Massive Kurosawa set due from Criterion

Criterion will cheer fans of Japanese cinema with its December release of "AK 100: 25 Films by Akira Kurosawa." 

The $400 set includes a swarm of previously released Criterion Kurosawa releases, bolstered by four new-to-region 1 titles, all made during WWII: "The Most Beautiful" (1944), "The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail" (1945), and the two "Sanshiro Sugata" movies (1943, 1945).

"Sanshiro Sugata" aka "Judo Saga" tells the story of a martial arts student who fights his way to maturity. The "Sugata"sequel (poster below) sends the hero up against American boxers. "Sanshiro Sugata" was Kurosawa's first film as a primary director. Its release on DVD was long overdue on these shores. These are clearly the best new titles.

 "Tiger's Tail" tracks a fugitive lord and his entourage as they travel in disguise through a dangerous forest. It's an hourlong film, lightly regarded. "Tiger's Tail" was banned by occupying U.S. forces.

 "The Most Beautiful" is a propaganda-like effort that profiles young women who work in an optical plant in the waning days of WWII.

"AK 100: 25 Films by Akira Kurosawa" includes many classics -- such as "The Lower Depths," "Throne of Blood," "Rashomon" and "Seven Samurai" -- as well as the obscure. There is "Kagemusha," but not "Ran." 

Among the other early titles are "One Wonderful Sunday" (1947) and "Scandal" (1950) two terrific entertainments from last year's "Post-War Kurosawa" box. (View the list of the new Kurosawa box set's titles.)

Note that the versions of these films in the box set are not necessarily the latest and greatest from Criterion, which has done multiple releases of many Kurosawa works.

Criterion's Kurosawa regulars Stephen Price and Donald Richie contribute to an illustrated book that comes with the linen-bound set. 

The Kurosawa box set from Criterion streets Dec. 8. 

"Throne of Blood," also included, has just been rereleased as an Essential Art House title, going for about $14 on Amazon. This is the master at his best. Also, "Kagemusha" hit Blu-ray last month with stunning visuals.

Other upcoming Criterion issues of note are "Wings of Desire" (Nov. 3), "Z" (Oct. 27) and the recent "A Christmas Tale," with Catherine Deneuve (Dec. 1). 

Buy "AK 100: 25 Films by Akira Kurosawa" at Amazon for only $299.