Two reissues from the master

Many years ago when I purchased the "Akira Kurosawa: Four Samurai Classics" boxset released by the Criterion Collection, I figured here were four films I'd never have to double-dip on. I was wrong. Last year's "Seven Samurai" three-disc set was one of the best DVD releases of the year and now Criterion has re-issued Kurosawa's most potent double-shot, "Yojimbo" and "Sanjuro," in deluxe editions sold individually ($39.99 apiece) or as a boxset ($69.99 -- My advice: Order the boxset from dvdplanet.com for less than $46).\nIf you have any knowledge of Asian cinema, you know all about these two masterworks already. "Yojimbo," Kurosawa's exhilaratingly action-packed yet comedic samurai romp with Toshiro Mifune, who pits two rival clans against each other, served as the template for Sergio Leone's "A Fistful of Dollars." "Sanjuro" took a more serious route as Mifune reprised his role as a masterless samurai who guides a band of young men through a clan uprising with equal doses of charm and confidence. \nThe most noticeable improvement is the transfers on these releases. Newly discovered elements allowed Criterion to go back and remaster the films, now showcasing almost no dirt/damage/other assorted problems while also utilizing a much brighter print. \nBoth prior additions also suffered practically nonexistent supplements, save for trailers and essays. Finally Kurosawa scholar Stephen Prince lends his always reliable and informative voice to commentary tracks for these editions, having worked on prior Kurosawa Criterion releases such as "Ran," "Stray Dog" and "Red Beard" to name a few. \nAlso made available are the documentaries that were part of the Toho Masterworks series, "Akira Kurosawa: It is Wonderful to Create," a long-time staple of Kurosawa releases. It is within these pieces we find Japan's greatest director hard at work through intimate photographs and film segments. The usual assortment of behind-the-scenes photos are also made available, as well as essays and notes from Kurosawa and his crew. \nIn Kurosawa's note on "Yojimbo," he opens by saying, "For a long time, I'd wanted to make a really interesting film. It finally turned into this picture." An "interesting film," this said by Kurosawa after having already made "Rashomon," "Seven Samurai," "Ikiru," "Throne of Blood" and 16 other films. Either he had no idea the great impact his films had on cinema itself or he was just being really modest. Here are two films that define a director's style, stand as milestones in chanbara cinema and are worth the double-dip for those who already own the first editions. For those who've yet to see a Kurosawa film, what the hell are you waiting for?