The Sword of Doom, directed by Kihachi Okamoto (who was often overshadowed by other Japanese mainstays), this drama has heart and features great performances from its two leads. This Blu-ray released by The Criterion Collection might not have an abundant amount of features but the video and audio transfers are both well done and alone are worth the price.
The Sword of Doom
(1966)
REVIEW NAVIGATION
The Movie | Special Features | Video Quality | Audio Quality | Overall
Genre(s): Drama
Criterion Collection | NR – 120 min. – $39.95 | January 6, 2015
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MOVIE INFO: Directed by: Kihachi Okamoto Writer(s): Kaizan Nakazato (novel); Shinobu Hashimoto (screenplay) Cast: Tatsuya Nakadai, Toshiro Mifune, Michiyo Aratama, Yuzo Kayama, Yoko Naito DISC INFO: Audio: English (LPCM 1.0) |
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PLOT SUMMARY
Tatsuya Nakadai and Toshiro Mifune star in this story of a wandering samurai who exists in a maelstrom of violence. A gifted swordsman plying his craft during the turbulent final days of shogunate rule in Japan, Ryunosuke (TATSUYA NAKADAI) kills without remorse or mercy. It is a way of life that ultimately leads to madness.
SPECIAL FEATURES – 1.0/5
Surprisingly sparse, this release comes with an Audio Commentary with Film Historian Stephen Prince and the Trailer (2:26; HD). Prince’s track actually is quite lively and entertaining as he provides background on the film and its director, Kihachi Okamoto. Prince keeps up the energy throughout the picture’s entire running time.
Also included is an 8-Page Essay Booklet.
VIDEO – 4.5/5
The Sword of Doom slices onto Blu-ray via The Criterion Collection with a new high-definition transfer. Presented with a 1080p HD transfer, shown in its original 2.35 widescreen aspect ratio, this nearly 50-year-old film looks quite good with clear detail level but even more impressive, it’s clean, free of dust marks, scratches and other ailments that permeate older films. It appears once again Criterion has done an excellent job restoring these classics.
AUDIO – 4.5/5
Not to be outdone, the audio also got a makeover. The LPSM 1.0 track is free of hisses and general white noise providing for good and clean dialogue levels which effectively comes through the center channel. Outside of the dialogue, the score by Masaru Sato, also shines with this restored lossless track.
OVERALL – 4.0/5
Overall, The Sword of Doom, directed by Kihachi Okamoto (who was often overshadowed by other Japanese mainstays), this drama has heart and features great performances from its two leads. This Blu-ray released by The Criterion Collection might not have an abundant amount of features but the video and audio transfers are both well done and alone are worth the price.
Published: 02/11/2015
Check out some more screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.