Rating: 
Summary: Simply the best way to watch a Kurasawa movie
Review: This DVD is simply the best way to watch this film. Even though many people are complaining that it is in 1.33 to one aspect ratio, that's the way the movie was made, there isn't anything more to it, Kurosawa wasn't able to work in widescreen until 1958.The commentary track of this movie is three hours of reverent discussion that helps the viewer realise exactly how much genius this man was able to bring to this movie. The commentary track is almost like getting two movies together. Watch the movie first without it and then with it (if you can stand the 6 hours) and then you'll realise how great this movie is.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely one of the GREATEST films of all-time.
Review: I have watched this movie countless times as well as most of Kurosawa's films. This movie is one of my all-time favorites as well as Yojimbo. Anyone who appreciates great films will love this one very much. I guarantee it. As the previous reviews say, the storyline, characters, and acting are superb. "Often imitated, but never duplicated" is what I would have to say about this and other Kurosawa films. For those who don't know, the modern westerns were all based off of Samurai films. The Magnificent Seven, For a Few Dollars More, and Last Man Standing, to name a few, are all based off of Kurosawa movies. Buy it and enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: A Great Movie
Review: After watching "Magnificent Seven" and reading the reviews of this movie, I took a chance and purchased the video. I was not disappointed! This is recommended for anyone with an appreciation of a fine work on film; while 3 1/2 hours long, each moment is put to good use and this movie is far from the pretentious fluff that critics fawn over that normal people don't buy. This is good, solid and realistic! I also found it interesting to compare to the premise of "A Bug's Life" (ants bullied by grasshoppers hire some 'warrior' bugs to protect them). Anyway, a great movie but not like the Amazon.com synopsis reads - the villagers don't become great warriors and the samurai don't become legends. Anyone who thinks that needs to watch the movie again and get the point.
Rating:
Summary: THE 1:33:1 ASPECT RATIO ON THIS DVD IS CORRECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: Lest anyone be dissuaded from purchasing this masterpiece because they believe it is not presented in its original aspect ratio, it should be known that THE 1:33:1 ASPECT RATIO ON THIS DVD IS CORRECT. Akira Kurosawa did not begin working with the widescreen format until later in the 1950s. Anyone who asserts otherwise is mistaken. This is a true 5 star films that ANYONE will enjoy. It's particulary recommended to those who would never dream of watching a movie with subtitles. Anyone looking for a great action movie should take a chance on this. Unlike that copy of Armageddon you watched once and is now collecting dust on your shelf, this is something you'll watch again and again. For those who love John Ford-type westerns, The Seven Samurai puts a marvelous spin on that classic genre. Even if you don't like action movies, you'll respond to this movie. It offers genuine human drama with an insight into a different culture and time that becomes increasingly fascinating with repeated viewings. Of course, it's also recommended to those who already know and love this film. The picture on this DVD is much sharper and crisper than the one you're used to seeing on that worn-out VHS tape. As a bonus, it has a very insightful secondary audio track with commentary from a Japanese film historian that will help you develop a new appreciation for one of your old favorites.
Rating:
Summary: Considered by some the best movie ever, including me.
Review: Seven Samurai, the classic Samurai Western, is a must see for all movie fans. I was fortunate enough to see it in a theatre in college. The remastered edition is huge improvement, and if you buy only one movie this year, make sure it's this one. I cannot imagine viewing this in a shortened format. Everything about this movie is fantastic, from the cinematography to the acting. The story is so well told the subtitles aren't even really neccessary. The talents of Kurosawa and Mifune will be sorely missed.
Rating:
Summary: A must have for those interested in the Samurai
Review: Although I only had the opportunity to see the first video, the complete set is on my wish list. As I am deeply interested in Japanese history and philosophy, I would love it even if it weren't the best B&W movie I've seen. I can recommend this movie to anyone. The only problem I had with it was on the copy I saw the subtitles mixed in with the white backgrounds and were at times hard read.
Rating: 
Summary: all time great film killed by the 1.33:1 aspect ratio
Review: This Master work by Kurosawa is butchered to fit into the consumer TV screen. Imagine cuting out half the image of the Mona Lisa, how would you like that. A definate must own but only if it the full aspect ratio. just say no to 1.33:1, the more we resist it the better off we'll all be.
Rating:
Summary: I love this and all Kurosawa movies.
Review: Kurosawa is one of my favorite directors, and "Seven Samurai" is one of the few 3-hour films I have the patience to sit through. The sets, the music, the actors - eveything comes together. I saw this before I watched "The Magnificent Seven" and as good as that movie is, it's still not the original. Kurosawa's humanity as well as his attention to detail are exemplified in this film. He was the consummate film director who refused to compromise his vision and crank out a crappy movie just so that it would "sell." This should be in every serious video collector's library and viewed at least once a year!
Rating:
Summary: Japanese teacher uses this film in class!!
Review: The students in my level one course weren't sure what they were getting into when I started this video for them. By the end, they were so into the film they didn't want to go to their next classes. Excellent addition to any history, japanese or world history, course. I highly recommend it!
Rating:
Summary: It's not Anime, but it has that feel.
Review: Most foriegn to Japan, atleast in my age group, tend to flock to Japanese Anime completely overlooking the live action films. This is a grave mistake. Seven Samurai gives a feel that Anime enthusiasts will love! It's story is original and well layed out. Acting is model and cinematography VERY well done! All in all I would say this film is much like a Japanese westren including it's final shoot out scene. Infact, as you probably already know, it inspired a popular western.
| 
