I noticed Criterion has just released a box set of 'Yojimbo & Sanjuro'. Please tell me they're the old versions just repackaged and not upgraded versions. Double dipping Criterion discs is expensive.

Criterion has created new transfers and extras for both movies.

You got that right.

Anyway check out DVDBeaver for screen comparisons.

from NY TIMES - Jan 23, 2007:

Remastered
The Criterion Collection has redressed an old wrong with new editions of "Yojimbo" (1961) and "Sanjuro" (1962), two samurai classics by Akira Kurosawa previously released by Criterion in flawed versions. The new transfers are anamorphic widescreen rather than letterbox releases; both have been digitally manipulated to bring out detail previously lost in shadows.

These are both huge upgrades in picture quality. Double-dipping on these would be most excellent.

Those screencaps show that it's definately worth the upgrade.

was anyone able to pick this up at best buy? my local one had the set as being released 2/13. i ended up ordering it from amazon.

Checked these out today and the new transfers are amazing. Glad I sold my old ones and upgraded on these and Seven Samurai. Now if they would only redo High and Low.

Call me obsessive. I cant bring myself to sell any of my Criterions that I double dip on. Still need the Charade and Beauty and The Beast updates.

Mine came in today!

I almost always get Tuesday's Times (Science Times rules!), but I tend to forget to read the DVD section, and this week is no different.

D'oh! Looks like I'll be getting these again. The transfers do look much better. I think I'll wait for the next DDD sale.

Thanks for all the responses.

Must resist double dipping.......who am I kidding

Resistance is futile...

Especially in this case!

While I haven't got the discs myself, these are apparently really worth getting. Not only is the picture and sound quality much better (and is also presented in the original size, unlike with the original Criterion releases), the discs also come with yet another top-quality commentary (or well, two of them) by Stephen Prince.

There's also been a considerable excitement over these at Akira Kurosawa News and Information.

I just now got around to getting the 3-disc Seven Samurai... now this goes next on the shopping list once I sell another kidney or something... Argh!

The deal of the year so far for me!
cdwow had the boxset for only $37.95 w/dvdtalk link,
and they happened to ship it out 1 week before release date.

They jacked the price back up, but I really lucked out.
Excellent DVD sets. Well worth getting rid of the old discs.