Rating: 
Summary: Ultimate Musketeer collection finally on DVD
Review: The Complete Musketeers finally arrives on DVD! This ultimate edition of the classic Lester films are finally given the royal treatment they deserve. It's a modern take on a classic tale and although there was at least three more films inspired by Dumas' novel (among them the so-so Bratpack version with Keifer Sutherland, and Peter Hyams horrible The Musketeer), these two films (actually shot as one film back-to-back much like Superman and Superman 2 were to save money).Presented in the original widescreen aspect ratio, with a nice print (though the picture does occasionally look a bit too soft) and with no edge enhancements, Musketeers is presented in very close to pristine condition. While the sound is a bit dull and flat (not a surprise due to the fact that its a mono recording), I would have preferred to have Lester do a remix to stereo or a 5.1 surround mix (although the elements may be lost so that might not be possible), the soundtrack sounds pretty good given the time (1973)when the film was made and the age of the masters. Everyone involved gives terrific performances from Michael York to the marvelously underrated Frank Finlay. Richard Chamberlin is at his swashbuckling best. Oliver Reed brings a brooding, dark quality to his performance. Lester's inspired casting of Charleton Heston as the villan was a stroke of genius. Christopher Lee, Rachel Welch and Faye Dunnaway round out a strong international cast. There are a few flaws. 1) Richard Lester is alive and well and could have provided a very interesting commentary. The question is was he willing or asked to do so? 2) The surviving cast members (York, Dunaway, Chamberlin, Lee and Heston)could have provided an interesting and enlightening commentary. While the documentary is interesting, there's always something missing. Watching the film and commenting on it at the same time usually makes for an interesting and fun time. It's like seeing the film all over again with a fresh set of eyes. All for one and one for all, this is a marvelous package and Anchor Bay has done a terrific job putting together these two great movies. A 4 star rating for the packaging and a 5 star rating for the the two movies. Well done!
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