The last samurai
(DVD)

Originally released as a motion picture in 2003.

Special features: Disc 1: theatrical film with commentary by director Edward Zwick; Disc 2: deleted scenes with commentary; history vs. Hollywood: 'The last samurai' [History Channel documentary]; Tom Cruise: a warrior's journey; Edward Zwick: director's video journal; making an epic: a conversation with Edward Zwick and Tom Cruise; a world of detail: production design with Lilly Kilvert; Silk and armor: costume design with Ngila Dickson; Imperial Army basic training; From soldier to samurai: the weapons; Japan premieres (Tokyo & Kyoto red carpet); theatrical trailer.

Director of photography, John Toll ; editors, Victor DuBois, Steven Rosenblum ; original music, Hans Zimmer ; costume designer, Ngila Dickson ; production designer, Lilly Kilvert.

Ken Wantanabe, Tom Cruise, William Atherton, Chad Lindberg, Billy Connolly, Tony Goldwyn, Masato Harada.

Tormented Civil War veteran Capt. Nathan Algren is coerced by a mercenary officer to train the Japanese Emperor's troops in the use of modern weaponry. Opposing this modernization are the samurai warriors who are holding fast to their traditions of honor, despite their strategic disadvantage. As a captive of the samurai leader, Algren learns, appreciates, and adopts the samurai code, switching sides for a climactic battle that will put everyone's honor to the ultimate test.

MPAA rating: R; for strong violence and battle sequences.

DVD, Region 1, widescreen (2.40:1) presentation; Dolby Digital 5.1 surround, Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo.

English or dubbed French dialogue, French or Spanish subtitles; closed-captioned.