King Arthur the second time around ...

[George Bellefontaine]

... and this time in relative luxury of my own home theater. When I saw this in the theater it kinda left me cold. It was probably the different take on the legend and how King Arthur came to be. But watching it the second time, with a few added scenes ( Director's Cut ) seemed to modify my thinking. It still isn't the romantic legend of Arthur we've seen in the past, but if the legend is true, then this film is very likely more closer to the truth than anything that has been done in the past. I still don't like the color palate ( though I'm sure this was intentional to create a certain atmosphere), but the sound was much better in my theater than at the theater. Also watching the climatic battle scene, as well as the battle on the frozen lake again gave me a new appreciation of how well these were done. Certainly a worthwhile rental for anyone out there who likes this type of filmfare.

[David Meek]

Hey George, I just knew you'd come around eventually. I haven't picked this one up yet - hopefully tonight or tomorrow. What about these new scenes?

[Foxman]

We watched it for the first time last night. I really like the story of King Arthur and this was definatley a differant twist, but I really enjoyed the movie. The Frozen lake scene was great.

Merlins sure was painted (pun intended) in a differant light than what I have come to know.

[George Bellefontaine]

New scenes ? Sheesh, Tex, my memory's not that good. But there was one showing how young Arthur came in possession of the Excalibur sword that I don't recall seeing at the theater.

[Andrew Pratt]

I still don't like the color palate ( though I'm sure this was intentional to create a certain atmosphere

George its England...I expected to see rain, fog, gloom and generally a dull colour palatte and that's what I got

I quite enjoyed the movie and its take on the legend.

[Nick M]

I'm hesitant to buy this DVD. The previews for it didn't excite me at all.
Maybe I'll pick it up due to the reviews here.

[SpOoNmAn]

I quite enjoyed the movie and its take on the legend.

I agree. I heard from many people that the movie sucked. And that was reason enough to see it, these same people always tell me "so and so was terrible" and I always think the opposite after seeing whatever it was.

I thought it was actually very good overall. Glad I got it :T

[BlazeMaster]

well, I think it's because they don't have nice system to fullfil the whole experience. Most people I know don't care about the audio of the movie, so watching it at my place usually gives them a FULL experience. ...

[PewterTA]

I agree with BlazeMaster, most people (I think) are very much visually oriented in where if the visual side doesn't appeal to them they don't like and it must be a bad movie. So many people don't even realize what they are missing out on the audio side of movie watching and are content with their nice bigscreen TV and the TV speakers. I know, my parents and sister are this way...just give them a TV and speakers and they are happy. But me, I need the home theater experience.

I thought King Arthur was really done well. I liked the twist on the Legend and if I had to pick between the two styles as to which one was real, I'd probably with this one. It seemed more believeable to me. The visual settings, albeit somewhat drab, I think really reflected the times and what people had to go through. I thought it fit perfectly. Some of the scenes I felt were a little bit soft, but was happy to see little edge enhancement to the film. The audio worked well with the picture. I think the arrows flying and swords clashing were well done. The imagining of the film seemed to work well, wasn't LOTR or anything, but was done well.

Over all, if you came in with high hopes for an Epic film, you probably would get disappointed, but if you didn't have high hopes and just wanted an enjoyable film, it accomplished that.

[David Meek]

The visual settings, albeit somewhat drab, I think really reflected the times and what people had to go through. I thought it fit perfectly.

Hehe. Northern England in the winter? Drab sort of sums it up very well. Not being insulting here - in spring and summer it can be stunningly beautiful.

[Andrew Pratt]

Hehe. Northern England in the winter? Drab sort of sums it up very well. Not being insulting here - in spring and summer it can be stunningly beautiful.

I grew up there and can attest to that Its beautiful in its own way :T

[CJ Paul]

I only caught this once and I was extremely distracted as my brother and I tried to watch it while we were charged with watching my 6 month old daughter who had a cold. Needless to say, I need to catch it again.

[George Bellefontaine]

I think it will be worth your time, CJ. This seems to be one of those films that benefits from multiple viewings.

[CJ Paul]

George, the DVD sits on my DVD shelf, so at SOME point its going to get another viewing, because hey, I already bought it

[David Meek]

I think it will be worth your time, CJ. This seems to be one of those films that benefits from multiple viewings.

What??? 8O

George? Is that you? :B

[George Bellefontaine]

Yep, that's me. When I saw it in the theater I was left kinda cold on it but after watching it in my own HT I discovered a new appreciation. I'm now thinking of watching it again, and maybe even buying it. Shows to go you, first impressions aren't always the thing.

[Nick M]

Rented it.

I've read all the old Arthur tales, even some in old english, and knew this supposedly wasn't like them, so I tried to hold back any expectations. Wasn't my cup of tea. Just to start, it seems like there were too many tangents and storylines. The storyline that did exist was also more like Braveheart than Arthurian. Lots of corny lines too, like when Arthur rides out and speaks under the white flag. The native English being elvish-like woods-people also made me raise an eyebrow. Arthur and Lancelot were poorly cast, and the music was yet again reminiscent of Gladiator. Great landscapes and choice of filming location though.

:15: out of :5: for Keira Knightly when not dressed as an "elf", and the landscapes.

I almost feel cheated out of $3 for renting this, nevermind $20 if I had bought it.

[David Meek]

I watched the alternate ending last night. I REALLY wish that was the one they had used. It was much less bombastic and much more in line with the feel of the relationships that had been built in the rest of the film. Oh well, when I grow up and get to be a director. . . . :

[fordster]

I got bought this for Xmas and I wish they hadn't bothered. It's a terrible film with terrible plot, dialogue and acting! There is some good cinematography (is that the right word?) but that's about it. Still, each to their own.