seven samurai question (1 Viewer)

[Tanner]

Ive asked this a while back did a search, found the post, but the links with the answers are dead. How can i tell the difference between the first and second printings of Criterions Seven Samurai? thanks

 

[Keith Paynter]

The first edition had an additional comparison feature about the film's restoration, using about half a dozen scenes. It is not mentioned on the jacket. This was removed at the insistence of Toho Films.

The first version also had the English subtitles as removable, but I believe Toho also requested that these be left on full time (ie burned to the video master). I could be wrong on this one.

 

[Tanner]

Im sorry, I should have been more specific. I know what the differences are on the disk. What I need to know is how to identify which disk is which by the outer packaging. thanks.

 

[Mike Graham]

I'm interested in picking this disc up myself. Should I be looking for or avoiding the first version of the disc?

 

[greg_t]

If you want a first pressing, be prepared to pay. The last one I saw on ebay ended Aug. 9th at $83. The second pressings seem to go for $30-40. Too bad, as I would like to see the feature on the films restoration, but I'm don't think I want to pay that much for a first pressing.

 

[Matt Pelham]

Easy, first edition runtime = 204, second edition runtime = 207. Also the placement of the UPC (barcode) on the back cover is different on the different versions.

 

[Mark_vdH]

The first version also had the English subtitles as removable, but I believe Toho also requested that these be left on full time (ie burned to the video master). I could be wrong on this one.

You are. When Toho found out the sub were removable, they demanded that Criterion encoded the disc for Region 1 only. The subs are still removable though.
So the first pressing is All Region, and the second pressing Region 1. This is also noticeable on the back cover: look for de R1 logo between the Mono Sign and the Macrovision Logo.
BTW: all subsequent Kurosawa films from Criterion are also R1 only.

 

[Matt Stone]

I didn't know Criterion had any non-R1 releases. You learn something new every day

 

[Greg_Y]

Easy, first edition runtime = 204, second edition runtime = 207.

The runtimes of the film itself are the same for each pressing, only the packaging differs.

 

[Greg_Y]

EDIT.