(aka "The Magnificent Seven" or "Seven Samurai" or "The Seven Samurai" or "Shichinin no samurai")

 

directed by Akira Kurosawa
Japan 1954

 

"Farmers are stingy, foxy, blubbering, mean, stupid and murderous! God damn! That's what they are! But then, who made them such beasts? You did! You samurai did it! You burn their villages! Destroy their farms! Steal their food! Force them to labor! Take their women! And kill them if they resist! So what should farmers do?"

— Kikuchiyo, Seven Samurai

A desperate village hires seven samurai to protect it from marauders in this crown jewel of Japanese cinema. No other film so seamlessly weaves philosophy and entertainment, delicate human emotions and relentless action. Featuring Japan’s legendary star, the great Toshiro Mifune, Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai is an inspired epic a triumph of art, and an unforgettable three-hour ride.


Posters

Theatrical Release: April 26th, 1954 - Japan

Reviews    More Reviews  DVD Reviews

DVD Comparison:

Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC vs. AV Channel - Region 4 - PAL

Big thanks to Mark Wilson of NicheFlix  for AV Channel captures!

(Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC - LEFT vs. AV Channel - Region 4 - PAL - RIGHT)

DVD Box Covers

 

 

Distribution

Criterion Collection Spine # 2

Region 1  - NTSC

AV Channel (Australia)
Region 4 - PAL
Runtime 3:26:16 3:26:37 ( No 4% PAL speedup?)
Video

1.37:1 Original Aspect Ratio
Average Bitrate: 4.80 mb/s
NTSC 704x480 29.97 f/s

1.37:1 Original Aspect Ratio
Average Bitrate: 4.96
 PAL 720x576 25.00 f/s

Bitrate:

Criterion

NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.

Bitrate:

 

AV Channel

 

Audio Japanese (Dolby Digital 1.0 Mono)

Japanese (Dolby Digital 1.0 Mono), Japanese (Dolby Digital 5.1)

Subtitles English, and none English, and none
Features Release Information:
Studio: Criterion  / Home Vision

Aspect Ratio:
Full Screen (Standard) - 1.33:1


Edition Details:
• Commentary by Japanese film expert Michael Jeck
• Original U.S. Theatrical Trailer

• Two page liner notes by David Ehrenstein

• Restoration demonstration (1st out of print version only)

DVD Release Date: March 1, 1999
Keep Case

Chapters 30

Release Information:
Studio: AV Channel (Australia)

Aspect Ratio:
Full Screen (Standard) - 1.33:11

 

Edition Details:
• Trailer: Kurosawa, Yojimbo

• Eastern Eye Montage
• Main Menu Audio
• Theatrical Trailer
• Booklet 

 

DVD Release Date: February 11th, 2004
Keep Case

Chapters 12

Comments:

We are still doing some investigation as to the running times. The Criterion has an intermission (ex. not on the BFI disc), but I think the AV Channel also has this "intermission", but the running times are very close - meaning one is taken from an alternate type (PAL, NTSC) source. We will update this page as we come to a more definite conclusion.

Aside from the opening Title, the Criterion (only their second release DVD) is sharper with a slight hint of brightness boosting and edge enhancement. The Criterion is very marginally cropped on all 4 sides. The AV Channel as the option of the original audio or boosted 5.1 soundtrack. Criterion wins the Extras with their Michael Jeck commentary. Criterion's hallmark contrast is superior.

It appears that the Toho Region 2 (Japan) release is still the sharpest although it does not have English subtitles . CLICK HERE to view.

We are still recommending the Criterion at this stage.

 - Gary W. Tooze




DVD Menus

(Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC - LEFT vs. AV Channel - Region 4 - PAL - RIGHT)

 

 

 

Screen Captures

(Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP vs. AV Channel - Region 4 - PAL - BOTTOM)


 

(Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP vs. AV Channel - Region 4 - PAL - BOTTOM)

 

 

(Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP vs. AV Channel - Region 4 - PAL - BOTTOM)

 

 

(Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP vs. AV Channel - Region 4 - PAL - BOTTOM)

 

 

Hit Counter

Report Card:

Image:

Criterion

Sound:

AV Channel
Extras: Criterion
Menu: AV Channel