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Throne of Blood (bluray) Limited Edition with booklet

Throne of Blood (bluray) Limited Edition with booklet

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Director: Akira Kurosawa

Cast: Toshiro Mifune and Isuzu Yamada

Region: B

A new 4K restoration of Akira Kurosawa’s THRONE OF BLOOD (1957) an astonishing film that’s considered to be one of the great adaptations of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. 

A truly remarkable film, THRONE OF BLOOD manages to combine beauty and terror to produce a mood of truly haunting power. Starring the irrepressible Toshiro Mifune as the doomed warlord Washizu and a wonderfully creepy turn by Isuzu Yamada as the Lady Macbeth-inspired Asaji, the film shows Kurosawa's familiar mastery of atmosphere and action combined with the savagery of war. 

**FIRST PRESSING ONLY** Illustrated booklet with writing on the film by Alex Barrett, an essay on Kurosawa’s adaptations of Shakespeare by Ben Nicholson, Kurosawa on Throne of Blood (1964) and an original review

Label: BFI

Format: blu ray

Country: Japan

Year: 1957

Language: Japanese (with English subtitles)

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Special Features

  • Newly restored in 4K and presented in High Definition
  • Audio commentary by Japanese film expert Michael Jeck
  • Akira Kurosawa: It is Wonderful to Create – Throne of Blood (2002, 23 mins): this documentary about the making of
  • Throne of Blood features interviews with Akira Kurosawa, production designer Yoshiro Muraki, Noh performer Mitsuhiro Honda (from the Konparu School), and actress Isuzu Yamada
  • Macbeth (1909, 16 mins): transposed from the typical dreich Scottish landscape to medieval Italy, this Italian version has Russian titles, demonstrating how widely exported these films were in the 1900s
  • Macbeth (1945, 16 mins): two scenes from Shakespeare’s famous Scottish tragedy, with Wilfrid Lawson and Cathleen Nesbitt as a fine murderous duo
  • Original trailer
  • **FIRST PRESSING ONLY** Illustrated booklet with writing on the film by Alex Barrett, an essay on Kurosawa’s adaptations of Shakespeare by Ben Nicholson, Kurosawa on Throne of Blood (1964) and an original review

Technical Specifications

  • Restored 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) 
  • Format: Blu-ray
  • Region Code: B
  • Runtime: Approx. 109 minutes
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1
  • Audio: Japanese Mono LPCM
  • Subtitles: English
  • Certification: 12

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A lone castle in a sea of fog. A blood-soaked prophecy whispered deep in the forest. A warrior destined for greatness — and for ruin.

In Throne of Blood, legendary director Akira Kurosawa reimagines Shakespeare’s Macbeth through the stark lens of feudal Japan. General Washizu (Toshiro Mifune), fresh from a victorious campaign, encounters a ghostly spirit in the shadowy Spider's Web Forest. The apparition foretells his rise to power, setting off a chain of events that spiral into murder, madness, and the complete unraveling of a once-honourable man.

Encouraged by his calculating wife Asaji (Isuzu Yamada), Washizu commits an act of treachery that seals his fate. As paranoia and guilt consume him, the world around him turns hostile — both the realm he has seized and the spirits he has angered.

Hauntingly stylised with Noh theatre-inspired performances, echoing drums, and unforgettable visuals, Throne of Blood is widely considered one of the greatest film adaptations of Shakespeare. Kurosawa’s masterful control of atmosphere and pacing crafts a chilling tale of ambition corrupted and destiny defied.

FAQs

Is this the 4K restoration version of Throne of Blood?
Yes, this Blu-ray features the newly completed 4K restoration of Throne of Blood, offering a significant upgrade in visual and audio quality.

Does this edition include English subtitles?
Yes, the film is in Japanese and includes fully translated English subtitles.

Is this Blu-ray region locked?
This is a Region B Blu-ray. Please check your player compatibility before purchasing.

What’s included in the Limited Edition booklet?
The first pressing comes with an illustrated booklet featuring an essay by Alex Barrett, an analysis of Kurosawa’s Shakespeare adaptations by Ben Nicholson, a 1964 interview with Kurosawa, and a reproduction of a contemporary review from the film’s original release.

Who is this release suitable for?
This film is certified 12, meaning it is suitable for viewers aged 12 and over. Due to its themes of violence and psychological intensity, parental guidance is recommended.

Is this part of the BFI collection?
Yes, this edition is released by the British Film Institute (BFI), known for their premium restorations and curated extras.

Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship worldwide, including to the US, Europe, Asia, and Australia. All orders are carefully packed using bubble wrap to ensure safe delivery.

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