The Hidden Fortress (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray + DVD]

We all agree that 'The Hidden Fortress' is one of our favorite Kurosawa films (if not our first choice) for various reasons you'll find in the Amazon positive reviews. A few years ago we made a trip from Connecticut to Portsmouth New Hampshire to watch it in a theater to enjoy it better on a big screen. But seeing this new Blu-ray is a revelation after owning the previous Criterion DVDs and watching a good print with an audience. This restoration is the best we'll ever see so trade in your previous editions and get this one which includes a DVD version for non Blu-ray owners and looks very good as well. In addition to the older extras there's more of the Toho series about the director's films, 'It is Wonderful to Create,' found on other Criterions and now there's an excellent commentary by Stephen Prince who has contributed other Kurosawa commentaries. Fan of these films should get his book 'The Warrior's Camera.'However I will repeat my disappointment about Criterion's Blu-ray of another Kurosawa classic 'Throne of Blood' I reviewed on Amazon: "My only complaint is that the subtitles on this black & white film are too often difficult to read and worse on the above mentioned extra 'It is Wonderful to Create' due their white letters not having wide enough black edges when shown over white or light grey backgrounds. I've seen worse on other films and this continuous problem makes for a frustrating viewing experience which lessened my understanding and therefore enjoyment of the story. I have complained on Criterion's website about the bad subtitling on their Blu-ray of Fritz Lang's 'M' and other Amazon customers have commented about this problem on other Criterion discs of black & white films. Why they continue to release films this way is a mystery. Don't the folks in charge see what we see at home or more likely what we can't see? This problem could have been corrected very easily or at least have the subtitles printed in easy-to-read yellow as I've seen on B&W films from other companies."What's the point of Criterion issuing a great restoration with new extras and us always willing to pay more for their quality discs if we can't fully enjoy them because of bad subtitling? Even a mediocre English dub would be preferable but you won't find one here. If the subtitles were easier to read, I would rate this Criterion five stars. Anyway it's a five star classic movie in any book and a must own set for fans.Postscript 2/9/15: So far my review earned some unhelpful votes. I don't understand why anyone would think that being warned about illegible subtitling would be unhelpful unless the voter had something to do with this disc and didn't like my comments. Other than that, I praised this edition. Go figure...

No regrets on this purchase. The comic relief throughout the film made you want to hate them, like then, beat them, kill them and hate them all over again As for Toshiro Misfune, wow!. WOW! WOW! WOW! He is crazy good in this role. The Princess, not so good, one personality throughout the film until the last 45 minute, then she came into character and became a person I would have wanted to see more of.The cast was great, this is a Japanese version of Star Wars, for those who are wondering why I give high praise. The concept is there, you'll see that, but the story different then what I expected. I would purchase this film again because it was really good.

This rating is not for the film but for the physical media itself. Maybe I am a bit spoiled but the first Kurosawa Criterion Collection I got was Seven Samurai and that one was a little more money, but when I got it I was floored with the packaging and the treatment it was given. So when I got this one and the packaging was just like any other Blu-Ray (albeit with incredible art work which is rare on many films), this one was a little cheaper than Seven Samurai but nowhere as cheap as a normal film so I think it is fair to expect a little bit more from the packaging on a product that has more of a premium price. I also bought Yojimbo with this and it has similar packaging so a similar review will be on it's page. So again maybe I was just spoiled with Seven Samurai as my first but that's how it goes.The film is incredible and would be 5 out of 5 without question.

I will probably get the blu-ray version. Already have the DVD. Best Kurosawa movie and one of Mifune's best. I have over 300 Japanese movies and this is my favorite. If you are looking for a samurai movie with a lot of fighting scenes, this isn't the movie for you. Lucas has admitted that he got the basic idea for Star Wars from this movie. The main plot is a general trying to take a princess through enemy territory to get her home with the help of two bumbling peasants. The two peasants provide most the comedy with Mifune playing a stoic samurai leader. Great movie and I highly recommend getting it.

I bought this movie for my son as a Christmas gift & he was incredibly happy with it. He couldn't stop telling me how much he enjoyed this movie and how happy he was that I was able to find it to give him. Very great purchase, and if this movie is as good as he says, I recommend it to all!

I've purchased this several times as gifts for friends and coworkers. More than the inspiration for Star Wars (George Lucas interview included) this is a great film with two actors Kurosawa used quite a bit in his other works, so to see some of my favorite actors in a film by such a grand director is always a treat.

I was surprised!For along time I've been told to see this movie if I love StarWars and I see why.Very emotional themes and influential for aspiring film makers.Criterion has never failed me on restoring movies for HD viewing and this is no exception.

Hidden Fortress is extremely entertaining. It offers a mixture of humor, boisterous actions, and moving drama. I already owned the DVD version. But this blu ray edition is a big step up. It showcases clearly the fine details of landscapes and sets along with the expertly staged background activities. It also includes a commentary by Stephen Prince, and a behind the scene documentary which were not available on the previous Criterion DVD.

A hugely enjoyable adventure film from Kurasawa.Criterion have done it again with a magnificent widescreen restoration.

This 2014 restoration of the Kurosawa masterpiece THE HIDDEN FORTRESS is magnificent. Modern audiences may never have enjoyed this film more that with this edition. Toshiru Mifune is at his usual incredibly entertaining and masterful level of acting.

Entertaining--Star Wars was derived from this. But some parts were draggy going from scene to scene. But this does not detract from the overall movie.

It seems to be alive.rome film highest. criterion is the monochThank you for the high-definition disk.Purchase is recommended.

現在入手できる最高画質のソフトであることに、間違いはない。思わず見入ってしまい、最後まで止めることが出来ない。それほど吸引力を持っているのは、映画としての力か。スター・ウォーズ騒ぎのせいで、改めてEpisodeⅣを見なおしてみたら「『似てる』なんてもんじゃないじゃないか」と改めて感じた。というより、「劣化『隠し砦』にすぎない」と。もう可哀想なってしまった…監督の力の差とは、これほどのものなのか。今日では、そんなうがった楽しみ方も出来る。笑っちゃうよ、ホント(^_^;)