Umbrella Entertainment will release G.I. Samurai (1979) on Blu-ray this December in a Collector’s Edition built around a new 4K restoration by Kadokawa. The time-travel war epic stars Sonny Chiba with early-career Hiroyuki Sanada.
Film information
Directed by Kôsei Saitô, the film follows a Japanese Self-Defense Force unit mysteriously transported to the Sengoku period. Surrounded by warlords and shifting alliances, they fight to survive in an age of constant conflict.
The cast includes Sonny Chiba, Hiroyuki Sanada, Haruki Kadokawa, Isao Natsuyagi, and Raita Ryu.
Restoration
The Blu-ray is sourced from a new Kadokawa 4K restoration, presented in 1080p HD with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1.
Collector’s edition packaging
The Umbrella webstore exclusive includes:
- Rigid case and slipcase with artwork by Colin Murdoch
- 48-page booklet with essays by Patrick Macias and Jonathan Clements
- Eight art cards
- A3 reversible poster
- Individually numbered limited edition
Bonus features
- New commentary by Patrick Macias
- New interview with screenwriter Toshio Kamata
- Interviews with Sonny Chiba, Isao Natsuyagi, Hiromitsu Suzuki, Kamayatsu Monsieur, Jun Eto, and Isao Kuraishi
- Interview with tank owner Eiji Suzuki
- Theatrical trailer and teaser
Technical specifications
- Format: Blu-ray, 1 disc
- Video: 1080p HD, 1.85:1
- Audio: Japanese 5.1 and 2.0
- Subtitles: English
- Runtime: 138 minutes
- Year: 1979
Release date
- December 3, 2025
