Rating: 
Summary: When Times Were Simpler and Steve Reeves Was Hercules!
Review: Ah, yes! Those were the days! Disregard the dubbed-in dialogue and hokey plot lines. The orginal 1957 "Hercules" is a treasure of fantasy and fun. To those Americans who possess a sense of the past (what used to be known fondly as "nostalgia" prior to the MTV generation and its contemptuous stance toward anything that occurred prior to the maturation of Jennifer Lopez's big, fat posterior), Johnny Weismuller was Tarzen. Bela Lugosi was Dracula. Clayton Moore was the Lone Ranger. And Steve Reeves was Hercules. Long before Arnold there was Steve Reeves, the prototype body builder who in the 1940s and 50s surpassed what Charles Atlas initiated a generation earlier. A scrawny, unathletic kid who was teased unmercifully, Reeves decided to do something about his predicament. He made body building and fitness a way of life. Between 1945 and 1950, Reeves won every body building competition and award in the universe, and he did so without the use of steroids or any other drugs. It didn't take long for Hollywood to come calling. After being considered and then turned down for the role of Samson (for being "too muscular") in the 1949 MGM production of "Samson and Delilah" opposite Heddy Lamarr, Reeves spent a few years playing mostly forgetable parts in a number of films before achieving celluloid stardom in his adopted home, Italy. In 1957 Reeves portrayed the legendary Greek hero Hercules in the film of the same name, and repeated the role in its sequel, "Hercules Unchained," two years later. Reeves was extraordinarily handsome with black wavy hair and piercing blue eyes. With his beard and spectacular physique, Reeves looked exactly like the image of the Greek demigod as it had been depicted for thousands of years. So ingrained became his image in the minds of movie fans, that the names "Steve Reeves" and "Hercules" became synonomous. For a time in the late 1950s and early 1960s he was the highest-paid movie star in the world. To kids growing up in an innocent age of malt shops, high school dances, science-fiction comics, and "Father Knows Best," Reeves was the epitome of wholesome manliness. He became the idol and inspiration for a whole new generation of weightlifters and body builders, including Lou Ferrigno, Franco Columbo, Reg Park, and old Arnold himself. He enchanted young and old alike as Hercules and as a number of other legendary Greco-Roman characters. In the late 1960s while still fit as a fiddle, very popular, and only in his early 40s, Reeves was asked by Sergio Leonne to star in a series of Spaghetti Westerns. But Reeves decided to leave the acting business. His place was taken by Clint Eastwood, and the rest is history (there's that anachronistic word again). Reeves continued living in Italy where he could be spotted daily "power-walking" (rapidly walking while carrying light weights in his arms) around all the famous sites in Rome. By the 1990s he and his wife returned to America where they raised horses and lived quietly on a beautiful ranch in Southern California. Reeves still looked great into his seventies and remained a steadfast advocate of drug-free athletics. Which is why it was so shocking to hear of his sudden death from cancer in 2000. Supposedly, Reeves visited his physician and was diagnosed with an accutely malignant form of cancer. In two weeks, he was dead. Upon hearing the news, I couldn't accept the fact of his passing. "Steve Reeves dead? Can't be." He always seemed so invincible. How time marches on. But the image of Reeves as the prototype celluloid demigod will endure. In the hearts and memories of many a young boy in the 1950s and 60s, there was no more popular person in the world than Steve Reeves. In many ways, Reeves may well have been the last great role model of an America that used to be. Malt shops are gone. Early sci-fi classic films with thoughtful plots like Howard Hawks' "The Thing From Another World" and Robert Wise's "The Day the Earth Stood Still" are now considered archaic by a generation whose attention span is measureable in nanoseconds. High school dances long ago devolved into loud, coarse, uncivil environments known as "clubs." There are no TV shows even remotely resembling the quaint idealism of "Father Knows Best." Yet certain images from yesteryear remain transfixed eternally in the minds of those still thoughtful enough to remember. Steve Reeves will always be the one and only "Hercules." So long, pal.
Rating: 
Summary: Herc Was Cool
Review: Finally, Steve Reeves on DVD! The version sent to me was by Gemstone Entertainment; but appears to be the same version as United American Video. A few years back I was on Steve's web site and commented that I was disappointed that there were none of his films on DVD, and the reply that I got back was, "Only on VHS now; but just wait a bit longer...." I remember the first time I saw this movie as a kid, I was totally hooked on Steve Reeves and his name was forever connected with Hercules, which is kind of funny considering that he only made two Hercules movies. Though watching Italian movies can take a little getting used to, mainly due to the editing practices, in addition to dubbing the sound in after the movie had been completed, this movie holds the test of time very well, considering that it's almost 45 years old. My only real complaints are that it's not presented in a natural widescreen format and that the copy of the print was not in pristene condition; but don't let the TV format, soft focus and colors in some spots, and a few scratches and specks during the movie deter you from getting this classic. Some day I'm hoping to see a higher grade edition, in widescreen, with the film digitally restored and maybe a few extras; but until then, this will more than suffice.
Rating: 
Summary: Buff Beyond Belief -- The Original Sand and Sandal Epic
Review: I just watched the Italian film Hercules staring Steve Reeves in the title role. First of all it was a pleasure to see Hercules call on his father Jupiter (and not Zeus as so many would have it).Hercules travels to Jialco where he finds himself first welcomed by the Throne and then despised. After defeating the Cretan Bull, Hercules finds Jason, lost heir to the throne of Jialco. To prove Jason is who he says he is, Hercules, Jason, Argos and others set out to find the lost Golden Fleece. Originally shot in Italian, this film does suffer from bad dubbing. This film, and particularly its sequel, Hercules Unchained, are some of the best interpretations of the Hercules legend. Steve Reeves is wonderful as the hero and looks like he could defeat Kevin Sorbo without even trying. Reeves spends most of the film sans shirt showing off one of the finest builds ever filmed. For those who prefer looking at bodies with more curves, there are plenty of women in short Grecian robes.
Rating:
Summary: Buff Beyond Belief -- The Original Sand and Sandal Epic
Review: I just watched the Italian film Hercules staring Steve Reeves in the title role. First of all it was a pleasure to see Hercules call on his father Jupiter (and not Zeus as so many would have it). Hercules travels to Jialco where he finds himself first welcomed by the Throne and then despised. After defeating the Cretan Bull, Hercules finds Jason, lost heir to the throne of Jialco. To prove Jason is who he says he is, Hercules, Jason, Argos and others set out to find the lost Golden Fleece. Originally shot in Italian, this film does suffer from bad dubbing. This film, and particularly its sequel, Hercules Unchained, are some of the best interpretations of the Hercules legend. Steve Reeves is wonderful as the hero and looks like he could defeat Kevin Sorbo without even trying. Reeves spends most of the film sans shirt showing off one of the finest builds ever filmed. For those who prefer looking at bodies with more curves, there are plenty of women in short Grecian robes.
Rating:
Summary: The Great Steve Reeves as Hercules
Review: I remember seeing this movie as a child and interestingly enough, now that it is on dvd, my son has bought this for his family.There are no great special effects. And don't look for any great acting, but Hercules is a fun movie and Reeves is the perfect Hercules with a sculpted physique, handsome and charismatic. I hope more Reeves movies become available on dvd. He was the original action hero.
Rating: 
Summary: Did Disney ruin it forever, or was it already too late?
Review: I will make frequent reference to my copy, a discounted version on the notoriously low-quality "Goodtimes Home Video", especially the trademark misrepresentation of the sleeve. SLEEVE: "The Best Heroic Action Movie Ever Made" TRUTH: Probably one of the most ambitious plots. By this print in 1990, there may well have been better action movies. SLEEVE: SEE Hercules single-handedly wrestle a man-eating lion! TRUTH: LAUGH at Hercules as he single-handedly wrestles down a shag carpet. SLEEVE: SEE Hercules beat the infamous Cretan Bull down with his fists! TRUTH: SEE footage of a bull! SEE Hercules struggle for ten minutes with a taxidermist's rendition of a different bull. Strangely enough, these encounters in the first half mean nothing to the plot...because they are about Hercules. The movie, it turns out, is not about Hercules, as he just ends up being an Argonaut stooge. While better dubbed than--say--a Bruce Lee movie, it tries to be a similar style of action (fighting) movie, and these scenes fail miserably by today's standards. It's a given that no child will ever choose this film over the cartoon. However, it was probably doomed to the classic nostalgia crowd anyway. It's a shame Disney got hold of him before there could be a Godzilla-ish remake. All the classics seem to go one way or the other.
Rating: 
Summary: What a great pity
Review: This is without doubt the worst film transfer to DVD I have ever seen. I saw the film recently on TV and it was 10 times the quality of this DVD. Dont waste your money on this DVD.
It is an insult to modern technology and frankly a rip-off. Amazon should be ashamed of selling this product.
Rating:
Summary: Hercules (aka Steve Reeves!)
Review: This is a film I saw as a kid on a summer afternoon in one of those grand old downtown movie palaces and it's still my all-time favorite fantasy film. Steve Reeves is magnificent as the chiseled, moody Greek hero; his performace is timeless. My favorite scene has Hercules supplicating the gods to permit him to experience the joys and sorrows of human life. The heavens answer the hero's plea with a deluge of rain, freeing the hero of godhood. The script adapts episodes from the Labors of Hercules and the Quest for the Golden Fleece; sets and costumes suggest the rugged age of myth; supporting roles are played by attractive and competent performers. The dragon guarding the Golden Fleece is nothing to write home about, but who cares? ... we came to see Steeve! A classic not to be missed!
Rating:
Summary: Hercules Chained to TV Format.
Review: This is a review of the DVD by Gemstone Entertainment - ISBN 0-7694-1100-2, UPC 84296-40174. Judging by the price, the one listed here on Amazon.com is likely to be similar. I would rate the movie itself as one of my all time favorite fantasy adventures, although many would view it as "campy" I view Steve Reeves as the best Hercules ever. I was rather disappointed that the DVD was a formatted-for-TV version of the movie, apparently made from a rather faded print of the film. The sound was generally out of sink with the actors lips. (Stopping and restarting my SONY player did not fix the problem.) I'm glad I have some version of this movie in my library. Hopefully a restored, letterboxed version will be done someday.
Rating:
Summary: Hercules Chained to TV Format.
Review: This is a review of the DVD by Gemstone Entertainment - ISBN 0-7694-1100-2, UPC 84296-40174. Judging by the price, the one listed here on Amazon.com is likely to be similar. I would rate the movie itself as one of my all time favorite fantasy adventures, although many would view it as "campy" I view Steve Reeves as the best Hercules ever. I was rather disappointed that the DVD was a formatted-for-TV version of the movie, apparently made from a rather faded print of the film. The sound was generally out of sink with the actors lips. (Stopping and restarting my SONY player did not fix the problem.) I'm glad I have some version of this movie in my library. Hopefully a restored, letterboxed version will be done someday.
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