Rating: 
Summary: A "LEGEND" Of A Different Kind...
Review: Well, I have never found the movie LEGEND to be one of the more satisfying movie experiences in my years of watching films. Though sporting a beautiful visual style and striking cinematography, I found the story to be very thin and uninteresting. Regardless of Tim Curry's incredible performance as Darkness, I was never really drawn into the plot in any way what-so-ever! The electronic score by the pop group Tangerine Dream didn't help matters. The added songs, which were VERY out of place for a fantasy film of this nature, literally sent me running away never wanting to return. Such was my experience with director Ridley Scott's fourth screen adventure. After reading numerous stories about the film being tinkered with by studio executives, I was always a bit curious as to what it would have been like in its original form. I felt that it was very unfortunate that Jerry Goldsmith, a composer of many beloved movie scores including ALIEN, POLTERGEIST, and several STAR TREK films, would have his score unceremoniously ripped away from the film and replaced with a pop score in an effort to appeal more to the masses. What would the film be like with his original score intact again? These were wishful daydreams that I never expected to see happen. I was wrong. LEGEND Ultimate Edition DVD is a wonderful release that is well worth the money. Finally, Ridley Scott has been afforded the chance to go back and fix his movie, restoring it to his original vision, along with the original music. The changes have done wonders for my overall enjoyment of this film. Firstly, the Goldsmith score immediately helps to draw you into this fantasy world and never lets you go. The conclusion of the film being set to actual music instead of pop-singing is awesome to say the least! Twenty-four minutes have been added to the movie, allowing the story to proceed at a more natural pace. The quick edits designed to get us to the action were painfully obvious in the American cut of the movie, but here we are allowed to actually get to know the characters and to care for them. So much more is revealed about the relationship between Jack and Lily instead of simply "telling" us that they are in love like the previous release did. The extended version gives us plenty of additional details, so the opening scroll of the previous edition is wisely avoided this time around. The audience is smart enough to figure out what is going on in the movie without having to read several paragraphs at the beginning. This change now lets you feel that you are actually "viewing" the complete story instead of picking up in the middle of it. Now there is no need to be caught up on what exactly is going on before you even get started! Some of the dialogue has been altered too, as well as some of the actual scenes themselves. Changes have been made to the voice of Darkness' Father when he instructs his son on how to "win" Lily. The dialogue has been altered to some degree also, and all for the better I might add. The mood in Darkness' halls is now even more creepy, and the actual seduction of Lily has a more haunting element than before. Now we actually see several shots of the dark phantom -like face of Darkness, with his glowing green eyes, secretly watching Lily - shots that was pretty much absent from the American cut of the film. Very eerie! Also, a wise choice was made to remove the scenes that actually show Darkness at the beginning of the film. This sequence is now carried out using different camera angles during his conversation with Blix, being careful never to show Darkness himself. We do not lay eyes on the true face of Darkness until Lily does, and it is so much more effective that way! Also, the opening dialogue with Darkness at the beginning of the film has been altered. Other scenes have been extended too, including Jack's encounter with the horrific Meg Mucklebones in the swamp. This sequence was a waste of time in the American version, but here it is very entertaining, with Jack being forced to attempt to sweet talk this ugly monstrosity to save his own skin. Very entertaining to say the least. Also included is a scene where Jack must solve a riddle presented by Gump in punishment for the "sin" of revealing the Unicorns to a mortal. These added sequences make the film more believable in my opinion, as opposed to the all-too-quick pacing of the edited version! Note that there are a couple of scenes that are included in the American Edit that are not in the Director's Cut. Firstly, there is a lot more kissing between Jack and Lily at the beginning of the film. This is a good exclusion to make seeing that this works against the image of Lily being the "pure and innocent" victim in the story. Secondly, there is a scene in which Jack and Gump are attacked by some sort of long clawed dwarf monsters while in the dungeon halls of Darkness' lair. The scene is only a few seconds long, but did not really serve the story in any way. Thirdly, the scene in which Gump places the broken horn of the Unicorn back onto its forehead is nowhere to be found. I find this omission to be very puzzling, seeing that this is a very important element in the conclusion of the story. The movie does show the two Unicorns together, but the scene of it being restored should have been kept for the Director's Edition of the film. I recommend this DVD to anyone who was ever even remotely interested in this film before. If you did not like it, give the alternate version presented here a chance. I don't think you will be disappointed!
Rating: 
Summary: This dvd has the best features
Review: Not only is this movie great, but remake of the dvd is phenominal. The colors are amazing! Aside from that the dvd has an additional european version of the movie with a different ending as well as a lot of extra scenes that have never before been shown in the us. This dvd is well worth its price, when viewing both versions of the film the story is so much more different afterwards. Its truly one of the best dvds because it is like owning two different movies at once
Rating:
Summary: The stuff Legends are made of....
Review: I loved this movie. When I went to my great aunt's as a little girl we always rented three movies, back when there were Circle Ks that rented movies after the local rental place shut down (this was before Blockbuster folks), those three movies were Legend, Labyrinth, and The Last Unicorn. Now my kids have seen them too, except The Last Unicorn but I am working on that.I love the new Ultimate Edition of this movie. I didn't realize that it was a totally different movie that was released in the theatres than what was originally shot. The extras added and the original soundtrack added back in made for an even better movie. I didn't know you could improve on perfection, but this movie in it's pure original form included in this edition, was perfection improved. A young and beautiful Mia Farrow, a young and innocent Tom Cruise, and a "devilishly" wonderful Tim Curry. I really believed in unicorns after I saw this movie as a little girl. I loved all the "extras". Any lover of fantasy should pick this edition up, not the original release, this one. It is an experience you shouldn't deny yourself or your children.
Rating:
Summary: Why is this movie so put-upon??
Review: Behold, Ridley Scott's last great "Ridley Scott" movie until the release of "Gladiator"! This was the movie that gave Mia Sara her first film role, that gave Tim Curry his best film role to date, and, for my money, has to be one of the best art directed films EVER! This is a movie that peeks right into a 6 year old's mind and makes a record of what he or she is dreaming about right after being read a British fairy tale/bedtime story. (( I )) used to have dreams like this! In fact, I distinctly remember an image very similar to "The Great Tree" in one of my unit aged visits to the realm of the sandman. One of the most amazing facts about this amazing movie is that all of it, including what appear to be outdoor shots filmed in a very idyllic meadow, was filmed on a large sound stage! Another amazing fact is that Siskel and Ebert, again showing all the judgment of Wrong-Way Corrigan, panned this movie as one of the ten WORST films of 1986!! Roger Ebert STILL maintains that it's one of Tom Cruise's worst movies. Please, Roger....buy a clue! This is a film every participant in it, from Scott himself down to the late Billy Barty, could point to with pride. It was an auspicious first film for Mia Sara, who is excellent as the very feminine and charming Lily, and a very good feather in the cap of the then not-so-famous Cruise. But the truly amazing role is that of the devilish Darkness, parlayed by an unrecognizable Tim Curry, who, beside being expertly layered in makeup, (except for those slightly wobbly horns,) has his voice electronically altered to fully become the ominous Lord of the Underworld, who wants nothing more than to plunge the world into eternal night. Tom Cruise, however, is the one who seems out of place here. I mean, this is a guy who made his early name portraying Harry High School types in films like "Risky Business" and "All The Right Moves" and who still had a few college age numbers in him after this one. He seemed cast WAY against type, but is tolerable as a Peter Pan/Mowgli type fellow, named Jack O' The Green, who communes with nature. This is still, nevertheless, one of the best films he's ever been in. Mia Sara, on the other hand, is perfect for the role of gentle Lily, a princess who loves the Cruise character. Though she hails from Brooklyn, New York, she affects a very convincing neo-British accent and projects a very ladylike vibe in this role. Sad fact of this young lady's career is, after co-starring in the very appealing film "Ferris Beuller's Day Off" following this one, her career went downhill after a series of expensive TV movies and mini-series, after which she lept back into features that sank completely into obscurity almost the minute they were released. About her only claim to fame now is having Sean Connery for a father-in-law. The talented young David Bennent, who had already been in the movie version of Gunther Grass' "The Tin Drum" as Max the Dwarf, portrays King of the Elves, Honeythorn Gump here. The little fellah's acting chops are amazing, for he can't be much older than 12 here, and he carries himself like a pro, getting into the part as well as any Method Acting legend you can name. Remember those old Alka-Seltzer commercials from the seventies? Specifically the "Marshmallowed meatballs" classic with Terry Kaiser? Well, the GIRL in that one, Alice Playten, portrays a particularly mischievious goblin named Blix in this movie. She is on a par with Curry and Sara in her portrayal of this MALE character. Her makeup, as well as that of Pox, her companion, is as good as Curry's. The mood, look and acting in this movie is top-notch...it has few visual betters, and it is a excellent example of the visual mastery that Ridley Scott wielded in the first half of his career. Buy this movie, and I guarantee you it will become your childrens' favorite flick, and will probably find a place in your OWN personal top twenty as well!
Rating:
Summary: This DVD has everything!
Review: This DVD comes with the theatrical version of "Legend" and a second DVD that contains the director's cut. The greatest thing about the theatrical version is the clarity and the Tangerine Dream score. The theatrical version is much shorter and sort of confusing since some scenes were deleted. Before the movie begins there is also a screen scroll which explains, pretty much, the moral of the film, which is kind of upsetting. I don't think moviewatchers are so dimwitted that they cannot understand the age-old story and moral. Good is constantly juxtaposed against evil, but the horrific realization that the heroes come to is that good cannot exist without evil. I think most people can understand that without a screen scroll. I suggest watching the director's cut version first. It makes a lot more sense and it contains the original soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith. This soundtrack cannot be compared to the Tangerine Dream soundtrack since they are both so different in style. The Goldsmith soundtrack is more dramatic and thus makes the movie seem more like a drama. The Tangerine Dream soundtrack, with its electronic instruments, makes the film seem more like a fantasy. They are both good in their own right. The casing looks really neat too, and this 2-disc DVD can be bought at a great price.
Rating:
Summary: 5 STARS
Review: Yes Legend is definetally a movie to buy. This DVD has both American and Directors Cut version of the film. I personally enjoy the sountrack with tangerine dream better. The other music score from jerry goldsmith is a little too snow white lousiness for me. But overall great DVD good special features buy it.
Rating:
Summary: Stick with the Director's Cut...
Review: Having spent years hearing about Ridley Scott's now-legendary director's cut of "Legend," I was eager to take a look at it. I never was a fan of the US cut of the film. It felt flat, the score was simply "okay," and the editing was very distracting and even sloppy. Now having bought the 2-DVD Ultimate Edition set, I'm happy to say that Scott's director's cut will make any non-fan give the film a second chance. This is the film that Scott set out to make and it's joy to finally see "Legend" in it's original vision. Everything in this film is improved by Scott's cut. It's also refreshing to finally hear Jerry Goldsmith's original score. It may not be his greatest achievement as a film composer. But it comes pretty damn close! The DVD set itself is something to compliment. It's filled with extras. Disc 1 includes the director's cut with an anamorphic widescreen transfer and director Ridley Scott's commentary track. GREAT listen! Disc 2 features the fabled US cut along with an original documentary featuring new interviews from most of the cast/crew (minus star Tom Cruise and original composer Jerry Goldsmith), 2 long-lost deleted scenes, storyboards, photo galleries, trailers, tv spots, etc. I HIGHLY recommend this DVD set for the director's cut and all of the special features. God bless DVD!
Film Rating:
Director's Cut - B+
US Cut - D
DVD Rating: A
Rating:
Summary: 1 Extra star for Jerry Goldsmith
Review: Finally bought the DVD - very impressed. One the main reasons I never fell in love with Legend was the shortness of the US theatrical release which left major gaps in the plot. I also NEVER liked the Tangerine Dream score, especially that dreadful song at the end. I liked the theme and the basic plot. Who could not love the dance and Darkness himself. The only pleasing Tangerine Dream music is the dance itself. Jerry Goldsmith's score opens the film to new dimensions. It brings a classic feel to the story. Lily always presented herself as a snob - we now know why. She was a spoiled princess. Hence the haughty look she threw Jack as she approached the unicorns. I personally enjoyed her singing. She is not the greatest singer, but that would have been too much. She sings like an innocent young girl. Her character fleshed out considerably in the full version. In the US release, Jack and Lily are shown kissing - a lot - in the beginning which clearly undermines the idea that she is 'innocent'. The full cut lets them be the children they are meant to be, which is why it must as it does. We learn why Gump has such an annoying and clearly dubbed voice in Ridley Scott's commentary. The making-of portion is very enjoyable. I did like having both movies side by side. It clearly shows how the original cut is better. It's very mysterious and spooky to never see Darkness until Lily does herself. I say - buyt it.
Rating:
Summary: A Lost Classic
Review: I've seen all the various versions of Legend. UK release, US release and now The Ultimate Edition. My first viewing of Legend was the US release. At the time I was struck by the sets, costumes, cinematography and individual performances in the film. Still I found the film to be a messterpeice. (A film that is a complete mess with moments of dazzling brilliance) For some reason I kept going back and viewing the film. With each viewing I found the film more hypnotic. The Ultimate Edition, which features the Original Jerry Goldsmith score, along with restored footage and dialogue, laid to rest once and for all my misgivings about the film. Legend is a visionary film. Ridley Scott's inspiration for Legend was Cocteau's Beauty and the Beast. Scott has even said he originally had intended for Mia Sara's Princess to turn into a cat like creature after succumbing to temptation. Mia Sara, in her first film role, gives a star turning performance as the young girl whose blossoming sexuality both tempts and beguiles everyone who comes in touch with her, including Tim Curry's Darkness. The scenes between Tim Curry (Barely recognizable under Rob Bottin's incredible make up job) and Mia Sara are among the best in the film. Legend is a picture book fairy tale brought magnificently to life. Preston McClear...
Rating:
Summary: L E G E N D
Review: "You're an animal!" "We are all animals, My dear....."
----- Conversation between Lily & Darkness Into the world of myths & legends. Indeed, this movie incorperates a myriad of legends into the wonderfully imaginative plot ----- from devils & demons of xian lore, to unicorns, faeries, & elves. Here is the story of a forest boy turned warrior to retrieve the unicorn's horn, stolen by a goblin minion of "Darkness," the personafication of 'evil'. He resembles the classic demoniac Satan in all its bestial splendour. His aesthetics pleased Me so much, that one day, as I was passing by a costume shop, I saw a mask of it, & felt compelled to purchase it {a scan will follow}. Surprisingly, this character actually speaks rather philosophically Satanic at times, considering the above introductory quote. The surroundings are quote stunning, truly reminiscent of a dreamworld, or, should I say, this world at its finest. No cut & dried patches of nature & sparse trees, but repleat with the over-abundance of wilderness, which is, as earth-children ourselves, is inherantly Magical. We are met with extremely likeable characters at every turn, & exciting adventures spawned from storybook fane. I believe Joseph Campbell, Mytho-Anthropologist extraordinare, would appreciate this movie for its weavings of pagan fare. The musical score is quite entertaining & moving, particularly the piece, "Darkness", which sounds like the manifestation of Satan Himself. As always, there's the naive maiden who gets in over her pretty little head, stupidly not adhering to the unwritten "laws" of the forest, which casts all of nature in upheaval, & it is up to her suitor to set things straight. However, Darkness desires her, & cunningly manipulates her to come to him through the use of charm & glamour, appealing to her greedy fancies, & with the wise advice of "Father". Before she realizes it, she is transformed into his counterpart, dancing in effervescent abandon in her newfound form, whirling about in a beautiful black dress. But sadly, she is an ingrate. Towards the end, the predictable D.P. occurs, ending in the classic binary style of conclusion. As a whole, however, this movie is very entertaining, pleasing to the senses, & brilliantly arranged. Recommended. Discriminate with care.
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