Seven Samurai Question

[ZackR]

Hi,

I have heard that Criterion originally released Seven Samurai as an R0 release and had to re-issues as R1 without some features (a commentary) due to rights issues. (something like that)

Anyways, I want to pick this disc up, but is there any advantage to trying to find the R0 version? If so, what makes it worth finding and is there any easy way to spot the differences in the discs (packaging, etc.)

I would greatly appreciate any info!

Thanks a lot,

Zack

[DrDetroit]

Originally posted by ZackR
Anyways, I want to pick this disc up, but is there any advantage to trying to find the R0 version? If so, what makes it worth finding and is there any easy way to spot the differences in the discs (packaging, etc.)

From http://pub125.ezboard.com/fcriterion...icID=173.topic
The first edition of Seven Samurai had a restoration demo as a special feature (similar to those found on L'Avventura and The Seventh Seal). According to rumor, the studio Criterion licensed the title from (Toho) objected to this demo and asked for it to be removed. Criterion stopped production of the disc and removed the demo. All subsequent copies of the disc do not have the demo. The first edition was also not region encoded. Otherwise, in terms of content, there is no difference between the first and second edition.

This is the back of the original printing:
http://www.sit.wisc.edu/~msbailey/seven1.jpg

This is the back of the second printing:
http://www.sit.wisc.edu/~msbailey/seven2.jpg

There is no NTSC logo on the first release. Apparently it is extremely rare.

[ZackR]

Cool. That is exactly what I was wondering.

Thank you very much for the info!

Zack

[asphodel5]

I think that DrDetroit covered your questions thoroughly. I have seen the restoration demonstration and it isn't worth the the extra time/$$ to track down. It was 3-4 minutes long and I didn't think it was as interesting as some other restorations demos. Oh, don't worry, the commentary is on both pressings. If you haven't seen it before, don't watch the trailer first. I think it has a bunch of spoilers. It is one of those "epic" 3-4 minute trailers.

[DrDetroit]

I'm here to help!

(and to waste time )

[Flash Ahhh]

I lucked out (for a change) and I have the first release.

-Flash

[ZackR]

It was 3-4 minutes long and I didn't think it was as interesting as some other restorations demos. Oh, don't worry, the commentary is on both pressings. If you haven't seen it before, don't watch the trailer first. I think it has a bunch of spoilers. It is one of those "epic" 3-4 minute trailers.

Cool, thanks. I didn't think I would worry about tracking it down. But I wanted to be sure. Thanks for the heads up on the trailer too. I haven't seen the film yet and don't want to ruin it!

Zack