Rating: 
Summary: Great film, rotten DVD
Review: Every one agrees the film is something special, but unfortunately this DVD is not. The DVD might boast "fully restored and digital masters", and be the widescreen edition, but unfortunately the picture is badly pixelated and blurred so I have to wonder why they even bothered remastering it. It's not surprising the picture is bad considering that this is a single-sided, single-layer non anamorphic disc. There are also zero extras worth mentioning. Caveat Emptor.
Rating: 
Summary: Much better on DVD-
Review: THIS IS ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE FILMS. THE TRUE STORY OF THE DEFENSE OF ROURKES DRIFT BY A HANDFULL OF BRITISH INFANTRY DURING THE ZULU WAR OF 1879.REMINISCENT IN MANY WAYS OF THE DEFENSE OF THE ALAMO, BUT MORE SATISFYING- THESE GUYS -AT LEAST SOME OF THEM- SURVIVE THE BATTLE.GREAT PERFORMANCES BY STANLEY BAKER, MICHAEL CAINE, IN HIS FIRST MOVIE ROLE,AND JACK HAWKINS. THE DVD VERSION IS FAR SUPERIOR TO EARLIER VHS VERSIONS, WITH A CLEAN PICTURE AND WIDESCREEN FORMAT.BUY IT!AN INTERESTING TRIVIA SIDELITE ON THIS FILM- WHEN BRITISH OFFICERS IN THE ADEN PROTECTORATE SCREENED THIS FILM FOR THIER NATIVE LEVIES IN THE EARLY 60`S, THE ARAB SOLDIERS FIRED THIER RIFLES AT THE CHARGING ZULUS ON THE SCREEN!
Rating: 
Summary: ZULU...ONE OF THE BEST WAR FILMS MADE!
Review: Thought as a accurate depiction of an actual historical event, zulu surprises by great direction from Cy Endfield, and performances from Micheal Caine (one of his first on screen), Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, and the great Nigel Green. Historians may find some of the events a little bit questionable, however military film fans will be pulled in by the action and superb characterizations. The story starts in early 1879, after the defeat of several thousand british soldiers by Zulu warriors at Iswandhlwana. The news flashes to a small encampment of british soldiers who are building a bridge over a tiny river. This group has two commanders, Caine and Baker, but it is baker who really has seniority. Other problems occur when a preacher and his daughter (played well by Hawkins and Ulla Jacobsson) arrive from the Zulu village to take away some of Baker's wounded. After their departure, the Zulu's appear. Magnificent and powerful looking, the Zulus strike like a force of nature, swarming over the camp several times in the movie. My only critique about the picture is the empty depiction of the Zulus. They seem almost robotic-like, fighting without fear--then immediately retreating--only to attack again. Perhaps of few scenes of them tending to their own wounded or showing them forming battle-attack scenarios could've made them seem more "human" in my opinion. That might not be fair to the filmmakers, who because of budget, story and time constraints could only focus on one side of the film. Still, many of the british characters are a tight mixture of hardcore soldiers and nasty troublemakers (James Booth excellent portrayal as Hook is a coward who will eventually turn hero). Director Enfield and writer John Prebble had set up shots and created sequences that make the look of the film simple but eye-catching. Enfield, Prebble and lead actor Stanley Baker (who also co-produced), whittled the film to its bare essentials...it is a war film. Nothing more, nothing else. The reasons for british occupation, the Zulu's brutality, or race and religion is not brought up. Which in my opinion was a good move on their part; they kept it fast and full realistic combat scenes. After watching the film, you'll have greater respect for soldiers and tribal warriors of that period, and a reconition that war is something to take lightly. Kudos are also deserved by cinematographer Stephen Dade (who produced great shots all on location!)and the great John Barry (the score is sweeping and quite memorable). The film is also narrated by Richard Burton. It is also sad to note that many of the Zulu actors were not allowed to see the film when it premiered in South Africa at the time. Zulu is one of my highest reconmendation, buy it ASAP...you'll love it.
Rating:
Summary: Best Action Movie
Review: Zulu is probably the best action movie that I've ever seen. It has plot, suspense, action, and guns. Zulu is the story of the battle of Rorke's Drift, between British soldiers and Zulu warriors. To summarize, about a hundred British soldiers manage to hold a few buildings attacked by thousands of Zulu. The best scene in the film occurs when the Zulu shout a battle "song" down at the soldiers. The soldiers sing back with a Welsh song called Men of Harlech. The dichotomy is striking; the beautiful European melody against the Zulu chant. It's a very powerful scene. I very much enjoyed fighting the Zulu vicariously through the British infantrymen.
Rating:
Summary: Glorious!
Review: As I read throught the near 100 reviews for Zulu, I noticed only a mere handful of them were written by women. I suppose this shouldn't be suprising as this is one of the greatest adventure films ever...a real "Alpha Male Movie". However, there is much for a woman to appreciate here as well, which is why I'm surprised that so few women have viewed it. I saw Zulu when it was first released in 1964. My father, a huge fan of Ian Flemming, had taken our family to the Thunderbird Drive-In in Phoenix to see Dr. No. In those days you got two movies for the price of one, with the main feature showing last. As luck would have it...good luck, indeed...Zulu played first.We had heard nothing of this movie and were totally unprepared for the emotional punch it would deliver. I can honestly say, that if it were not for video I would remember virtually nothing of Dr. No...with the exception of the now famous scene of bikini clad Ursula Andress emerging from the sea...and this only because of my father's lascivious comments and my mother's jolting elbo jab to his ribs. However, there is hardly a scene from Zulu that I don't recall. For the individual who has never had the good fortune to see Zulu, the movie begins with the massacre of over 1,000 soldiers encamped on the slopes of the mountain at Islandwana, which in turn forces the tiny Mission station at Rourkes Drift...manned by only a few hundred soldiers...into what seems an impossible situation. Luckily for everyone, Lt. John Chard (played brillantly by Stanley Baker)has been assigned to Rourkes Drift to build a bridge. With his wisdom, sharp military mind and courage, he is able to turn a band of bored and untested men into British soldiers of the highest calibur...and in the process...honored as warriors by the Zulu. Although this is Michael Caines' first film, he's superb in the role of the snobbish and class conscious Lt. Gonville Bromhead who has his stength of character tested but ultimatley proved. Supporting actors, James Booth (Private Henry Hook)Nigel Green (Colour Sergeant Frank Bourne)and David Kernan (Fred Hitch) are also standouts. Now I admit that I'm reviewing this movie from a somewhat different perspective than many of the other reviewers. Although this movie is based on an actual event, I'm not overly concerned with whether, or not, the British uniforms are regulation and authentic...or, if in fact the actual Lt. Chard and Lt. Bromhead were indeed in reality much older than either Stanley Baker, or Michael Caine. It seems to me if you are an individual who is that focused on historical accuracy in your movies, you're better of watching either PBS or the History Channel...which by the way HAS shown Zulu, complete with commentary by historians who find this film, with a few exceptions, and accurate depiction of the events surrounding the siege at Rourkes Drift. From the opening voice over by Richard Burton, as well as the scene of Welch soldiers singing before a pre-battle dawn, to the unforgettable images of three level firing lines on a redoubt, this is one of the greatest adventure movies ever made...even if you aren't male. This movie has more heart and passion for all it's testosterone than most "Chick Flicks" It's heart pounding, nail biting, inspiring movie making at it's best. Purchase this DVD for a "must have" for any serious movie collector.
Rating:
Summary: Significant in Military History
Review: Hi everyone- Just to add to the prior and articulate superb reviews: The most intriguing part of this film to me were the combat scenes that demonstrated the line and box firing system that the British were the first to implement that maximized the concentrated use of their firepower. It was with this system 50 years prior that Wellington employed to defeat the Napoleonic forces at Waterloo, and the film does a wonderful and graphic job depicting it. Being rushed by hundreds of Zulu warriors at a time- The British forces would line up in 2 ranks- (This was in the single shot Martini-Henry breech loading rifle days) After the first rank fired-They would squat down and move forward, and the rear rank would then fire and repeat the process. As a result, the mighty Zulus were met with deadly sheets of hot lead that ultimately halted their agressive killing rushes and made them retreat in the carnage filled battle scenes. I may be going out on a limb here- But Zulu is so action and adventure filled; I'm calling it the BEST war epic prior to the release of Platoon 23 years later. No room for ladies here folks- This one is strictly a high testosterone offering for guys who love war movies. Superb.
Rating:
Summary: A truly great film; however, I wouldn't buy it here
Review: In the tradition of such great historical war epics such as "Lawrence of Arabia", "Zulu" certainly does not disappoint. There is excellent acting, excellent cinematography, and an excellent battle scene which consumes much of the movie. We here have the traditional "They Died with Their Boots On" scenario, where an unfortunate band of about 100 white, mechanised troops finds themselves confronted with a horde of about 4,000 bloodthirsty savages who aren't taking any prisoners. However, the major flaws that I've found in the film (flaws which prompted my subtraction of one star from its rating) have been the melodrama and the historical inaccuracy that on occasion scream to the viewer. Of course, as a film unto itself, these things are easily negligible; however, since we maintain that it is a historical drama based upon real-life events that took place in January 1879, we have to take them into account. The only blatant inaccuracy is the British uniform. The epolets should be red; instead, they're black. The collars should be a dark green color; instead, they're black. The helmets belonging to the infantrymen should be void of the gold insigna; instead, they have it. Of course, these things all contribute to the glory, to the regal feel of the film, but I feel it important to mention them before you find yourself at a cocktail party bragging about how wonderfully accurate this film is and make a faux pas :). The Zulu warriors, however, do an excellent job--they don't whoop like Indians or wear feathers as they do in "Zulu Dawn" (which I think was an attempt to connect Zulus to Indians to appeal to the audience), and the seemingly cliché final scene, where the Zulus salute the surviving British, actually happened, God bless their souls. As I said, the battle is absolutely stunning and wonderfully filmed and scripted, and if you are a fan of such scenes you'll drool over this film. Jack Hawkins' character of Otto Witt is a large question mark in the film, however: either it enhances the film or detracts from it, for there, combined with the character of his daughter, is seen the largest case of overacting. [...] This is also a WONDERFUL film to watch in letterbox, so if you can find that edition, I highly recommend it. In short, this is a great film, but if you're searching specifically for the VHS edition, hop in the Model T and truck on down to your local Ma & Pa Drugstore--you may be surprised at what you find!
Rating:
Summary: Zulu
Review: Historically accurate, this action packed true story depicts the defenders of Roarke's Drift during the Zulu War. The Zulus had just routed a modern English army, before thet marched on Roarke's Drift. Held by an engineer (stanley baker) and a neophyte junior officer (Michael Caine in his FIRST movie) you just can't beat it. The drawback is the mono sound, otherwise you will be hard pressed to find a better crafted, and acted film.
Rating:
Summary: Courageous True Story
Review: 150 British, 1 Swiss, and 1 Boer against 5,000 Zulu warriors. Zulu is the true story of one group of British protecting the mission outpost of Rourke's Drift from the coming onslaught of a united force of the fearsome and brave Zulu warriors. This film picks up right after the Zulu army swept down and massacred a British regiment at Isandwhala (featured in the prequel Zulu Dawn). The battle of Rourke's Drift was seemingly hopeless, but these brave men held out against an army of sheer numbers - with the most Royal Crosses being awarded in a single campaign. The first half of this film entails the preparation and seemingly hopelessness that the Brits were going through in order to set-up some sort of defensive perimeter - after the 1st hour the Zulus approach - eeiry - hearing them rattle their shields (sounding like a locomotive) and it echoe throughout the countryside - and when they break into song before the attack - you can feel your own knees shake. The battles are realistic and brutal (very accurate - a good account of this story can be found in the book - Like Lions They Fought) - and the Zulus are very well planned in this assault - with snipers and multi-pronged flanking moves - very impressive. After 2 days and one night of fighting - the Biritish, completely spent and nearly out of ammo - prepare for what is to be the last wave - only to hear the Zulu's break into song and chant - told to them by the Boer that the Zulus are saluting them as fellow warriors - Powerful to say the least. Just the sight of 5,000 Zulu warriors appearing on the cliffs surrounding the fort is an unforgetable sight. The DVD for this @ $10 or less is a real steal - with a non-anamorphic widescreen transfer, cast bios, chapter stops (only 6), and other titles available. The sound is in Dolby Pro Logic but sounds quite nice. The age of the film shows with some fading and washing of the colors - but overall I think it is a good deal since who knows when this will, if ever, be released in better (remastered version) in Region 1. In this widescreen version, I was able to easily notice the monument built to commerate this battle in at least 3 scenes briefly (it looks likes a flagpole). Also of note is - this is Michael Caine's first movie and he's pretty good in it (not too likeable though). A great movie to see as is Shaka Zulu (also on DVD) and hopefully we'll see a release of Zulu Dawn as well.
Rating:
Summary: A superior action film that will get your heart thumping.
Review: Zulu is a superior action film about the famous battle of Roarke's Drift where approximately 4,000 Zulu warriors attacked a British outpost manned by 100 defenders. These warriors were part of a larger contigent that had just destroyed 1,000 British soldiers at the Battle of Isandhlwana. The British had been looking for a large, decisive confrntation; unfortunately, they found it. At Roarke's drift, however, they put up a heroic stand using superb defensive tactics. The director, Cy Enfield, does an excellent job building up the suspense prior to the battle. Shot on location in South Africa, this film honors the bravery of both the Zulus and the British. Stanely Baker and a young Michael Caine turn in fine performances as the two officers in command at Roarke's Drift.
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