Seven Samurai | Akira Kurosawa’s legendary epic gets a 60th anniversary Blu-ray release | Movie Talk | What's on TV

To mark the 60th anniversary Akira Kurosawa’s celebrated masterpiece, Seven Samurai (Shichinin no Samurai), the BFI is releasing the epic adventure on Blu-ray (for the very first time in the UK) in a limited edition Steelbook (out Monday 21 April).

With their village raided every year by vicious bandits, a group of peasants in 16th century Japan hire veteran warrior Kambei (Takashi Shimura) and his band of warriors to protect them. Initially met with suspicion, the samurai eventually gain the trust of the peasants, including young Kikuchiyo (Toshirô Mifune), who joins their ranks in a bid to earn his honour on the battlefield…

One of the greatest films ever made, Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai has influenced the work of directors from George Lucas to Steven Spielberg, and spawned remakes including John Sturges’ western The Magnificent Seven. First released on DVD in 1999, it remains the BFI’s No1 best-selling title.

This special 60th anniversary edition includes alternative presentations of the film in its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio (Region B & 2), the featurette The Art of Akira Kurosawa featuring Asian cinema expert Tony Rayns, original Japanese trailer, and a collector’s booklet.

In Japanese (with optional English subtitles)

Seven Samurai is also available to rent on BFI Player (£3.50/£2.98) http://youtube.com/v/7mw6LyyoeGE