Commissions Earned

The films “Yojimbo“ (1961) and “Sanjuro“ (1962) are officially set for release on 4K UHD Blu-ray as “Two Samurai Films by Akira Kurosawa” on January 7th via The Criterion Collection. Akira Kurosawa directed and co-wrote both Japanese films which starred Toshirô Mifune.

Each film has received a 4K digital restoration. The tech specs for the 4K release include Black & White 2160p SDR (standard dynamic range) video presentation in the 2.39:1 aspect ratio with uncompressed LPCM Mono sound and optional DTS-HD Master Audio Perspecta 3.0 soundtracks, “preserving the original simulated stereo effects.” The 4-disc set will come as a “combo pack” with each film on its own 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray Disc.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray is now available for preorder at Amazon. You can also preorder directly via Criterion’s website. The bonus materials set to be included with the release are listed below.

• Audio commentaries by Kurosawa scholar Stephen Prince
• Documentaries on the making of Yojimbo and Sanjuro, created as part of the Toho Masterworks series Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create
• Teasers and trailers
• Stills galleries of behind-the-scenes photos
• PLUS: Essays by film writers Alexander Sesonske and Michael Sragow and comments from Kurosawa and members of his casts and crews
• Covers by Lucien S. Y. Yang