Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai Getting A BFI 4K Release!

A couple of days ago the BFI announced they are set to release Akira Kurosawa‘s Ikiru in 4K, now it’s Seven Samurai. Set for a 4K UHD (Ultra High Definition) for the first time in the UK in October.

Considered one of the greatest action films ever made, and the BFI’s best-selling Blu-ray/DVD/VHS release of all time. The BFI’s new presentation will have its UK premiere at BFI IMAX on 26th September as part of the BFI’s forthcoming UK-wide season Art Of Action and will be screened in selected cinemas in the UK and Ireland from 27th September.

The 1954 film, nominated for two Oscars and three BAFTAs, has influenced the work of directors from George Lucas to Steven Spielberg, and spawned remakes, most notably John Sturges’ acclaimed The Magnificent Seven (1960). Newly restored in 4K by Toho, Japan…

Related Post: Akira Kurosawa’s Ikiru Getting A 2 Disc BFI Blu-ray Release

When 16th-century farmers whose village is repeatedly attacked by merciless bandits ask an older people masterless samurai (Takashi Shimura) for help, offering nothing but food in return, he hesitantly agrees, and assembles a band of warriors to defend and train the villagers. Boasting terrific performances, particularly from Shimura and Toshirô Mifune as a peasant masquerading as a samurai, the film has superb camerawork and expertly mounted battle sequences.
EXTRAS:

4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
Newly recorded audio commentary by film critic Adrian Martin
Akira Kurosawa: It is Wonderful to Create – Seven Samurai (2002, 50 mins)
The Art of Akira Kurosawa (2013, 49 mins): Asian-cinema expert Tony Rayns discusses Kurosawa’s career and influence
Original trailer
BFI rerelease trailer
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
Perfect-bound book featuring new and archival writing on the film
Updated and improved English subtitles
Other extras TBC

You can pre order Seven Samurai now at BFI for 4K UHD / Limited Edition Blu-Ray, releasing 6th October. The film will play part of Art Action season from 26th September.