Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman — Criterion Collection 9-Blu-ray Set

Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman from the Criterion Collection gathers the long-running samurai film series in a nine-disc Blu-ray set. The listing describes 25 films from 1962 to 1973, with documentary and interview extras plus a hardcover book. It suits viewers seeking a substantial film collection rather than a single movie.

At a glance

The listing identifies 25 films spanning 1962 to 1973, presented across nine Blu-ray discs.
Extras listed include a 1978 documentary, a 2013 interview with critic Tony Rayns, and trailers.
The hardcover book is described as containing an essay, film synopses, the original short story, and 25 illustrations.

Price

$99.98Save 50%

Reference price: ~~$199.95~~

Price checked: Nov 14, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

A broad collection of the Zatoichi films in one set, with a reported total runtime of 36 hours and 30 minutes.
Printed material and documentary/interview extras add context beyond the films themselves.
Customer feedback specifically praises the picture clarity and the set’s presentation.

Technical specifications

16 specifications

Edition and media
Format	Blu-ray, Widescreen
Disc count	9
Genre	Action & Adventure
Runtime	36 hours and 30 minutes
Release date	September 13, 2016
MPAA rating	NR (Not Rated)

Films and contributors
Films in collection	twenty-five films
Film period	between 1962 and 1973
Contributor	Shintaro Katsu, Various
Director	Various
Studio	Criterion Collection

Language and subtitles
Language	English

Extras and printed material
Documentary	The Blind Swordsman, a 1978 documentary about Zatoichi portrayer and filmmaker Shintaro Katsu
Interview	Interview from 2013 with Asian-film critic Tony Rayns
Book	A book featuring an essay by critic Geoffrey O Brien; synopses of the films by critic, novelist, and musician Chris D.; The Tale of Zatoichi, the original short story by Kan Shimozawa; and twenty-five illustrations inspired by the films, by twenty-five different artists.

Dimensions and installation
Dimensions listed	0.7 x 7.5 x 5.4 inches; 1.57 pounds

What to know before buying

The listing reports English language and English subtitles. Confirm the language and subtitle options meet your needs before buying, especially if you expect other audio or subtitle choices.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Collectors wanting the listed 25-film Zatoichi collection in one Blu-ray set.
Viewers interested in samurai action films and supplementary historical or critical material.
Buyers who value an accompanying hardcover book and deluxe-style presentation.

Less suited to

Shoppers seeking a single Zatoichi film rather than a multi-film set.
Buyers who require language or subtitle options beyond those listed as English.

Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman — Criterion Collection 9-Blu-ray Set · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.7 / 5 · 710 ratings

5 stars90%90%
4 stars5%5%
3 stars1%1%
2 stars1%1%
1 star3%3%

Customer feedback is strongly positive about the collection’s comprehensiveness, picture clarity, presentation, stories, and included booklet. Those comments make the set appealing to viewers seeking all 25 listed films and supplementary material, while subjective reports do not guarantee an individual viewing experience. The rating distribution is mostly five-star, with a smaller spread across lower ratings, so the aggregate is favorable but not unanimous.

Positive themes

Customers praise the breadth of the collection and its supplementary material.
Customer feedback describes the picture as clear and the presentation as attractive.
Customers mention enjoying the stories and booklet.

Frequently asked questions

How many films are listed in this set?

The description says the nine-Blu-ray set includes 25 films made between 1962 and 1973.

What extras and printed material are described?

The listing names a 1978 documentary, a 2013 interview with Asian-film critic Tony Rayns, trailers, and a book with an essay, film synopses, the original short story, and 25 illustrations.

What language and subtitle information is provided?

The details list English for both language and subtitles. They do not specify additional audio or subtitle options.