ADDITION- Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray  February 2010: The improvement can seem subtle at times and dramatic at others. Rendered at 1080P the contrast seems the biggest beneficiary looking to have finer levels of blacks and grey tones. Grain is more visible and looks extremely consistent. The final result of the move to Blu-ray are highly impressive visuals more fully respecting the theatrical appearance. This no longer looks video-y... but like film - showing some real depth of field. Once again I suspect some black boosting but I can't argue with the final result - the image transfer is nothing short of a revelation - especially in comparison to the original release - it is a different film experience now.

Criterion have kept the 3.0 channel Perspecta audio preserving the original simulated-stereo effects in lossless DTS HD Master track. It has some definite buoyancy and tightens up equally as the video portion does. I also noticed some depth in the bass of opening credit drums. The mono track has also been kept as a linear PCM offering. There are optional English subtitles and my Momitsu has identified it as being a region 'A'-locked.

Extras duplicate the 2007 DVD with the fine Prince commentary and 45-minute documentary (see expanded descriptions below) although in HD.

I don't see any point in messing around here - this is a Kurosawa masterpiece looking as pristine as it has ever looked or your home theater. We encourage the savings of the two-pack with Sanjuro on Blu-ray. Essential stuff here folks.

****

ADDITION: Criterion - REISSUE - January 07': The initial release represented Criterion's worst ever DVD transfer, and it had a vast expanse to improve - which it, thankfully, has. The REISSUE is sharper, cleaner and, although there is some movement in the frame, it does show more information. Although anamorphic, progressive and obviously from a different source (the Japanese title, as opposed to western, is used) it does show some artifacts. The black levels have been boosted, perhaps, a shade more than my own personal taste. Overall, fans of the film will be quite pleased with the REISSUE in regards to image.

As with their new Sanjuro release, Criterion have given the option of the 3.0 Perspecta track preserving the original simulated-stereo effects. I did notice on two occasions that it did exhibit a more dynamic range than the old mono (which is still an option).

Stephen Prince, who has a presence on many other Kurosawa Criterion DVD commentaries or liner notes (RAN, Seven Samurai, Rashomom, Kagemusha, Ikiru and Red Beard) does an excellent job with his discussion of Yojimbo. As one might have anticipated - he is well-prepared, brimming with information and totally professional - if in a somewhat lighter tone than, say, a Tony Rayns. Commentaries like these make the DVD worth every penny - it really separates Criterion from their counterparts. There is also a 45-minute documentary on the making of Yojimbo, created as part of the Toho Masterworks series Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create and some extensive liner notes featuring an essay by critic Alexander Sesonske and notes from Kurosawa and his cast and crew.

Overall, Criterion, has taken this problematic DVD production and turned it into a thorough and complete digital release.

****

ON THE ORIGINAL DVD: I guess you never know what you will get from Toho Studios in terms of a print. Obviously Criterion opted for the domestic print master of the original American art house release (see title.)

Many consider this one of Criterion's worst DVDs. Non-anamorphic, cropped on all sides and the image quality is quite poor. Often hazy with poor contrast this DVD package has no digital extras save a trailer. Sanjuro may be equally cropped but it is sharper than their Yojimbo. Audio has a decided prominent 'hiss'. Quite an early effort by Criterion but we all hope this will be re-issued by them soon. I know BFI will re-release their edition sooner. Again we hope for improvement. out of  

Gary W. Tooze