Cheap Shogun (DVD) (Richard Chamberlain) Price

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Customer Reviews of Shogun

Throughout this mini-series the photography is stunning, the action impressive, and the romance steamy. The acting here is also probably the best overall of any epic film. The film follows closely to the book with minor exceptions, and keeps the viewer riveted throughout the entire series. Also the continual battle between Blackthorn and the Jesuit Priest, Father Alvito, seems to have been written to match the feud between Ishido and Toranaga. Both feuds are intense and gut-wrenching, leading though to different types of endings.

This series is a great story, told well, and captures the imagination quickly. I would recommend this to any viewer who likes an action-packed and entertaining adventure. Just be prepared: There are some scenes that are a little violent. This was necessary to get the feel for how violent this period was in Japan, however it can still be a wee bit disturbing. This is probably not for the pre-teen crowd.

SHOGUN OVER OUR HEARTS
SHOGUN is a sweeping, historical saga, translated beautifully into a visual masterpiece. Pilot-Major John Blackthorne, is an English navigator, who shipwrecks off the coast of Japan. Blackthorne, played by the incomparable Richard Chamberlain, is captured by savage Japanese soldiers, resulting in his involvement with the ferocious, fearless Lord Toranaga, played by Toshiro Mifune, and eventually assimilated into Japanese culture. He is dangerous and bold, fearless and strong, becoming the first foreigner to be made a Samurai warrior. As such, he is caught up with the feuding warlords, intent on becoming SHOGUN, supreme military dictator, over the Japans. Blackthorne has another side also, compassionate and caring, gentle and tender, romancing his beautiful Japanese interpreter, Mariko, played by the amazing Yoko Shimada. This film has it all; savage battles, political intrigue, forbidden love, played out in 17th century feudal Japan. You will laugh. You will cry. You will thrill with anticipation, as you are caught up in the glory and triumph, of this nine hour epic adventure. The cast was magnificent, and Richard Chamberlain gave the performance of his life. As my favorite actor, and being familiar with all his works, I have never seen him play a role with more joy. His countenance was radiant throughout the entire film. SHOGUN producers, Frank Cardea and Eric Berkovici, credit him with carrying the entire production. "He memorized lengthy scripts, mostly in Japanese, worked with co-stars who spoke little or no English, and physically spent himself, working 18 hour days, in the heat of summer, cold of winter, under primitive conditions, and never stopped smiling, nor did he once complain." "If it had been any other actor, 20 years later, we would still be filming." James Clavell, writer of SHOGUN, went from apprehension, to complete confidence in Chamberlain's ability, to play his beloved Blackthorne. It was said, he was thrilled with Richard's performance, and couldn't imagine any one else, playing the role more effectively. What wonderful tributes to a deserving and talented actor. Because he loves and understands the Japanese, their customs, and culture; Richard Chamberlain understood the transformation that had happened, to the heart and soul of Blackthorne. He had given his heart to Mariko, and the Japanese had captured his soul. The strength of the closing scene was simply this: In the end, he could not leave Japan, because he could never belong anywhere else. He had become one of them! Lord Toranaga ultimately reigned SHOGUN over the Japans; but in Richard Chamberlain's kingdom, he is royal, his fans are loyal, and he reigns SHOGUN over our hearts.

A great disappointment!!!
I have waited for years to get my hands on a DVD version of Shogun. I wanted the VHS set, but it was toooo pricy and so I waited. With much joy I managed to save enough money to get the mini-series on DVD and watched it immediately.
Imagine my dismay when I sat wondering where whole scenes were. Please bear in mind that I watched this series ONE time, when it first aired, and it stuck with me in many ways in spite of the fact that I was only 10 years old. So much is missing that it really upset me. What has been cut, you ask? Well, there was a scene where Blackthorne talks to Alveto about wearing Orange instead of Black garb, a scene where we learn that Anjin does not mean "pilot", but Captain, and that he'd better let them think himself to be the captain, and the great love scene complete with nudity (YES, in case you don't believe me my local television station DID air the version with nudity. I recall it very vividly as it was the first time I had seen a naked lady, and my grandmother, whom I was staying with, pitched a fit that they'd show stuff like that on TV.). There are other small scenes missing, but those were the ones that really struck me. Also, there is a very distinct lack of special features for a 5th disc. I would have liked to see the variant scenes they filmed for the trimmed down version.

Overall the tale is a great one, and I reccomend the series, but as DVD sets go this one is a major let down for me.