IT CAME FROM THE BOTTOM SHELF!

When the Criterion Collection produced it’s Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman Blu-ray box set, it contained the first 25 Zatoichi feature films made between 1962 and 1973. However, that was not the end of the Zatoichi saga. Star Shintaro Katsu took the character to television for four seasons, and then reprised the role one last time in a feature film in 1989.

The 1989 film has been known as Zatoichi 26 or Zatoichi ’89, but on August 28th, Tokyo Shock will give the film its Blu-ray debut as ZATOICHI: Darkness Is His Ally. For fans of the blind swordsman, this is a “must-buy.”

Here is the summary of the film from its Amazon listing:

ZATOICHI: Darkness Is His Ally

ZATOICHI is the twenty-sixth and final chapter in the iconic samurai film franchise that starred Shintaro Katsu and spanned nearly three decades. Known in Japan as Zatoichi 26 or Zatoichi ’89, this lavish production was the last to star Katsu, who originated the title role of “the Blind Swordsman” in 1962 and the only entry where he served as writer and director. Older, wiser but still a wandering loner, the blind, peace-loving masseur Ichi seeks a peaceful life in a rural village. When he’s caught in the middle of a power struggle between two rival Yakuza clans, his reputation as a deadly defender of the innocent is put to the ultimate test in a series of sword-slashing showdowns. Tokyo Shock presents ZATOICHI for the first time on blu-ray Japanese language with English subtitles. Widescreen. 116 mins. Not Rated.

Between geysers of spurting crimson, this gorgeous Zatoichi film delivers good humor and mild sentiment… the action sequences are frequent and fun… Essential viewing for Zatoichi fans and anyone interested in the voluminous “source code” for Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill. –Jeff Shannon, amazon.com

Fans of the series will want to pick it up for sure, and it comes recommended to more casual viewers of the genre. –DVDTalk

Shintaro Katsu’s portrayal is stunning. Its clear he and the role are one. –unseenfilms.net