Mythological Fantasy

Clash of the Titans

You have a classic tale full of drama, passion, and adventure. A tale of universal archetypes that speak to everyone. A tale that has remained unfailingly popular for thousands of years. Why not spice it up with a wacky mechanical owl? Such was the thinking behind Clash of the Titans. Maggie Smith, Laurence Olivier, and Harry Hamlin (one of these things is not like the others...) star in a toga-ripper about a valiant hero, capricious immortals, and lots and lots of giant stop-action monsters. Perseus (Hamlin) is the favored son of the god Zeus (Olivier), but he has unwittingly ticked off the sea goddess Thetis (Smith). Just to make things worse, Perseus falls in love with the lovely Princess Andromeda, who used to be engaged to Thetis's son. Soon Perseus is off on one quest after another, with Zeus helping, Thetis hindering, and lots of innocent bystanders getting stabbed, drowned, and squished. Of course, the whole thing is just an excuse to show as much of Ray Harryhausen's stop-motion animation as possible, and good thing too. It's an old technique, but it still looks pretty darn cool, and it means the cast can just relax and do a bunch of reaction shots. Don't use this one to study for that big classical mythology exam, but if you just turn your brain off and enjoy the Kraken, it's pretty good fun. --Ali Davis

The classic Greek myth of Perseus and Andromeda re-told with an all-star cast. To win the right to marry his love (Andromeda) and fufill his destiny, Perseus must complete various tasks including taming Pegasus, capturing Medusa, and answering riddles. The result is a timeless adventure that's a treat for kids and adults.

Excalibur

Retelling of the myths of King Arthur, the legendary 5th-6th century monarch, as well as Merlin, Uther Pendragon, the Holy Grail and the Lady of the Lake.
Genre: Feature Film-Action/Adventure
Rating: R
Release Date: 8-FEB-2005
Media Type: DVD

This lush retelling of the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table is a dark and engrossing tale. Director John Boorman (Deliverance) masterfully handles the tale of the mythical sword Excalibur, and its passing from the wizard Merlin to the future king of England. Arthur pulls the famed sword from a stone and is destined to be crowned king. As the king embarks on a passionate love affair with Guenevere, an illegitimate son, and Merlin's designs on power, threaten Arthur's reign. The film is visually stunning and unflinching in its scenes of combat and black magic. Featuring an impressive supporting cast, including early work from the likes of Liam Neeson and Gabriel Byrne, Excalibur is an adaptation of the legend both faithful and bold. --Robert Lane

Jason and the Argonauts

Arguably the most intelligently written film to feature the masterful stop-motion animation of Ray Harryhausen, Jason and the Argonauts is a colorful adventure that takes full advantage of Harryhausen's "Dynarama" process. Inspired by the Greek myth, the story begins when the fearless explorer Jason (Todd Armstrong) returns to the kingdom of Thessaly to make his rightful claim to the throne, but the gods proclaim that he must first find the magical Golden Fleece. Consulting Hera, the queen of gods, Jason recruits the brave Argonauts to crew his ship, and they embark on their eventful journey. Along the way they encounter a variety of mythic creatures, including the 100-foot bronze god Talos, the batlike Harpies, the seven-headed reptilian Hydra, and an army of skeletons wielding sword and shield. This last sequence remains one of the finest that Harryhausen ever created, and it's still as thrilling as anything from the age of digital special effects. Harryhausen was the true auteur of his fantasy films, and his brilliant animation evokes a timeless sense of wonder. Jason and the Argonauts is a prime showcase for Harryhausen's talent--a wondrous product of pure imagination and filmmaking ingenuity. The DVD contains an informative interview with Harryhausen by filmmaker John Landis. --Jeff Shannon

Fantastic special effects by Ray Harryhausen and exciting mythological adventure make this a film that is fun for everyone. It is the story of Jason (Todd Armstrong) a fearless sailor and explorer who returns to the kingdom of Thessaly after a 20-year voyage to make his rightful claim to the throne. But to do so Jason must first find the magical Golden Fleece. He selects a crew and with the help of Hera Queen of the Gods sets sail in search of the Fleece. Jason and his crew must overcome incredible obstacles including a 100-foot bronze giant the venomous Hydra--a huge creature with the heads of seven snakes--and a spectacular battle with an army of skeletons.Starring: Todd Armstrong Nancy Kovack Gary Raymond Laurence Naismith Niall MacGinnisDirector: Don ChaffeyCopyright: 1963 Columbia Pictures Produced by Ray Harryhausen; written by Beverley Cross & Jan Read; Running time of 104 minutes; Closed Captioned. System Requirements:Widescreen (1.85:1 aspect ratio) and Standard format versions Languages: English (Dolby Mono) Spanish and French Subtitles: English Spanish and French Theatrical trailer and interview with Ray Harryhausen by John Landis Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: SCI-FI/FANTASY Rating: G UPC: 043396002593

Merlin (Special Edition)

What kind of guy was the wizard Merlin, anyway? He lives a long time, raises a boy to be a king, props up a Utopian empire with his magic and wisdom, and then watches as it all crumbles under such banal forces as vengeance and betrayal. This four-hour miniseries re-tells the story of Camelot and King Arthur from the perspective of the magic man who sacrifices a great deal to guide mortals toward a better destiny. Sam Neill plays Merlin as an accessible, flesh-and-blood fellow of real passion, powerless to undo the spell of a rival (Rutger Hauer) who has virtually imprisoned Merlin's great love, Nimue (Isabella Rossellini), but gifted enough to counter the treachery of Morgan Le Fey (Helena Bonham Carter) and the wicked Queen Mab (Miranda Richardson). The battle sequences and special effects are striking and original, and it is great fun to see such art-house movie actors as Richardson, Carter, Neill, etc., in fantasy entertainment the whole family can enjoy. (An unrecognizable Martin Short must be singled out, however, for a wonderful, largely dramatic performance as Mab's sidekick, Frik.) Directed by Steve Barron (The Adventures of Pinocchio), Merlin is a nice bit of glossy revisionism of a beloved legend. --Tom Keogh

Jason and the Argonauts

One of the most legendary adventures in all mythology is brought to life in Jason and the Argonauts an epic saga of good and evil.As a mere boy Jason (Jason London) the heir to the kingdom of Ancient Greece witnesses the murder of his father at the hands of his ruthless uncle Pelias (Dennis Hopper). After narrowly escaping death Jason flees his home and returns twenty years later to reclaim the throne. Upon learning of his return Pelias sentences him to death. To save his life Jason promises to deliver the most coveted gift of the gods to his uncle - the Golden Fleece. Joined by the Argonauts a stout-hearted crew of sailors he embarks on a perilous voyage to capture the Fleece and fulfill his destiny.Also joining this remarkable all-star cast are Frank Langella as King Aertes and Natasha Henstridge as Hypsipyle. Jason and the Argonauts is both a mythic adventure and a classic love story a film achievement destined to thrill generations for years to come.System Requirements:Starring: Jason London Frank Langella Natasha Henstridge Angus MacFadyen Dennis Hopper Jolene Blalock and Brian Thompson. Directed By: Nick Willing. Running Time: 179 Min. Color. This film is presented in "Standard" format. Copyright 2000 Artisan Entertainment.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: ACTION/ADVENTURE Rating: NR UPC: 707729106388 Manufacturer No: 10638

Is your classical Greek rusty? This is just the thing--a feast of epic Greek mythology--and the classic tale of Good (Jason, Theseus, Hercules, Orpheus) versus Evil (angry gods, Poseidon, Harpies, the women of Lemnos) is a great introduction. The plot has been entertaining people for thousands of years and is still going strong--now strengthened by great special effects and good acting. Sure, some people will think this version isn't "high culture" enough (it's a bit reminiscent of The Clash of the Titans), but those folks should probably be reading Bulfinch's Mythology instead of watching TV anyway.

The DVD includes a "making of" documentary, "notable and quotable," detailed cast and crew information, scene access, and Dolby surround sound. Even hard-core fans of Ray Harryhausen's 1963 stop-motion-animation version will find room in their hearts (and DVD libraries) for this one. Although the basic plot elements are the same, the two versions achieve very different (and both quite enjoyable) effects. The new Jason and the Argonauts is something kids and adults can all enjoy. --Tara Chace

Hercules

Hallmark Hercules
As Alcmene (Elizabeth Perkins, FindingNemo), Princess of Thebes, awaits the return of her husband Amphitryon (Timothy Dalton) from war, the viruous bride falls victim to the licentious Zeus and finds herself carrying the great god's child. Born Hercules (Paul Telfer, Spartacus), the strapping lad is rejected by his mother, envied by his brother Iphicles, and loathed by Zeus's wife Hera. Unbeknownst to Hercules, his wife the priestessMegara and her sons are merely tools of the vengeful Hera, plotting against him and initiating events that lead to banishment from his people.

Hercules is the enjoyable, full-length version of a truncated television miniseries starring Scots actor Paul Telfer in a revisionist telling of the mythical Greek hero's life. Reputed to be the son of Zeus and Hera-worshipping priestess Alcmene (Elizabeth Perkins), Hercules is born a fraternal twin but half-brother to Iphicles (Luke Ford), son of Amphitryon (Timothy Dalton). Though he is raised under the latter's protection and counsel, Hercules has an unrelenting streak of bad luck that finds him accused of murder, rape, and the killing of his own children. With such a black cloud hanging over him, Hercules seeks redemption through his famous Labors. Sean Astin, Leelee Sobieski, and Leeanna Walsman co-star in a complex story of intrigue, revenge, and hope, full of gleaming swords and fairly good special effects, including a passable centaur and multi-headed hydra. Written by Charles Edward Pogue (Dragonheart). --Tom Keogh

Hercules

Sword of the Valiant - The Legend of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Miles O Keeffe (Tarzan the Ape Man) and Oscar® winner* Sean Connery (First Knight) lead an impressive cast (Variety) including Peter Cushing Trevor Howard and John Rhys-Davies in this epic tale of swords and sorcery that will transport you and your family into realms of the fantastical and make you believe!Shrouded in magic and veiled in mystery a phantom knight (Connery) thunders into King Arthur s fabled court. Speaking in rhymes and riddles he goads the king s men into taking a dare. And when one of them young and valiant Sir Gawain (O Keefe) bravely stands to defend the king s honor he finds himself a pawn in the phantom knight s game a game that will lead him far beyond the kingdom of Camelot and ultimately take his life if he cannot solve his opponent s riddle!System Requirements: Running Time 102 MinFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: ACTION/ADVENTURE Rating: PG UPC: 027616903938 Manufacturer No: 1006191

Fans of Sean Connery who are curious to see him explore roles outside of his usual heroic characters may enjoy his robust turn as the mythic Green Knight in this 1982 British-made fantasy. Based loosely on the classic epic poem "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," Connery is quite a sight as the glittering green figure, who challenges young Gawain (Miles O'Keefe of Tarzan the Ape Man infamy), a squire in King Arthur's court, to solve his riddle or lose his head. O'Keefe is a stiff Gawain, and the film suffers under its low budget and awkward comic moments, but Connery and the rest of the cast (which includes Trevor Howard as Arthur, John Rhys-Davies, Lila Kedrova, and Peter Cushing) are game and provide sufficient star power to keep fantasy-adventure fans distracted from the film's shortcomings. Writer-director Weeks also directed a version of this story in 1973, with Murray Head of Jesus Christ Superstar fame as Gawain. --Paul Gaita

The Golden Voyage of Sinbad

This is a spectacular adventure set in mysterious ancient lands inhabited by incredible creatures! Sinbad (John Phillip Law) Prince of Baghdad and legendary sailor finds an intriguing map and sets sail for the previously uncharted island of Lemuria with a beautiful slave girl Margian (Caroline Munro) and the Grand Vizier of the land of Marabia. Prince Koura (Tom Baker) an evil wizard who is trying to gain control of Marabia through his manipulation of malevolent spirits follows in an effort to thwart Sinbad s quest. Sinbad teaches Lemuria in spite of an enchantment Koura casts upon the giant figurehead of Sinbad s ship which brings it to life. On Lemuria Sinbad and his stalwart crew encounter a six-armed sword-brandishing statue a one-eyed centaur and a griffin. Finally Sinbad confronts Koura in a face-to-face duel to the death!System Requirements:Starring: John Phillip Law Caroline Munro Tom Baker Douglas Wilmer Takis Emmanuel Kurt Christian Gr goire Aslan and Martin Shaw. Directed By: Gordon Hessler. Running Time: 105 Min. Color. This film is presented in both "Widescreen" and "Standard" formats. Copyright 2000 Columbia TriStar Home Video.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY Rating: G UPC: 043396047471 Manufacturer No: 04747

John Phillip Law stars as the legendary sailor this time around as he finds a talisman and sets sail with his crew for an uncharted island. With a beautiful slave girl (Caroline Munro) in tow, Sinbad takes on the evil sorcerer Koura (Tom Baker), who wants Sinbad's golden talisman to complete a spell. En route to the island, Koura brings the ship's figurehead to life to wreak havoc on the ship and crew. Once there, Sinbad and crew must do battle with a six-armed figure of Kali brandishing a sword in each hand, as well as an enraged Cyclops centaur and a winged griffin, and also deal with the treacherous Koura.

This 1974 entry in the Sinbad franchise is a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, the film's production values are quite good, and of course the Ray Harryhausen effects are as beautiful as ever. The set design (especially for the scenes inside the cavern) is striking and inventive, and there's Miklós Rózsa's score gracing the soundtrack. On the other hand, the story definitely tends to drag a bit, and Law's indeterminate accent often wavers toward a weird Slavic inflection. Pointing to the film's age, Law and company often tend to look like poncey rock stars with their long hair, beards, and harem pants. That's all nitpicking, though; the action segments, though they're fewer and farther between than in other Sinbad films, redeem the movie with Harryhausen's incredible artistry. It's worth owning just to see the fluid, complex movements of the animated Kali flailing away at six men with her swords. And of course, scream queen Caroline Munro never looked better as the slave girl Margiana. This is rich, well-crafted fantasy fare that the entire family can enjoy. --Jerry Renshaw

Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger

In this last go-round for the Sinbad series, Patrick Wayne plays the legendary sailor. He is betrothed to Farah (Jayne Seymour) and seeks her hand in marriage, but her brother Kassim has been turned into a baboon by the evil Zenobia (Margaret Whiting). Before he can break Zenobia's spell, Sinbad must contend with the Minoton, a bronze statue brought back to life to do her bidding; a trio of flaming skeletons wielding swords; a 9-foot-tall troglodyte; and a saber-toothed tiger. Wayne is the film's weakest point, making a rather wooden Sinbad. Whiting's performance smells strongly of ham, but it's a brand of ham that fits the movie perfectly. As always, though, Harryhausen's work is outstanding. He instills more personality and character into his creatures in this outing, especially for Kassim and his relationship to his sister. The prolonged battle between the troglodyte and saber-toothed tiger is a violent one, generating some real suspense. At times it's difficult to remember that it's not live action with guidance from a director. Though this is an uneven effort for the Sinbad series, it still has its moments. --Jerry Renshaw