With their village raided every year by vicious bandits, a group of peasants in 16th century Japan hire seven warriors to protect them. Initially met with suspicion, the samurai eventually gain the trust of the peasants and they join forces to face the bandits.

One of the greatest films ever made, Kurosawa’s epic adventure Seven Samurai / Schichinin no samurai (1954) has influenced the work of directors from George Lucas to Steven Spielberg, and spawned remakes including John Sturges’ western The Magnificent Seven. First released on DVD in 1999, it is the BFI’s No.1 all-time best-selling title. Now, in celebration of its 60th Anniversary in April, it finally comes to UK Blu-ray in a Limited Edition SteelBook, in April alongside a brand new DVD re-issue also re-mastered in High Definition.

This special 60th Anniversary edition includes alternative presentations of the film, a new and exclusive interview with Asian cinema expert Tony Rayns, and the original Japanese trailer.

The digitally remastered Seven Samurai will be released on UK DVD and Blu-ray SteelBook on 21st April 2014 by the BFI at the RRP of £19.99 for either edition. Hell, I'd go with

Extra features will include:

• The Art of Akira Kurosawa (2013, 49 mins): Asian cinema expert Tony Rayns discusses Kurosawa’s career and influence

• Original Japanese theatrical trailer

• 16-page booklet containing an essay and biographies by Philip Kemp, original review, and cast and credits

You can read our review of the US Criterion 3-disc Special Edition DVD release here.