The Hidden Fortress

A long time ago, in a Japan far, far away…. George Lucas has acknowledged that Akira Kurosawa's 1958 adventure was a primary source of inspiration for Star Wars (he talks about the connection in a recently filmed interview segment included on this DVD). Part of the fun of watching The Hidden Fortress is pointing out the parallels between the two films, the most obvious being the misfit odd couple (upon whom Lucas would base R2D2 and C3PO) who accompany a princess and her loyal general (Toshiro Mifune) on a treacherous journey to her homeland. Hollywood seems to have forgotten how to make action films this engaging and this much fun. After torturing us with Jar Jar Binks, perhaps Lucas should take another look. Restored to its original length with pristine video and audio, this is highly recommended. Editor's Choice.(K. Lee Benson)[Blu-ray/DVD Combo Review—Mar. 11, 2014—Criterion, 139 min., in Japanese w/English subtitles, not rated, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $39.95—Making its latest appearance on DVD and debut on Blu-ray, 1958's The Hidden Fortress sports an excellent transfer and a DTS-HD mono soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition. Extras include audio commentary by film historian Stephen Prince, a 2003 “making-of” culled from the Toho Masterworks series “Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create” (41 min.), a 2001 interview with filmmaker George Lucas on Kurosawa (8 min.), a trailer, and a booklet featuring an essay by film scholar Catherine Russell. Bottom line: Kurosawa's classic shines on Blu-ray.]