Samurai: Hunt for the Sword DVD

In the twilight of the Sengoku era, a legendary blade known as the "Sword of the Shogunate" has vanished, threatening to ignite a new wave of bloody civil war. Toranosuke, a masterless samurai with a dark past and a razor-sharp edge, is hired to recover the relic before it falls into the hands of a rebellious faction intent on overthrowing the government. Accompanied by a mysterious female thief and a young, idealistic warrior, Toranosuke must navigate a landscape of betrayal, secret fortresses, and rival clans. In a world where honor is often sold to the highest bidder, the hunt for the sword becomes a desperate battle for the very soul of Japan.

Samurai: Hunt for the Sword (also known as * Bakumatsu no Spasibo*) is a gritty, action-packed OVA that captures the tension and aesthetic of classic chanbara cinema. With fluid swordplay choreography and a focus on the historical weight of the era, the series stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the wandering swordsman trope. This release offers a visceral look at the end of the samurai age, blending political intrigue with high-octane duels. Whether you are a fan of historical epics or kinetic martial arts animation, this collection delivers a sharp, uncompromising journey through a nation on the brink of transformation.

Notable Staff & Voice Talent

Director: Hiroshi Negishi (Tenchi Muyo!, Saber Marionette J)
Screenplay: Mayori Sekijima
Studio: Radix
Music: Takashi Kudo

Cast:
• Kazuki Yao as Toranosuke
• Megumi Hayashibara as Kaguya
• Toshiyuki Morikawa as Gennosuke
• Akio Otsuka as Musashi

DVD Features

• Original Japanese Trailers
• Production Art Gallery
• Clean Opening Animation
• Clean Closing Animation
• ADV Films Previews
• Outtakes
•Interactive Menus
•Scene Access

Spoken Languages: English & Japanese Audio, English subtitles

Edition Details

Japanese Title: 幕末のスパシーボ (Bakumatsu no Spasibo)
Runtime: ~90 Minutes
Director: Hiroshi Negishi
DVD Release Year: 2003 (U.S. Release)
Original Release Date (Japan): 1997
Publisher: ADV Films
Rating: TV-MA
Region: Region 1 (U.S. / Canada)
Genre: Action, Historical, Samurai
Themes: Martial Arts, Political Intrigue, Honor, Ronin

Media assumed VG+ unless otherwise noted.