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Excalibur [VHS] [1981]
 
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Excalibur [VHS] [1981]

VHS ~ Nigel Terry
4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (32 customer reviews)

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7 new from £1.94 9 used from £0.01 3 collectible from £1.95

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Product details

Product Description

Amazon.co.uk Review
A lush retelling of the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, Excalibur 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

Synopsis
When a bold young squire slips the enchanted sword, Excalibur, from the stone where it was embedded, the golden age of chivalry and the Knights of the Round Table are born. But the magical kingdom of Camelot harbours evil ambition and Merlin's necromancy in this classic tale of King Arthur's legend.

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What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

Excalibur [VHS] [1981]
95% buy the item featured on this page:
Excalibur [VHS] [1981] 4.2 out of 5 stars (32)
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Customer Reviews

32 Reviews
5 star:
 (21)
4 star:
 (4)
3 star:
 (2)
2 star:
 (4)
1 star:
 (1)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.2 out of 5 stars (32 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars The days of our kind are num-ber-ed, 8 Nov 2005
By David J. Smith "loupgarou" (UK) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   
This review is from: Excalibur [1981] [DVD] (DVD)
This is the story of the magic and mysticism in the tale of Arthur, as seen by John Boorman. The story starts with Uther Pendragon convincing Merlin to help him bed Ygraine, and ends with the return of excalibur to the Lake. It is also the story of Merlin, played excellently by Nicol Williamson with a massive vocal range, and the intrigue of Morgana (Helen Mirren in a seductive and evil role). Merlin muses both wryly and poignantly about a changing world in which magic is fading, the natural order is threatened with the arrogance of men, lamenting the "lachrymae mundi", while Arthur and his knights, wearing impossibly heavy armour, lop limbs of their enemies with big weapons. All to the hard-drinking monk's tune of Orff's "O Fortuna". What more could you want from a film, by turns whimsical, sad, mystical, violent, passionate, tender, mysterious and aloof? Speak the charm of making Merlin, set the world to rights.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Visually stunning entertainment, 15 Jun 2007
By Mr. Andrew Moore "lord derfel cadarn" (Worcestershire) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   
This review is from: Excalibur [1981] [DVD] (DVD)
I love most things Arthurian and remember this from when it came out at the cinema. I had a DVD copy, loaned it out and never had it back, so with the current three for £12 offer simply had to replace it.
Jon Boormans visual masterpiece starring Nigel Terry as Arthur and a host of futur stars such as Patrick Stewart and Liam Neesom, this film is high quality and not to be missed. Gruesom at times, it tells the story of Arthur based largely on Le Morte Darthur but focuses on only some parts of the tale; namely the begetting of Arthur, Artgurs rise to King, his winning of the country and Guinever, Guinevere's adultery with Lancelot, Merlins fall, the seeking of the Cauldron and Arthurs demise at Camlan. Theres a stunning OTT performance from Nicol Williamson as Merlin, costumes that if real could not have been worn and faught in (plate armour so massive and shinning), and a very scheming Morgan with son Mordred played partly by Charlie Boorman in his early years. Filmed in Southern Ireland tha landscapes are magnificent and the whole film is accompanied by a magnificent classical score that fits the images exceedingly well. Well worth getting and spending several wet afternoons watching and re watching.
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13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Excalibur is a magical journey, 17 Oct 2005
This review is from: Excalibur [1981] [DVD] (DVD)
If you have any interest in the legends of King Arthur or the mystery of the Dark Ages in Britain, this film is a must-see. It takes you on a magical journey right into the heart of the myth, through stunning photography and the most awe-inspiring soundtrack. The fact that mostly unfamiliar actors are used adds to the experience, from unyielding warrior Uther Pendragon to dreamlike Merlin and charismatic Arthur himself. Ignore any poor reviews occasionally wheeled out. These critics clearly didn't "get it" and I feel sorry for them. I watch this film several times a year to reconnect with a visionary heroic world that puts present-day Britain to shame. Rise again, King Arthur, we need you now!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Lesser known british classic
Excalibur is the ultimate tale of the Rise and fall of king Arthur, Merlin, The holy Grail Camelot pretty much everything from the novel 'Le Morte D'Arthur (Sir Thomas Malory)... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Spegbore

5.0 out of 5 stars Adult, Intelligent & Provocative .. A Dark Arthurian Fantasy..
John Boorman's 1981 film is an exercise in how to treat fantasy in an adult and serious manner.
The fantasy elements are subtle - there are no stop motion monsters to be... Read more
Published 14 months ago by Adam Jackson

3.0 out of 5 stars Anál nathrach, orth bháis is bethad, do chél dénmha
Because everything about this film is so over-the-top, it was my favourite movie as a child (yes, my Dad edited out Uther's and Morgana's sex scenes). Read more
Published 16 months ago by Rohypnol and Diet Coke

5.0 out of 5 stars You promised me the sword!
They don't make them like this anymore. Fantastic.
Slightly marred by Helen Mirren, because she makes me think of ITV. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Mr. K. Williams

5.0 out of 5 stars Best epic film ever
Watched this as I was growing up. Surely the best movie about Arthur and Merlin. The acting was great and direction well done. Everything in this movie is believable. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Ponums

5.0 out of 5 stars Before "The Lord of the Rings", there was Excalibur
Anyone who really likes "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, will most likely enjoy this movie as well. "Excalibur" is over 25 years old, but this film stands the test of time. Read more
Published on 3 Jun 2007 by E. Jorgensen

5.0 out of 5 stars Forged by a god, foretold by a wizard, found by a man
A film classic based on Sir Thomas Malory's 1485 book "Le Morte D'Arthur". Everyone has a favorite part. Few remember the whole film. Read more
Published on 22 May 2005 by bernie

5.0 out of 5 stars Makes the Holy Grail look like an epic
One of the best films I have ever seen, beautiful look, feel and sound - just enough flawed sections to highlight how good the rest of his film is (could maybe have benefited from... Read more
Published on 21 Mar 2005 by Colin Benson

4.0 out of 5 stars shimmering dazzling
I appear to write reviews only for deranged films with beautiful colours and mad actors-well once again I invite you to be ravished by wonderful cinematography, blood spattered... Read more
Published on 14 Mar 2005 by jtrenor

5.0 out of 5 stars What a film!!
This has to be one of my all time favourites.

Everything about it is excellent, right down to the costuming and even the soundtrack! Read more

Published on 19 Oct 2004 by Gavin Moore

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