Not reading OP just yet for fear of spoilers (sorry JTHipster), but if I remember right, The Hidden Fortress is currently on Hulu. I very much recommend it. It's not a "blow you away" kind of movie, but it strikes a good balance of both deep and accessible.

Shoot. I'm gonna re watch it today.

Edit: Apparently Filmstruck is now live and The Criterion Collection moved over there. I don't know how I missed that, seeing as I've been waiting for it since I first heard about it earlier this year when I gave up cable. I'll have to see if they don't have an App for Wii or Xbox yet.

Edit 2: Tablet or PC only until next year. Shoot.