Customer Reviews

Shogun (2 Hour Feature) [VHS]

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I just spent the weekend watching the complete video tape version of this classic mini-series and I thought I would give the one tape version a second viewing. To be fair, this version is, as others have noted, an above average job of reducing "Shogun" to a single cassette. But doing so really takes away a complete dimension from this epic. Ultimately it is comprehensible only to those who have read the book and/or seen the complete mini-series. You will constantly be thinking back to what they have cut out, filling in all of the jettisoned backstories of the supporting characters who gave "Shogun" its breadth and depth (especially Lord Yabu and Omi). You also lose the sense of the political intrigue, focusing more on the love affair between Pilot-Major Blackthorne and Mariko. Consequently, viewing this edited version is only going to make you want to go back to the complete mini-series or Clavell's novel. Therefore, you should just go do that in the first place. "Shogun" is on a level with "Roots" and "I, Claudius." Can you imagine them doing this to either of those classics?

Of course this begs the question: Why did they even bother to make this version? If memory serves, this was released at a time when no one had really tested the market in terms of making an entire mini-series available on tape. Fortunately, our local library has not only "Shogun" but just about every other major mini-series you can mention. Once I month I grab one for a major weekend viewing session. It is truly the only way to go.

This edited version has been cut up so bad that it doesn't even make sense. Look for the original version and get that. This one should be removed from the shelves for good.

Making a landmark mini-series into a two-hour video is a tall order. In the case of "Shogun", the editors have done a very commendable job. Naturally, mountains of details had to be cut for this ultra short version, yet the flow of the story line is surprisingly fluid and unstrained. It does help to have recently read the novel for the short version of the "Shogun" film to make the most sense. Certainly, the full-length version is a masterpiece. Do not expect the short version to be everything that the original was. Take it for what it is--s synopsis-- and you'll truly enjoy even this short version.

The complete version should be pursued first, but if funds are limited, this video captures the essence of Shogun and lets you visit Pilot-Major Blackthorn, Mariko and Toranaga whenever you please.

The compact version of this mini-series is awful. Wait to see the FULL epic!!

It could only get the five stars if it was the full version. Does anyone know where I can get the full version? I need it, or at least want it pretty bad.

this is the worst thing that could have been done. Take a 5 day mini-series and chop it to under 2 hours. You loose everything. Save up and buy the full 4 tape version... It is worth it...

At this point in my young life I have learned to love literature in all ways possible. For the past few weeks I have been reading "Shogun", and I must say that it is worth it. However, while I was in the begining of the book, my parents encouraged me to watch the movie/TV. mini-seris "Shogun". So, as the story continues, I bought the two-hour version, and I must say it is horrible! The editers cut out three-quarters out of the book, so i must assume the same went for the original edition of "Shogun- The Epic Story". Basically if you have not read the book you will be completely lost, and if you have read the book, you would be appaled. This movie is merely, cliff notes, and nothing more than that. If you intend to receive the true meaning of the book, with out reading it, than i suggest to buy the original five day made-for-TV. movie, on Amazon, and sell it back used. Overall, the movie did not carry the theme of the book, so all "Shogun" fans if you buy this, do not expect much. Besides, the movie was extremly chopy. The person, whoever edited the movie did a fairly poor job.

Love the details of clothing and culture shown in this clash of cultures in feudal Japan!

I loved the movie, loved the book (for its additional history and detail) HATED this "outtake." Even knowing the story it was so chopped up it couldn't be followed. After half an hour, I turned it off, threw it in my yardsale box, then thought again and just threw it in the trash!