the viewer's experience, allowing a deeper appreciation of these cinematic masterpieces. This compilation effectively captures the collaborative spirit and technical intricacies behind Kurosawa's legendary works.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful analysis by film historian Stephen Prince.
• Akira Kurosawa: It is Wonderful to Create: Documentaries on both films' production.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original film trailers.
• Teaser: Promotional teasers for the films.
• Stills Gallery: A collection of film stills.

The Criterion Collection 4K UHD release of Akira Kurosawa's "Yojimbo" (1961) and "Sanjuro" (1962) expertly captures the aesthetic brilliance and narrative prowess of these seminal jidaigeki films, showcasing Toshirô Mifune's charismatic performances. "Yojimbo" remains one of Kurosawa's most influential works, taking the audience into the life of a wandering ronin caught between warring factions in a corrupt town. Kurosawa's portrayal of the anti-heroic samurai focuses on survival as well as opportunism, where the underlying moral still shines through with his act of saving a woman from her captors. The film stands out in Kurosawa’s portfolio for its raw depiction of violence and its magnetic central character, offering rich commentary on human nature.

In contrast, "Sanjuro" diverges slightly into the territory of political satire, providing a fresh take on the jidaigeki genre. This sequel reintroduces the seasoned ronin aiding inept samurai, albeit with a more playful tone. While it doesn’t reach the heights of "Yojimbo", it excels in its exploration of leadership and courage. Kurosawa’s skillful direction persists, with impeccable cinematography that uses dynamic movement and natural backgrounds to complement Mifune’s performance, further enriching the narrative. Both films are enhanced by 4K transfers that accentuate their cinematic elements, making this collection indispensable for enthusiasts of classic Japanese cinema.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "Yojimbo / Sanjuro: Two Samurai Films by Akira Kurosawa" is a noteworthy offering for cinephiles, showcasing two of Kurosawa's most acclaimed works. This Criterion Collection edition effectively leverages advancements in video format, with a resolution of HEVC 2160p, capturing the iconic director's mastery in striking clarity. Yojimbo, with its runtime of 110 minutes, and Sanjuro, at 95 minutes, present a compelling contrast in tone, yet both films highlight Kurosawa's unparalleled craft in storytelling and technique. The aspect ratio of 2.35:1 maintains the cinematic feel, while the Japanese LPCM 1.0 audio ensures an authentic listening experience.

The package includes Japanese Perspecta 3.0 DTS-HD MA as secondary audio and English subtitles, broadening accessibility while preserving the films' original atmosphere. The HDR format is provided in SDR, ensuring a faithful reproduction of the films' visual textures. Kurosawa, along with collaborators like Ryûzô Kikushima and Hideo Oguni, delivers narratives that blend drama and cultural essence.

In conclusion, this box set is ideal for anyone passionate about Akira Kurosawa's impactful contributions to cinema. "Yojimbo" edges out as the more dramatic film, while "Sanjuro" complements it flawlessly. Together, these works are indispensable for both longtime lovers of samurai tales and newcomers exploring Kurosawa’s oeuvre.