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From Amazon.co.uk
Destined to remain a dubious footnote in books of movie trivia, Lion of the Desert--an occasionally impressive epic from 1981--was financed with a budget of $35 million by Libyan dictator Muammar Qaddafi, who previously attempted the role of movie producer with the critically roasted Mohammad: Messenger of God. This effort didn't fare much better (it grossed approximately $1 million worldwide), and although some of its wartime action sequences are intelligently filmed, it's not likely to gain much more of a reputation on home video. Under a shaggy Muslim beard, Anthony Quinn stars as Omar Mukhtar, the Arab hero and guerrilla fighter who defended Libya against Benito Mussolini and Italy's attempted conquests during World War II. As straightforward biography, the movie's got an admirable epic sweep, but a cliché-ridden script and uniformly bad performances (from a cast that includes John Gielgud, Oliver Reed and Rod Steiger) make this little more than a curiosity for those wanting to learn more about Libyan history. --Jeff Shannon, Amazon.com
Product Description
United Kingdom released, Blu-Ray/Region B DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), English ( Dolby DTS-HD Master Audio ), ANAMORPHIC WIDESCREEN (1.78:1), SPECIAL FEATURES: Anamorphic Widescreen, Collectors Edition, Interactive Menu, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: The year is 1929 and dictator Benito Mussolini is still faced with the 20-year long war waged by Bedouin patriots to combat Italian colonisation and the establishment of "The Fourth Shore" - re-birth of a Roman Empire in Africa. Mussolini appoints General Rodolfo Graziani as his sixth governor to Libya, confident that the eminently accredited soldier can crush the rebellion and restore the dissipated glories of Imperial Rome. Inspirational in the resistance towards the oppressors is the leadership of one man - Omar Mukhtar. A teacher by profession, guerrilla by obligation, Mukhtar has committed himself to a war that cannot be won in his own lifetime. Arrogant Imperialist - ideological visionary - the conflict is between two implacable enemies. Graziani controls North Africa with the might of the Italian Army. Tanks and airplanes are used in the desert for the first time. Despite mindless bravery, the Bedouin suffer crippling losses, their primitive ...Lion of the Desert ( Omar Mukhtar: Lion of the Desert ) (Blu-Ray)
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
after making the film the message moustapha akkad made another wonderful movie.in fact it has many things in common with the message.first, both of them are historical epics and based on real events.and anthony quinn starred in both.and also both have the same power to attract the imagination of historical epic lovers.and finally both amuses and teaches at the same time...
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Taher
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
Packaging was quite good. However, movie transfer quality to Blu-Ray no so good. Still a lot of grain
visible on the transfer. They could could have done a better transfer. Hope it gets released again with
a higher resolution transfer.
visible on the transfer. They could could have done a better transfer. Hope it gets released again with
a higher resolution transfer.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Jackal
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Not commenting on the film just the DVD.
The picture is pretty bad. Not the worst DVD I own but pretty close.
What is really bad is the sound. I don't care much for surround sound, but in this case it is even difficult to hear what the people are saying. Probably the DVD with the worst sound quality that I own.
I would stay away and wait for a better transfer.
The picture is pretty bad. Not the worst DVD I own but pretty close.
What is really bad is the sound. I don't care much for surround sound, but in this case it is even difficult to hear what the people are saying. Probably the DVD with the worst sound quality that I own.
I would stay away and wait for a better transfer.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This Movie shows the struggle of a nation for its feedom. It shows how the will can fight a war against modern trained army. Regardless to whom had produced the movie (because of lack of Funds) this movie had a message to pass and I think it did. You'll have to watch the full version for the true effect.
13 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
If you have three hours to kill and want a movie that has intense, incredible action scenes and fantastic performances by two greatest actors, this is the movie for you. The action sequences are breathtaking. but add in the action and a good supporting cast and this movie earns its high rating.People who've seen the film will know what I mean.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Mrgvase
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
good story that very few people will know about,dvd is ok,widescreen is a little hard to take,as it is very narrow,but then you see the desert action,you can see why its like this,stereo good for age,needs blu ray clean up copy for better results,not on tv very much,for a change of action film give it a go
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
The most popular movie in the middle east.. great action, moving performances and real life drama.. get the widescreen version for full effect.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Arch Stanton
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
True story of the final years of legendary muslim guerilla fighter Omar Mukhtar. The year is 1929 and with Mussolini trying to press fascism in North Africa, only a teacher turned rebel war chief and his bedouin people stand in his way..
War epic financed by Col. Gaddafi(!), that has a great support cast in John Geilgud, Gastone Moschin and Rod Steiger. With two excellent leads in Anthony Quinn as Mukhtar and Oliver Reed as the nasty 'Italian Butcher' Grazziani sent to crush him.
Hardly ever shown on tele (to my knowledge!) and unfairly dismissed as a flop, this one has long bloody action sequences and some fantastic locations. Admittedly it's not quite in the same league as Lawrence of Arabia and it is a bit too long, at nearly 3hrs, but that doesn't stop it from being any good. Some of the executions and close combat are very well staged, with loads of explosions, blood squibs and horse~falls, with comedy being never far from hand either, with constant displays of (no doubt historically accurate) ridiculous Italian helmets and hats!
The Blu ray seems surprisingly uncut given the amount of aforementioned horse~falls and has a clean, sharp picture despite being in 1.78 as opposed to 2.35 w/s. Personally, I paid £4 on Amazon for it and was very happy.
4.25/5. Recommended for fans of well made epic war films.
War epic financed by Col. Gaddafi(!), that has a great support cast in John Geilgud, Gastone Moschin and Rod Steiger. With two excellent leads in Anthony Quinn as Mukhtar and Oliver Reed as the nasty 'Italian Butcher' Grazziani sent to crush him.
Hardly ever shown on tele (to my knowledge!) and unfairly dismissed as a flop, this one has long bloody action sequences and some fantastic locations. Admittedly it's not quite in the same league as Lawrence of Arabia and it is a bit too long, at nearly 3hrs, but that doesn't stop it from being any good. Some of the executions and close combat are very well staged, with loads of explosions, blood squibs and horse~falls, with comedy being never far from hand either, with constant displays of (no doubt historically accurate) ridiculous Italian helmets and hats!
The Blu ray seems surprisingly uncut given the amount of aforementioned horse~falls and has a clean, sharp picture despite being in 1.78 as opposed to 2.35 w/s. Personally, I paid £4 on Amazon for it and was very happy.
4.25/5. Recommended for fans of well made epic war films.
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4.5 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Informative and entertaining
Even for a lifelong student of military history I was surprised how little I knew of this aspect of inter-war 20th century history; however, the film supplied many of the details. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Stephen Whitehouse
1.0 out of 5 stars
Come on Anchor Bay Bluray Has to be better than this.
Crap.A great film butchered by Anchor Bay. Aspect ratio wrong for a start.To makes matters worse it will not play in my Oppo bluray player which an Anchor Bay chip as one of its... Read more
Published 5 months ago by A. R. Robson
4.0 out of 5 stars
Lion of the desert
When we were in Dubai I saw the the jubilee DVD in the airportshop, only the wrong region code.
So bought I later on Amazon, always a good chance to get I
Good film, lot... Read more
So bought I later on Amazon, always a good chance to get I
Good film, lot... Read more
Published 5 months ago by R.K.Kootstra
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful film...
I dont know english very well.
Very beatifull Good historic film... Good box...You sent very quickly ...Tank you very much... See you...
Very beatifull Good historic film... Good box...You sent very quickly ...Tank you very much... See you...
Published 5 months ago by Timurlenk
4.0 out of 5 stars
GREAT MOVIE
I have this movie on DVD and it has a great story line, and well acted. However, the Blu-ray is only Region B and my North American (Canada) player would not play it. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Jake
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great educational video on religion
A great religious video for the whole family. Many of the children attending our classes have seen the video and would recommend it to other children. Read more
Published on 15 Sep 2010 by EducateFirst
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stunning.... great performances.. great action..a true epic
Anthony Quinn plays real life Omar Mukhtar.. nicknamed Lion of the Desert in this classic.. get the widescreen for full effect
Published on 6 Nov 2000
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