Akira Kurosawa - Samurai Collection (4 Films) DVD

Seven Samurai- When the residents of a small Japanese village seek protection they hire seven unemployed 'ronin' (masterless samurai). Unanimously hailed as one of cinema's greatest masterpieces, Seven Samurai has inspired countless films, including The Magnificent Seven.

Yojimbo- A drifting samurai for hire plays both ends against the middle with two warring factions, surviving on his wits. Eventually the Samurai seeks seeks to eliminate both sides for his own gain and to define his own sense of honour. Yojimbo provided inspiration for A Fistful of Dollars.

Throne Of Blood- In this brilliant re-imagining of Shakespeare's Macbeth Toshiro Mifune plays a samurai fated to betray his master in exchange for the prestige of nobility. Kurosawa's bloody tale is a triumph of economic style, with scenes full of remarkable, and brutal, energy.

Sanjuro- After the success of Yojimbo, Kurosawa teamed up once again with Mifune one year later to make this comedy of manners. The film, which follows a man fighting corruption in local government, offers a twist on the classic samurai tale by gently, but perfectly, parodying the conventions of the Japanese period action movie tradition.

The Hidden Fortress- A warrior and a princess try against all odds to return to their homeland with their fortune. Acknowledged by George Lucas as the inspiration for Star Wars, The Hidden Fortress combines an epic tale of struggle and honour with modern comic sensibilities to masterful effect.