Blu-ray release: ‘Legend of the Eight Samurai’


By   |  Dec 15, 2024

Eureka Entertainment are bringing the 1983 Japanese historical martial arts fantasy ‘Legend of the Eight Samurai’ (里見八犬伝) to US and UK Blu-ray on February 17/18, 2025.

Co-written and directed by Kinji Fukasaku and adapted from Toshio Kamata’s 1982 novel, the film revolves around eight legendary samurai who must protect a princess from an ancient supernatural clan. The cast includes Hiroko Yakushimaru, Hiroyuki Sanada, Sonny Chiba, Minori Terada, Masaki Kyomoto, Etsuko Shihomi, Takuya Fukuhara, Shunsuke Kariya, Kenji Oba, and Mari Natsuki.

Synopsis: The Satomi Clan have been all but wiped out by their mortal enemies: the ghoulish members of the undead Hikita Clan. The last Satomi survivor is Princess Shizu (Hiroko Yakushimaru), who goes into hiding to avoid meeting the same fate as her family. Left to wander on her own, she eventually becomes entangled with farmer-turned-soldier Shinbei (Hiroyuki Sanada) and then a pair of warrior monks who reveal themselves to be two of eight fabled Hakkenden – or “Dog Warriors” – who can lift the curse that has been placed upon her family. Together, they must find the rest of the Hakkenden and take on the leader of the Hikita Clan: the evil Tamazusa (Mari Natsuki).

Features:
• 1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray from a 4K restoration
• Original Japanese stereo and DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio options
• Alternate English dubbed audio track
• Optional English subtitles
• New audio commentary by Joe Hickinbottom
• Always Looking for the New – New interview with Kenta Fukasaku
• The Trials of the Eight Samurai – New video essay by Stuart Galbraith IV
• Japanese trailer
• Limited edition of 2000 copies
• Limited edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Chris Malbon
• Limited edition collector’s booklet

‘Legend of the Eight Samurai’ is available to pre-order now from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.

Phil Mills
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