- Note: Blu-ray discs are in a high definition format and need to be played on a Blu-ray player. To find out more about Blu-ray, visit our Hi-Def Learn & Shop store.
- Important Information on Firmware Updates: Having trouble with your Blu-ray disc player? Will certain discs just not play? You may need to update the firmware inside your player. Click here to learn more.
Frequently Bought Together
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Reviews
Product Description
Takeshi 'Beat' Kitano, best known for his 1997 film 'Hana-Bi', revives the Japanese fictional action anti-hero Zatoichi in this violent and bloody swashbuckling samurai adventure. Zatoichi (played by Takeshi himself) may be blind but he is also an incredibly gifted and precise swordsman. When the ruthless Ginzo gang, with the help of the legendary Hattori, mercilessly take over a remote mountain town, Zatoichi and his friend Shinkichi must do everything in their considerable powers to stop them.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
32 of 35 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This edition of Takeshi Kitanos fantastic film is the ultimate PAL version with the addition of a DTS soundtrack. Colours are better in the Japanese release, but since I get lots of subtitled extras and a DTS soundtrack (and I prefer PAL speedup to NTSC pulldown) I went with this one.
It comes in a metal box with some nice prints of the publicity artwork, a booklet with plenty of Takeshi Kitanos thoughts on his work and a frame of 35mm film. I got one with the rather amusing subtitle "Did you kill everyone in the room?". One of the best collectors edition treats out there.
If you haven't actually seen the film then just buy it now. It's clever, funny, violent, moving, silly and thoughtful all at once. I have not seen such a complete work of cinematic art since Kurosawas films and yet this has a style all it's own. The music is clever, varied, and enhances the stunning visuals superbly. With this film Takeshi Kitano takes the step (in my eyes) from talented director to genius. I know people always exaggerate on the net and stuff but I don't. I'm serious. This is a truly awesome work of art.
14 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
Having recently bought a new Pioneer BDP-320 Blu-ray player, I've been buying and watching some great films in the high definition format. I've enjoyed lustrous transfers of films such as "Gone With The Wind", "North By Northwest" and "Zulu" over the last few weeks, and so I had high hopes for "Beat" Takeshi Kitano's 2003 film "Zatoichi".
The transfer is deeply disappointing. Having already seen the film in standard definition, there is absolutely no discernable difference between that version and the Blu-ray. Poor contrast levels and picture noise are the ever-present in this version of the film. It's just not good enough.
In retrospect, it's hardly surprising. Artificial Eye relases, along with those from the BFI, are usually lazy and slipshod affairs, with poor transfers and so-so extras the norm. In short, AE are the anti-Criterion. It's sad that people -like me- get sucked in with assumptions of a higher quality from Blu-ray releases merely because some high def releases are very good indeed.
The film itself is reasonable (although Takeshi's 1997 "Hana-Bi" is in another league in terms of quality) and I would probably give it a 3/5, but the transfer just is not. Add to that the usuual bog-standard "making of" documentary and biographies (all which you could find on the internet), and this is one to avoid.
The transfer is deeply disappointing. Having already seen the film in standard definition, there is absolutely no discernable difference between that version and the Blu-ray. Poor contrast levels and picture noise are the ever-present in this version of the film. It's just not good enough.
In retrospect, it's hardly surprising. Artificial Eye relases, along with those from the BFI, are usually lazy and slipshod affairs, with poor transfers and so-so extras the norm. In short, AE are the anti-Criterion. It's sad that people -like me- get sucked in with assumptions of a higher quality from Blu-ray releases merely because some high def releases are very good indeed.
The film itself is reasonable (although Takeshi's 1997 "Hana-Bi" is in another league in terms of quality) and I would probably give it a 3/5, but the transfer just is not. Add to that the usuual bog-standard "making of" documentary and biographies (all which you could find on the internet), and this is one to avoid.
By JG
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
I really don't know why Zatoichi got such hight ratings, I found it shallow and boring at times, predictable and not very well shot.
'13 assassins' was better filmed, story told and choreographed. Way better (and it wasn't very bloody either, despite the directors reputation - or at least not in a gory way).
'13 assassins' was better filmed, story told and choreographed. Way better (and it wasn't very bloody either, despite the directors reputation - or at least not in a gory way).
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
Very entertaining, funny, artistic and overall a great, well made film. Stout and wholesome, sad, exciting, with a fantastic dance finish.
By Cub Tiger
Format:DVD
This film is great! The action is frequent and bloody but directed in such a way that it is very accessible for others who find films like 'Kill Bill' a bit much. The story is nothing to write home about. I think pretty much every story line possible has already been covered in countless other 'Zatoichi' films before this. What this film does is inject some serious class into an old formula. All of the 'Kitano' trademarks are there to please fans of his work and create a really enjoyable film. If you like Samurai films then this is an absolute must see!
5 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
The director Takeshi Kitano plays the lead character Zatoichi the blind swordsman.
This is very much Kitano's film, Zatoichi has appeared in many Japanese films and the director/actor has brought his own style to tell us his tale of Zatoichi.
Dance: Comedy; Music and wonderful swordfights.
Extras explaining the character and Mr Kitano choice of style are told in the extras.
This is very much Kitano's film, Zatoichi has appeared in many Japanese films and the director/actor has brought his own style to tell us his tale of Zatoichi.
Dance: Comedy; Music and wonderful swordfights.
Extras explaining the character and Mr Kitano choice of style are told in the extras.
Several stories intwine on this journey of adventure and I will not spoil it for you but buy the DVD and relax at home. You can quickly replay the action if you missed it as the swordplay is fast. Enjoy !
4 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This movie is absolutely brilliant! This is another amazing creation by the talented japanese director Takeshi Kitano. He also plays a brilliant lead role in this movie. He is an extremely talented man and it shows in this movie.
This is a must watch for any person.....this movie is pact with lots of action. Also any Art House fanatics will love this movie....the incredible directing style is not to be missed.
This Collector's Edition is well worth the money.....the 2nd disc is packed with extra's. Interviews behind the scenes etc.....
If you want to watch a movie that will absolutely blow your mind buy this. This is a movie you must see!!
3 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Charles Wolf
Format:DVD
This is the ultimate samurai movie. Has it all...
It's what you'd expect from a movie like that, Takeshi Kitano (director and main actor) is perfect for his part and in my opinion this his a true masterpiece.
It's what you'd expect from a movie like that, Takeshi Kitano (director and main actor) is perfect for his part and in my opinion this his a true masterpiece.
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
›
Go to Amazon.com to see the review
4.0 out of 5 stars
Was this review helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect
bluray quality is good,
very good movie, to be seen urgently!
Atmosphere, battles, fun, stylish, story, everything is good! Read more
very good movie, to be seen urgently!
Atmosphere, battles, fun, stylish, story, everything is good! Read more
Published on 7 Mar 2011 by kawaijb
5.0 out of 5 stars
a true masterpeice!i love mr beat takeshi!
ive always adored this film,had it on regular disc but had to buy this beautiful edition due to its great price.i suggest any true zatoichi fan like myself should do so too!
Published on 21 Sep 2010 by R P Mcmurphy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting and good
A violent and bloody japanise samurai movie, though this Zorro-like tale is an intriguingly entertaining adventure. Read more
Published on 6 Jun 2010 by Roland Deschain
5.0 out of 5 stars
King kitano
Up there with my favourite films of all time, had to purchase on blu-ray even though I have the DVD, well worth the pennies!
Published on 11 Mar 2009 by Mr. A. N. Lawrence
5.0 out of 5 stars
this film was brilliant
The film involves a blind swordsman (zatoichi) fighting off gang members in the town . This film was great, takeshi kitano changed it slightly from the original series of zatoichi... Read more
Published on 24 Feb 2005 by "thetrooperal"
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
![[Start the discussion]](http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/02/x-locale/communities/discussion_boards/start-new-discussion-sec._V192198663_.gif){kind=small}
Listmania!
|
|
Look for similar items by category
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
