Kon Ichikawa's 'Dora-Heita' ('Alley Cat', 1999) R1 USA DVD from AnimEigo April 10th 2007.

Here's one of the late-2006 licenses announced by AnimEigo, Kon Ichikawa's late-90's Chambara with Koji Yakusho and Bunta Sugawara within a project that was originally concieved in the late-60's. Yes, although this made an appearance on DVD in Japan (with English Subtitles) during 2000, not long after its original theatrical release, this is following on from a wavering in the quality of AnimEigo's issued material so I am personally holding off on this cheaper option (well, just about) until I've seen if it's a decent transfer. Koji Yakusho and Kon Ichikawa aside, this has been on the edges of my radar for a long time, it's a pretty familiar poster design and has enough of a reputation as a film of interest to warrant keeping an eye on for a little longer.

Synopsis from USC, "A new town magistrate has been sent down from Edo. His name is Mochizuki Koheita but his nickname is Dora-Heita (Alleycat) because of his notoriously dissolute ways. The small town where he is to preside is really run by a bunch of yakuza in criminal liaison with the leaders of the feudal clan which controls the area. When Magistrate Alleycat appears they laugh him off until it becomes apparent that he is much more than he seems. Actually, he is a serious and responsible civil servant who has been sent by headquarters to rid the town of its evil leaders." [Source : USC Edu; Longer Synopsis at Moviefone].

Dora-Heita Review at Variety from 2000.
Dora-HeitaShort Reaction & Overview by Donald Ritchie.
Pre-Order Dora-Heita at Amazon.com [Direct Link] on R1 USA DVD for April 10th 2007 Release.