The Saga of Anatahan 1953
Josef von Sternberg – the innovative director with a unmatched eye for detail and a reputation for his intensity – brings to life this vulnerable tale of human trauma, survival and redemption.

Towards the end of the Second World War, twelve Japanese seamen are stranded on the forgotten island of Anatahan. The only other inhabitants are the overseer of an abandoned plantation (Tadashi Suganuma) and Keiko (Akemi Negishi), a mysterious young woman. Without any contact with the outside world, the men assume the war is still ongoing. However, as the years begin to pass by, their discipline completely falls apart. Each man’s only goal is to possess power over Keiko.

The Saga of Anatahan is a strange yet enchanting film. Through his voiceover, Von Sternberg acts as the impassive observer. Allowing us to witness events without becoming involved. Based on true events, it’s as much a film about what makes us human as it is a dramatic portrayal. The Saga of Anatahan is a unique piece of film-making from a wholly remarkable director.

Director: Josef von Sternberg
Cast: Akemi Negishi, Tadashi Suganuma, Kisaburo Sawamura
Country: Japan
Genre: Drama, War

The Saga of Anatahan (1953) Kino Lorber
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BD50 | 1080p AVC | 01:31:11 + 01:31:44 | 44.2 Gb + 3% rec
Language: English
Subtitles: English

Extras:
• The complete 1953 version of Anatahan (1:31:44)
• The Making of - Interview with Nicholas von Sternberg (15:36)
• Visual essay by Tag Gallagher (16:16)
• Outtake Footage (2:54)
• U.S. Navy footage of the actual survivors of Anatahan, immediately after their surrender (8:04)
• Comparison 1953 + 1958 version (8:16)
• Original theatrical trailer (1953 Theatrical version - 2:31) Reissue Trailer (2017 1:56)

The Saga of Anatahan (1953) Eureka - Masters of Cinema
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BD50 + DVD9 | 1080p AVC, NTSC | 01:31:09 + 01:31:42 | 45.8 Gb + 7.80 Gb + 3% rec
Language: English
Subtitles: English

Extras:
• The complete 1953 version of the film (Blu-ray only)
• A new interview with Asian film expert Tony Rayns (45:25)
• Whose Saga? - A visual essay by critic Tag Gallagher (16:14)
• Saga: The Making of Anatahan - an interview with Nicolas von Sternberg (15:34)
• Comparison between the 1953 + 1958 versions (8:14)
• U.S. Navy footage of the actual survivors of Anatahan, immediately after their surrender (8:03)
• Unused footage originally filmed specially for the 1958 version of the film (2:52)
• Original theatrical trailer (2:29)