Shogun [5 Disc Box Set] [1981]

Also the narration was bitty, and failed to cover the detail from the missing 2 hours.

The book was excellent, the original series groundbreaking, althought this is miles ahead of the 90 minute film, it is still lacking.


At long last...   February 16, 2004
Jack Wild (UK)
23 out of 29 found this review helpful

I have been hoping for a DVD version of Shogun for ages and am glad to see that the whole thing is finally being released, as opposed to the short "tv movie" version that was previously available. I remember watching this as a kid and being completely glued to every episode, the production values were top-notch and the story is fantastc, both exciting, tense and with a few light hearted moments (such as the escape from the castle). I am glad to see that the whole series is being released and am looking forward to seeing what special features are included.


Shogun - long but well worth it   June 25, 2006
I. Goldsmith (England)
18 out of 18 found this review helpful

Well just to add to the other positive reviews, this dvd box set is well worth having. If you've read the book then you'll find the dvd does justice to the story line only missing out minor scenes. The story and development of the characters gives a good insight into feudal japan and the way of the samurai. Whilst the dvds are in english by the end of the film you would have subconsciously learned some simple japanese language. Aside from the now classic story line that Clavell conveyed so well there are some very good extra features in the box set. The fifth disc contains many features such as background, interviews, the launch and making of the film, to name a few. Before buying this box set i was concerned about how it would change my interpretation of Clavells novel, however the author worked closely with the director in creating this set and it came out very well. There are some good effects considering the time and place it was made. Even though the film is quite old now it is still worth watching for younger generations with interest in Japanese culture or history, i would recommend reading the book and watching this afterwards, it can be simply an enjoyable watch if you have the patience for the length of this film or an experience that inspires you to learn more and watch more films like this. It certainly made me want to read more of Clavells books. You get the fold out box set with decorated discs and such but also a card envelope with commentary in a little manual thing. all in all its a very good film that adds nicely to your dvd collection:>


Forgot how good it was   March 27, 2006
17 out of 17 found this review helpful

I wasn't sure when I ordered this if I had done the right thing. You know one of those things that you watched a long time ago, as an impressionable young adult, which could only disappoint in the cold light of middle age!!! How wrong. This drama is as good now as it always was. The studio work is a little "hammy" but only because we are now used to such amazing special effects. The story is great, Richard Chamberlain is dreamy, and some of the scenes are nothing short of barbaric. But it makes for great viewing, and as a bonus you are sure you can speak Japanese at the end of it!!