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Zatoichi 11" x 14" Reproduction Poster

Amazon Price: List Price: By: Pop Culture Graphics Amazon Marketplace: 1 new & used starting at $9.99

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Editorial Review:

This 11" x 14" reproduction poster is from "Zatoichi" (2003)

Zatoichi 11" x 14" Reproduction Poster

Amazon Price: List Price: By: Pop Culture Graphics Amazon Marketplace: 1 new & used starting at $9.99

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Editorial Review:

This 11" x 14" reproduction poster is from "Zatoichi" (2003)

Zatoichi

Amazon Price: $41.49 List Price: $41.49 In stock soon. Order now to get in line. First come, first served. By: Sony/Columbia Amazon Marketplace: 4 new & used starting at $29.92

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Interesting, uplifting soundtrack 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This CD is very quirky - a mix of electronica and traditional Japanese sounds, all put together by composer Keiichi Suzuki. The music complements the movie very well - the rhythms of the everyday tasks of the townspeople are the core beat of the tracks. "Festivo," especially, will put you in a great mood.

One of my fav soundtracks 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I loved the movie, so I knew I was going to love the soundtrack, too. The film and its music mixes so perfectly that I would compare Takeshi Kitano to the genius of Quentin Tarantino. Has a very special place on my large OST collection. Highly recommendable.

Soundtrack

Amazon Price: List Price: $24.49 Amazon Marketplace: 1 new & used starting at $57.99

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Editorial Review:

Soundtrack to the wildly popular Japanese samurai film, originally released in 2003, scheduled to take America by storm in summer 2004. 15 tracks. Dream Music.

Zatoichi

Amazon Price: List Price: $28.99 By: Bmg Int'l Amazon Marketplace: 2 new & used starting at $49.98

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Interesting, uplifting soundtrack 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This CD is very quirky - a mix of electronica and traditional Japanese sounds, all put together by composer Keiichi Suzuki. The music complements the movie very well - the rhythms of the everyday tasks of the townspeople are the core beat of the tracks. "Festivo," especially, will put you in a great mood.

One of my fav soundtracks 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I loved the movie, so I knew I was going to love the soundtrack, too. The film and its music mixes so perfectly that I would compare Takeshi Kitano to the genius of Quentin Tarantino. Has a very special place on my large OST collection. Highly recommendable.

Zatoichi - The Blind Swordsman & the Chess Expert

Amazon Price: List Price: $19.98 By: Chambara Amazon Marketplace: 7 new & used starting at $3.98

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

#12: ANOTHER WONDERFUL ZATOICHI EPISODE 5 out of 5 stars.
97 of 97 people found this review helpful.

Director Kenji Misumi did a great job with character development in this 12th Zatoichi outing. As with many of the films he did with Shintaro Katsu [6 in all] I noticed he did a great job with developing the characters for the most part. And in this episode he remains true to his directorial skills. Zatoichi [Shintaro Katsu] meets a Chess playing samurai named Jumonji [Mikio Narita] who does not like to lose. Travelling together these two characters make for an interesting watch in this particular episode.

There are some good twists to this episode, and although they should be expected by now after this 12th entry, it it pleasing to see how director Kenji Misumi utilized his talents to emply these twists. Moreover, the way they are woven into this Zatoichi fare is certainly interesting. There is less blood than in most of the Ichi episodes, but the story more than makes up for this. The characters in this episode of, "Zatoichi and the Chess Expert" are a real joy to watch, and you will not be disappointed with this excellent episode. I highly recommend this wonderful film.

Zatoichi Blind Swordsman:The Samarita

Amazon Price: List Price: $19.98 By: Chambara Amazon Marketplace: 5 new & used starting at $10.29

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

#18: DARKER AND MORE REALISTIC VILLIANS 4 out of 5 stars.
88 of 88 people found this review helpful.

One of the major differences in this Zatocihi episode from previous ones is that the "bad-guys" seem to be more realistic in this film. In many of the past Ichi films the villians seemed liked bumbling idiots. In this one, director Kimiyoshi Yasuda, who directed several of the Zatocihi episodes, gives the villians a more realistic feeling. Also, the film is quite brutal. And although there is the standard Zatoichi fare that follows almost all of the episodes, this one stands out with just a little bit more in violence.[Such as chopped off limbs]

One of the greatest actors in Japanese cinema is also in the film: [Takashi Shimura] of "Ikiru" fame stars as Dr.Junan. It is always a treat to see him in any film. And especially in the Zatoichi series. The cinemantography is not as good as many of the earlier episodes, or the later ones for that matter. Little of the Japanese countryside is shown in the film. Also, there is less humor from Ichi that had become his established trademark in earlier episodes. And as for Ichi's cane-sword, well fans of his will not be disappointed in his usual high body count at the end of the film. I found the film highly enjoyable [not great] but enjoyable, and would recommend it to all.

Zatoichi - The Blind Swordsman and the Fugitives

Amazon Price: List Price: $19.98 By: Chambara Amazon Marketplace: 4 new & used starting at $4.58

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

#18: DARKER AND MORE REALISTIC VILLIANS 4 out of 5 stars.
88 of 88 people found this review helpful.

One of the major differences in this Zatocihi episode from previous ones is that the "bad-guys" seem to be more realistic in this film. In many of the past Ichi films the villians seemed liked bumbling idiots. In this one, director Kimiyoshi Yasuda, who directed several of the Zatocihi episodes, gives the villians a more realistic feeling. Also, the film is quite brutal. And although there is the standard Zatoichi fare that follows almost all of the episodes, this one stands out with just a little bit more in violence.[Such as chopped off limbs]

One of the greatest actors in Japanese cinema is also in the film: [Takashi Shimura] of "Ikiru" fame stars as Dr.Junan. It is always a treat to see him in any film. And especially in the Zatoichi series. The cinemantography is not as good as many of the earlier episodes, or the later ones for that matter. Little of the Japanese countryside is shown in the film. Also, there is less humor from Ichi that had become his established trademark in earlier episodes. And as for Ichi's cane-sword, well fans of his will not be disappointed in his usual high body count at the end of the film. I found the film highly enjoyable [not great] but enjoyable, and would recommend it to all.

Zatoichi The Blind Swordsman: Vols. 1-4

Amazon Price: $35.99 List Price: $39.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Homevision - Model: DHVE3787D Amazon Marketplace: 25 new & used starting at $24.40

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

The Blind Swordsman 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Great examples of this cult classic. I have all 26 DVD's and find these to be the best of the bunch.

Excellent!!! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Every Saturday for the past few years I've arose on Saturday morning to watch a Samurai movie on International Film Channel. Since watching my first Zatoichi film I became a rabid fan of the series. My 4-volume set arrived this past Friday and I have already watched all four movies. Its a good thing I also ordered the 7-volume set.

The Blind Swordsmen movies are captivating in the way they are filmed. When it would have been easy to churn out a low budget action film, the producers of these movies took the high road and turned out films that are high quality in every way. Sure, there's the obligatory "blind swordsman wipes out two dozen samurai" stuff in it. But its all done in a believable way.

Zatoichi is a true antihero. Picture him as the Japanese version of the Lone Ranger, Marshall Dillon, Josie Wales, and John Wayne all rolled into one man. And Shintaro Katsu brings him to life in such a way that I cannot imagine anyone else playing Zatoichi. In fact, I was surprised to find out that Shintaro Katsu wasn't blind himself. He makes the part that believable.

Even if you've never seen a Zatoichi movie but you like samurai movies, I can promise you that you will not be disappointed in any of the Blind Swordsman movies.

Zatoichi /Sonatine Double Bill

Amazon Price: $17.99 List Price: $19.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: MIRAMAX - Model: D38449D Amazon Marketplace: 59 new & used starting at $4.95

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 71 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

A two for one knock out combo 5 out of 5 stars.
8 of 10 people found this review helpful.

I originally caught part of Zatoichi on tv late on night. After watching 20 min of the movie I was hooked. I loved everything from the comedic breaks with the gamblers to the beautifully choreographed fight scenes. It proves the point that sometimes less is really more. The movie also has a great sense of humor about it self, never taking things so seriously that it becomes terribly ridiculous. Capping it off with the dance at the end of the movie was just a nice bowtie on the whole package.

As for the second movie sonatine I found it enjoyable, but I'm not sure it translates as well across cultures. At times if felt like things were being shown that the audience was expected to have an imediate knowledge of, which often left me somewhat mystified. Still an enjoyable over the top kill fest, with salient moments of introspection.

These movies have convinced me to start digging for Takeshi Kitano movies when I can find them.

Editorial Review:

ZATOICHI: THE BLIND SWORDSMAN stars Japanese screen legend Beat Takeshi in an action-packed, award-winning film that has been compared to "Kill Bill Volume One." SONATINE also stars Beat Takeshi in a fast and furious gangland thriller with an edgy "Pulp Fiction" attitude. Both of these films include bonus DVD features, including an introduction to SONATINE by Quentin Tarantino, acclaimed director of such film favorites as "Pulp Fiction" and "Kill Bill" Volumes One and Two.

Zatoichi - The Blind Swordsman DVD Collector's Edition Box

Amazon Price: $109.98 List Price: $109.98 Usually ships in 24 hours By: ANIMEIGO - Model: 513 Amazon Marketplace: 15 new & used starting at $60.90

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A Zatoichi starter set 5 out of 5 stars.
79 of 79 people found this review helpful.

Zatoichi is an institution in Japanese film, almost like James Bond or Star Trek films, but with the difference that the same actor has played the main character since the series inception, and with an amazing consistency of quality from the original film in 1962 through the final installment, #26, in 1989. Shintaro Katsu played many roles in his life, but in the minds of hearts of everyone who loves samurai films he will always be Zatoichi.

This boxset contains seven DVDs, all from the tail end of the Zatoichi series when Katsu had taken over the production duties on the series. They are all quality films, with "The Festival of Fire" and "Zatoichi meets Yojimbo" being among the best of the entire run. Its a great price for seven DVDs as well, which would cost much more if bought individually.

For those starting out with Zatoichi, the films are diverse enough to give a good feel for the flavor of the series. Funny films and serious films, they all have the charm and appeal that only Shintaro Katsu could bring to the table in a samurai action film. And this is some seriously cool samurai action. Katsu was a great actor, and a great swordsman as well.

The films in this collection are:

Zatoichi #16 - the Outlaw - A complicated story with a vast cast of characters. Directed by Satsuo Yamamoto, who also made the 1968 ghost story "Botan Doro."

Zatoichi #20 - Meets Yojimbo - A highly anticipated showdown between Zatoichi and Toshiro Mifune playing his famous Yojimbo character. Directed by acclaimed samurai film master Kihachi Okamoto, best known for "Sworld of Doom" and "Kill!"

Zatoichi #21 - The Festival of Fire - Considered one of the best entries in the series, directed by the original Zatoichi director Kenji Misumi.

Zatoichi #22 - Meets the One-Armed Swordsman - Zatoichi meets his Chinese counterpart, Wang. Directed by Kimiyoshi Yasuda, who also made the original "100 Monsters: Great Yokai War"

Zatoichi #23 - At Large - A more humorous flick, Zatoichi delivers a baby! Directed by Kazuo Mori, who also made "The Return of Daimajin."

Zatoichi #24 - In Desperation - Directed by Shintarô Katsu, Zatoichi himself, this is a darker, more disturbing entry.

Zatoichi #25 - Conspiracy - Zatoichi meets his long-lost sister. A guest appearance by Takashi Shimura of "Seven Samurai." Also directed by Kimiyoshi Yasuda.

Editorial Review:

Katsu Shintaro stars as Zatoichi, the Blind Swordsman, in seven of his finest adventures all presented in full color anamorphic widescreen! This box set contains seven full Zatoichi features on seven discs!

BUSHIDO BLADE OF ZATOICHI WALRUS # 1-2 complete story (BUSHIDO BLADE OF ZATOICHI WALRUS, THE (1986 SOLSON))

David George John Howliwski

Amazon Price: List Price: By: Solson Publications Amazon Marketplace: 1 new & used starting at $4.95

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Editorial Review:

BASED UPON SAMURAI FILM CHARACTER ZATOICHI THE BLIND SWORDSMAN! 1986 *** Contains Issue #'s 1-2 *** INDIE CULT FAVORITE ANTHROPOMORPHIC TITLE - COMPLETE STORY!

The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi/Sonatine

Amazon Price: List Price: By: Miramax Home Entertainment/Buena Vista Home Entertainment Amazon Marketplace: 1 new & used starting at $15.00

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Black Zatoichi Style Stick Sword

Amazon Price: List Price: $45.00 By: China Amazon Marketplace: 1 new & used starting at $19.99

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Decent sword, fair warning: 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

Ok, the sword's appearance is pretty nice, it didn't dissapoint in that area.

I suppose I'm not a blind swordsman, so I can't really complain, but it's about as sharp as a butter knife, possibly a little more dull.

The sword fits in the scabbard well enough, but when sheathing it gets stuck at the end, and you have to force it just the right way, and it's not as clean as I'd like it to be.

All petty nitpicking aside, it's a nice show piece, maybe with a little sharpening I could become a blind samurai!

A solid purchase for the price 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I got this in the mail yesterday. It arrived in a long box filled with packing peanuts. After digging around in the foam clumps I retrieved the black and white spoted box which held this sword.

After examining it I found out a few things. I got a blade that was worth the cost paid for it.

The detail in the dragon carving on the sheath is nice. I can see some glue around the top of the pommel where the blade connects to the grip. However it is not distracting or noticable unless you look closely.

Its balance is okay, but it is no toy for it does have an edge. With enough force you can injure someone, especially if you stab them.

This is something that can be used for practicing swings as well as just admiring.

The blade is covered with oil when delevered. You can wipe it off, or leave it on if you do not intend to use it. The oil does preserve the condition of the blade which is a plus when it is not being used.

Overall this is a great purchase. However I do not think this sword could survive combat without being chipped. Not sure about the quality of the steel used in creating it. So its a great blade to admire and own if you have no intentions of practicing actual swordplay with it.

Editorial Review:

Each piece is constructed with a 27 1/4" blade constructed from top quality carbon steel with engraved accents. The blade shafts fit securely into place creating an elegant sleek appearance. 38 1/8" overall. Also availble in Silver, Red, Black, Rattan and Natural.

Handmade Black Zatoichi Stick Sword with Wood Box

Amazon Price: List Price: $175.00 By: Sword Demon Amazon Marketplace: 1 new & used starting at $94.99

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Features:

• 42 inches closed, 39 1/2 inches open, 29 inch blade, 10 1/2 inch handle
• 17/64 inch blade thickness
• Mirror Polished Carbon Steel Blade Material
• Semi Gloss Wooden Scabbard
• Includes Wooden Sword Display Box and Black Cotton Sword Bag

Editorial Review:

Stretching 42 inches overall closed the handmade Zatoichi shikomizue is one of the nicest swords we have come across in some time. Equipped with a 29 inch mirror polished carbon steel blade and manufactured under a full tang construction method make the Zatoichi Handmade Sword fully functional for combat application. The Blind Swordsman's sword is well balanced and lightweight making it wonderful for quick and keen sword maneuvers. Traditional Samurai construction is evident when viewing the Yokote and thin practical Mune. Covered with a semi gloss black wooden scabbard and adorned with the unique marked handle. Included with the sword is a Black Cotton Sword Bag and wooden display gift box. Measurements: 42 inches closed length, 39 1/2 inches overall open, 29 inch blade length, 10 1/2 inch handle length, 17/64 inch blade thickness

Handmade Black Zatoichi Stick Sword with Wood Box

Amazon Price: List Price: $175.00 By: Sword Demon Amazon Marketplace: 1 new & used starting at $94.99

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Features:

• 42 inches closed, 39 1/2 inches open, 29 inch blade, 10 1/2 inch handle
• 17/64 inch blade thickness
• Mirror Polished Carbon Steel Blade Material
• Semi Gloss Wooden Scabbard
• Includes Wooden Sword Display Box and Black Cotton Sword Bag

Editorial Review:

Stretching 42 inches overall closed the handmade Zatoichi shikomizue is one of the nicest swords we have come across in some time. Equipped with a 29 inch mirror polished carbon steel blade and manufactured under a full tang construction method make the Zatoichi Handmade Sword fully functional for combat application. The Blind Swordsman's sword is well balanced and lightweight making it wonderful for quick and keen sword maneuvers. Traditional Samurai construction is evident when viewing the Yokote and thin practical Mune. Covered with a semi gloss black wooden scabbard and adorned with the unique marked handle. Included with the sword is a Black Cotton Sword Bag and wooden display gift box. Measurements: 42 inches closed length, 39 1/2 inches overall open, 29 inch blade length, 10 1/2 inch handle length, 17/64 inch blade thickness