Following in the footsteps of their successful reissue of Seven Samurai, Criterion has announced new editions of two more of director Akira Kurosawa's most beloved pictures. This time Yojimbo (1961) and Sanjuro (1962) are up for the "special edition" treatment by the firm.

Thankfully, the company has not been closed lips about the details of the new releases either. For the new edition of Yojimbo (1961), Criterion has restored the video quality, and one can hope with the same fantastic results that they had with their three disc Seven Samurai release. One of the more amazing aspects of this upcoming reissue, though, is that the movie's audio is presented in a 3.0 presentation. For those well versed in the movie, this film, like others of the time such as King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962), was actually done using Perspecta Stereophonic as a early means to incorporate the directional audio experience. So suffice to say, Criterion's efforts in that respect are well appreciated to display the movie as close to its original specifications as possible. In terms of extras, the disc contains another "episode" of the Toho Masterworks (45 minutes) along with audio commentary by Stephen Prince, the theatrical trailer and production stills.

As for the new Sanjuro (1962) disc, it mimics a lot of the aspects that the new Yojimbo (1961) release will boast as well, including restored video quality and a 3.0 audio presentation to best simulate the original Perspecta Stereophonic aspects of the audio track. This disc will also include another "episode" of the Toho Masterworks (35 minutes) tailored about the production. The set will then round out with audio commentary by Stephen Prince, the theatrical trailer, production stills and a new "expanded" booklet for the film.

Retail price for each is $40 ($28 if pre-ordered through Amazon), while the two will also be sold in a set called Yojimbo/Sanjuro which retails for $70 ($49 if pre-ordered through Amazon). The release date is January 23, 2007.