Kagemusha (1980) Criterion Collection Blu-ray

Kagemusha (1980) from the Criterion Collection is a Japanese-language Blu-ray directed by Akira Kurosawa. The listing describes a 180-minute drama set amid rival 16th-century Japanese warlords, with themes of political power and identity.

At a glance

A Japanese-language period drama about political power and identity during a time of competing warlords.
The listing specifies English subtitles and Japanese Dolby Digital 5.1 audio.
Single-disc Blu-ray with a listed runtime of 180 minutes.

Price

£10.99Save 35%

Reference price: ~~£16.99~~

Price checked: 12 Nov 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

English subtitles are specified for the Japanese-language film.
The 1.85:1 aspect ratio and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio are detailed in the listing.

Technical specifications

13 specifications

Disc and presentation
Format	Blu-ray, PAL
Aspect ratio	16:9 - 1.85:1
Language	Japanese (Dolby Digital 5.1)
Subtitles	English
Runtime	180 minutes
Number of discs	1

Film details
Genre	drama
Director	Akira Kurosawa
Actors	Daisuke Ryu, Tatsuya Nakadai, Tsutomu Yamazaki
Release date	8 Mar. 2021
Studio	Spirit Entertainment
Country of origin	United Kingdom

Dimensions and installation
Dimensions listed	17 x 13.5 x 1.2 cm; 100 g

What to know before buying

Customer feedback on pacing and picture quality is mixed. Comments about DVD picture quality may not describe this Blu-ray edition. The listing identifies the title as Criterion Collection but names Spirit Entertainment as the studio, so the exact edition and packaging details are worth confirming if those matter to your collection.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Viewers seeking an Akira Kurosawa period drama with English subtitles.
Collectors looking for a single-disc Blu-ray presentation of Kagemusha.

Less suited to

Buyers specifically seeking a 4K UHD release.
Viewers who prefer shorter films, as the listed runtime is 180 minutes.

Kagemusha (1980) Criterion Collection Blu-ray · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.6 / 5 · 643 ratings

5 stars79%79%
4 stars14%14%
3 stars3%3%
2 stars2%2%
1 star2%2%

Customer feedback praises the film’s visuals, story and developed characters, with the tragic themes also singled out positively. Picture quality and pacing receive mixed reactions, including reports of poor DVD quality and a slower pace. That distinction matters for this Blu-ray listing because the picture-quality criticism may concern another format. Aggregate ratings are broadly favourable but do not explain individual opinions.

Positive themes

Customers praise the film’s visuals, story and character development.

Mixed feedback

Picture quality and pacing receive mixed feedback. The picture-quality criticism specifically mentions DVD quality, so it should not be treated as a confirmed Blu-ray issue.

Frequently asked questions

What language and subtitles are listed?

The listing specifies Japanese audio and English subtitles. Audio is described as Dolby Digital 5.1.

How long is Kagemusha?

The listed runtime is 180 minutes.

Is this a 4K release?

No 4K format is specified. The listed format is Blu-ray, PAL.

What should I know about the customer feedback?

Feedback describes the visuals, story and character development positively, while picture quality and pacing receive mixed comments. Some picture-quality criticism refers to the DVD, so it may not apply to this Blu-ray.