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| Special Features: |
Widescreen anamorphic format.
Chapter selection.
Commentary by director John Boorman.
Production notes.
Theatrical trailer.
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| Video Format: |
Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1)
[SS-RSDL]
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| Languages: |
English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
French (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono)
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| Captions: |
English, French.
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| Sides: |
1-Disc Snap Case
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John Boorman’s "Excalibur" is my favorite screen version of the legend of King Arthur. The film is epic in scope, lushly photographed, populated with fully realized characters portrayed by some of the best actors on the face of the earth. Another thing that sets "Excalibur" apart is the mature, adult manner in which it approaches its subject. These characters are full of lust, ambition, deceit and even virtue.
Boorman’s camera doesn’t blink in bringing the machinations to life. So bold is Boorman that he even went as far as filming his own daughter’s seduction/rape by Arthur’s father. Boorman stated that it was like filming any other scene with an actress.
Arthur (Nigel Terry) is the son of King Uther (Gabriel Bryne) and Igrayne (Katrine Boorman). Uther became king of England. At the banquet to celebrate his victory, he was overcome with lust for Igrayne. The wars started back up and Uther calls on Merlin (Nicol Williamson) to make a night of passion with Igrayne possible. Merlin agrees, but says that the fruit of Uther’s labor will belong to Merlin. Igrayne gives birth to a son, Arthur. Merlin comes to claim the boy. Soon afterward, Uther is waylaid by one of his many enemies. He declares that no one but him shall wield Excalibur, the sword of power from days of old. Before his death, Uther drives the mighty sword into a large stone. Only the one destined to rule by the old ones will be able to pull the sword from the stone.
By all means, you should get this movie. The two and one half hour movie is so full of magic. This is a must see. The cast also includes Helen Mirren as Arthur’s demonic half-sister, Morgana. Liam Neesan is Gawain, a knight of the round table who falls under Morgana’s evil spell. Nicholas Clay stars as the strangely homoerotic Sir Lancelot. Cheri Lungi is fair as Guenevere. Patrick Stewart portrays Guenevere’s father.
Filmed in Ireland near director Boorman’s own home, the movie has the look a much more expensive film. The lush sets and photography, graphic, fierce battles and great acting are all outshined by Nicole Williamson’s performance as Merlin. Why his work in this role wasn’t nominated for an Oscar would be a mystery if not for the well known politics which pollute the Academy. "Excalibur" stands with "Deliverance" as Boorman’s bookend masterpieces.
Great movie, great commentary, great picture and sound. I would have loved a big 2 disk set with more extras and actor's commentary but I guess Warner Brothers didn't trust folks to buy the DVD.
Picture Quality: 8/10
Beautiful movie. The picture has some artifacts present. Otherwise, Warner Brothers did a good
job capturing the lush photography.
Sound Quality: 10/10
Rousing score. Great clashing of swords and rending of flesh during the film's climatic battle.
Menu: 7/10
Not very imaginative, but it works. Easy to navigate.
Extra Features: 8/10
I loved the commentary track by John Boorman even more than his commentary track on "Zardoz." A lot of DVDs include director's commentary tracks, but few of those directors are in the same league with Mr. Boorman. Sit at the feet of a master and enjoy!Production notes are OK.
The Final Word:
Priced like a 'vanilla' DVD and it contains a director's commentary track! Get the DVD.
Rusty White
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