It’s been written that much of the output from Italian
studios in the sixties were little more than remakes of movies from other
countries. It’s even mentioned in one of the extras on the new blu-ray release
of this film. The thing is that’s not always a bad thing. Consider that a movie
like A FISTFUL OF DOLLARS was a remake of YOKIMBO, a Japanese samurai film. The
same was true of THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN here in the U.S. Putting your own spin
on another film can work and did. Unfortunately not so much in current fare.
Director Mario Bava was a man who had one of the best
concepts of visualization when it came to cinematography. The images he places
on the screen are interesting and captivating. That becomes obvious in this
movie, a remake of sorts of the film THE VIKINGS. While I loved that original
film I found much to enjoy in this one as well.
In 786 AD a Viking king Harald lands on the shores of
England willing to make peace with the English, a country he and his kin have
plundered for years in the North Sea. King Loter is willing to agree to terms
and sends Sir Rutford to negotiate the peace. Instead, Rutford ceases the
opportunity to take out the Vikings with an ambush, killing the king leaving only
a few to escape. He also uses them as a patsy when he has one of his men kill
Loter as well.
Some of the Vikings survive. Among those still alive are the
Harald’s two sons Eron and Erik. Eron is rescued and returned home while Erik
is saved by the Queen and raised as her own. Both are raised differently with
two opposing views of the world based on their environments.
Twenty years pass and the Vikings are now led by Eron
(Cameron Mitchell). Once again they set out to plunder the English coastline
and seek vengeance for the treachery of the past. Erik has been placed in
charge of the English fleet and sets out to confront them, not realizing that
Rutford has planted one of his own men onboard to ensure Erik never makes it
back. The unknowing brothers battle and Erik is thought lost at sea only to
wash ashore on the beaches of the Viking land.
Rutford offers the Queen his hand in marriage which she
refuses realizing how treacherous he is. Rebuffed he offers his obedience to
Enron and becomes his ally instead.
We know that eventually the two brothers will face off
against one another and that a winner will be determined. If not something else
will interfere with their reunion. Rutford will have to pay for his actions.
And somehow, the Vikings and the English will have to settle their differences.
It is the journey to these things that makes this movie both interesting and
entertaining to watch.
Growing up in the sixties the sword and sandal movies as
they were called were a staple of my
TV movie diet. They showed every week on the local VHS
channel, everything from Hercules to his many sons to Samson and more. Watching
them now I’m surprised how much I enjoyed them but still find something in
them. Somehow this movie evaded me back then. Fortunately I made up for it with
this release.
The acting here isn’t nearly as broad as I’ve seen it in
other Italian movies in this genre. Make no mistake, they were the leaders in
this sort of film back then. Here the acting is more subdued when needed and
widely open in other scenes as called for. Mitchell, an actor mostly associated
with the TV western HIGH CHAPPARAL, comes off nicely here. But it is the visual
stylings of Bava that take center stage. The movie might not be Oscar worthy
but it does offer solid storytelling that holds your interest throughout.
I’ve seen a number of these movies and never have I seen
someone capture such colorful and fantastic shots. Bava used brightly colored
lights in many of his movies and that usage of light is on display here in scenes
taking place in the Vikings main building. He also does an amazing job
capturing shorelines, horizons and more. Many of those images would make great
pictures to be placed on the wall they are so rich and well done.
Once again Arrow Video has taken what was once a washed out
scratched up mess and turned it into a gorgeous presentation. It’s a beautiful
2k 1080p hi def transfer and it shows. Extras include a new audio commentary
track by Tim Lucas the author of MARIO BAVA ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK, GLI
IMITATORI a comparison between this film and its unacknowledged source THE
VIKINGS, the original ending and a reversible sleeve featuring original and
newly commissioned artwork by Graham Humphreys. I will continue to sing the
praises of Arrow Video as long as their output remains as top of the line as
this one proves. If you enjoyed the film in the past then by all means pick up
this edition. It will be like seeing the film as you’ve never had the chance
before.
Click here to order.
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