The Criterion Collection

The first time I watched this movie I sincerely hoped that the film wasn't perfect. I had missed the opportunity to watch the film on a movie theater screen even after a recommendation. I really hoped I didn't miss seeing an absolutely perfect film on the big screen. It was. I did. Now every time I get a new screen I immediately test it out by putting on Sword of Doom. Testing the contrast with the absolutely beautiful black and white photography. The final scene is quite possibly the greatest action sequence ever filmed.

One of the greatest samurai films ever made. And nowhere do you see the names Mifune or Kurosawa.

The first Criterion DVD I ever purchased. My favorite semi-autobiographical, self-reflexive, post-modern documentaries I've ever seen. Simply the most watchable film Welles had ever made. Even at the end he still had greatness in him.

Richard Linklater was the first filmmaker to show me that plot was not an entirely necessary part of film making. This release is the reason to love the Criterion collection. Only they would release this film along with a separate disc containing Linklater's first 8mm, public access, feature length film.