Unboxing [UK]: Zatoichi - Japanese Film: Limited Edition Steelbook (Blu-ray)

Time for the return of the live-action unboxings, this time focusing on the latest Artificial Eye re-releases (originally exclusive on Zavvi online). The second of two titles I picked up, the 2005 samurai film directed by Takeshi Kitano; Zatoichi.

Zatoichi was released in 2005 from Takeshi Kitano. The film is loosely based on the story of the blind swordsman Zatoichi during the historical samurai days. I haven't seen the film so it's great to finally get my hands on this cult classic. The entire film is in Japanese with no dub created which is for the best as live action asian cinema does not work for dubs unlike anime due to the lip-syncing.

BD Language: Japanese
BD Video: 1080p HD Remaster 16:9 ratio
BD Audio: Japanese DTS-HD Lossless Master and Dolby Digital 2.0
BD Subtitles: English (Japanese Dub with Sign Translations)
BD Region: A, B, C
BD Discs: 1
BD Defects: None

In terms of the Steelbook design, the front cover looks awesome but it's a shame there isn't much on the back cover. The spine is correctly placed unlike the original release and the original logo is intact for the front. Highly recommended to grab despite the minor flaw.

Plot:

This thrilling tale of swordplay and adventure from cult filmmaker Takeshi Kitano (Hana-Bi) is packed with brilliantly choreographed action scenes and riotous humour. "Beat" Takeshi plays the blind wanderer Zatoichi, whose humbled facade mask his prodigious skills as a master swordsman, gifted with a lightning fast draw and strokes of breathtaking precision. When he arrives in a remote mountain town whose people are being terrorized by the ruthless Ginzo Gang and their mighty samurai ronin Hattori (Tadanobu Asano), Zatoichi's path is set for many violent confrontations.

Extra Content (On-Disc):
Making of Documentary
Creative Team Interviews
Takeshi Kitano Biography
Theatrical Trailer

Extra Content (Physically):
Limited Edition Steelbook

Here's some screenshots of the overall package:

Zatoichi is available on Blu-ray & DVD in the United Kingdom.