Rating: 
Summary: Boorman does it again
Review: Boorman's an underrated director. This film is a real masterpiece, and it is quirky and distant in a way that Boorman films always seem to be. After you get used to his style, though, you learn to appreciate it. Boorman is an artist who doesn't seem to be at first because, unlike directors like Scorsese, Spielberg, Cronenberg, etc., he doesn't necessarily rely on indiosyncratic camera movements or angles, special effects or jarring dialog delivery to stamp his movies. But there is a consistency of craftsmanship and deep emotional resonance in his pictures, and in my view the closest parallel is Werner Herzog (and not just because of the naturalism that both directors seem interested in). Like his recent Rangoon film with Patricia Arquette, the characters here are disaffected and difficult, but ultimately very engrossing. And the casting of Nicol Williamson, perhaps the weirdest Merlin ever, was a great move. Its a complex film that stands up to repeated viewings and, after all, isn't that why you buy a DVD?
Rating: 
Summary: Mystical, magical, beautiful and absolutely wonderful.
Review: I first saw this movie in the theatres; when it ended, the audience was silent. No one left their seats for several minutes. Seeing Excalibur on a television doesn't give it justice, but it's better than nothing! This is one of my 2 favorite movies of all times. I've always loved the Arthur legend, and I can't imagine a more beautiful rendition of the story. I especially loved the music, the costumes, the quirky acting. The battle scenese were appropriately gory, the love scenes very sensuous. My favorite character was Merlin - he was so wise and funny too! Helen Mirren was also so beautiful, powerful and evil! I've seen this movie so many times, and never get tired of it. That's my personal test of a great movie. anyway, I hope anyone who hasn't seen it gives it a try, and simply sits back to take it all in. Analyzing it will just be a waste.
Rating:
Summary: A DVD WINNER!
Review: I had recalled this movie to be the best King Arthur film in the genre. Amazon had it at 11.99 for the pre-order dvd so I took a chance and I'm glad I did. Excellent action and filmed quite beautifully. The feature where John Boorman's commentary runs through the film makes it seem like he's in your living room telling you why he used a specific type of lighting and for which type of effect. Boorman's commentary adds so much and illuminates the amount of thought that went into the making of the film. I knew this was an excellent film, but on Dvd you get your money's worth easily. Great music, filming, art direction, action, and 3 great- looking women! You'll enjoy it! Boorman is a real artist.
Rating:
Summary: DVD w/ Boorman Commentary -- Exceptional
Review: The DVD of Excalibur was worth the wait -- marvelous conversion of a classic. The quality of the cinematography in the movie is far better than I'd remembered -- color saturation is great even in scenes with low light (i.e., about 1/2 the movie). You can't make a great, dark DVD withough great cinematography (and some tweaking in the mastering process) -- this has some of the best dark scenes I've seen (esp. for a 20 year old movie). Really great job. Then, there's John Boorman's commentary -- wonderful, very casual and informative, nostalgic and funny. I would like to say 'thank you' to Mr. Boorman for sharing his thoughts on the making of this great film. A DVD I'll cherish.
Rating:
Summary: Loved every second of it!!
Review: I am a great fan of this movie. I saw it first as a young kid, and I have been in love with it ever since. One thing, though, I NEED the SOUNDTRACK! Anyone with info, please...please...i beg you...price is of little object. Promise to post info if i find anything...
Rating:
Summary: The greatest Arthurian movie ever made
Review: This movie comes the closest of any theatrical rendition to capturing the grandeur and pageantry of Mallory's Le Mortre De Arthur. From opening scene to closing credits, this is one of the most well-done movies ever made. Boorman is at his best in its direction & the soundtrack is all Wagner. Who could ask for anything more? Also, unlike many other Arthur films (Such as First Knight) Excalibur addresses the entire scope of the legend instead of just one aspect. Fans will furthermore delight in seeing a young Liam Neason and a performance of Patrick Stewart from his mid-life years. This film is, quite simply, excellent.
Rating:
Summary: CAN'T WAIT FOR THE DVD!!!!!!!
Review: If only for the costumes and locations see this film!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: For me, this is the definitive film version of the legend.
Review: Superlative re-telling of the Arthur legend. Nicol Williamson steals the show the same way Alan Rickman dominated the Kevin Costner version of the Robin Hood story. Excellent acting and sometimes subtle humour. Boorman at his best since "Deliverance" and "Point Blank." This one is in my personal library of favourite films.
Rating:
Summary: Sits next to Braveheart as the greatest movie created!
Review: Getting ticked off by the cheap presentations of the arthurian legend (First Knight, Sword in the Stone). John Boorman magnificantly brings to life the greatest legend in history: Arthur and the knights of the Round Table. This movie is so good, it's even better than Monty Python's arthur movie. Nicol Williamson is the greatest Merlin character I've seen on the screen. Nigel Terry, who is a terribly underated actor, preforms flawlessly as the greatest king in history. If you're a fan of fantasy or medevil movies, this is the movie for you!
Rating:
Summary: Whom does the DVD serve? Me, finally!!
Review: Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou!! I finally get to watch this movie in its true widescreen format and in Dolby Digital!! The charge to Mordred scene after Arthur awakens with Carmina Burana playing in the background is one of most powerful scenes in history. The Excalibur video I have will be retired as soon as I get my hands on this DVD. I would have thought that Excalibur was worthy of the Criterion Collection label. This DVD could have been so much more. I was hoping that they would include the cut out scenes in Arthur's and Mordred's final duel. It's just too short! Well beggers can't be choosers, at least it got made into DVD! I hope Criterion recognises this movie and gives us the extras we want. I would happily pay more. DTS sound would be a nice plus too!!! Let's all chant together "A-nhall-na-grat, uuh-vads-vi-dhad.....etc!!"
|
