![Zatoichi - The Blind Swordsman [The Criterion Collection] [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81M5Ab2BEqL.jpg)
THE ADVENTURES OF THE LEGENDARY BLIND SWORDSMAN IN A KILLER, TWENTY-FIVE-FILM SETThe colossally popular Zatoichi films make up the longest-running action series in Japanese history and created one of the screen's great heroes: An itinerant blind masseur who also happens to be a lightning-fast swordsman. As this iconic figure, the charismatic and earthy SHINTARO KATSU became an instant superstar, lending a larger-than-life presence to the thrilling adventures of a man who lives staunchly by a code of honour and delivers justice in every town and village he enters. The films that feature him are variously pulse pounding, hilarious, stirring and completely off-the-wall. This deluxe set features the string of twenty-five Zatoichi films made between 1962 and 1973.Includes 25 Films:THE TALE OF ZATOICHITHE TALE OF ZATOICHI CONTINUESNEW TALE OF ZATOICHIZATOICHI THE FUGITIVEZATOICHI ON THE ROADZATOICHI AND THE CHEST OF GOLDZATOICHI'S FLASHING SWORDFIGHT, ZATOICHI, FIGHTADVENTURES OF ZATOICHIZATOICHI'S REVENGEZATOICHI AND THE DOOMED MANZATOICHI AND THE CHESS EXPERTZATOICHI'S VENGEANCEZATOICHI'S PILGRIMAGEZATOICHI'S CANE SWORDZATOICHI THE OUTLAWZATOICHI CHALLENGEDZATOICHI AND THE FUGITIVESSAMARITAN ZATOICHIZATOICHI MEETS YOJIMBOZATOICHI GOES TO THE FIRE FESTIVALZATOICHI MEETS THE ONE-ARMED SWORDSMANZATOICHI AT LARGEZATOICHI IN DESPERATIONZATOICHI'S CONSPIRACYBLU-RAY SPECIAL EDITION FEATURESNew digital restorations of all twenty-five films, with uncompressed monaural soundtracksThe Blind Swordsman, a 1978 documentary about Zatoichi portrayer and filmmaker Shintaro Katsu, along with a new interview with its director, John NathanNew Interview with Asian-film critic Tony RaynsTrailersNew English SubtitlesPLUS A book featuring:An essay by critic Geoffrey O'BrienSynopses of the films by critic, novelist and musician Chris DThe Tale of Zatoichi, the original short story by Kan ShimozawaTwenty-five illustrations inspired by the films, by twenty-five different artists
P**R
One of my favourite film collections
The films are of excellent quality - the picture, audio, script, actors.The language is original - Japanese (no VO). There are English subtitles.The action takes place long time ago. However it is easy to understand, what is happening.Although Ichi uses his sword more than once in each film to defend himself or others, he is a very respectable character.There is a lot of emotion in these films. There are ladies, kids, good people, dangerous, treacherous, wicked people.The action takes place in different towns, country side, in houses and outside.I became curious about this series after watching Takeshi Kitano's Zatoichi. While Takeshi Kitano's character is cool, Shintarô Katsu's character seems more humane to me.Every film in this series is a gem. I watch each one from start to the end. Sometimes I watch more than one film of this series in one evening.If you can afford the price and are interested in the Japanese culture - you would not regret this purchase.
S**S
What are you doing, just BUY IT!
If you are reading this, then I am to take that you are a fan of Japanese, or at least Samurai, Cinema. In which case, continue no further until you have clicked "But It Now".In brief, the Zatoichi film series (the longest in Japanese history) is quintessential Samurai cinema. Alongside Seven Samurai, The Samurai Trilogy (Mushashi) and the oft' forgotten "Three Outlaw Samurai", Zatoichi is an endearing character, and the films are a must-see experience.All 25 films are collected in this magnificent boxset by Criterion, fully remastered from original scans and with a plethora of special features, at a fantastic price. It truly is a MUST HAVE and I am honestly surprised it is still in stock.
E**O
Criterion, Blu-ray box set: The 2nd edition (2019) now plays fine in region B player
This is not a review, just an information: As soon as my Criterion Zatoichi Collection arrived, I eagerly popped each Blu-ray into my region B player, and looked briefly into one of the movies. I encountered no problems. Unfortunately, I could not find a note on the box set identifying it as the corrected version. Buy with care, but the new ones sold directly by Amazon should be fine. Look out for "The Criterion Collection, Box Set, 2nd Edition" and "Feb 18, 2019" on the product page.
A**R
Super!!
A must see. The box is well made, high quality just as the movies. Good acting. Beautiful surroundings and landscapes.Back to the Edo period. Shintaro Katsu is Zatoichi. Top!
J**C
Criterion have done it again exellent
One of the best blu ray Collections money can buy if you love samurai movies this is the collection for you fantastic
F**T
Zatoichi in a Box
All of the Japanese TV series remastered. Follow the progress of the Blind Swordsman.
M**M
Legend that is Zatoichi
This is just fantastic entertainment, with the legendary Shintaro Katsu breathtaking as Zatoichi. Now on my second way around these films.
C**S
Massive warning
First, a correction. One review here says it includes the tv show - "All of the Japanese TV series remastered".No, it doesn't. The tv version ran for 4 seasons and starred Katsu. It's not here.But here's the real kicker - the last Zatoichi film; Katsu's last depiction of him - Darkness is His Ally - isn't even here.I'm guessing because of licensing issues.It presents like it's a complete collection, and you'd expect it from Criterion, but it's completely missing the final film. Which really puts a dent in the desirability of such a product, especially considering the cost.I won't be buying.
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