Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.5

Swords of Vengeance Blu-ray Movie Review

Swords of Vengeance is an ambitious historical drama. The feature-film is a prestige picture and there is a lot of depth to the filmmaking. Swords of Vengeance is almost three hours long.  An outstanding epic of Japanese cinema – a classic that is well worth discovery or re-discovery with audiences. A masterful film with a compelling production design. The feature-film was also released under the alternate title of The Fall of Ako Castle (1978). Sonny Chiba fans won’t want to miss this essential classic. Co- starring Kinnosuke Nakamura, Tsunehiko Watase, Masaomi Kondô, Toshirô Mifune, Kyôko Enami, Kasho Nakamura, and Shinsuke Mikimoto.

Kazuemon Fuwa (Shin'ichi Chiba) leads an all-star cast in a stunning adaptation of the beloved Japanese classic legend of the “Forty-Seven Ronin” samurai warriors. The tale is also one know as that of the 47 Loyal Retainers. A violent and ambitious theatrical production of the classic Japanese tale, the film weaves together a haunting and epic vision of the 47 Ronin. The feature-film builds to an all-out confrontation and battle that is sweepingly epic and a must-see of Japanese cinema.

Chiba is outstanding in Swords of Vengeance. The performance is one of great depth and the role has considerable gravitas. The sense of dedication to the role adds a lot to the film and its sense of clear ambition. Anyone who considers themselves a fan of Chiba will want to see this performance by the actor.

The cinematography by Yoshio Miyajima (Harakiri, Kwaidan) and Hanjirô Nakazawa (Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion, Graveyard of Honor) is outstanding and the evocative sense of style is full of clear wonderment. The visual language of the cinematography provides a more ambitious film and an essential viewing experience for audiences. The style is as hypnotic as classic paintings – the type audiences would expect to see in an art museum. Each frame of the cinematography is hypnotic. The enormous visual qualities of the film helps to explain how the film was nominated at the Japanese Academy Awards for Best Cinematography - a well-deserved recognition.

The score composed by Toshiaki Tsushima (Night Train, Yagyu Clan Conspiracy) adds abundant scale to the production. The score has an ambitious quality that is unmistakable. The score lifts up the action, drama, and tension. The music enhances the entire experience. A unmistakably ambitious score by composer Tsushima.

Written by Kôji Takada (Yakuza Ladies, Lady Kasuga), Swords of Vengeance provides a quality script for the epic production. Dialogue is well-written and intriguing. The film unfolds with a clear ambition and the script handles the material well. Takada brought the story of the 47 Ronin to life.

Directed by Kinji Fukasaku (Battle Royale, Samurai Reincarnation), Swords of Vengeance is a must-see Japanese classic. The film offers an enormously ambitious production scale – something far more ambitious and complex than some historical dramas. Exploring the tale of the 47 Ronin, Fukasaku provides a compelling visual sensibility that is unmistakable. Each scene in the film feels as though it is carefully composed with a painterly quality – the visual framing is just exquisite and it adds a lot to the film. Don’t miss this important Japanese classic.

Swords of Vengeance Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Shout Factory, Swords of Vengeance is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The high-definition encode is impressive on the release. The transfer has a filmic quality. The encode does a great job showcasing the film. The cinematography is absolutely breathtaking on the release and the scan provided does a great job highlighting the visual sensibilities of the filmmakers. The transfer is near pristine. The presentation is largely free from print damage. A great encode by Shout Factory.

Swords of Vengeance Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio Mono (with English subtitles). The lossless audio presentation on the release is excellent sounding. The lossless sound presentation is crisp, clear, and engaging. Dialogue is well reproduced. The soundstage is epic in scale and adds a lot to the viewing experience. The presentation does a good job of preserving detail in the soundtrack.

Swords of Vengeance Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Interview with Actor Sonny Chiba (HD, 26:51)

Swords of Vengeance Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Swords of Vengeance is an ambitious production and one that is a must-see for Chiba fans. The film is masterful with breathtaking cinematography by Yoshio Miyajima (Harakiri) and Hanjirô Nakazawa (Graveyard of Honor). Directed by Kinji Fukasaku (Battle Royale), Swords of Vengeance is an epic production on every level. The filmmaking soars with the scale of a masterful painter. This is an ambitious production in every facet. The best film in the Sonny Chiba Collection. The Blu-ray presentation features superb video and lossless audio. Highly recommended.