Review by Gary Tooze

Production:

Disc:

Video:

Audio:

Commentary: Dolby Digital Audio English 192 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 192 kbps / DN -4dB / Dolby Surround

• Commentary by John Boorman

• Theatrical Trailer (2:27)

Bitrate:

 

Description: The legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table receives its most impressive screen treatment in Excalibur, from visionary director John Boorman (Deliverance, Hope and Glory). All the elements of Sir Thomas Malory’s classic Le Morte Darthur are here: Arthur (Nigel Terry) removing the sword Excalibur from the stone; the Round Table’s noble birth and tragic decline; the heroic attempts to recover the Holy Grail; and the shifting balance of power between wily wizard Merlin (Nicol Williamson) and evil sorceress Morgana (Helen Mirren). With Patrick Stewart, Gabriel Byrne and Liam Neeson in notable early screen roles.

 

 

The Film:

WJohn Boorman directed this gloriously savage interpretation of Arthurian legend loosely based on Thomas Malory's novel... Le Morte d'Arthur. By turns gleaming and filthy, tender and bloody, the film is a visually stunning epic which is never less than compelling. Nigel Terry is perfectly cast as Arthur, whose unwavering trust and faith are shown to be both quietly heroic and achingly naïve. Interestingly, the quest for the Grail is the least effective part of the film, despite bold cinematography by Alex Thomson (who was nominated for an Oscar) and a fine performance by Paul Geoffrey as Perceval, whose greatest desire is attained in his dying sight. It is the scenes of Camelot in which Boorman is at his most effective, as Arthur is betrayed by the burning passions of Guenevere (Cherie Lunghi) and Lancelot (Nicholas Clay), whose boiling internal forces cannot be denied, whatever the cost. The wicked Mordred (Robert Addie) and Morgana (Helen Mirren) are commanding when onscreen, and Nicol Williamson's performance as the grandiosely self-sacrificing Merlin is outstanding. Liam Neeson and Patrick Stewart also appear in this dense, passionate, and stirring triumph featuring a marvelous Trevor Jones score. The gruesome effects by Peter Hutchinson and Alan Whibley, however, and sights such as a knight having sex in full body armor make this a fairy tale strictly for adults.~ Robert Firsching, All Movie Guide

***

Excerpt from Brian McKay at eCritic located HERE

Image :    NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

Excalibur retains its thick, gritty appearance via Warner's new 1.78:1 Blu-ray.  While this is probably not the exact same transfer as Warner's HD-DVD (reviewed HERE) - as this is AVC as opposed to VC-1 but it is probably not far off the, now defunct, format's representation utilizing the same source. It is not a pristine appearance because that would not be accurate to the original. Much of the early 80's film stock lent itself to this less glossy, softer nor dynamically crisp video. This Blu-ray is probably looked quite similar to this theatrically over 30 years ago. Sure there is noise in the film's many dark sequences - but I never found it overwhelming. There is not any demonstrative depth but colors, on the other hand, look quite exuberant. There is some flaring - in the gleam of armor and the Excalibur sword but I have no reason to believe that this is any fault of the 1080P transfer. This visually consistent Blu-ray is the best I have seen the film look - and probably will remain the definitive digital home theater presentation we are likely to ever get.

CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warner provide a healthy DTS-HD Master 5.1 at 3862 kbps. Separations aren't crisp or abundant but there is some notable depth here. This isn't like a modern track with deft effect sounds punching to the rear channels but I suspect it is reasonably accurate to the original source. Trevor Jones' score sounds very good with impressive bass and decent high-end. There are plenty of optional subtitle and DUB options and my Momitsu has identified it as being a region FREE disc playable on Blu-ray machines worldwide.

Extras :

 

 

BOTTOM LINE:
There may be some disappointment that there aren't any new extras but I don't point fingers in regards to the a/v transfer. This is how Excalibur looks and sounds with only some minor variances - and it supports a solid home theater presentation of the film. Boorman's films is a huge fan-favorite and the Blu-ray will be considered essential for many cinephiles. 

Gary Tooze

March 3rd, 2011