'The Hidden Fortress' Blu-ray Dated and Detailed

The samurai classic from the legendary Akira Kurosawa is planned for Blu-ray in March.

In an early announcement to retailers, the Criterion Collection will present 'The Hidden Fortress' on Blu-ray on March 18.

A grand-scale adventure as only Akira Kurosawa could make one, 'The Hidden Fortress' stars the inimitable Toshiro Mifune as a general charged with guarding his defeated clan's princess (a fierce Misa Uehara) as the two smuggle royal treasure across hostile territory. Accompanying them are a pair of bumbling, conniving peasants who may or may not be their friends. This rip-roaring ride is among the director's most beloved films and was a primary influence on George Lucas's Star Wars. 'The Hidden Fortress' delivers Kurosawa's trademark deft blend of wry humor, breathtaking action, and compassionate humanity.

The Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack will feature a new 2K digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray; Alternate 5.1 surround soundtrack preserving the original Perspecta simulated stereo effects, presented in DTS-HD Master Audio on the Blu-ray; and supplements include: New audio commentary by film historian Stephen Prince, author of The Warrior's Camera: The Cinema of Akira Kurosawa; Documentary from 2003 on the making of the film, created as part of the Toho Masterworks series Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create; Interview from 2001 with filmmaker George Lucas about Kurosawa; Trailer; and a booklet featuring an essay by film scholar Catherine Russell.

Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.95.

You can find the latest specs for 'The Hidden Fortress' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under March 18.