Unboxing [UK]: Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends - Limited Edition Steelbook (Blu-ray)

The third and final film in the Rurouni Kenshin live-action trilogy came out in the UK a couple months back but I now finally have a copy of this great finale.

Here's a look at what this release has to offer.

Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends is the third and final film in the live-action adaptation of the classic Rurouni Kenshin manga. The third film continues straight after where the previous instalment Kyoto Inferno left off, with Kenshin in need of training in order to stop Shishio from taking over the government and Japan itself. Like the previous two films I also saw the film in Cineworld when Warner Bros did their 1 week limited theatrical screening across a couple locations in the UK. Even though I haven't caught up with the anime and manga I did enjoy this film and was very satisfied with its conclusion.

As of this writing, North America still has yet to receive the Rurouni Kenshin trilogy (rumours are pointing to Funimation but my guess is that Warner Bros will eventually release it themselves) but all of them are now available with English subtitles here in the UK (and also Hong Kong, yes there is an official release over there, same goes for Kuroshitsuji and Yurusarezaru Mono as well ~ both of which are also available on Blu-ray here). However both Kyoto Inferno and The Legend Ends do have English subtitles burnt in, reverse importation is probably the sole reason.

While Kyoto Inferno included Cast Interviews, this release provides 2 hours full of Making of Documentaries. Both Kyoto Inferno and The Legend Ends were filmed back to back so this documentary will be covering both. It's split into two parts with 1 hours worth each.

Blu-ray Specs:

Languages: Japanese

Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 [Japanese]

Video: 1080p HD Native 16:9

Region: A B

Subtitles: English [On-Screen]

Subtitles Locked: Yes, Hard-subbed

Discs: 1

Since it's been released under the Warner Bros brand, the film is compatible with North America's players (and anyone with a Region A player). In terms of the Steelbook design, the front cover looks great though it could do without the '3' on the title, but hey it's consistent with the second film's set. The back is also plain which is disappointing.

Plot Synopsis (via Back Info):

To stop Makoto Shishio who aims to conquer Japan, Kenshin arrives in Kyoto and tries to face off against Shishio’s troops. However, his enemy has begun its course to start invading Tokyo with the steel-reinforced battleship. To save captured Kaoru who is thrown into the sea by Shishio’s men, Kenshin also dives in after her but is washed ashore alone, unconscious. Kenshin recovers with the help of Seijuro Hiko, the master of Kenshin who happens to find him on the shore.  He realizes he is no match for Shishio unless he learns the ultimate technique of his sword style, and begs the master to teach him. In the meantime, Shishio finds that Kenshin is still alive, and puts pressure on the government to find Kenshin and execute him in public for his sins during his days as the “Battosai the Killer”. As Kenshin faces his biggest challenge, can Kenshin really defeat his fiercest enemy Shishio, and be reunited with Kaoru?!

Extra Content:

Limited Edition Steelbook

Making of Part 1

Making of Part 2

Rurouni Kenshin 3: The Legend Ends is available on Blu-ray (Limited Edition Steelbook) and DVD by Warner Bros for the UK. It's also available in Australia by Madman.