Ran (Digitally Restored) [DVD] [2016]

Ran is a fantastic adaptation of Shakepeare’s King Lear. It’s not a like-for-like of the play, but the key themes are here. Having tackled MacBeth in Throne of Blood Kurasawa clearly loved the bard’s tales, and they fit so well in fuedal Japan. Ran is a slow moving film, its not all action and battles, and even when we do get those epic battles they’re filmed with poignancy rather than straight action. Kurasawa clearly wanted to delve into the frailty of the characeters, and the consequences of their rash decisions. It’s not quite up there with his best work, but its still a masterpiece of film making.This Blu Ray from Studio Canal offers a very good, clear picture. The remaster perhaps goes a little too far on DNR, which is noticeable in some scenes, but its not a deal breaker. Overall its still a stunning looking picture, which is great for a film with such vibrant colours.

Not very happy, received the two disks in very good times, but when played, the feature disk keeps sticking and freezing and always at the most crucial times and then it steps on, causing the miss of scenes and therefore miss the next meaning of the film. I am deaf, and need to read whats going on as well as watch the scenes and this DVD has failed to convey the message ( supposedly a great film ) Maybe the restoration has destroyed its original message. I decided not to waste any more money by returning it. Very disappointed will probably bin it. Frank.

Ran (roughly translated as 'Chaos' or 'Pandemonium' ). I recommend this film. It is a stunning historical drama, 15 century feudal Japan, based on the story of King Lear. The 1985 film has been restored and shows spectacular colourful scenery and marvellous costumes. The opening scene is quiet but soon changes as the drama unfolds. The music score is haunting especially during the bloody battle scenes. The film ends with a strong message for mankind. Disc 2 is a bonus with documentary and interviews and shows how much detail and preparation work went into the making of the film. There is also a nice informative booklet with photographs.photographs.

excellent character based film from the mid 80's . Very well shot with some terrific battle sequences, possibly some of the best I have seen on film. A powerful story of intrigue , treachery & revenge based on Shakespeare's King Lear.

It is a masterpiece, brilliant film, I couldn't find any fault with it and it is one of those amazing foreign films you could just watch and watch again, I know it's based on King Lear, but the way Kurosawa directs it/tells it deserves so much credit, brilliant film by a brilliant director.

Disc 1 had subtitles but also had English dubbing which I did not want.Disc 2 had no English subtitiles or dubbing nd was in French.Need to return product

Bought this for my hubby who loves his Akira Kurosawa films, he loved it, highly recommend.

The colour in this film is outstanding in this Blu ray version, The story is almost incidental to the visual power of many of the scenes - a film to be cherished and explored, A film by a master of his craft