Akira Kurosawa’s SEVEN SAMURAI,one of the greatest films of all time,has influenced the work of directors from George Lucas to Steven Spielberg, and spawned remakes, most notably John Sturges’ acclaimedThe Magnificent Seven.
In 16th-century Japan, a village is repeatedly attacked by merciless bandits, and village farmers ask an elderly, masterless samurai (Takashi Shimura) for help, offering nothing but food in return. He hesitantly agrees and assembles a band of warriors (the eponymous SEVEN SAMURAI) to defend and train the villagers.
Boasting terrific performances (with Shimura and Toshiro Mifune – as a peasant masquerading as a samurai – particularly memorable), superb camerawork, and expertly mounted battle sequences,Seven Samuraiis undoubtedly one of the greatest action movies ever made.
Newly restored by Toho in 4K and released by the BFI on 4K UHD for the first time in this limited edition 2-disc set with a book, a set of four postcards and a double-sided poster.
4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
Newly recorded audio commentary by film critic Adrian Martin
Philip Kemp selected scenes commentary (1999, 20 mins): film critic and writer Philip Kemp analyses key scenes from the film. Recorded for the BFI's 1999 DVD release.
Akira Kurosawa: It is Wonderful to Create – Seven Samurai (2002, 49 mins)
The Art of Akira Kurosawa (2013, 49 mins): Asian-cinema expert Tony Rayns discusses Kurosawa's career and influence
My Life in Cinema (1993, 116 mins): a conversation between filmmakers Akira Kurosawa and Nagisa Oshima filmed for the Directors Guild of Japan in 1993 - the two legendary directors discuss Kurosawa's life, career and legacy
Original theatrical trailer
Restoration trailer (2024)
Image gallery
Double-sided poster featuring artwork by Matt Needle and the BFI’s poster designed for the film’s rerelease
A set of four postcards featuring iconic scenes from the film
80-page book with new essays by Tony Rayns, Cristina Álvarez López, Charlie Brigden and James-Masaki Ryan, plus writing by Philip Kemp and Jasper Sharp, and contemporary reviews by Gavin Lambert and director Tony Richardson.
