So, in goes my Criterion Blu-ray disc and up comes the most wonderful bright and clear images of a film from a series I had only previously seen video copies of copies in much deteriorated prints. Not only had my efforts to watch these films been affected by the quality but back in the late 80s/early 90s there was always argument as to the right order further complicated and confused by the ready availability of the rip-off Shogun Assassin (1980) containing a then much debated and varied footage. So, here is the very first in the series pulsating in colour and action. The discussions as to honour and revenge and rank to one side and we are witness to the most amazing shots of the Japanese countryside but more particularly to unbelievable feats of swordsmanship. Indeed this infamous sword goes through opponents like the proverbial knife through butter except with severed limbs and fountains of blood spurt. The cart and child add another dimension and things are further complicated when after crossing a marvellous rope bridge the main man reaches a village being tormented by rape and murder bad boys with even more conflict on the way. A fine start to the series and I for one would have been grateful if imitators had taken note of the modest length instead of stretching things out as was subsequently done far too often.