The early 1980s was a fruitful time for Fantasy Adventure cinema around the globe. The prelude to massively impactful Fantasy features that came mid to later decade, such as 1984’s The NeverEnding Story, 1985’s Legend, 1986’s Labyrinth, and 1988’s Willow, paving the way was entries such as 1981’s Dragonslayer and Excalibur. All either being UK or American productions, entering the realm in 1983 from Japan was Legend of the Eight Samurai (里見八犬伝, Nansō Satomi Hakkenden).
A film directed by Kinji Fukasaku (who would go on to make 2000’s Battle Royale), the script is adapted from Toshio Kamata’s 1982 novel Shin Satomi Hakkende. With that in mind, it is also interesting to note that the story is a loose interruption of the 1800s novel Nansō Satomi Hakkenden. Transformed into an epic cinematic movie, it follows Princess Shizu (Hiroko Yakushimaru), who is on the run from nefarious forces led by the evil queen Tamazusa (Mari Natsuki). Along her journey, Princess Shizu learns of a curse bestowed on her family, which can only be lifted should eight warriors be found. In a race for her life, along the way, she crosses paths with Shinbei (Hiroyuki Sanada), who might be more than he or she even knows.
A film spanning nearly two and a half hours, while there is plenty of action, special effects, and drama, perhaps the boldest characteristic of Legend of the Eight Samurai is the romance. Mostly a tale of unforeseen love, you cannot help but feel the bonds formed that are amplified extensively by the film’s soundtrack. This is especially the case with John O’Banion’s “I Don’t Want This Night to End,” which is featured boldly in the climax of the love affair. Something that tugs at your heartstrings, by modern standards, these characteristics might be considered cheesy. Perhaps a product of how jaded we have become, in truth, they are timeless and moving cinematic moments that strike an undeniable nerve.
Whatever the case regarding how the current world might view the mood and music of Legend of the Eight Samurai, it is a memorable piece of 1980s Fantasy cinema not to be missed. A film that would become the number-one feature at the Japanese Box Office in 1984, it also won domestic awards. Additionally, with an English-dubbed version emerging during the same decade, Legend of the Eight Samurai reached an even larger audience.
Over forty years later, Eureka! honors Legend of the Eight Samurai with a new 4K UHD restoration. A part of the distributor’s Masters of Cinema series (which features a list of interesting titles), Legend of the Eight Samurai arrived on Blu-ray on February 18, 2025. A limited edition run where Eureka! has only printed 2,000 copies per territory; if you are lucky enough to get one, there is a lot to look at inside.
First, you have the new 4K restoration, which is stunningly beautiful in terms of clarity, color, and contrast. New interviews, video essays, and more are included as special features. There is also a lovely O-Card slipcase with new artwork and an insightfully written collector’s booklet. Put together with attention to detail and quality, the original Japanese audio tracks are joined by the alternate English tracks.
Any way you cut it, Eureka! has assembled the most complete edition of Legend of the Eight Samurai ever offered for home viewing. So, if you consider yourself a fan of Fantasy films and have never seen Legend Of The Eight Samurai, you must seek a copy for your collection because Cryptic Rock gives it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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