Just the Facts: The Middle Ages Review

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(More customer reviews)This video is a good overview of the Middle Ages. It is a bit "stuffy" and does not have many "bells and whistles", but it gives good general information and would be best suited for secondary students. It came in handy for a basic review and refresher of information for myself before diving into the topic with my students.

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Castles, cathedrals, nobility, knights in shining armor, witches, dungeons, gothic splendor and almost constant war. The Middle Ages are allof that and more! This video tells the fascinating story of these thousand years of history, from around 500 A.D. to 1400 A.D.The Middle Ages are an incredibly dynamic period of history. So much of what we are familiar with today, from states to parliament touniversities, came into being during this period.Originally called the "Dark Ages" by the people of the Renaissance, we now realize The Middle Ages were not "dark" at all, but a time that isdistinct in its civilization - filled with grand, as well as miserable episodes. Scholars form Yale University and UCLA share their insights intoleaders like Charlemagne, the power of the Papacy, the Crusades, and the lifestyle of the people who lived during this very diverse andfascinating age. It was an age of mysteries, of supernatural beliefs, witchcraft and fortunetellers.The church also played a key role in the lives of most Europeans; people's views of life and their place in it was much different than now. Itwas an age in which disease could -- and did -- wipe out a many as one third of the population! It was an age of religion, royal families, feudallords and knights serfs, peasants, misery, poverty and warfare.From King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table to Attila the Hun. This video is a must-see for any student of history.

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Kingdom of Heaven - The Director's Cut (Four-Disc Special Edition) (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)(Please note: This is for the 4 disc director's cut--for some reason this is combined with ALL versions of the movie including the Blu-ray. The Blu-ray features ONLY the first two discs of this set on one Blu-ray disc. None of the discs with extras are included as part of the package).
Sometimes longer is better particularly when you have a complex story. The theatrical version of "Kingdom of Heaven" was flawed from the beginning with significant narrative gaps that undermine the character development and the smooth momentum of the story. That's because Fox had Scott cut the film by nearly an hour deleted significant and important character development at the expense of trying to fit in more showings per theater. The result was a sprawling ambitious project that had the epic scope of "Lawrence of Arabia" without the narrative strength. Thank God for DVD. "Kingdom of Heaven: The Director's Cut" restores the material demonstrating that the original 3 hour cut was a brilliant film that played theatrical late last year after the film had bombed at the box office. The reason the film bombed was the idiotic decision to cut the film and make it shorter reducing the film's impact. While it might not have made a huge amount of money it would have done well at the box office as a prestige film AND would have deservedly been nominated for Oscars. Much of the background story is fleshed out and the relationships between the various characters are more clearly defined. "Kingdom of Heaven" is a magnificent epic film that recalls the power of David Lean's epics and allows Scott's historical drama to breath. If you've seen the theatrical cut you owe it to yourself to see this major film from a major talent.
The film is presented like the "Lord of the Rings" deluxe sets with the film spread over two discs. Featuring a beautiful anamorphic transfer this version of the film actually looks superior with less issues with digital artifacts when compared to the previous edition of the film. The 5.1 audio presentation sounds wonderful with both a 5.1 and 5.1DTS track that makes exceptional use of the format. You'll feel like you've put plopped down into the middle of the battle sequences in the action sequences and there's wonderful ambient sound effects sprinkled throughout the film even during sequences that are dialogue driven.
Special features are terrific in this set. We start off with an introduction by Scott discussing the "Director's Cut" compared to the theatrical version of the film. Featuring Scott, writer William Monahan and actor Orlando Bloom the first commentary track (it was recorded separately and pieced together) becomes a rich resource of trivia beginning with the origin of the project and how Scott and Monahan ended up working together. The second commentary track has visual effects director Wes Sewell, assistant director Adam Somner and producer Lisa Elizey discussing the technical aspects of the shoot and the challenges they faced covering everything from the use of digital and on set effects to second unit photography. The last commentary has editor Dody Dorn discussing the two different versions of the film. We also have production notes and information about the shooting of the film provided as text commentary.
The third and fourth discs have most of the supplements. Unfortunately neither has the excellent A&E documentary that was part of the two disc set so you may want to hold on to your other set if you haven't sold it already. We have "The Path to Redemption" presented in six separate parts with each running anywhere from a half hour to twenty minutes a piece covering the making of the film. The first of the three parts include text, images, early screenplay drafts and notes on the shooting of the movie. The second part has cast rehearsals covering everything from the training with the weapons to costume tests. The third of the three parts has storyboards as well as a short documentary featuring scholars discussing the accuracy of the film.
The fourth disc features the last three parts on the film and includes video shot on location, storyboard galleries and photo galleries as well as deleted/extended/alternate scenes with optional commentary by Scott and editor Dorn. There's also a section on the visual effects of the film as well as various sound elements to create the unique sound mix of the film presented in various stages. The last section features trailers, TV spots, the Showest presentation. There's also footage from various premieres around the world, poster galleries, footage of the press junket shot on video, image and poster galleries as well as a brief featurette similar to the one done for "Gladiator: The Extended Version" that discussed the creation of this special edition.
An exceptional film that was badly butchered by Fox prior to its premiere due to skittish leadership at Fox, the film has finally been presented the way it should have been in the first place. Fox DVD has done an exceptional job in putting together this package and has made amends for the way it handled the film when it was released theatrical last year. Highly recommended.


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Among the best directors of our time, Ridley Scott (Gladiator), contributes generously to this extraordinary Collector?s Edition of Kingdom of Heaven. Featuring his Director?s Cut of the film and hours of fascinating extras including a six-part tour from conception to completion of filmmaking this definitive set makes what Variety called a "genuinely spectacular" film even more so!An epic marvel that's as beautifully acted as it is visually awesome, Kingdom of Heaven stars Orlando Bloom as Balian, a Jerusalem blacksmith who has lost his family and his faith.But when his father (Liam Neeson) shows him his destiny, Balian vows to defend his country, and in the process, falls in love, becomes a formidable leader, and steps forever into history

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Ivanhoe (1952) Review

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(More customer reviews)This movie is what we use to call "a good one from Hollywood".
It was filmed in 1952 in radiant Technicolor when Hollywood was launching one hit after other, "Ivanhoe" passed with quite good marks.
I was a kid when it was released and saw it with undivided attention as most of my age-mates and parents.
I recently viewed the VHS version again and I am still fond of this film. Is it a great movie? No. Is it a good movie? It certainly is and fully entertaining!
Based on Sir Walter Scott well known novel is a rich mixture of history, romance and drama.
It narrates the adventures of Wilfred of Ivanhoe, a knight of Saxon origins, who has gone into the Crusades against his father's will.
He returned to England to raise funds in order to rescue his imprisoned King, Richard Lionhearted.
He founds the kingdom ruled by John Lackland, Richard's junior brother, who by no means will cooperate and more so will try to stop his intents.
From here on adventures follow with jousts, castle's sieges, rescue of the feeble, difficult romances, out-laws helping the knight, evil knights trying to kill our hero but to no avail.
You name it you have it!

It was directed by Richard Thorpe, an artisan with 186 films in his account. He has started directing movies in the silent period. He was very versatile, directed Johnny Weissmuller in four Tarzan's chapters.
Between 1951 till 1953 he delivered at least four successful movies: "The Great Caruso" (1951), "The Prisoner of Zenda" (1952), "Ivanhoe" (1952) and "The Knights of the Round Table" (1953). He retired in 1967.
The Taylors perform paramount. Robert gives the viewers one of his classic hero's portraits with skill and wit. Elizabeth is very young and fascinating woman, she also delivers a very good acting piece. Even if she was never very fond of this film, WE were, and it is known: the public rules.
George Sanders as the evil Bois-Guilbert is very convincing. Joan Fontaine as Lady Rowena is a little faded.
A final reference for musical score authored by Budapest born Miklos Rozsa: underline forcefully the movie pictures.
If you like romance and adventure, do not miss this film!
Reviewed by Max Yofre.

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IVANHOE - DVD Movie

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El Cid (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition) (The Miriam Collection) (1961) Review

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(More customer reviews)It has been a very long wait indeed for a proper, high resolution 2 disc anamorphic DVD of this epic medieval tale of passion and chivalry. The final results are breathtaking. The transfer is stunning and the sound is rich and full. This is rousing entertainment on the grandest scale.
It's hard to understand why this film took so long to arrive on DVD. Perhaps, as some have suggested, the subject matter has been an issue in our over-sensitive, shrinking world of religious violence. Or our discomfort with nebulous concepts of love, forgiveness and peace. But most likely a matter of rights and licensing issues.
The relevance of this extraordinary film remains current and is a monumental artistic achievements of world cinema. On a personal level, this terrific film provoked me into thinking about how belief systems -- especially about the nature of God (or Allah) -- benefit or harm our world.
The essence of the conflict between warring Castilians and Moors and an invading Muslim threat is unflinching in the opening scene as the North African holy warrior Ben Yussuf quotes "the Prophet" as promising to conquer the world in the name of Allah.
But the real conflict is the idea that there can be peace -- and perhaps even love -- between those who hate. This is exemplified in the troubled and intimate story of Rodrigo (Charlton Heston) and Ximena (Sophia Loren). It begins simply enough with a knight on his way to meet his bride when destiny forces a detour.
El Cid, the legendary hero of Spain was a real person named Don Rodrigo Diaz de Bivar. He lived around 1035 A.D. Although he spent much of his time fighting on the side of the Moors, he became identified as the best incarnation of the true Castilian Christian spirit. His name came from the Arabic "sayyid" meaning "lord" or "chief."
Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren are perfectly cast as larger than life figures of flesh and blood. Their reported confllcts on-set probably added a degree of on-screen realism. They are wonderful together. Too bad Heston and Loren were not able to do a full, shared commentary at the time of the transfer.
Anthony Mann's direction is robust and true to the theme. The movie has a fine sense of composition that the terrific on-location cinematography only enhances. Numerous action-filled vistas fill the screen, richly detailed and beautifully photographed. No CGI elements can rival the texture of a real place captured on celluloid.
The incredible flow of stunning images and the magnificent Miklos Rozsa score are a reminder of what movies can do when they tackle a worthy tale and go all the way.
EL CID is about a real hero who selflessly followed his moral compass. It's also a reasonably true adapataion of the essence of the numerous medieval tales, plays and poems -- unlike the mangling of both poem and hero "Beowulf" in the recent movie of the same name.
Amazing that this magnificent paradox of a tale -- after all, El Cid was a warrior and peacemaker -- continues to be told for a thousand years.
The extras on the second disc include interesting featurettes on producer Sam Bronston, director Anthony Mann and composer Miklos Rozsa as well as vintage radio interviews with Heston and Loren and a "making of" documentary.
The last scenes are a fitting epitaph for Charlton Heston the man and the actor. His passing is truly the end of an era.
This great movie deserves a place in any digital library. Don't miss it.
Highest recommendation.
The 2 Disc Limited Collectors Edition is for a limited time only, comes in a box and contains a roadshow pressbook and vintage, miniature, lobby cards. The film itself and DVD extras are identical with the alternate consumer edition.

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Anthony Mann masterfully directs this classic tale of the 11th-century hero (Heston) who fought to unite Spain. Known as history’s "compassionate warrior," the film follows El Cid’s remarkable journey from peace-broker accused of treason to the King’s fighting champion, and later from exiled hero to legendary martyr.

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Stronghold Warchest Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this game while I was waiting for the release of Lords of the Realm III. I am very glad I made the purchase. This game has provided much entertainment. I really enjoy designing the castles, placing archers and crossbowmen on the walls and towers and placing engineers with pitch pots to shower the enemy with liquid fire. There is also a lot of management and strategy needed to succeed. For example You can only build a large castle with a large supply of stone. I also like the fact that if you dont have one item you could over produce and sell another in order to gain money to buy what you need. I would strongly recomend this game to Medieval strategy game fans. After playing Lords of the Realm III, I am really glad I bought Stonghold Warchest because while Lords of the Realm III sits in my garbage can, Stronghold sits in my PC.

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