Zulu
|
List Price: Our Price: $7.23 You Save: $7.75 (52%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $5.00 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of Zulu
Movie Review: June 12, 2009: U.K. Blu-ray Disc will play on U.S. players
Summary: 5 Stars
BLU-RAY DISC REVIEW--UPDATED JUNE 12, 2009: "U.K. Blu-ray Disc will play on standard U.S. Blu-ray Disc players"
This review should be placed under the Blu-ray listing of "Zulu"--but as per Amzon's rules, I have to place it here.
This is a review of the Blu-ray version of "Zulu". I will not review the plot--although it is truly a masterpiece, a classic with an A-list cast, based on the true story of a small group of British soldiers defending a remote outpost, against thousands of Zulu warriors in colonial South Africa in 1879. If you have never seen this great movie, you will not be disappointed with the plot, the acting, the directing, or any other aspect of this dramatization of actual events.
For some reason, this Blu-ray was only released in Europe as a "region-free" disc. I was skeptical that it would play on my U.S.-sold Sony Blu-ray player (that I purchased in Nov. 2008 and in which I have not installed any software updates). The seller assured me that it would play OK--and it did! No problem whatsoever with the video or audio playback.
And what a picture! The video quality is as good as any other Blu-ray that I have seen--even including the new blockbusters on Blu-ray--crystal sharp details--almost a 3-D look to the vistas and other images. The redcoats are fire-engine red. There is no evidence of grain and the outstanding images are remarkably consistent throughout the film. There is simply no comparison of the Blu-ray image to the previous DVD version of "Zulu". The audio is fine (other reviewers have complained about the sound--but, the original was mono--it's perfectly fine, in my opinion). If you are as picky as I am about upgrading your movie collection to Blu-ray, you will not be disappointed with this upgrade.
Unfortunately, this item is only for sale on Amazon through a limited number of marketplace sellers. There seems to be a constant trickle of offers from these sellers. I spent about $15 more on this disc than the usual Blu-ray purchase--but it was worth it. Highly recommended!
Listed below is my previous review, based on the standard DVD release.
I almost did not purchase a DVD of "Zulu" based on the mostly negative comments (by other Amazon reviewers) regarding the quality of the video and sound transfer to DVD. Well, I took a chance--and wow! The transfer to DVD is excellent! The format is anamorphic widescreen, enhanced for 16 x 9 large-screen, high-definition TVs. My comments are based on the Region 1, May 2003 DVD release by MGM. The DVD cover artwork is a painting (not a photo) that shows a likeness of Michael Caine in his British uniform. There are apparently older versions or knock-offs that might be the source of those other negative comments regarding the picture quality.
I have a high-defintion TV and I am very particular about the quality of the transfer of old films (like this, filmed in 1964) to DVD. I watched "Zulu" on a 46-inch Samsung high-def, LCD TV, played via a Toshiba 1080p HD DVD player. The picture is crystal clear (I did not notice any grain or dirt), the colors perfect (good flesh tones--and the British red coats are their true bright red, not washed-out orange as another reviewer commented), and the sound is also good. If you have a high-defintion TV with surround sound, you will not be disappointed. This DVD edition of this 1964 classic is highly recommended!
Movie Review: Zulu.
Summary: 5 Stars
_Zulu_ (1964) is an epic film depicting the battle between the British and the Zulus, a black tribe in South Africa, in January 1879 in South Africa. The film begins with a mass Zulu marriage ceremony watched over by a British missionary and his daughter. In this ceremony, each woman is wed to a brave warrior. However, during the ceremony a messenger appears and informs the Zulu king that there has been a great victory in which the Zulus have killed thousands of British. With this, the clergyman and his daughter ride off back to the British hold-out. It is here that the British captains plot their last stand against the Zulus. The British only have 100 men while the Zulus have thousands. And, one of the British soldiers point out that the Zulus attack in the form of a water buffalo. One of the men held in the brig with several others is known as Hook, a malingerer who is later to show great courage. The film then shows the British preparing for battle to the protests of the clergyman. While the battle becomes imminent the clergyman begins crying out that "Thou shalt not kill!" and thus it becomes necessary to lock him away. The Zulus first appear as sharpshooters having taken the guns from fallen British soldiers. Following this initial attack, a group of Zulu soldiers appear carrying spears and shields. However, they are quickly dispatched by the British army. Then, it is suddenly noted that the Zulu king has only unleashed this group to test the firepower of the British and that they gladly die. Instantly, appears a second wave of Zulus much larger than the first and the battle commences. The film shows some of the ridiculous and silly features of the British army (part of the reason for their lack of success) and thus is unintentially funny. To begin with the army appears to be excessively caught up in minor regulations. While they could certainly use the men in the brig (having only 100 men to fight thousands), it is noted that "this is against Queen's regulations". Secondly, the British appear in ridiculous looking red coats dressed more as if they are in a parade than a battle. Thirdly, the British carry bayonets; however, these must be re-loaded every time they are fired. And, finally the British are regimented in such a manner that they appear in straight lines, while the Zulus appear more as a guerilla force. As the battle continues, many Zulus are shot, but many British begin to be killed. Finally, Hook and the men in the brig must come out and fight. Even one of the British captains is injured but manages to live. Eventually the British manage to defeat this wave of the Zulu army. However, they are left with very few men. However, it is just at this moment when victory appears imminent that the Zulu king appears leading thousands of more warriors. The British cower believing that with so few men they will all certainly perish. But, instead of going to battle the Zulus begin performing a special dance. In fact, they are saluting the British. The film ends thus, noting the men who received the highest medal of the British army, the Victoria Cross (including Hook) for their courage that day. This film is interesting for what it reveals about the nature of British colonialism and the subsequent battles that ensued between the British and the native tribes.Movie Review: Great movie with intense action scenes
Summary: 5 Stars
When I saw this I was completely surprised by how well done this was, considering it is about 40 years old. What I noticed was that at times the British soldiers were the ones who had to retreat several feet in their battles with the Zulu warriors, unlike other movies we see where the African natives are the ones who are usually being mistreated and beaten by white explorers.
But don't take this as a race vs. race type thing, this is just about 100 soldiers fighting to survive against 4,000 Zulu warriors, and the ironic thing is that the soldiers were only sent to build a bridge near their fort.
The movie stars great actors like Stanley Baker, and Michale Caine, who some of you should know or at least heard of. I think this was one of his first major roles in a movie.
The movie takes place in Africa, and the British soldiers were sent to just build a bridge [actually they were engineers, the soldiers were already at the fort] Meanwhile they are soon going to figure out that an army of Zulu warriors have declared war on any white person they see after a battle with 1000 British soldiers a few days earlier.
The fort is where the movie takes place, the men turn over wagons, and prop up sandbags to make walls to defend the open spaces between their buildings. Any man that can walk and carry a rifle is ordered to fight, even if they are injured. The main rule is that if you have an arm, you need a gun and you need to fight.
Now as far as the fight scenes, some people might find them too violent, but believe me, if you've seen the Passion of the Christ, or even Saving Private Ryan, this is nothing. I'm not the type who likes to see guys kill each other, bullets and spears flying everywhere, but I will admit that they were exciting to see.
There are a few surprises in here as well, including the Zulus getting their hands on rifles off of dead soldiers, and when a stampede of cows stops another Zulu attack in its tracks.
The scenery is great, especially when the army of Zulu appear at the top of the edge of the hills, very breathtaking if you really look at it.
This is a great movie, and if you haven't seen the ending I wont ruin it, but believe me, both sides went through hell to try and stop the other. I would totally reccommend this to anyone who likes action, suspense, or is even a fan of Michale Caine, who gives a great performance I might add!
Movie Review: GREAT MOVIE!
Summary: 5 Stars
It's the morning of Jan. 22, 1879, and most of the British soldiers left behind to garrison the small makeshift hospital/supply depot of Rorke's Drift probably consider themselves lucky. It looks like they won't have to fight in this campaign. Their comrades who have marched on to Isandlwana will whip the Zulus in a few days and the army will march back to a hero's welcome at Capetown! Little do they know that an unforseen turn of events will have them fighting for their lives before the day is out. This turn of events, and how the men respond to it, are the subject of the movie "Zulu".
As the men are going about their mundane tasks, the astounding news comes that the British force at Isandlwana has been almost wiped out. An overwhelming force of Zulus are now headed for Rorke's Drift. Next comes the realization that it's too late to try and escape. The oncoming Zulus are almost certainly so close that they'd overtake them before they could reach safety. Their only chance is to use whatever time remains to fortify their little outpost and hold out until they are rescued. If all this isn't bad enough, Boer calvary refuse their desperate pleas for help, and native troops desert en masse just as the attack begins, leaving their just completed perimeter dangerously thin. But the officers, neither of whom have seen combat before, refuse to despair. Struggling against fear and self doubt, they make adjustments in the face of the enemy attack, pushing themselves and their men to the limits of endurance. The men, though aware of the seeming hopelessness of the situation, remain resolute. The Zulus, too, press on, refusing to quit even though taking terrible casualties from superior firepower. As the battle continues,truths about human character are revealed. Some of the most unlikely individuals show themselves to be capable of extraordinary heroism. Others find out how stupid and superficial their biases are when judging a persons true worth. One or two find that they can't stand up to the situation.
In the end, the British are rescued. But the movie isn't really about victory or defeat. "Zulu" is a visual hymn of praise to courage, unselfishness, and dogged determination in the face of mortal danger. Anyone who appreciates these qualities will love the movie!
Movie Review: An impressive battle
Summary: 5 Stars
The 1964 movie was shot in such picturesque mountains, blue sky and serene countryside. The first half of the movie was a successful creation of the quiet, cozy air where 139 Welsh Infantry enjoyed one another's company in Natal, building a bridge, raising cattle and choir singing. Their blue-blood lieutenant Bromhead (Micahel Caine) could trace to his great grandfather for bravery and was amazingly laid back, induldging in hunting evry now and then. The amatuer but practical lieutenant, Chard of Engineers, could not be more different, he sensed the urgency when they received news that 1500 of the Britsh troops was killed by Zulu warriors nearby.
The Welsh characters were warmly portrayed - the brass, the tenor, the 4 Jones, the drinking thief who finally turned a valiant soldier...... How they prepared under Chad's leadership and waited for the imminent attack kept me anticipating in baited breath. Jack Hawkins, as the peaceloving reverend, was simply in the wrong spot at the wrong time.
The battle comprised a series of attacks, day and night, and was even more intriguing to watch. Chad was bold and decisive, a fast runner metaphorically, while Bromhead was watchful and tenacious, a marathon man. Each needed the other to ward off the Zulus. The Zulus were runners and true warriors. They knew war strategies and their songs, as prelude to war, both emboldened their spirits and weakened their enemies'. The beating of the shields and stomping of the feet, the echos among the warriers were a spectacle itself. It was true that the Welsh, outnumbered by the 4000 Zulus, were brave and fought off fatique and thirst. Yet the Zulus were formidable enemies who, outnumbered by machinery, stopped the bullets with their own bodies.
The last two major attacks were spectacular and ending excellent. 5 minutes before the ending you thought everthing was settled and behold, look beyond the mountain for a twist! This is a brilliantly war movie full of suspense. It was neither bloody nor brutal to watch. Before your eyes stood two different cultures whose peoples met the same destiny. Very watchable.