Editorial Reviews

One of the best TV miniseries ever made, the 1980 Shogun is an extraordinarily faithful adaptation of James Clavell's epic historical novel about political and social turmoil in 16th-century Japan. Originally broadcast over nine hours, this opulently produced drama captured not only the spirit of the story but the letter as well, incorporating most of Clavell's supporting characters and subplots. It vividly replicates the look of feudal Japan while illustrating the clash of cultures that resulted in the penetration of Japanese society by Western outsiders. Richard Chamberlain, whose inspired work in this film made him the undisputed king of the miniseries, plays John Blackthorne, the English seaman (sailing on a Dutch vessel) and trader who becomes the unexpected pawn in a power struggle between Lords Toranaga (Toshiro Mifune) and Ishido (Noburo Kaneko), both vying for the position of shogun, undisputed ruler of the territory. Toranaga cannily uses Blackthorne to strengthen his position, and over a period of time the two men learn to respect each other's cultures and beliefs. The Dutchman also engages in a passionate and ultimately tragic relationship with a married woman, Mariko (Yoko Shimada), and matches wits with a wily Portuguese, Vasco Rodrigues (John Rhys-Davies). Director Jerry London exhibits unusual fealty to Clavell's work, possibly because the author himself served as executive producer. The novel's complex interrelationships and political intrigues reach the screen intact, and while Shogun is long and occasionally slow moving, it retains the book's atmosphere, so much so that you'll find yourself mesmerized by its depiction of a totally foreign culture. Previously released to video in a horribly mutilated two-hour version, Shogun is finally being issued on DVD in its entirety -- a long-overdue tribute to this hugely successful and much-beloved television classic. Ed Hulse, Barnes & Noble

Product Details

• UPC: 097[zasłonięte]549842
• Source: PARAMOUNT
• Region Code: 1
• Sound: Dolby Digital Mono, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
• Language: English
• Subtitles: English
• Time: 9:07:00
• Sales Rank: 3,174

Features:

Closed Caption; 13-segment documentary on the making of Shogun; Historical featurettes: "The Samurai," "The Tea Ceremony," "The Geisha"; Full-screen format; Dolby Digital English 5.1 surround; Dolby Digital English restored mono; English subtitles; Audio commentary by director Jerry London on select scenes