 | |
List Price: $34.98 | | Label: 20th Century Fox
Salesrank: 3872
Released: November 14, 2006 |
| Our Price: $18.79 |
| Used Price: $15.44 |
|
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Media: Blu-ray |
|
Editorial Review:
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 historySystem Requirements:Running Time 191 Mins.Format: BLU-RAY DISC Genre: ACTION/ADVENTURE Rating: R UPC: 024543396109 Manufacturer No: 2239610
Description of Kingdom of Heaven (Director's Cut) [Blu-ray]:
It's hard to believe Ridley Scott's handsome epic won't become the cinematic touchstone of the Crusades for years to come. Kingdom of Heaven is greater than the sum of its parts, delivering a vital, mostly engrossing tale following Balian (Orlando Bloom), a lonely French blacksmith who discovers he's a noble heir and takes his father's (Liam Neeson) place in the center of the universe circa 1184: Jerusalem. Here, grand battles and backdoor politics are key as Scott and first-time screenwriter William Monahan fashion an excellent storyline to tackle the centuries-long conflict. Two forward-thinking kings, Baldwin (Edward Norton in an uncredited yet substantial role) and Saladin (Ghassan Massoud), hold an uneasy truce between Christians (who hold the city) and Muslims while factions champ at the bit for blood. There are good and evildoers on both sides, with the Knights Templar taking the brunt of the blame; Balian plans to find his soul while protecting Baldwin and the people. The look of the film, as nearly everything is from Scott, is impressive: his CGI-infused battle scenes rival the LOTR series and, with cinematographer John Mathieson, create postcard beauty with snowy French forests and the vast desert (filmed in Morocco and Spain). An excellent supporting cast, including Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson, and David Thewlis, also help make the head and heart of the film work. Many critics pointed out that Bloom doesn't have the gravitas of Russell Crowe in the lead (then again, who does?), but it's the underdeveloped character and not the actor that hurts the film and impacts its power. Balian isn't given much more to do than be sullen and give an occasional big speech, alongside his perplexing abilities for warfare tactics and his wandering moral compass (whose sole purpose seems to be to put a love scene in the movie). Note: all the major characters except Neeson's are based on fact, but many are heavily fictionalized. --Doug Thomas
Kingdom of Heaven (Director's Cut) [Blu-ray] Reviews:
One of my favorites 
2008-09-25 - This a movie that everytime that you see it you notice something new. It is going to become a timeless classic! Part history, part love story, part religion, part war what else do you want in a movie Drama, action, love, history ...............
Awesome
2008-09-23 - The uncut version sure filled in all the parts you didn't see in the other video of it. I liked it alot
Money well spent for the movie.
Well Made Director's Cut
2008-09-16 - This movie had really nice sets, and a great story. There is only about 20 minutes of action but overall it's a great movie.
Nothing... Everything! 
2008-09-10 - The Director's Cut is the real version of the film, butched to be shown in cinemas. I'm getting tired of this studio practice, after all, I pay to get into a theater (I'm writing without spelling check, so cover your eyes and forget my writing sins). This is a fun take into the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem, but is short in action for impatient viewers and too light in ideas for those looking for intellectual nourishment. Phrases about religion and tolerance abound in the film, and this is welcomed. However, the motives of some of the characters, especially the ones designated to be the villains, are not explained at all. Why Guy needs war so much? We know why Saladin does, but what about his foes? As in history, Saladin and the king are the most memorable characters here. Every time they speak we listen carrefully, every movement a sign of the times and the will of the nations behind them. It is a film of spectacle, as well as a political allegory. Tolerance and Jerusalem, sounds familiar? Well, my disjointed review comes to an end, and to add another point to a list of random thougths: Orlando Bloom was good in the movie, and a weak leader he isn't. Maybe the writers forced some blatant lines about self-made men out of his troath, but he fought bravely for those words. Saalam aleikum.
Much, Much Better Than The Theatrical Release 
2008-09-02 - This is the film that should have been seen by everyone the theaters. The extended edition contains all of the character development that was missing in the original. In addition, there is a bit more attention to Balian's faith journey. I would still have liked to have seen more in that regard but happy for what there is now in the extended DVD.
