Rating: 
Summary: Kurosawa Yes, Fox Lorber No!
Review: This review concerns Fox Lorber's disappointing DVD production, rather than Ran itself, whose magnificence and raw artistry still manage to come through, though not undiminished. This DVD package gives a strong impression as an undisguised exploitation of Kurosawa's art on the part of unskilled amateurs.The resolution of the film images for this stunningly wrought work of art is inferior. Kurosawa would withdraw the title on that basis, were he alive to do so! Even the images of the English subtitles-- which, by the way, cannot be shut off--are of poor technical quality, with characters breaking up and going fuzzy. The whole production--with the exception of the sound track--seems to have been dubbed from an old VHS copy in someone's garage. Really! Also, for this 160-minute film, there are a measly nine divisions in the scene access menu! Why bother? This is the only Fox Lorber title in my collection. I suppose it's possible that I got a bad copy, altrough given the technology involved, and the remarks of others who have bought the DVD, I find that hard to believe. It's likely to remain my only Fox Lorber DVD!
Rating: 
Summary: One of my favorite movies of all time!
Review: This is the one of the best films ever created. The landscape, battle scenes, plot, everything is near perfect. The DVD, however, is poorly mastered. Image quality is fuzzy and the subtitles are barely legible. It hardly does any justice for this cinematic masterpiece.
Rating:
Summary: Kurosawa's finest work.
Review: Upon seeing "Ran" a year back, I knew immediately it was a standout. Let's see--intriguing plot, clever cinematography, incredible costumes, solid acting--yup, it's a winner. I almost forgot--it contains one of the greatest battle montages ever produced, not to mention a bone-chilling score. Movies really don't get much better than this.
Rating:
Summary: WoW!
Review: Ran is the Japanese version of King Lear. It is hypnotic. Once you begin to watch it, you can not help but becomed entranced. Any time I have seen it on IFC or Bravo, no matter where it is in the film, you can't turn it off. And the colours and the landscapes.... The DVD is so beautiful, sometimes I just put certain scenes on to look at the Costumes, or the flags flapping in the wind, or the battle scenes. This movie is simply a masterpiece by a master director.
Rating:
Summary: beware of this DVD
Review: without a doubt we all know this movie is more then excellent, but if you already own the VHS tape of Ran then beware of this DVD! the quality doesn't do the film justice, the subtitles are part of the transfer (they can't be turned off) and are sometimes hard to read, there is only a chapter search and you can't scroll through the chapter if you're in the middle of watching the movie. no clock will be displayed on your DVD player also, weird.
Rating:
Summary: Classic Retelling of Timeless Allegory
Review: This is an all-around masterpiece. The word "breathtaking" is often abused, but it can be applied almost literally to this expression of Kurasowa's artistry. If you are appreciative of great cinematography you must own a copy of this film. For me, only John Ford's "The Searchers" is as visually powerful. The battle scenes are justifiably legendary and possess that innate Japanese sense of poetry that permeates just about everything else Kurasowa has done.
Rating:
Summary: The Japanese King Lear
Review: Akira Kurosawa is a genius and what I liked so much was how true he stayed to what we know as Shakespeares King Lear. His use of colour is what also makes this movie work so well. Japan as the backdrop adds additional character, along with the vibrant colour of the clothes, and banners. One thing you cannot do while watching this movie, is look away. Because as soon as you do something will be said or done that will become a key piece to this puzzle he is making. Also realize that you will need to watch this movie a number of times before you get the whole story. Simply because the music of the language, following the sub titles takes a lot of energy and some of the story may be missed. But watching it over and over is like going on a treasure hunt because you discover new hidden trinkets along the way. Sometimes I just pop the tape in and just sit back and marvel at the beauty and nothing more. It is a movie that bathes all the senses.
Rating:
Summary: In 1985 greatness equalled a best costumes oscar
Review: Kurosawa, samuri, and shakespeare what more do you really need. Apparantley in 1985 great movies were only voted for in the costuming category
Rating:
Summary: Kurosawa at his very best!
Review: Amazingly powerful and poetic. A masterpiece from the master who is obviously still in his stride. King Lear has never had a backdrop like this before. It is such a romantic and beautiful piece, every cent went to good use. There is no use in looking for a bad spot in the film because it doesn't exist.
Rating:
Summary: Exellent, but still not quite as good as Rashomon.
Review: I loved this film. I did think it was a bit overlong. Rashomon bests this, but this is still slightly better than Yojimbo. But everything is exellent. There are some truly beautiful visuals. This definatly ranks with Kwaidan and Gate of Hell as one of Japan's most beautiful films. Toru Takemitsu's score is horrifyingly beautiful. This film has one of the most horrifyingly beautiful endings as well. Also, I think that this film doesn't deserve an R rating. I think it deserves PG-13. There was some blood but there was nothing trully R rating. There isn't even any cursing. This is an OK video transfer. I thought that this film had a 2.35:1 aspect ratio and it's presented in 1.85:1. The letterbox appearance is also not to good, it's just one big black bar at the bottom. All in all recommended to Kurosawa fans around the globe.
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