Rating: 
Summary: This is not "La Morte de Arthur"
Review: After reading "La Morte de Arthur", I purchased this dvd. I bought it in part because I was told that it did an excellent job of following the book. I was deceived. The movie takes care to leave the names of characters but little else remains. There isn't a scene that isn't "glamorized" in Hollywood fashion, with most scenes completely fabricated to give the movie modern appeal. It is unfortunate that so many have mistakenly claimed "Excalibur" as a close remake of the original book, that Sir Thomas Malory's telling of the story is unknown, even by those who quote it. I gave the movie four stars because it is an entertaining film and fascinating fairy tale. The one star was subtracted for making so many think that "Excalibur" was the film version of "La Morte de Arthur".
Rating: 
Summary: A tremendously underrated telling of the Arthurian legend
Review: Although now a bit dated, this movie continues to impress. The imagery and cinematography, classic strengths of John Boorman, are spectacular -- ranging from the dark and gory battle of human conflict to the lush beauty of nature. Added to this rich visual feast is an excellent score of classical music. This is one of the most nicely shot films you will experience.Nicol Williamson's portrayal of Merlin was critically acclaimed, and was my first introduction to this versatile actor. Helen Mirren gives her usual strong performance. (There is also a short appearance by Patrick Stewart of Star Trek fame, if you care to track those kinds of things.) The story is full of symbolism of mans' struggle to balance nature against progress, wrapped up in Arthur's relationship to "the Land" via Excalibur. While many will find the symbolism and imagery tiresome (again, manifest in most Boorman films), I found it to bring depth to the overdone and overplayed Arthurian legend. Warning: the gore factor is fairly high.
Rating:
Summary: Very Arthurian
Review: I really liked this movie on every level but one. It had the gutsy, down and dirty look of the middle ages and was a classic retelling of an age-old tale. The movie had excellent performances by all, but what really held it up even more was the magnificent cinematography My only real quibble with this movie is the extremely choppy use of the classical music pieces in the soundtrack. I am a strong believer in the old saw that sound makes a good movie really great. Well, the little snippets of well-known classical music thrown in here and there was sometimes rather grating. The musical pieces used are well known and mostly Wagnerian. Letting them run a bit longer when they were used would have greatly enhanced the movie. As it is, they only served to make the movie seem choppy in spots. Make no mistake: this is a great movie, a real collectible.
Rating:
Summary: Accurate and fun
Review: "La Morte de Arthur" put to film, Excalibur is dark, beautiful, silly and sad at different times. With wonderful actors (Patrick Stewart! ) and amazing writing, the film portrays an accurate portrayel (for Hollywood at least) of the French Arthurian legends. It keeps both the good of things Arthur and Merlin's friendship, as well as the disturbing stuff like the child Arthur has with his sister Morganna. Well done.
Rating:
Summary: An interesting spin on Malory's retelling of the legend
Review: Boorman's "Excalibur" is probably one of the finest screen adaptations of Arthurian legend to date. Drawing most heavily on the tale of Arthur's rise to glory and subsequent fall from power as presented in Thomas Malory's 15th century compilation, Boorman focuses on the dark tides of lust, power, revenge, and guilt that often pervade the death stories of the famous Briton King. A summary of the plot should not be necessary, since so many are familiar with the tale. But Boorman masterfully combines many various aspects of the myth into one linear storyline: Uther Pendragon and Igraine (Arthur's parents), the sword in the stone, Merlin's education of Arthur, the Lady of the Lake, the marriage to Guinevere (whose father is played by Patrick Stewart!), and her later betrayal and adultery with Lancelot, sparking the end of the Round Table. Boorman also touches upon the Fisher King myth with Arthur's sickness that can only be cured by the holy power of the grail. This movie is an incredibly powerful one that not only delves into the origins of Arthurian myth, but into the darkness of the human mind as well. If you are an enthusiast of the legend, then you mustn't miss this movie!
Rating:
Summary: Whoa! Like lightning! That's it!
Review: Filmed on location in Ireland, this so far is the greatest Arthurian Movie I have ever seen. And it doesn't even have Richard Harris. Beautiful scenery, great costumes, huge amounts of testosterone, and decent story with a few things left out (Sir Galahad, anyone?). The DVD isn't bad, I wish it had a behind the scenes feature but the widescreen format/ Boorman commentary make up for it. Good Stuff...
Rating:
Summary: A Passionate film
Review: The acting is excellent, the sceens well thought out, the story a classic. This is the King Aurthur other movies try to come close too! This movie is for movie buffs, that enjoy classical films, and the legends of old. The music used in this film,, fits so well with the mood, that it made me want to cry the first time I saw it.
Rating:
Summary: Excalibur: Riding High on the Dragon's Breath
Review: Simply put, "Excalibur" is the greatest sword and scorcery movie ever made and also the best movie account of the legend of King Arthur ever made. John Boorman is a visonary director, always chosing unusual prodjects. He spent years finsihing "Excalibur," and what a magnificient flim it is, with glittering knights fighting awkwardly in the fog, in dream-like landscapes full of magic and fear. Using mostly young unknown actors, he creates a most splendid Camelot. Some of these unknowns, like Gabriel Byrne, Helen Mirren, and of course Patrick Stewart, went on to fame and fortune in the movies and in "Star Trek." "Excalibur" has such high spirits, literally, with Merlin, spendidly played by Nichol Williamson, helping create the new vision of a country united but not without troubles, battles, betrayals and death. Boorman's images gleam with a sacred fire, the shinning armor, the mossy green landscapes of medieval England, jousting tournaments, secret spells, and love affairs. The music of Wagner punctuates the rising of the sacred sword, Excalibur, ascending out of the mist, held by the Lady of the Lake. Merlin uses his magic to help but also gets his heroes in trouble and he warns but they have too much lust and passion to listen to him. What begins as good intentions by Arthur drawing the sword from the stone, creates a wondrous kingdom,leads to the famous betrayal of Lancelot and Gwynevere,full of passion, then breaking apart of the kingdom, with the appearance of Mordrid (played by Charlie Boorman, the director's son)who wants to topple the King and claim Camelot and destroy all it stands for, and then the climactic battle, full of fury and bloody armor clashing, visions and great energy. "Excalibur," riding on pagan and Celtic spells, and the dragon's breath conjured by the mysterious words chanted by Merlin, is the greatest vision John Boorman has created in his excellent film career, a masterpiece of the genre, a deep-felt, visually stunning movie that has few equals.
Rating:
Summary: Not the Once and Future King..., but it will do
Review: This movie does not follow the original telling of the King Arthur legend very well, but, it is one of the most visually stunning movies since Blade Runner, and the music (by Wagner) is wonderful. If you enjoy fantasy or romance then this movie is for you.
Rating:
Summary: A Mesmerizing Epic
Review: Excalibur has long been one of my favorite films, filled with mystery, action, and a sense of visual magic that few films have achieved to capture. Excalibur is a dazzing re-telling of the legend of King Arthur and his kingdom. Nigel Terry makes a dashing and noble King Arthur. From his time as a young squire who pulls the legendary sword from the stone to his final battle, Terry captures the noble essence of the destined and conflicted King. Nicol Williamson is memorable as the mercurial wizard Merlin. Helen Mirren as the sinister and wicked Morgana, Cheri Lunghi is Guinivere and Nicholas Clay as Lancelot. Also featured in the cast are Liam Neeson, Patrick Stewart and Gabriel Byrne. John Boorman really creates the definative cinematic tale of King Arthur. The visual atmosphere is breathtaking, both dark and foreboding and teeming with brilliant colors. The Production design is simply awe inspiring and really takes the viewer to another time and place. The original music by Trevor Jones and music of legendary composer Richard Wagner perfectly captures the mystery and larger than life adventures of King Arthur and the knights of the round table. This DVD edition is overall quite excellent. The picture and sound quality is excellent and includes John Boorman's commentary about the making of this powerful film. My only quibble is the the changing of the cover art. The original and evocotive illustration has been replaced in favor of a rather lame and uninspiring photo composite.
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