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Ridley Scott’s 1985 epic fantasy adventure returns to high definition in a boxed release packed with extras. Myth: Limited Edition (Arrow Video, unrated, 2.39:1 aspect ratio, 114 minutes, $49.95).
The esteemed director quickly made his mark on sci-fi cinema with “Alien” and “Blade Runner,” but his attempt to further the audience’s imagination with a flamboyant adult tale proved unsuccessful.
Twinned with a critically-screened and anemic box office hit, the film stars a young Tom Cruise as Jack, a mighty guardian of the forest tasked with rescuing and stopping his beloved princess, Lili (Mia Sara, before a “Ferris Bueller” in her debut film). He saved the Lord of Darkness (Tim Curry) and the goblins from killing unicorns and using their horns to unleash eternal night upon the world.
Jack teams up with a team of elves, fairies, fairies and spirits to infiltrate the bowels of the evil great tree of life for a final confrontation with the evil Lord.
Influenced by Tolkien, Shakespeare and Walt Disneyesque, this lofty story takes themes from “The Lord of the Rings”, “The King Once and Future”, “Peter Pan” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and weaves a clumsy magic tale. and romance.
The movie definitely popped the boyish Mr Cruise, especially when he shimmered and wore a strange golden armor, almost swallowed by the exaggerated set design, and was overshadowed by the Dark Crystal-looking demonic minions.
However, Mr. Curry is clad in prosthetics to resemble a monstrous red-horned and hoofed demon while putting on an almost career-peaking performance, despite only a few minutes of actual acting.
Moments as beautiful as a Hildebrandt Brothers painting include a pair of unicorns playing in a creek covered with colorful flowers on both sides, Lili running through the woods during a blizzard, and Jack’s swamp encounter with the monstrous witch Meg Mucklebones (“Star Trek’s” Robert Picardo). is located. ).
Viewers get two cuts of the movie, each on a separate Blu-ray disc.
Initially, the cinematic version runs in just 89 minutes, but comes with a new 2K restoration from a 4K scan of the original camera negative. Work pays off as visual clarity and color depth emerge from the screen. It also features a score by 1980s pop synth band Tangerine Dream.
Next, the preferred directorial cut presents a 114-minute version of the film and was selected from the 2011 Ultimate Edition Blu-ray release, which reconstructs the film from a less-than-perfect “answer cut”. It still looks sharp and colorful but not as powerful as the new theatrical sweep but adds Jerry Goldsmith’s orchestral soundtrack.
Ultimately, some will find “The Legend” a guilty pleasure, others a cult classic, but regardless, all will appreciate the outstanding production design, dreamy “Excalibur” cinematography and eerie creature effects.
The best extras: The limited edition totally spoils hardcore fans with its plethora of both digital and hard copy goodies.
First, viewers can not only listen to the director deconstruct his film, but also listen to an on-demand new commentary from Paul M. Sammon, author of “Ridley Scott: The Making of His Movies.”
Clearly, Mr. Scott’s takes precedence, and his no-nonsense optional piece comes from the 2011 Blu-ray, according to the director’s edit, and offers a thorough and candid dive into the details of creating the “Legend”.
Mr. Sammon also does not disappoint, appreciating a film that he believes mixes Judeo-Christian mythology and darker European fairy tales. He talks nonstop and offers a more critical tone of creative decisions, mixing it with a guided, behind-the-scenes tour of the making, versions, and origins of the film.
Connect now for some great features.
Start with a new 30-minute retrospective that captivates audiences with the cast and crew, including production supervisor Hugh Harlow; camera holder David Cadwalladr; costume designer Charles Knode; lead actress Annabelle Lanyon (fairy Oona); camera operator Peter MacDonald; set decorator Ann Mollo; and artist John Ralph discussing how much they enjoyed working with Mr. Ridley and how they discussed many aspects of the film.
Next, and my favourite, is a 26-minute, two-part look at creature effects. A chapter full of illustrations begins with illustrator Martin A. Cline discussing the main origins of fantasy characters illustrated by early sketches and illustrations.
In part two, “The Legend” lead make-up artist Nick Dudman discusses the practical application of Rob Bottin’s creature designs with facial and appendage prosthetics and costumes.
It focuses mainly on Mr. Curry as the Lord of Darkness (initially an eight-hour process of applying makeup), but also touches on the dancing statue, the challenge of putting horns on horses, and Mr. Picardo’s ordeal as Mucklebones. .
Then, film historian Travis Crawford presents a 20-minute visual essay that subtly focuses on Mr. Ridley’s tendency to present directorial cuts from his films and showcase specific examples from various incarnations of “Legend.”
Also, a 28-minute exploration of musical notes by experts Jeff Bond, Daniel Schweiger and synth pop duo Electric Youth (Austin Garrick and Bronwyn Griffin); and an old, nearly hour-long 2003 documentary highlighting the director’s life and career, supplemented by interviews with Harrison Ford, Brad Pitt, Russell Crowe, and Mr. Scott, and clips from their classics.
Additionally, viewers can watch a very comprehensive 51-minute archival retrospective about the 2002 film featuring words from director, writer William Hjortsberg, editor Terry Rawlings, cinematographer Alex Thomson, Mr. Curry, Ms. Sara, but Mr. Cruising.
The packaging comes as a cardboard box with a wrap-around lid containing new artwork by Neil Davies.
The contents of the box include a 60-page, full-color illustrated book containing essays on “The Myth” by Nicholas Clement, Kat Ellinger and Simon Ward; an old piece on the story of the film from screenwriter William Hjortsberg; production notes; and a 2002 interview with Charles de Lauzirika about the restoration of the director’s cut.
The award concludes with a large 16″ by 20″ folding double-sided poster featuring illustrations by Mr Davies and original theatrical drawings by John Alvin; 10 glossy stock, 5″ x 7″, full-color portraits of costumed actors photographed by Annie Leibovitz; and six double-sided, postcard-size reproductions of lobby cards.
Also, the reversible case of the clamshell case holding the Blu-ray disc pair features drawings by Mr Davies and Mr Alvin.
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