Shogun

( 19 )

Overview

Shogun is widely regarded as one of the best miniseries in the history of the form. The entire nine-hour endeavor is presented on this five-disc set. The show is presented in its original broadcast aspect ratio of 1.33:1. English soundtracks are rendered in both Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital Mono. English subtitles are accessible. Supplemental materials include a commentary track recorded by director Jerry London on a handful of sequences, as well as an exhaustive documentary that covers nearly every aspect...
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More About This Product

Overview

Shogun is widely regarded as one of the best miniseries in the history of the form. The entire nine-hour endeavor is presented on this five-disc set. The show is presented in its original broadcast aspect ratio of 1.33:1. English soundtracks are rendered in both Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital Mono. English subtitles are accessible. Supplemental materials include a commentary track recorded by director Jerry London on a handful of sequences, as well as an exhaustive documentary that covers nearly every aspect of this epic production. This is a very entertaining set from Paramount.
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Special 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
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Editorial Reviews

Barnes & Noble - Ed Hulse
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.
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Product Details

  • Release Date: 9/23/2003
  • UPC: 097361549842
  • Original Release: 1980

    • Rating:

  • Source: Paramount
  • Region Code: 1
  • Sound: Dolby Digital Mono, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
  • Language: English
  • Time: 9:07:00
  • Format: DVD
  • Sales rank: 8,294

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits
Richard Chamberlain John Blackthorne
Toshiro Mifune Toranaga
Yoko Shimada Mariko
Frankie Sakai Yabu
Alan Badel Father Dell'Aqua
Michael Hordern Friar Domingo
Damien Thomas Father Alvito
John Rhys-Davies Rodrigues
Vladek Sheybal Ferriera
George Innes Vinck
Leon Lissek Father Sebastio
Yuki Meguro Omi
Hideo Takamatsu Buntaro
Nobuo Kaneko Lord Ishido
Orson Welles
Technical Credits
Jerry London Director
Eric Bercovici Producer, Screenwriter
James Clavell Executive Producer
Maurice Jarre Score Composer
Joseph Jennings Production Designer
Andrew Laszlo Cinematographer
Yoshinobu Nishioka Art Director
Laurin Rinder Score Composer
Donald R. Rode Editor
Benjamin A. Weissman Editor
Jerry Young Editor
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Scene Index

Side #1 -- Part 1
1. The Raging Sea [3:19]
2. The Japans [5:37]
3. All but One [7:28]
4. Anjin-San [5:06]
5. Adapting [7:29]
6. Typhoon [6:10]
7. Establish Trust [7:37]
8. Osaka [7:13]
9. Toranaga's Inquiry [:51]
10. Imprisoned [7:49]
11. Taken [7:45]
Side #2 -- Part 2
1. Lord Toranga [10:47]
2. Plot to Kill [8:32]
3. Sailor's Dance [5:42]
4. Deterrant [7:29]
5. Battle [9:09]
6. Negotiations at Sea [10:54]
7. Return to Anjiro [8:29]
8. Reborn [3:12]
9. Learning Japanese [8:41]
10. New Customs [6:24]
Side #3 -- Part 3
1. Unexpected Guest [7:34]
2. Punishment [5:08]
3. Earthquake [3:01]
4. Samurai [7:23]
5. Special Gift [2:37]
6. Mariko's Dilemma [7:25]
7. Broken Allegiance [2:43]
8. Tide Changes [7:27]
9. Crossing the First Bridge [3:12]
10. Standing on Their Own [7:45]
11. Toranaga's Wisdom [5:46]
Side #4 -- Part 4
1. Until Osaka [6:41]
2. Confessions [7:13]
3. Unexpected Karma [:17]
4. Birthday Celebration [7:13]
5. For Honor [4:17]
6. Night Ambush [2:58]
7. Funeral [7:03]
8. Spanish Inquisition [2:14]
9. Erasmus Burned [4:43]
10. Toranaga Shogun [6:57]
Side #5 -- Special Features
1. Play All [4:59]
2. A Novel Adventure [6:49]
3. The Cast [2:41]
4. Nagashima [8:17]
5. Toho Studios [3:10]
6. Cultures Collide [5:31]
7. The Art of Shogun [10:13]
8. The Erasmus and the Galley [3:15]
9. Controversy [8:12]
10. The Earthquake [4:12]
11. Escape from Osaka Castle [5:30]
12. The Blockade [2:12]
13. Post Production [4:09]
14. Shogun Makes History [4:08]
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Menu

Side #1 -- Part 1
   Play
   Setup
      Audio Options: English 5.1 Surround
      Audio Options: English Restored Mono
      Subtitle Options: English
      Subtitle Options: None
   Scene Selection
Side #2 -- Part 2
   Play
   Setup
      Audio Options: English 5.1 Surround
      Audio Options: English Restored Mono
      Subtitle Options: English
      Subtitle Options: None
   Scene Selection
Side #3 -- Part 3
   Play
   Setup
      Audio Options: English 5.1 Surround
      Audio Options: English Restored Mono
      Subtitle Options: English
      Subtitle Options: None
   Scene Selection
Side #4 -- Part 4
   Play
   Setup
      Audio Options: English 5.1 Surround
      Audio Options: English Restored Mono
      Subtitle Options: English
      Subtitle Options: None
   Scene Selection
Side #5 -- Special Features
   Previews
   Main Menu
      The Making of Shogun
      Historical Perspective Featurettes
         The Samurai
         The Tea Ceremony
         The Geisha
      Commentary by Director Jerry London on Select Scenes
         Blackthorne's Arrival at the Castle
         Blackthorne at Ochiba's Party
         The Crazy Dance
         Lord Buntaro Shoots Arrows
         Blasting of the Fishing Boats
         The Arrival of Toranaga
         Blackthorne Rebuilds His Ship
      Indiana Jones Preview Trailer
      Setup
         Subtitle Options: English
         Subtitle Options: None
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 5
( 19 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(17)

4 Star

(2)

3 Star

(0)

2 Star

(0)

1 Star

(0)

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Sort by: Showing all of 20 Customer Reviews

  • Posted August 31, 2012

    Marvelous - wish it didn't end. Very long but definitely worth

    Marvelous - wish it didn't end. Very long but definitely worth reading. The characters were nicely developed. I learned a lot about this period of history without trying.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted April 26, 2011

    one of my favs

    the book is just as good....richard chamberlain is still master of the mini-series...

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Yoi koto desu. Wakarimasuka?

    I really enjoy this mini-series, but having watched after reading the book leaves me wondering which I like better. The Book delves quite a bit deeper into psychie of the Samurai and the Japanese people, but the book is quite a bit more graphic. The Mini-series leaves of the entire sub-plot by Omi and yabu in regards to the gun-regiment, and it never mentions Blackthornes family in London. Of course, not everything could be portrayed, but hey, that would only extend the miniseries by only a few more hours. That would not be a bad thing. This is one series that reading the book first does not destroy the experience of viewing it, although it leaves you wondering 'Hey, what happened to ...' All in all, I really enjoyed it. Shogun wa subarashii na eiga desu. Nan kai mo mieru koto desu.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Arigato, Clavell-san

    I have seen this miniseries no less than two dozen times, and still can't get enough! Maybe its the costumes, or the scenery, or ????. Clavell takes us back to a world so very much different from the world we know that one cannot help but feel a certain intoxication and desire to be part of that world, if only to visit. We look forward to retirement after a long and hopefully prosperous and healthy life, while the ancient Japanese looked only to the next moment, giving a whole new meaning to life. The actors were perfectly cast, although I have to continually clear my mind of Frankie Sakai (Yabu) as one of the principles players in Mothra!!! And how more lovely of a Japanese woman could they have cast other than Ms.Shimada (Mariko), who I understand spoke little or no English when she made this series. As is my habit, I read the book before seeing the movie as it clarifies unknowns or suppositions. I would strongly advise you take the time and read the book before viewing the series. Many questions will be answered, and by knowing the whys and wherefores you will enjoy the series all the more. I would have to say that "SHOGUN" my most favorite miniseries ever brought to the screen. This one will be very difficult to beat. Sayonara.....

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    attention to detail

    The mini-series is remarkably true to the book and to the background history of Japan. The 5 disc DVD uses one whole disc to show the development, creation and design of the whole series; it is an adventure in itself. The difference between this story and a movie like The Last Samaurai, e.g. is the complexity of the political, personal and cultural expressions in the movie. Both shows display a painstaking attention to the political and cultural events taking place during the era. But in Shogun, there is not the typical 'white hat' hero and 'black hat' villain. Everything is relative to the individual character's belief system. Every person and event has duality; nothing is black or white. There is compassion and brutality in both worlds and political agendas are often the main motivating factor. It is an honest and uncompromising look at people trapped in the political turmoil and cultural upheaval of their time. It is a profound and breathtaking ride.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Exceptional

    A wonderful and captivating miniseries. I am thrilled that it is finally available on DVD as it was seen during the televised series. It's a great tale that sucks you in and leaves you wanting more. I highly recommend it.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Great Mini-Series but ....

    It is a great mini-series but, it should have been done in widescreen.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    The Wait is Finally Over...The DVD is Here!

    This has to be one of the best mini-series EVER made. It has everything: culture diversity, history, romance and greed.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Shogun...1152 pages.....not enough. You'll look for more!

    Non stop adventure...drama...intrigue...all in one. Once you start reading it....you'll forget your meals. I first read the book when i was in high school...now, i am already a diplomat...i still loved it. I'll wait for the release of the DVD in September.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    A Classic that Set the Standard for Miniseries!

    What can be said that has not already been said. Historically accurate to period/ architecture/language, only the names were changed. A gifted cast superbly acted. One of Chamberlain's best if not THE best he has done. Mifune Toshiro is of course the John Wayne of Japan. With a gifted supporting cast at least one of which you will recognize from Seven Samurai also with Mifune and the breathtaking beauty of Shimada Yoko make this a ''gift'' to treasure each time it is viewed. Mr. Clavell's finest work!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Classic book, even better movie

    I first saw the mini-series as a kid and fell in love with it. I have the VHS 2-hr movie but it does no justice to the mini-series. I have read the book over 10 times and it rivals the quality of the mini-series. I can't wait for the DVD set to be available. If you are into Japanese history or even just good adventure, this is a movie to own.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    If I could give it 6 stars

    This is a classic. If you've never seen it then you are missing out on the greatest book in the shogun series. Been waiting a long time for this to come out on dvd. 2 more months

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  • Anonymous

    Posted June 17, 2003

    Where's the DVD

    My favorite mini-series ever. It was different,exciting and always interesting. Never a dull moment---I even enjoyed reading the sub-titles.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted February 25, 2003

    The Best Movie You've PROBABLY NEVER seen!

    What¿s not to like? There is action, drama, samurai, sex, intrigue and politics. I have seen the entire serise at least 20 times... If it were on DVD, I'd have that too!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted November 16, 2002

    DVD Availability

    If this was available on DVD, I'd buy it today!!!!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 24, 2002

    Great Story - Well portayed in film!

    I loved the TV series so much, that I later aquired the full VHS (4 tapes) version, and the short feature (1 tape). I was disappointed that the ''full'' VHS version was censored. Some violence, and nudity scenes were removed. It really doesn't help, not to be honest about violence, or sexual content, when that in fact is part of the story, and part of life. I'm looking for a release of the uncut, full feature on DVD.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted February 21, 2002

    An Artwork!

    This movie has it all, love, violence, political intrigue, philosophy; it deals with jingoism, racism, humanity, I could go on... Brillant acting by a brilliant cast adapted quite well to screen from an excellent novel, if you haven't read the book do so, but you must also see the movie, even fans of the book won't be disappointed. If you are a fan of epic sagas, history, japanese culture, political intrique, or even if you just love a good movie you must see this film. And this is the only version worth seeing, the other edited version is a disgrace. Its all or nothing and though its long you'll love every minute and will watch it again. With any luck it will be realeased on DVD!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 24, 2011

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted July 12, 2011

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted July 17, 2010

    No text was provided for this review.

Sort by: Showing all of 20 Customer Reviews