Legend (Ultimate Edition)
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Movie Reviews of Legend (Ultimate Edition)
Movie Review: Director's cut makes all the difference.
Summary: 5 Stars
In my lifetime I've probably seen the U.S. version of Legend about 10 times on cable and always marveled at it. There is so much to love in this movie, but I never really connected with the story the way I have with this Director's Cut release. Like Dune, or many other movies of the time, the movie is very ambitious and beautiful to look at, but it failed to make a lasting impression on me. I think the major factor that changed my perception of Legend this time around was the addition of the original Jerry Goldsmith score. Music in a movie has the power to convey emotions and build tension, which in this case really helps to draw you in and make a stronger connection with the story. The original Tangerine Dream score wasn't bad, but I think it dated the film and gave a different feel to everything. Legend is a classic fairy tale, and it's better suited with Goldsmith's classical score. There is much more character development throughout the movie, mainly in the beginning with Jack (Tom Cruise) and Princess Lily (Mia Sara). The end of the film is also extended, which adds more closure to the story for me. It's a classic fairy tale ending. These additions and the original score make for a more timeless film, which hopefully will be enjoyed for many years to come. In addition to the restored version, this two-disc set also has a commentary with Ridley Scott, in which he gives great insight into what he was trying to achive with this film, as well as a new documentary about the making of the film, containing interviews with several cast members, including Mia Sara, as well as director Ridley Scott and several other crew members. This set definitely makes it worth giving Legend a second look.
Movie Review: Legend? Conventional? Say it ain't so, Ridley!
Summary: 5 Stars
Like many others, I was looking forward to seeing the director's cut of what has long been one of my favorite fantasy films. Now that I've seen it, though, I find myself wishing I'd skipped the director's cut and just watched the U.S. theatrical version again instead. Fortunately, though, you get both versions with this edition.The director's cut contains a lot more background information and character development, resulting in a notably more coherent, more fairy tale-like story. The problem is, it goes too far in that direction. The result is that while the movie makes more sense, it loses much of its magic. Some details are better left to the imagination, or even left out entirely.
The scenes that were added back in all serve to make Legend a more conventional movie, while not fully converting it into a standard fantasy/action film. As a result, this cut doesn't really work as either type of film.
Also, the orchestral score was really jarring for me at many points. It was far too conventional, and had almost none of the ethereal quality of the Tangerine Dream soundtrack that was so much a part of the theatrical release.
If you want to find out more detail about what was supposed to be happening in this film, by all means watch the director's cut.
The supplemental features alone will do an excellent job of giving you more background, though, and if you're looking to keep the magic alive, give that version a miss, and watch the U.S. theatrical cut on the second disk, instead.
The U.S. theatrical version is a clear five stars as far as I'm concerned, so I'll resist the temptation to rate the whole thing lower just because the director's cut is inferior.
Movie Review: Theatrical version is still better than the director's cut
Summary: 5 Stars
Let me start off by saying what a great movie this is. I was so excited to see the ultimate edition released with Ridley Scott's original director's cut and the Jerry Goldsmith score. My girlfriend and I raced home from the store and enthusiastically popped the director's cut disc into the dvd player. What we found that was different than what we remembered was about 15 minutes of Mia Sara singing and some seriously sappy lovey-dovey banter between Jack and Lily. This is character development that we didn't need. The great part about Legend originally was the simplicity of the characters creating a representation of true essences, i.e. innocence, darkness, magic, love. These are things that don't require dialog to explain. The Goldsmith score was great, truly enjoyable music, but overall served only to disturb the original mood of the theatrical release that we already knew and loved.After viewing the D.C., our feelings about the flick suddenly became lukewarm. Then we popped in the other disc that contained the standard version. The film immediately came back to life for us with the mystery and splendor of the tangerine dream score and some fine tuning of the editors.
As a Ridley Scott officianado, its nice to have the director's cut, but after watching both back to back, the theatrical release is clearly the more polished, coherent and mystical of the two. You make up your own mind about it. If you love Legend, you'll love the ultimate edition. With cool clear packaging, two versions of the film, and at such a great price, you can't go wrong! It is an excellent edition to my dvd library. :)
Movie Review: A Great DVD of a Good Movie
Summary: 5 Stars
This is what DVD is all about, or at least what it can do at it's best. This DVD offers two cuts of the same film, each restored to a luster they haven't enjoyed since they were seen in theaters. Film-lovers can be very grateful that such ravishing visions have been allowed to re-surface.As most people must know by now, Legend is a film by Ridley Scott that was very stupidly handled by the studio for American release. It was re-cut to fit alleged audience expectations, and, probably even more damaging to the effect of the film, Jerry Goldsmith's sumptuous score was replaced with one by Tangerine Dream. This DVD includes both versions of the film, the original version and the cut version that American audiences had to put up with. The restored version is far superior to the cut version. There is no question about it.
Tim Curry's performance as Darkness is a marvel. Buried under what looks like 10 tons of makeup, he manages to deliver shadings of meaning and character that many other actors can't deliver with their bare faces. The art direction is splendid, the cinematography likewise. There are some touches that I can't say I like. The bubbles that appear with the Gump, and some of comic relief dialogue come dangerously close to appearing cutesy, in marked contrast with the best parts of the film. Tom Cruise never really seems comfortable as a fairy tale creature. Fantasy isn't really his style, and it shows.
But these are quibbles. All in all, a DVD that is worth every penny. Snap it up before the studios realize what a deal it is, and take it off the market.
Movie Review: Thank god for DVDs...
Summary: 5 Stars
... because without them we probably wouldn't have the Director's Cut of such an amazing, and vastly underrated film. If you've watched the US release, you cannot understand the true Otherworldly essence this movie contains, not only due to the music score, but also the different scene cuts. However, it was very interesting to watch both versions, as the US and the Director's Cut are both on this "Ultimate Edition" DVD set.Tangerine Dream's score is interesting - electronica, ELO style (if you've seen "Xanadu", you will probably know what I mean), but lacking real depth. Jerry Goldsmith's score truly captures every magical moment throughout the film, and really brings to life not only the scenery, but also the emotions of the characters (and viewers).
The US cut also destroys much of the basic premise of the story - the idea that pure innocence can destroy pure evil. The US cut implies Jack and Lili (made only a Lady in this version, not the Princess of the European release) are already having a sexual relationship at the begining of the film. How can she be considered 'pure' (in traditional fairytale style) if she is having sex (implied or not)? This is but one of the many jarring edits made to this film, which have been rectified in the Director's Cut.
I deifinitely urge anyone to watch this edition - there are not enough true fairytales captured on the big screen for children anymore, and the depth of ideas also makes it enjoyable for adults. Besides, it has Tim Curry as Darkness, the devil - how can you say no to that?
Watch it. Adore it. Feel the magic, and believe.