James Clavell's Shogun Reviews

• An Epic Mini-Series: take a weekend and enjoy it again

  
  By A2NJO6YE954DBH on 2000-10-08
  It has been two decades since James Clavell's novel first aired, but "Shogun" is still one of the finest mini-series yet produced and it still holds up. The stranger in a strange land story of an English navigator shipwrecked in fuedal Japan strikes such a strong chord because the audience is in the same predicament as the main character, confronted with an unknown and dangerous world that refuses to make sense. "Shogun" was filmed in Japan with remarkable fidelity to both the original story and local culture.

  As Pilot-Major John Blackthorne, Chamberlain is often called upon to do more with looks than with dialogue. As the "King of the Mini-Series," it is easy to forget what Chamberlain can do as an actor given the proper material (I wish his version of Christopher Fry's "The Lady's Not For Burning" was available on video tape). Actually, there is a sense in which Chamberlain's performance is arguable the weakest of the cast, but that speaks more to the strength of the supporting players. Certainly John Rhys-Davies steals every scene he is in as Vasco Rodrigues, Damien Thomas' Father Alvito personifies political machination, and Nobuo Kaneko as Lord Ishido has that glare down perfectly. Ultimately, it is the Japanese actors who carry "Shogun." From the legendary Toshirô Mifune as Lord Toranaga, to the novice actress Yôko Shimada as Mariko, to Frankie Sakai as Yabu and every one of the characters who make up Blackthorne's Japanese household, these actors provide the new word that confront's Chamberlain's character. The choice of producer Eric Bercovici to also adopt Clavell's novel was the ideal choice. Bercovici was not only familiar with the mini-series format, having done "Washington Behind Close Doors," but he was the writer on "Hell in the Pacific," a 1968 movie with Lee Marvin and Toshirô Mifune. During WWII the two men end up on a deserted island. What made the film unique was that it was done without subtitles; Marvin spoke English and Mifune spoke Japanese and the idea was to show it in both countries without subtitles. Okay, unfair advantage to the Japanese, but you have to appreciate the idea which "Shogun" certainly uses to great effect.

  Director Jerry London does an admirable job of presenting Japanese culture on its own terms, which is exactly what is right for the story. My understanding was that the Orson Welles narration was added at the, uh, request of the network who felt audiences would not be able to read between the lines. I think that for the most part "Shogun" would work without the excessive explanations, even if you have not read the novel, but we will never know.

  If you are looking for something to lose yourself in next weekend, you would not find too many things as intelligent and as fascinating as "Shogun." Just be sure you do the complete original mini-series and not the one cassette mini-version.
  
  

• An epic and original mini-series!

  
  By A1VTV7GXWSGJ3E on 2000-05-25
  Very few mini-series' ever live up to the book from which it came. Shogun comes very close. Taking place during a period when all of Europe was competing for the riches of the world, the story starts off with the last ship of a lost fleet, down to a skeleton crew (in size as well as health) trying to find "the Japans". Pilot-Major John Blackthorn, played well by Richard Chamberlain, wakes up on shore in Japan after barely making to land. Used to being in control, he is swept up in all the politics and violence that this period of Japan could offer. In just the first day alone he sees a beheading, is forced to listen to one of his crew boiled to death, and must endure the shame of having a Samurai "relieve himself" on his back. He then becomes a pawn between two lords, the brutal Ishido, and the cunning Toranaga. As Blackthorn begins to understand the culture, he also begins to build his own power and worth, causing Toranaga to realize the value of the Englishman.

  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.
  
  

• So sorry, let down by the ending?

  
  By A2HZLH5O50AFC4 on 2001-04-08
  Shogun is a superb adventure story, of that there can be no doubt. This boxed set of videos from the TV mini-series of the novel brings James Clavell's characters vividly to life, making the experience even more memorable for anyone who has read and enjoyed the book. For me the screen version added to the pleasure of reading Shogun because it explained things that were not entirely clear in the printed form.

  Both in print and especially on screen Shogun is much more than a great tale of adventure. It contains, in my opinion, an even greater love story featuring, in the person of Mariko, one of the finest romantic heroines in all fiction.

  As brought so exquisitely to life here by Yoko Shimada, who to my mind is the real star of the series - the set is worth buying for her scenes alone - Mariko is beautiful, brave, loyal and sincere. Delightful and totally believeable in all she says and does, I could not help but do as Pilot-Major Blackthorne did and fall in love with her, wishing that she would find with him the happiness that she has not known with her Japanese husband Buntaro.

  In creating this unforgettable character James Clavell clearly set out to win the hearts and minds of his readers and , later , his viewers. Yet having succeeded in this he cruelly dashes all our hopes. Mariko is given her moment of triumph, but she pays a terrible price for it. It is as if Clavell felt that she was drawing too much attention away from his principal male characters, Blackthorne and Toranaga, and judging by Yoko Shimada's portrayal of Mariko in the series he may well have been right.

  Yet if you go back to the book and read the crucial scene again, line by line, it seems clear that right up until the last instant a different outcome would easily have been possible. On screen it appears even more contrived than in print. Was James Clavell genuinely undecided as to what to do with Mariko? I think he was, and for me he made the wrong choice. If ever a heroine deserved a better fate, it was Mariko.

  Once she is gone, both versions of Shogun start to fall apart. The ending of the novel is far from satisfactory, and perhaps in the years following its publication James Clavell may have realised its imperfections. However, when he came to produce the TV mini-series in 1980, the best character in the book was gone and could not be kept alive in the film. So the changes introduced in the last hour of the screen version, which until now has followed the text of Shogun fairly closely, are invariably for the worse and result in the film having an even less satisfactory ending than the book.

  But at least we are given a chance to hear the words of that beautiful and moving final letter which Mariko leaves with Toranaga to give to Blackthorne. And karma or not, both in print and on screen she surely lives on in the memories of all who read the book or see this screen version.
  
  

• MIXED HISTORICAL FACT WITH FICTION(GOOD STORY)

  
  By A3NPHQVIY59Y0Y on 2003-03-24
  Yoshi Toranaga= Tokugawa Ieyasu (1st Tokugawa Shogun,1600-1615), Lord Ishido= Lord Ishida, Captain-pilot Blackthorn= Captain-pilot William Adams, Lord Toda= same (was not really a bad samuarai who's envy with jelousy), the Erasmus= same (Everything that happened to her was true).This is what legends are made of a couple of words added here and there along with a forbidden love.I watched the mini-series when it first came out and loved it then. Do not get 2 hour video too much was cut out; so disappointing. If any one likes historical fact mixed in with fiction like I do this is a must get item; so don't delay the money is worth it. The only thing that is fiction about the movie is the love affair between Mariko-san and Anjin-san. If anyone is deep into Japanese history must read about Tokugawa Ieyasu and other books on the Unification wars, Hideyoshi Toyotomi and Nobunaga. There is not much written about Captain-pilot William Adams not even in the Japanese language, but his Japanese name was really Anjin-san (Mr. Pilot). The village of Anjiro did and still does exit but under the modern name "Miura". Anjiro was renamed Miura sometime during the Edo period and the Meiji Restoration. Now it's a large city about 50 miles south of Yokohama and about 10 miles south-west of Yokosuka on the same peninsula.
  
  

• Entertaining, If Not Masterful...

  
  By A18ZM0DL1MWZQ0 on 2001-01-16
  This is not an easy series to review because I find myself of two minds about it. The story itself I find highly enjoyable and evocative of classical Japanese romance, if not exactly true to the form. The history behind it, however, leaves something to be desired.

  The series is a surprisingly faithful adaptation of the book, and the mini-series format gives the story the depth needed to tell Clavell's book properly. The costumes and settings are impressive (if possibly a bit more elaborate than history would require) and the story is a complex, well told one. The style and pace of the story are even reminiscent of some classical Japanese romances like "Gonza the Spearman" or "Double Suicide". The ultimate moral and conclusion differ somewhat from the traditional Japanese, but then again, the intention was not to sell "Shogun" to a Japanese audience.

  The history, however, is a bit disappointing. While the story of Blackthorne (Will Adams in real life) is a true one, Clavell paints an image of a Japan that is much more stratified and romantic than was actually the case at the time. Tokugawa Ieyasu (Toranaga, played by Toshiro Mifune) actually codified and enforced the samurai code that Clavell has in place for the story. The samurai and daimyo of the story are much more stylized than you would actually have found then. For the type of samurai shown in this movie, one would need to jump about a hundred years foward. Historically, the samurai of this movie would have been somewhat more like those seen in "Seven Samurai" (another Mifune movie).

  I am also somewhat confused as to why Clavell seemed to find the need to change the names of all of the historical characters of the movie. If it was to distance the characters from the actual history, then it was probably a good idea. However, if his intention was a historically accurate book or series (which I rather doubt) his decision is rather puzzling.

  On the technical side, the presentation of the series is a 'book-style' case with a booklet about the series (with lots of trivia and useful Japanese phrases) is quite nice. I regret the producers' decision to compress the episodes together rather than to give a separate opening and ending for each, but it is a minor complaint. I would love to see what they could do with this as a DVD release.

  All in all, though, "Shogun" is a lot of fun to watch. The Japan presented is the Japan of American fantasy, but that is fine if you're watching it for the entertainment value. If your interest in Japan tends towards the casual or your interest in James Clavell towards the serious, I recommend the entire mini-series.
  
  

• Do not buy this movie
  By on 1999-09-03
  This edited version has been cut up so bad that it doesn't even make sense. Look for the original version and get that. This one should be removed from the shelves for good.
  
  
• I've Waited For This For Years!
  By ARIO0LYVA1J8 on 2003-10-13
  I've waited for years for Shogun to be released on DVD, and I'm delighted with it. Yes, a booklet with information and chapter listings would have been nice, but that's probably not going to be a dealbreaker for many people.

  I'd like to know what some of the other reviewers think was deleted in this edition. I was very familiar with the miniseries, having seen it several times and having taped it at the time on an old Betamax, and I didn't notice anything missing in the DVD edition...except that accidental helicopter shadow! Nothing that I expected to see was gone. As an earlier customer pointed out, the original show ran for 12 hours on NBC because of all the commercials, network promos, opening titles and closing credits in every segment, etc. Take out all that padding, and 9 hours of actual program content sounds about right. If anybody can identify any actual deletions, I'd be interested in hearing what they are.

  I would have liked to have seen the brief nude scenes of Mariko in the bath included as much as the next guy. But they were only in the European version anyway. (Americans are considered by the world to be backward children in these matters.) They were never in the American version, so although they would have been a welcome bonus, we can't say they were "deleted."

  It was a real pleasure to start playing Shogun when the DVD package arrived, and Amazon.com had the best price for it that I could find, so that was an added benefit. Never had I seen it with the sharpness and clarity of the DVD. Maybe it took the advent of DVD to do justice to what is, for me, the greatest of all miniseries.
  
  

• Viewing this will only make you yen for the original...
  By A2NJO6YE954DBH on 2000-10-08
  I just spent the weekend watching the complete video tape version of this classic mini-series and I thought I would give the one tape version a second viewing. To be fair, this version is, as others have noted, an above average job of reducing "Shogun" to a single cassette. But doing so really takes away a complete dimension from this epic. Ultimately it is comprehensible only to those who have read the book and/or seen the complete mini-series. You will constantly be thinking back to what they have cut out, filling in all of the jettisoned backstories of the supporting characters who gave "Shogun" its breadth and depth (especially Lord Yabu and Omi). You also lose the sense of the political intrigue, focusing more on the love affair between Pilot-Major Blackthorne and Mariko. Consequently, viewing this edited version is only going to make you want to go back to the complete mini-series or Clavell's novel. Therefore, you should just go do that in the first place. "Shogun" is on a level with "Roots" and "I, Claudius." Can you imagine them doing this to either of those classics?

  Of course this begs the question: Why did they even bother to make this version? If memory serves, this was released at a time when no one had really tested the market in terms of making an entire mini-series available on tape. Fortunately, our local library has not only "Shogun" but just about every other major mini-series you can mention. Once I month I grab one for a major weekend viewing session. It is truly the only way to go.
  
  

• The video is not faithful to the original TV mini-series
  By A63QKPFXPLGDJ on 1999-06-28
  Having passionately watched the mini-series "SHOGUN" many times over, I was dissappointed, that after spending the money to buy a "complete" copy for myself, that it wasn't complete. If not cut, this expensive edition is clipped of many of of it's charming vignettes. I would gladly forgo the fancy packaging for the original version...
  
  
• If you have A.D.D. you'll hate it.
  By AXLXU4LMIRO3F on 2003-09-02
  Reading some of these reviews, I wonder if anyone watches a movie or mini-series to be entertained by it. When you go down the line of people who gave this great title three or lower stars, you'll find it mostly comes from people who try to express their "true" historical knowledge, or simply didn't have the attention span for a drama of this caliber. Who cares?

  I was 8 years old when Shogun came to television for the first time and my mother, a single-parent who never had much time for TV, sat enthralled and entranced by it. It was probably the way I looked watching Battlestar Galactica, or Saturday morning cartoons, and during whole time Shogun was airing my mother could not be bothered to pull herself away from this wonderful drama.

  When I was a teen it aired again and I couldn't pull myself away, and it inspired my own interest in Japan and its culture. I submit to whoever is reading this the so-called history buffs, or historians who are giving this mini-series, or the book it was based on, low marks, it's only to flex their own scholastic muscle. It's pathetic posturing, really and has nothing to do with the true quality of the story.

  Shogun continues to be one of the greatest stories ever told, and among the best adaptations of a novel ever done, right up there with "Lonesome Dove", and "Gone with the Wind". The charm of Richard Chamberlain's portrayal of Blackthorne (I don't need to know who the character was based on), the beauty and grace of Yôko Shimada's portrayal of Mariko and the rest of the wonderful cast, combine to bring us a tale for the ages of Feaudal politics and forbidden romance.

  I loved it.
  
  

• The missing stars.....
  By A1113A2Y0AOCCW on 2006-12-20
  The missing stars represent the missing portions of this incomplete version of the original. A very heavy handed censor has hacked this miniseries to pieces. And to make a bad situation worse, some of the most memorable scenes have been cut or edited to the point of being unrecognizible. Amazon, you should not advertise an item for sale as complete unless you know it to be absolute fact. The buyer's of this product have really been short changed and that is being very polite.....Shame on you Amazon. Lynn Stubblefield, Nashville, TN
  
  
• Fabulous after all these years!
  By A3BSJ68NUAVN6F on 2003-07-04
  Shogun has been, and always will be one of the best Mini Series to hit television!Never has there been a more perfectly constructed use of television to convey a story either before or since this mini series. Put simply, Shogun is a masterful adaptaion of the James Clavell Novel that translates with complete perfection to the screen. Personally, I have been waiting for the release of this movie on DVD since DVD was invented. The VHS tape was just too expensive, and not good enough quality to merit the honor this film deserves!
  It is the story of Pilot Major Blackthorn
  (an English navagator aborad Dutch sailing Ship who lands on the "Japans")played by Richard Chamberlain, who is forced to learn the Japanese language and culture because if he does not, his crew and entire villiages will be put to death. He is taught the language and customs through the teachings of Mariko(Yoko Shimada), a japanese lady who is trusted by one of highest lords of Japan: Lord Toranaga(played by Toshiro Mifune). Pilot Major Blackthorn, eventually falls in love with Mariko, and forms a love triangle with Lord Buntaro(Mariko's husband) on their journy to fulfill Lord Toronagas ambition fo becoming a "Shogun" warlord.The only title more powerful than Emperor.This is only a infinitessimal glimpse of the plot! It is a huge whilrwind of honor,political boundaries, culture, and tradition amidst a touching story of love. All of which are portayed beautifully in fuedal Japan. The costumes and settings are pristine, and the language is kept as close to the original time period Japanese as was possible for the translations.
  Just as "American Yakuza" (a film from the 1990's) was true to
  the current Japanese language and culture, so was this film true to the ancient culture and language of Japan.
  The Mini series is a masterpiece. All the performers were perfect in the roles. Which range from Traditional Japanese roles to Spanish traders, to Jesuit priests. If you value history, and cherish tradion, this is a film to covet! There are not enough words in the English language to describe how wonderful this film is. By all means if you enjoy things from Japan, and value their history and culture, this fim is for you!
  
  
• Not the complete original
  By A3BLHEBV869K54 on 2005-11-06
  Just be aware that this is not the complete, original mini-series. The original was 12 hours long, with little translation. This version is 4 hours shorter with overly dramatic translated narration. This is the one you can catch on TV now and then. The complete original, I believe, only aired once. Wish they would make it available.
  
  
• The way of the Samurai
  By AD0J5KK4WQXNS on 2006-03-10
  Hmmm, now I understand what it was all about... well at least sort of... the television miniseries of James Clavell's Shogun was a bit of a television landmark, lots of hype and everybody warned about its horrific portrayal of ancient Japanese suicide, hari-kari, also know to the Samurai as `The Fine Art of Seppuku', is somewhat tame by today's television standards, but still unnerving all the same, and in the early 1980s it certainly got everyone talking and awaiting to tune into the next episode, here is the complete series on four DVDs, two episodes per disc, eight episodes in length, plus a bonus material fifth DVD, make up an interesting package that is worthy of any DVD television series hobby collection. Although somewhat slow paced in parts, sometimes accompanied by hammy acting from the Western folks involved, probably underscored by the remarkably good Japanese acting, relives the traditions of the Japans in the 1600s, and is the main reason why you probably want to see it. Although the story is rather limited for the running time - English pilot marooned on the Japans, falls in love with a local Japanese woman and stirs up the hornets nest - it is not really the tale or Richard Chamberlain's Pilot-Major John Blackthorne / Anjin-san character who drives the show, but the whole Japanese culture on display and this is first rate stuff. Throwing in a few ninjas also heightens its validity as one of the best historical dramas aired on television. However it does show its age because of the impact of modern Asian cinema and better subtitle translation standards, speaking of which, Shogun completely avoids, with long dialogue sequences in Japanese without any English subtitles, to present the audience with a more vivid Japanese presence. Yes, this is certainly very good entertainment for a couple to watch in the evening when the kids are asleep. Although it ends very suddenly you will come away learning a lot more about the Japans than you did going into it.
  
  
• Good But Incomplete
  By APF69OWPN8TP2 on 2005-12-26
  I received the DVD set of Shogun for Christmas. A nice present since I've wanted to see it again ever since it first aired.
  
  However, like a previous reviewer, I found it frustrating that almost 1/3 of the original mini-series is missing, and I think that the description of it on several sites as the "complete" mini-series is at best misleading and at worst in contravention of trading standards. Some of the most memorable parts of the original are entirely absent, including the demonstration of the the Musket Regiment in action, and Mariko's group's attempt to fight their way out of Osaka Castle before she threatens to commit seppuku, as well as more homely sequences such as Blackthorne teaching Mariko and Toranaga to dive head first from the galley.
  
  A previous reviewer notes the lack of action sequences, and this is part of the reason...several have been cut out.
  
  The same reviewer mentions that Blackthorne lapses into "thee" and "thou" speech inappropriately. Again, that's explained in a cut section: when Blackthorne and Mariko speak in "normal" speech they're supposed to be speaking Portuguese, but they both also speak Latin, and use that as a private tongue since some samurai who've had contact with Portuguese sailors speak their language, whereas only the priests speak Latin.
  
  Overall, good, but I would have given it 5 stars if it really had been the complete mini-series. Two more disks would have covered it, so why wasn't it issued complete?
  
  
• NO CLOSED CAPTIONS????
  By on 1999-09-26
  As a child, I saw the original movie series on the tv, that one had the closed captions. Without the closed captions, I understand none!!
  
  
• "Cliff's Notes" version of a monumental mini-series
  By on 1999-04-18
  Making a landmark mini-series into a two-hour video is a tall order. In the case of "Shogun", the editors have done a very commendable job. Naturally, mountains of details had to be cut for this ultra short version, yet the flow of the story line is surprisingly fluid and unstrained. It does help to have recently read the novel for the short version of the "Shogun" film to make the most sense. Certainly, the full-length version is a masterpiece. Do not expect the short version to be everything that the original was. Take it for what it is--s synopsis-- and you'll truly enjoy even this short version.
  
  
• ART REFLECTS HISTORY--BUT WHO'S COUNTING
  By on 2003-09-12
  I traveled twice to Tokyo and while there asked everyone I saw about the accuracy of Shogun. Interestingly to a person I was told that, while there were some historical inaccuracies, this story was one of their favorites.

  Yes, the history has been heavily novelized and no, I won't go into the details. Other reviewers have done a great job of setting things straight and my efforts would be repetitious. But in the final go round it's really not necessary. If you're after a cut-and-dried history of feudal Japan there are numerous books and videos that you can check out.

  History aside, Shogun should be and can be watched and enjoyed purely for its entertainment value. Richard Chamberlain is marvelous.
  
  

• Shogun - The complete Epic
  By A1XARTHBOXP4XW on 2000-12-30
  This is a fantastic series. Why on earth doesn't any of James Clavell's works end up on DVD?? If they were on DVD, I'd buy them again!
  
  
• Shogun.
  By A1ZUEOTI0XN2CH on 2006-03-09
  This is a great adventure story, set in the 1600s in old Japan, No sex no bad language, what a pleasure to watch. I had read the book and the video is accurate. The 9 hours just flew by. Very little more to say, just get the movie. As a collector one for me to treasure.
  
  
• Simply Awesome...
  By A1FS144YLZ53DX on 2006-03-13
  I looked high and low for this boxset back when the only option was to find it on VHS. After purchasing this item I am more than pleased, it has everything and so much more. I must say that after reading the book I had high expectations and I was not let down with this DVD set, not in the slightest. If anything it inspired me to back and read some of it again. Be prepared, once you start watching you won't be able to stop. Not only is the series great but the added extras are a well featured bonus. If there is one thing else I can say is that Amazon has this box set for far less than your local retailer. Enjoy...
  
  
• Another shallow rendering of a good book.
  By A1W78DHLKLU78K on 2000-08-07
  Better that you see the video first, and then read the book, otherwise you will be disappointed.

  The film focused too much on Richard Chamberlain, playing him up as a Western hero, rather than the baffled pawn that in reality he was. The love interest with Shimada Yoko was poorly done, making her out to be a simple bimbo finding a kind foreigner, when she was much stronger and intelligent than was portrayed.

  John Rhys-Davies is a strong as ever, these swashbuckling roles seem designed for him, while Toshiro Mifune projects a modicum of charisma, at least all the the series allowed.

  As other reviewers have pointed out, the book is very detailed, and was hard to render into TV. Unfortunately, the videos of his other novels in the same area, Noble House and Taipan were equally as banal, fulfilling the limited geographical and historical understanding, and instant gratification requirements of the US TV audience.

  The only film on Asia that has ever managed to capture the full flavour of a book, and transfer it onto the screen was "The World of Suzie Wong", a personal favourite, but the topic of an artist and a bargirl is not for everyone.

  As a long-time resident of Japan, maybe I am too familiar with the story, but it is a shame to see the videographic equivalent of a 12 course dinner compressed into a sandwich box.

  For anyone who has not read the book, go ahead and watch a reasonable snapshot of the shogunate era, but if you have read the book, and liked James Clavell's detail, I recommend that you buy a couple of bottles of sake, put on a kimono, settle down into a comfy futon and read it again!
  
  

• A great disappointment!!!
  By A223LGYL4WGN5K on 2004-07-09
  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.
  
  

• SORRY BUT I WAS TERRIBLE
  By A1JW003HOQHFXK on 2000-05-21
  Shogun is a condensed movie, which has been edited from a mini-series. Therefore the entire story is not told. It is rather cut down to the base essentials of the plot, which consist of describing the experiences of the main character, a sea pirate for sailed for Japan. The story describes his experiences when he reaches Japan. By the editing of the footage the story can be followed but it makes less sense. For example, why does the main character the enemy of the translator. Or why is the main character drawing a map in another of the scenes. The editing allows the views to receive an idea of the plot but not really get into it in full force. The movie puts the Japanese into a poor light, especially at the beginning of the movie. They are presented as savages who lack compassion for the lives of those who have landed onto their island. One English speaking pirate exclaims, "Everything in this rotten country is upside-down." In this movie, which takes place in Japan, they characters who are Japanese speak their native language. The characters who know English speak in English as they really would. Therefore the experience is as thought you were really in Japan and everyone is speaking their native tongue. Apparently I am supposed to simulate the main character's experience of being in a native land in which I do not know the language. This method certainly makes the translations given more effective. However, it is quite annoying not be know the predominant amount of speak that is occurring in this film. When the main character learns the language, as he does, we still have yet to learn it (other than the word for yes) and so do not synthesize the main character's experience. Perhaps subtitles would have been more effective? This special effects were not the best in this film. For instance the rain sounded like static. Even the speak of the characters could sometimes not be understood (perhaps this is because of their heavy accent) For example, a character said, "I cannot live with out shame." I thought she said, "I cannot leave with out shame," and was left to ponder where she could not leave. (This method of threatening to kill themselves to get what they demanded was used quite effectively twice in the movie) All in all this was not a terrible movie, but it does not receive my recommendation because it is very difficult to remain interested in the movie when it is spoken like it is a foreign movie without subtitles. Perhaps the movie would have been more effective if it did not have the characters speak in Japanese quite as much. They could still speak about ¼ or the time but the movie would be mostly in English-therefore we would be able to understand what was going on, and not be left in the darkness.
  
  
• WHY DO YOU NOT HAVE THIS IN DVD??
  By on 1999-08-10
  THIS IS THE BEST MOIVE EVER MADE.THE ONLY WAY IT COULD BE BETTER IS TO PUT IT ON DVD.
  
  
• An epic tale from the Golden Age of the Mini-Series.
  By AVCRD98TH48RN on 2005-03-20
  When I was a child there were three mini-series that I remember most vividly. There was "Roots," "The Thorn Birds," and "Shogun." Surprisingly, all of these have dated extremely well, mostly because they are all epic, memorable stories from a different era; but also because they are all well-made films with talented actors and huge budgets. "Shogun" is perhaps the most expensive of the three boasting detailed sets, lavish costuming, and a large cast of extras. There are many notable performaces in the show, the acting all around being very good. The best part of the show is actually what is missing: subtitles. Having a show with so much spoken Japanese would normally demand subtitles, but the creators manage to do without with the use of characters translating and/or the voice of Orson Welles chiming in narrating over the more complex sequences. Subtitles would take away from relating to the main character who is a stranger in a strange land that gradually picks up on phrases as he explores their culture. This is indeed an expensive production, but the DVD is also very expensive. If you are like me and your heart is set on seeing this show then go ahead and spend the cash, but "The Thorn Birds" is just as epic and lengthy and is half the price. Both mini-series are worth obtaining, and the packaging for "Shogun" is handsome and the extra features on the final disc are entertaining and enlightening.
  
  
• SHOGUN - A Gaijin perspective
  By AX4DLEBHS9XEL on 2003-10-25
  I lived in Japan for six years. I studied judo, karate, and kendo, and have black belt rank in the latter two. I studied the Japanese language and customs. My wife is from Japan. Thus, I am quite familiar with that unique culture. I first read SHOGUN when it first came out, and saw the entire series (taped by a family member and sent to us overseas) on a not-so-good VHS copy on the not-so-good VHS tape of the 1980's era. What a joy to now see it, crystal-clear picture with crystal-clear sound! The DVD version (full production) is superb, it's like seeing it for the very first time. To be remembered: SHOGUN is NOT an entirely accurate historical event, IT IS A STORY. It should be viewed from that perspective: a story. Sit back, don't get all entangled in looking for historical or production glitches (the challenges of making this production a reality are fully covered in accompanying presentations as part of the package), and enjoy a very good STORY ... and excellent entertainment. For SO many Americans, SHOGUN was their first introduction to a wonderful culture and similarly wonderful people. Sayonara.
  
  
• Great series -- but a DVD without subtitles?
  By A5LF986LS7UTW on 2004-01-04
  I was glad to finally find the entire TV series of Shogun on DVD, but I have one major complaint against the DVD as produced -- the Eglish subtitles are present only when English is being spoken!

  As the series progresses, more and more of the dilaogue becomes Japanese, but there are still no English subtitles. This is understandable at the beginning. We are confused as was Blackthorne. However, as he learns Japanese, he begins speaking it. Subtitles would have been more than appropriate at this point, they are essential. We should understand as did Blackthorne.

  Do we have to wait for the Japanese Region 2 release of this DVD to come out before we have full subtitles? Even then, there would perhaps be no more English subtitles available. Too bad.
  
  

• Thank you, Paramount!
  By A3NVN6RBBBQ0JQ on 2004-03-02
  Paramount was generous enough to transfer the classic TV mini-series to DVD. It could be seen as a risk since something this broad and expansive will not hold the attention of all audiences. Even with compression technology of the DVD format the movie still runs through four discs with a supplementary fifth disc. It is certainly a whole lot better than...what, ten VHS cassettes? That is a little trite.
  First, the story. James Clavell's book Shogun is an all-time classic with many plots with multiple characters, not just the seemingly "main character" Major Pilot John Blackthorne. The book covers a lot of ground that the movie epic amazingly does not have the time to reveal. If that does not say something about the complexity of the story, nothing will. The movie basically tries to mostly cover Blackthorne's adventure through the Japans, with additional focus on the machinations of the Jesuit 'enemy'.
  The transfer to DVD wasn't perfect but the source film is a little dated and grainy but the picture quality definitely passable. No major complaints and I appreciate the effort by Paramount to improve the image. The dialog sound is also not perfect but it does not degrade the experience. I only have one complaint, however tedious. The music is mixed slightly too high as compared to the dialog. The effort to keep turning the volume up and down between music and speaking does compromise the DVD production, but it shouldn't count against the movie.
  The casting for the movie is spot on for the most part. Chamberlain is believable as Blackthorne, and no one else cast at that time would've come close. The legendary Toshiro Minfune reveled in his role as the calculating Yoshi Toranaga. Damien Thomas is exactly how I imagined Father Alvito looked and acted while reading the novel. Yoko Shimada spoke with class and elegance as Mariko Buntaro. And John Rhys-Davies (yes, Gimli of the Lord of the Rings) gave a rolicking performance as the Spanish Pilot Rodrigues caught up in choice of friendship and duty.
  So, once again, a giant "arigato gozaimash'te" to Paramount for the DVD version to the movie production of one of the most intriguing novels ever. It is a commercial gamble to reach the 'big audience' of today, but I'm glad the true fans of this epic were not forgotten.
  
  
• A one of a kind experience, but imperfect.
  By A3AAK33K3BUUTM on 2004-03-19
  This is recommended for those who have an interest in feudal Japan. Those looking for an action-packed samurai epic may want to stick with the way-too-Hollywood "The Last Samurai". This is a thinking man's epic; character driven, full of political intrigue (though not nearly as much as the book), and filled with rich details that really transport you to that period in time. As great as it is to see such an excellent book done such justice, the film is flawed. Richard Chamberlain gives an often Charleton Heston-esque performance (not really a bad thing) but delivers some unintentionally hilarious lines (to his ship caught in a storm and about to crash into a reef: "Turn you whore from hell, TUUUUURRRRN!"). Rather than have subtitles for the few scenes where Japanese characters meet and speak amongst each others, we have annoying voice-overs (delivered by Orson Welles, no less) describing the conversation. Cheesy. Also, much of the political aspect of the story was simply cut out to make room for more Blackthorne and Mariko. Lastly, for a story about samurai that was already starving for action to actually have several battle scenes shortened or entirely cut out was unforgiveable. Yabu's duel with Blackthorne's retainer and the battle at Ishido's castle as Mariko tries to leave would have been awesome to see, but are simply skipped. Don't worry though, the ninja attack is entirely intact and the highlight of the mini-series. Most of the action we do get to see is very brief and without any excitement or flair; this is where a little Hollywood touch might have helped. Thankfully, the action is far from the main reason to watch. This is a STORY. It's got romance, drama, comedy,and much more. John Rhys-Davies (that's Gimli for you LOTR fans) steals every scene he's in as Blackthorne's friend/rival pilot Rodriguez and Toshiro Mifune is absolutely flawless as Toranaga. The disc of extras is a happy bonus. It's full of interesting observations from cast and crew and offers a lot of insight into the making of the film and the impact it had when it originally aired. I prefer the book and with this mini-series clocking in at 8+ hours, it might take you less time to read the book. But know that this DVD collection does it justice and that is a rare thing these days. If you have a genuine interest in Japanese culture and thought "The Last Samurai" was too Hollywood, this is a must-buy.
  
  

• James Clavell's Noble House
• Tai Pan
• The Thorn Birds
• Centennial: The Complete Series
• The Thorn Birds Collector's Edition (The Thorn Birds / The Thorn Birds 2 - The Missing Years)