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List Price: $14.98 | | Label: MGM (Video & DVD)
Salesrank: 28025
Released: February 3, 2004 |
| Our Price: $8.90 |
| Used Price: $6.98 |
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MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
Camp and cult fans may get a few laughs from this tongue-in-cheek version of the classic H. Rider Haggard adventure novel from '80s low-budget outfit Cannon Films. Richard Chamberlain gives a pun-prone take on Great White Hunter Allen Quatermain, who is recruited by Sharon Stone to rescue her father from the clutches of a German colonel (Herbert Lom) and a Turkish slaver (John Rhys-Davies), who have captured him to possess his map to the legendary diamond mines of King Solomon. Director J. Lee Thompson (The Guns of Navarone) and the game cast do what they can with the dodgy special effects and groaner-filled script; viewers who don't mind sub-par serial-style thrills might find some kicks here. --Paul Gaita
King Solomon's Mines Reviews:
non-stop action, from the Cannon Group . . . 
2009-12-06 - Attempting to ride the wave of success created by Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), the good folks at the Cannon Group brought you King Solomon's Mine (1985), an action adventure featuring Richard Chamberlain as the renowned adventurer Allan Quartermain. Based on Henry Rider Haggard's novel published a century earlier in 1885, the character had been featured in films before, with Stewart Granger among those playing Allan Quartermain, who was supposedly one of the main inspirations for the character Indiana Jones.
According to legend, somewhere in Africa, a great treasure in diamonds is to be found in King Solomon's mine. Professor Jediah Huston (Bernard Archard), has been abducted by Colonel Bockner (Herbert Lom), the leader of a group of German troops seeking the treasure. John Rhys-Davis, who was also in Raiders of the Lost Ark, appears here as Dogati, a Turk aiding the Germans. Still mainly working in television, a pre-Basict Instinct Sharon Stone, plays Jesse, who has hired Quartermain to find her lost father.
In the 1980's, the Cannon Group was mostly known for action films, particularly those by Chuck Norris, and Charles Bronson's Death Wish sequels. Cannon's production of King Solomon's Mine features mostly non-stop action, as Quartermain and Jesse, get into and out of a string of tight situations, that includes an extended sequence on a train, a madcap encounter in the air, a rather silly incident in a giant cooking pot, and swinging over a pool of crocodiles. The abundance of action, makes the film seem longer than it is. At the time, Richard Chamberlain was pretty hot, coming from the success of the Thorn Birds. Minus the whip, and with a heavy beard, Chamberlain bears a resemblance to a certain Dr. Jones. His portrayal of Quartermain is kind of aloof, and a little stiff at times. Humor and comedy are apparently not Chamberlain's strong suit. Although mostly smooth and competent in dealing with whatever arises, he often seems a bit detached from the reality of the situation. Quartermain and Jesse get along well enough, but there doesn't seem to be much real chemistry between them, which is unfortunate as Jesse is quite likeable, handles herself well, and is only slightly prone to hysterics.
In this light cartoonish affair, a lack of depth does not matter very much. Lom and Rhys-Davis take their characters over the edge, with plenty of bluster, and dramatic rants. The journey begins to go off to fantasyland when Quartermain encounters a tree dwelling tribe, that hang upside down from branches and vines. Yet another tribe guards the pathway to the mine, where an excitable high priestess takes a dislike to Jesse. Upon reaching the fabled mines, the movie takes a nosedive into silliness. The sets are a little disappointing, and the special effects are rather weak, even for 1985. After a few mildly tense moments, the film ends rather predictably.
Filmed in Zimbabwe, and directed by veteran action specialist J. Lee Thompson (The Guns of Navarone, Cape Fear), the film generally has very good production values. Some of the action and fighting sequences are quite nicely done. With hardly a sign of anything computer generated, most of the stunts are real, and a large number of extras were employed for some scenes. This kind of filmmaking has already become a part of the past. The special effects, and rear screen projection scenes, mostly appear dated.
This release is widescreen, with English subtitles. A commentary track with stars Chamberlain and Stone would have been nice, but perhaps this is a film they would both prefer to forget. An above average effort for Golan-Globus Productions, and The Cannon Group, King Solomon's Mines is a pretty enjoyable adventure, until the fantasy finish in the mines. With some decent action and interesting cinematography in Africa, the film apparently did well enough to justify a sequel, Allan Quartermain and the Lost City of Gold (1987), with Chamberlain and Stone reprising their roles.
Gift 
2008-12-30 - This was a gift. She enjoyed the movie as a kid, still loves it. Perfect condition!
Awful 
2008-12-23 - Rent/buy the original with Paul Robeson or the spectacular version with Stewart Granger. This is just plain awful, except for the amazing Jerry Goldsmith score, which you can buy separately. And I did see it in the movies, and tried to get my money back.
A Different kind of King Solomon's Mines 
2008-12-08 - I remember watching this movie on television and enjoying this movie for its humor and its action. It has been a long time since I have seen the movie but at times I admit that I have wanted to own the movie for the memories that it would bring back to me. I remember Sharon Stone and the comedic relief she brought to the movie and how she hated and loved Richard Chamberlain's character for the things that he would do. I admit that this movie might not appeal to certain people today but for those who are a little older and who have fond memories of this movie this is a must have for them.
King Solomons Mines review
2008-09-01 - This product is really awesome. I used to watch this movie when i was younger and now i can watch it anytime i choose.
