Directed by: Kihachi Okamoto
Tatsuya Nakadai and Toshiro Mifune star in the story of a wandering samurai who lives inside a maelstrom of violence. Set in the turbulent final days of shogunate rule in Japan, Ryunosuke (Nakadai) is a gifted swordsman who kills without remorse or mercy, treating death as routine.
As his ruthless path deepens, the toll of his choices pushes him toward madness. Kihachi Okamoto’s swordplay classic is a chilling, thrilling portrait of a man who devotes his life to evil, framed in stark, unforgettable widescreen compositions.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
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New High-Definition Digital Restoration |
New HD digital restoration of the film, presented with an uncompressed monaural soundtrack for maximum clarity. |
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Audio Commentary |
Feature-length audio commentary by film historian Stephen Prince, offering context on the film’s style, themes, and historical setting. |
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Trailer |
Original theatrical trailer for The Sword of Doom. |
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Booklet Essay |
Printed essay by critic Geoffrey O’Brien, providing further insight into the film and its place in samurai cinema. |