The Hidden Fortress Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of Akira Kurosawa's "The Hidden Fortress" presents an exemplary 2.39:1 aspect ratio with a 1080p transfer, utilizing MPEG-4 AVC encoding. The diligent restoration process leveraged a 2K digital scan from a surviving 35mm fine-grain master positive, given that the original negative no longer exists. Significant clean-up efforts were conducted manually and via sophisticated tools like MTI’s DRS and Digital Vision’s Phoenix, effectively addressing dirt, grain, noise, and other artifacts. Notably, minor contrast and brightness fluctuations do appear but are largely due to inherited issues rather than flaws in restoration.

From close-ups to expansive panoramic shots, the clarity and detail presented in the film are remarkable. Close-up shots reveal impressive depth and facial details, while wide shots maintain fluidity and sharpness, even in low-light conditions. The restoration preserves a natural film-like appearance with consistent grain and no signs of digital over-enhancement such as artificial boosting or unwanted degraining. Though a few subtle scratches persist, most significant debris and damage marks have been meticulously removed. The encoding and compression are efficiently managed, resulting in no noticeable transition or stability issues.

The restored version of "The Hidden Fortress" highlights Kurosawa's pioneering use of 'TohoScope,' presented here in its original widescreen aspect ratio of 2.39:1. The film maintains excellent color saturation and stability, bolstered by robust contrast and deep black levels, enhancing its visual impact even in darker scenes. This Region-A locked Blu-ray disc stands out not only for its visual fidelity but also for setting a high standard likely to serve as the benchmark for future home video presentations of this classic film.

The Blu-ray release of "The Hidden Fortress" offers two exceptional audio tracks: a Japanese LPCM 1.0 and a Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, each preserving the original Perspecta simulated stereo effects. The LPCM 1.0 mono track is commendable for its crisp, distinct audio output. Despite being a mono track, it handles the film's dynamic range impressively well, with a notable absence of any noise artifacts such as popping or hissing. Dialogues are stable and free from dynamic fluctuations, ensuring a clear and uninterrupted auditory experience.

The Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, designed to replicate the original Perspecta directional sound system used during the film’s 1958 presentation, provides a more immersive experience. Although the 3.0 surround version doesn't significantly deviate from the mono track in terms of overall experience, it does introduce subtle directionality that enhances viewer engagement. This slight directionality incrementally opens up the film’s audio landscape, making particular scenes more dynamic and engaging. Both tracks perform exceptionally well in handling nuanced dynamics, contributing significantly to the film’s narrative power.

Criterion also provides optional English SDH subtitles, which are well-translated and positioned inside the image frame for optimal viewing. Whether you prefer the authentic mono track or the slightly more dynamic 5.1 track, this Blu-ray ensures an excellent auditory experience that complements the film's masterful storytelling.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Hidden Fortress" are an impressive compilation, combining insightful historical analysis and firsthand accounts of the film’s production. Highlighting influences from John Ford and Kurosawa’s innovation in widescreen filmmaking, the commentary by Stephen Prince provides an in-depth, though somewhat dry, academic perspective. The documentary "Akira Kurosawa: It is Wonderful to Create" enriches viewers with behind-the-scenes insights, featuring interviews with cast and crew. Additionally, George Lucas’ interview is engaging and illuminates the significant impact Kurosawa had on the Star Wars saga. Despite some pre-existing content from the Criterion 2001 DVD release, the high-definition presentation and exclusive new materials make this a valuable collection for both enthusiasts and film scholars.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for "The Hidden Fortress," subtitled in English.
• Akira Kurosawa: It is Wonderful to Create: In-depth documentary on the film's production and creative influence.
• George Lucas on Akira Kurosawa: Interview detailing Kurosawa's influence on "Star Wars."
• Commentary: Analysis by film historian Stephen Prince.
• Booklet: Illustrated essay by Catherine Russell.

Akira Kurosawa’s The Hidden Fortress (1958) is a seminal film that not only showcases the director's adeptness at widescreen cinematography but also serves as a fountain of inspiration for many contemporary filmmakers, including George Lucas, who openly credits it for influencing Star Wars. The narrative unfolds during a time of war where two bumbling peasants, Tahei (Minoru Chiaki) and Matashichi (Kamatari Fujiwara), find themselves entangled with the valorous General Rokurota Makabe (Toshiro Mifune) and the resolute Princess Yuki (Misa Uehara). Kurosawa’s fluid camera movements and meticulous framing elevate the visual storytelling, especially in the panoramic shots that resonate with the grandeur of John Ford’s westerns.

Kurosawa employs the widescreen format with precision, optimizing the available image space. The director’s distinctive style is evident in scenes where the camera not only focuses on one central character but also incorporates multiple layers of interaction among various characters. Such dynamic visual arrangement is especially gripping during the duel between General Rokurota and his old foe, General Tadokoro (Susumu Fujita). These scenes highlight Kurosawa’s talent in orchestrating complex sequences where even unseen movements drive the narrative forward, immersing the audience right into the midst of the action.

A significant aspect of The Hidden Fortress is its character dynamics and their evolution throughout the story. The peasants’ greed and moral ambiguity are juxtaposed against General Rokurota’s heroism and strategic cunning, creating an engaging interplay of motives and ethics. Princess Yuki emerges as a strong and capable character, defying the traditional damsel-in-distress trope commonly seen in films of that era. This synergy of entertainment, robust characterization, and Kurosawa's unmatched directorial finesse makes The Hidden Fortress a compelling experience even decades after its release. Its influence on global cinema and its ongoing accessibility serve as a testament to Kurosawa’s visionary storytelling.

The Hidden Fortress, Akira Kurosawa’s first widescreen film, receives a magnificent presentation on Blu-ray that elevates both the technical and cinematic experience. Criterion's meticulously restored 2K transfer showcases the masterful black-and-white cinematography with astounding clarity and depth, emphasizing Kurosawa’s impeccable framing and fluid camera movements. The film's visual enhancements reveal layers of detail previously obscured, allowing audiences to fully appreciate the directorial brilliance that has influenced so many contemporary filmmakers.

Regarding audio, the original Japanese dialogue is complemented by a well-balanced soundtrack that enhances the movie's dynamic action sequences and emotive narrative. The subtitles are clear and concisely translated, ensuring an immersive viewing experience for non-Japanese speakers. Kurosawa’s direction brings the characters to life with a sense of immediacy and intensity that remains compelling more than half a century later.

Despite being over fifty years old and filmed in black and white, The Hidden Fortress stands out for its remarkable pacing and accessibility, making it an excellent entry point for those new to Kurosawa's oeuvre. The film’s blend of adventure, humor, and human drama retains its appeal, demonstrating why it is often regarded as Kurosawa’s most mainstream and entertaining work.

It is probably quite difficult to tell now because Akira Kurosawa's films are so easily accessible and have been compared for years, but if one were to see them for the first time and in chronological order, one would be shocked to discover just how incredibly well lensed the Japanese master's first widescreen film, The Hidden Fortress, is. Some of the framing and camera movement in this film are on par with what contemporary directors have done with modern technology. Criterion's technical presentation of The Hidden Fortress is terrific. Recently restored in 2K, the film clearly looks the best it ever has. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.