Why So Blu?

Legend of the Eight Samurai (Blu-ray Review)

A Japanese box-office sensation directed by the revered Kinji Fukasaku (Battle Royale), Legend of the Eight Samurai brings together an impressive ensemble cast, including Hiroko Yakushimaru (Sailor Suit and Machine Gun), Hiroyuki Sanada (Ring), Sonny Chiba (Message from Space) and Etsuko Shihomi (The Street Fighter), in a sweeping epic that blends fantasy with historical drama. Following Message from Space, which transported the story to a science fiction setting, Legend of the Eight Samurai is Fukasaku’s second loose adaptation of Toshio Kamata’s Shin Satomi Hakkenden, itself an adaptation of Kyokutei Bakin’s earlier epic novel Nanso Satomi Hakkenden. The Masters of Cinema series is proud to present Legend of the Eight Samurai on Blu-ray for the first time in the UK from a new 4K restoration! Legend of the Eight Samurai is now available on Blu-ray! 

Film

Legend of the Eight Samurai is one of those movies that’s hard to categorize – it’s a samurai film, but it’s also a fantasy adventure with magic, monsters, and a whole lot of sword fighting. Think Seven Samurai, Conan the Barbarian, and Ninja Scroll but with a wild 80s twist.

Princess Shizu, the last of her clan is in grave danger. In order to protect her and avenge her family, a group of eight warriors is assembled. These aren’t your typical samurai, though – each one possesses a unique ability, from super strength to the power to communicate with animals. The group feels more like a ragtag band of outcasts on a shared mission. The plot moves quickly, with action scenes unfolding one after another. The heroes face a variety of threats, including mythical beasts and evil sorcerers, making it stand out from traditional samurai films.

The pacing can feel a bit off at times, and the fantasy elements may throw some people off, but the film has a charm that’s hard to resist. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is part of what makes it so fun. There’s a sense of adventure throughout, and the over-the-top action, from sword fights to magic battles, is a good time if you’re into that kind of thing.

The cast does a decent job, but no one’s giving a standout performance – still, the energy they bring to their roles fits the tone of the film perfectly. The standout moment is probably the final battle, which is just pure 80s chaos, with all the warriors fighting to the death in an epic showdown.

Video

NOTE: Stills are provided for promotional use only and are not from the Blu-ray

Encoding: MPEG-4 AVC

Resolution: 1080p

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

HDR: N/A

Layers: BD-50

Clarity and Detail: The Blu-ray transfer brings out more clarity – you can see fine details in costumes, landscapes, and action scenes, though some shots still retain a slight softness due to the film’s age. Overall, it looks great.

Depth: The depth isn’t overly pronounced, but in action scenes and close-ups, there’s a good sense of separation between characters and backgrounds.

Black Levels: The black levels are solid, especially in darker scenes where shadow details are preserved. The contrast is mostly consistent, though there are occasional minor issues with shadow detail in some very dark scenes.

Color: The colors really pop on this Blu-ray. Costumes, landscapes, and magical effects are vibrant, with rich reds, greens, and golds. The retro 80s feel is captured well, and the high-def transfer gives everything an extra level of liveliness. I wish we had a domestic 4K release!

Flesh Tones: Flesh tones look mostly natural, with a good balance of warmth and coolness. Close-ups reveal texture and detail, though you may notice slight shifts in color balance under different lighting. Not complaining since they definitely took the early 80s aesthetic to heart and translate over to this supposed period piece.

Noise and Artifacts: The Blu-ray transfer maintains a clean and crisp image with no visible noise. There’s some natural grain (yes!), especially in darker scenes, but it’s nothing that detracts from the overall experience. The picture remains clear, with no noticeable artifacts, print damage, or speckling.

Audio

Audio Format(s): Japanese DTS HD-Master Audio 5.1, Japanese LPCM 2.0, English LPCM 2.0

Subtitles: English

Dynamics: The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track delivers strong dynamics, balancing quiet moments with intense action scenes. Sword clashes and dramatic music swell, keeping the audio engaging throughout.

Height: N/A

Low Frequency Extension: Bass is well-represented, especially during action scenes. It provides a satisfying rumble without being too overwhelming, adding punch and “oomph” when needed.

Surround Sound: The surround channels effectively enhance the atmosphere, with ambient sounds filling the rear speakers. It adds depth without being too aggressive or distracting.

Dialogue: Dialogue is clear and well-balanced. The Japanese voice work is easy to understand, with no issues of muffling or being drowned out by effects, even during action-packed moments.

Extras

The Legend of the Eight Samurai Blu-ray offers a collection of extras that enhance the viewing experience. Highlights include a new audio commentary by Japanese cinema expert Joe Hickinbottom, providing detailed commentary on the film’s cultural context and director’s style. There’s also an interview with Kenta Fukasaku, the son of director Kinji Fukasaku, offering personal insights into the film’s creation. Film historian Stuart Galbraith IV presents a video essay exploring the film’s themes and legacy. Additionally, the release features the original theatrical trailer and a limited-edition collector’s booklet with a new essay by Midnight Eye co-founder Tom Mes.

• New audio commentary by Japanese cinema expert Joe Hickinbottom
• New Interview with Kinji Fukasaku’s son, filmmaker Kenta Fukasaku
• New video essay by film historian and critic Stuart Galbraith IV
• Theatrical trailer
• PLUS: A Limited edition collector’s booklet featuring a new essay by Tom Mes, co-founder of Midnight Eye

Summary

If you’re a fan of classic samurai films but want something a little more offbeat and quirkier, Legend of the Eight Samurai is definitely worth a watch. It’s one of those movies that might not win any awards, but it’s a blast for fans of 80s fantasy and samurai action. Eureka has done a stellar job on this Blu-ray!

 

Legend of the Eight Samurai is available on Blu-ray!

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