Customer Ratings & Reviews

The Knights of the Round Table was a better movie with better actor performance.

I was not impressed with this video. Even though it was a costume video, it seemed dated.

Disney's version of the "Sword in the Stone" was more entertaining.

There are better movies out there, but few are as awesome as John Boorman's "Excalibur". Growing up a fan of Arthurian legend, I remember watching this for the first time and and being a little put off by its 1980s bombasticity. But getting deeper into its story of Pagan magic, gleaming armor, epic chivalry, and trippy visuals, it was easy to be absorbed by it all. I was captivated by its sheer epicness, it's timeless story, and I was in awe by the time the credits rolled. Since then, the movie has only gotten better. Nicol Williamson, perhaps one of the most underrated actors in history delivers a terrific performance as Merlin. It'd be so easy for an actor today like Ben Kingsley or Liam Neeson to come in and sleepwalk through the role of Merlin, or even ham it up for a paycheck. Nicol Williamson does something else. His performance is remarkably varied. It's both big and subtle. He can play funny, threatening, and warm all at once, and it's thrilling to watch. Nigel Terry is also wonderful as Arthur. His work early in the film seems strange because it's not how we usually think of King Arthur. But by the film's end, he fully embodies the nobility, age, and weariness of this great character. Terry convincingly portrays the growth of Arthur from a 15-year-old boy to a 50 year old man. Other lead performers include Cherie Lunghi as Guenevere, Nicholas Clay as Lancelot, and of course Helen Mirren as the villainous Morgana. The rest of the cast is rounded out by a veritable who's who of future acting greats - Liam Neeson, Patrick Stewart, Ciarin Hinds, Gabirel Byrne and more, all in what were their first big movie roles. The movie features a brilliant soundtrack of powerful classics by Wagner and Orff. The Blu-ray features a very good transfer. It doesn't look like it was made yesterday, but nor should it. The film was often shot with filters to achieve a diffuse, dreamy look and the video transfer accurately reflects this. So don't expect razor sharp images. Otherwise, it's clean and film-like. The Blu-ray's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is accurate and faithful to the film. As for extras, this disc includes a very good but old commentary by Director John Boorman. His comments are insightful and it makes for a good listen. Also included is the film's theatrical trailer in SD. That Warner Home Video has not given this film the special edition treatment yet is a cause for great shame.

Excalibur is very action-packed and graceful, and, with a few exceptions to the rule, true to Sir Thomas Mallory's original Le Morte d'Arthur, although two crucial female characters, Vivienne and Margawse, are omitted and, instead, are combined into the Morgana (Helen Mirren) character, and worse, Lancelot's son Galahad in the original book, is blended into the Perceval character. The cinematography is absolutely breathtaking, and the acting is phenomenal. After having seen Mirren as both Queen Elizabeths I and II, I enjoyed going back to seeing her in this movie. Likewise, Liam Neeson was magnificent as the harsh opinionated Sir Gawain, a role completely different from Aslan in the Narnia movies and Oskar Shindler in Shindler's List. Cherie Lunghi is a strong intelligent feisty Guenevere. The role of Guenevere was very well-written because she is depicted as a highly skilled warrior and doctor. While I was disappointed that the roles of Perceval and Galahad were combined, and having Galahad in the story would have given more depth to the entire film, the Perceval subplot was very stirring and kept the movie going. It was full of very disturbing and gruesome scenes, but it showed the courage of the young knight who almost did not even make it into the knighthood in the first place. Wagner's music added to the richness of this classic epic film, especially when the knights ride through the wasteland, and, thanks to Perceval's courage, England is restored to its former glory. The costumes, while historically inaccurate, are absolutely stunning. This is a lovely movie that is worth seeing over and over again.

The Movie is absolutely one of my family's favorite films of all time. John Boorman struggled to get the film made for years and succeeded in creating a visual masterpiece. Some critics just can't get the thrill out of a film which succeeds in creating such great imagery (which is what a film should be doing IMHO versus pensive heads yapping back and forth "acting" at each other which some critics adore). The commentary on the film is some of the best I have ever seen as John Boorman explains many interesting aspects of getting the film made and clearly shows an obsession for horses. This film has several actors doing their first film or first role of significance who go on to become major stars. Patrick Stewart, Liam Neeson come to mind. This film also gave the start to the Irish Film industry as is explained in the commentary. The story tries to be much more true to the original Arthurian legend versus the disneyfied ick that others may think or as the story now. Helen Mirren is the biggest name star now and does a wonderful job. Nigel Terry gives an incredibly great performance as Arthur. Nichol Williamson is wonderful as Merlin with one of the most memorable delivery of lines. The film is a gem that everyone should see. It has some scenes that aren't for children but I think young viewers will love the film if you can zip past a few scenes with too much skin.

I am very glad to see that this movie is being put on blu-ray I have watched my old dvd too many times. I hope they do give it better sound as well as picture my only problem is that I should have pre-ordered it two months ago when I first saw it as the price was $11 less than it is now will have to go to other stores and see their pricing on the movie now

This Was John Boorman best movie. action Love and the world of Arthur and his knights. All The Acting Was excellent A Lot Became Mega Stars Helen Mirren Liam Neeson Gabriel Byrne . this a movie everyone should watch and when the lady of the lake appears you are just overwhelm with the beaty of it.

Never get tired of watching this telling of the Arthurian legend. The long run time is needed to cover the entire story but it seems to go by so fast. A number of established actors are seen here early in their careers. The classical score will stay with you long after the film is over.

This is the best this movie has ever looked. It looks like it has been remastered for blu because it even looks better than the HD-DVD version I picked up after the format died....Worth the upgrade for sure. I paid 13.99 for mine at a local competitor because BB would not price match.

This is an old school epic movie. If you haven't seen it, then its a must see if you are interested in the King Arthur stories.

The classic tale of the infamous sword that created a legend of time and space. Outstanding cast and storyline.

I had this movie already. I bought this blue ray to get the DTS music sound track.

This game was for my son so I really don't know much about it.

Wonderful telling of the King Arthur legend, and it's never looked better than it does on this new Blu-ray release. Unfortunately, Best Buy has it priced at $10 above the manufacturer's list price, which is $19.99. You can find this release at other stores for about $14.