Presented in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio, this 1080p transfer of Three Outlaw Samurai looks just about as flawless as the aging source material will allow. Image detail and textures are crisp, shadow details are consistently good and black levels are rock solid from start to finish. Digital imperfections, such as edge enhancement, aliasing and compression artifacts are virtually non-existent. Contrast seems to have been slightly boosted during a handful of scenes, although it typically creates a more consistently pleasing image overall. All things considered, this is another fantastic restoration job by Criterion, especially since the 93-minute main feature gets almost an entire dual-layered disc to itself. Fans of Three Outlaw Samurai should be thrilled to have it in such pristine condition.

The original Japanese audio track (presented in LPCM mono) is equally impressive. There's a distinct lack of overall depth and dynamic range during most of Three Outlaw Samurai, a clear result of source material issues and nothing more. Dialogue is crisp and Toshiaki Tsushima's score sounds especially good. Crackles, pops and hiss are kept to an absolute minimum, rounding out the audio presentation nicely. Optional English subtitles are offered during the main feature, although the packaging advertises this as a "new translation". Not being familiar with earlier versions, I can't really speak with authority here.

Seen above, Criterion's menu designs are smooth and easy to navigate. This 93-minute film has been divided into 19 chapters (including color bars), the layer change is not noticeable and this Blu-Ray is locked for Region "A" playback only. The disc is housed in Criterion's usual "stocky" Blu-Ray keepcase, adorned with attractive cover artwork and a chapter insert printed inside. The included Booklet features an essay by filmmaker/critic Bilge Ebiri, who sheds light on the film but uses a lot of parentheses.

No question about it: Three Outlaw Samurai is an accessible, engaging import that genre fans should enjoy. A potent blend of drama and action moves this character-driven film quickly, while memorable sights and sounds also hold our interest along the way. Criterion's one-disc package is slim, pairing a strong technical presentation with only one minor bonus feature. Any way you slice it, though, the low-priced Three Outlaw Samurai is a true exercise in quality over quantity. Recommended.

Image courtesy of the Criterion Collection

NOTE: The above images were obtained directly from Criterion and do not represent Blu-Ray's native 1080p resolution.