Criterion Collection: Hidden Fortress 06/22 Blu-ray (Rental)

A grand-scale adventure as only Akira Kurosawa (Seven Samurai) could make one, The Hidden Fortress stars the inimitable Toshiro Mifune (Yojimbo) as a general charged with guarding his defeated clan s princess (a fierce Misa Uehara) as the two smuggle royal treasure across hostile territory. Accompanying them are a pair of bumbling, conniving peasants who may or may not be their friends. This rip-roaring ride is among the director s most beloved films and was a primary influence on George Lucas s Star Wars. The Hidden Fortress delivers Kurosawa s trademark deft blend of wry humor, breathtaking action, and compassionate humanity.