Akira Kurosawa’s Dreams: Criterion Collection 4K UHD + Blu-ray

Akira Kurosawa’s Dreams from The Criterion Collection presents the director’s eight mythic vignettes on 4K UHD and Blu-ray. This two-disc edition pairs a 4K restoration with commentary, documentaries, interviews and printed material, making it a feature-rich option for viewers interested in the film and its production context.

At a glance

The feature is presented on a 4K UHD disc in HDR, with a Blu-ray disc containing the film and special features.
The edition lists a 4K digital restoration supervised by cinematographer Shoji Ueda.
Extras include a film-scholar audio commentary, documentaries, interviews and a trailer.
Printed material includes an essay by film critic Bilge Ebiri and Kurosawa’s script for a never-filmed ninth dream.

Price

$24.98Save 50%

Reference price: ~~$49.95~~

Price checked: Nov 12, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

Two formats are included, with the 4K UHD disc specified for HDR presentation and the Blu-ray carrying the film plus special features.
The listed extras offer context through commentary, production interviews and documentaries spanning different years.
The eight-vignette structure ranges from folklore-inspired episodes to darker, apocalyptic imagery.

Cons

The Japanese-language presentation may not suit viewers seeking an English-language film audio track. The listing does not specify subtitle options.

Technical specifications

12 specifications

Disc and presentation
Format	4K, Widescreen
Number of discs	2
Aspect ratio	1.85:1
Audio	2.0 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack
Language	Japanese
Runtime	1 hour and 59 minutes

Film and edition
Director	Akira Kurosawa
Studio	The Criterion Collection
Genre	Action & Adventure
MPAA rating	PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Release date	August 8, 2023

Dimensions and installation
Dimensions listed	6.7 x 5.35 x 0.65 inches; 4.8 ounces

What to know before buying

The listing describes the Blu-ray as containing special features and lists a 2.0 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack, but does not clarify whether that audio specification applies to both discs. Check playback needs and subtitle availability before buying.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Kurosawa fans seeking the film alongside production and critical context.
Collectors wanting a two-disc 4K UHD and Blu-ray edition with documentaries and printed material.
Viewers drawn to anthology-style films that move between dreamlike, folkloric and unsettling episodes.

Less suited to

Viewers who prefer a straightforward, continuous narrative may find the series of distinct vignettes less approachable.
Buyers who require confirmed English audio or subtitle options should check those details first.

Akira Kurosawa’s Dreams: Criterion Collection 4K UHD + Blu-ray · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.8 / 5 · 528 ratings

5 stars88%88%
4 stars6%6%
3 stars4%4%
2 stars0%0%
1 star2%2%

Customer feedback is favorable toward the film’s visual presentation, colors and 4K restoration, while describing the stories as moving between beauty, strangeness and nightmare. Reactions to the storytelling are mixed, with some appreciating the filmed and acted vignettes and others finding them less accessible. For buyers considering this edition, the positive restoration impressions suit its advertised 4K presentation, but the mixed response suggests its episodic style may not work for everyone.

Positive themes

Customers praise the film’s visual quality, color and 4K restoration.
Some describe the film as powerful and appreciate its unusual range of moods.

Mixed feedback

Storytelling receives mixed reactions. Some customers appreciate the vignettes, while others find the film less accessible.

Frequently asked questions

What formats are included?

The listing specifies one 4K UHD disc and one Blu-ray disc. It says the UHD disc presents the film in HDR and the Blu-ray includes the film and special features.

What bonus material is listed?

The edition lists an audio commentary, documentaries, interviews, a trailer, an essay and Kurosawa’s script for a never-filmed ninth dream.

What language and runtime does the listing give?

The listed language is Japanese, and the runtime is 1 hour and 59 minutes. Subtitle options are not specified.