Erik The Conqueror
Starring: Cameron Mitchell, George Ardisson, Alice Kessler, Ellen Kessler
Directed: Mario Bava
Studio: Arrow Video
Format: Blu-Ray
Disc Release Date: August 29, 2017
About:
In 1961, director Mario Bava (Rabid Dogs, Kill Baby Kill) turned his hand to the historical adventure genre, capitalizing on the recent success of 1958 s Kirk Douglas vehicle The Vikings. The result was a colorful, swashbuckling epic of treachery, heroism and forbidden love: Erik the Conqueror.
In 786 AD, the invading Viking forces are repelled from the shores of England, leaving behind a young boy Erik, son of the slain Viking king. Years later, Erik (George Ardisson, Juliet of the Spirits), raised by the English queen as her own, becomes Duke of Helford, while across the sea, his brother Eron (Cameron Mitchell, Blood and Black Lace) assumes leadership of the Viking horde and sets his sights on conquering England once again, setting the two estranged brothers on a collision course that will determine the fates of their respective kingdoms…
Featuring a bombastic score by frequent collaborator Roberto Nicolosi (Black Sunday) and memorably co-starring the stunning Kessler twins (Sodom and Gomorrah), Erik the Conqueror showcases Bava s immense talent for creating awe-inspiring spectacle with limited resources. Now restored in high definition for the first time, Arrow Video is proud to present this cult classic in all its original splendor.
My Review:
Erik The Conqueror is a Viking Action Adventure that brings the fire. Erik is a Viking whom was separated from his twin brother during a battle against the British and a third-party grope hired by the Brits to get the Vikings to leave the land…But not kill them. That doesn’t happen as this other group kills the viking king and then the Brits king so they can take over England. Erik was found after the battle was over the Queen of England and raised While his twin brother Eron Escaped with the other vikings. A little over 20 years past when the two find each other on the opposite sides of the battle field.
The story was a good follow with a few things at play with one brother leading the Vikings and the other a trust worthy fighter for England. The Action was plenty and filled with big scenes of battler. The effects were OK like at the beginning a baby and mother is killed by arrow and of course its a doll but hey its a movie made in the 60’s. What it did have a lot of that was real….Lots of fire, no CGI crap, real things burning. The film also has a good-looking set and costumes. Acting was OK and the film does showcase its time but still a good watch if your into Viking Action in the style of Hercules.
Overall the film was fun but like I said it does show its time so it may not appeal to a younger CGI’d lover filled Viewership. The Battles were good and at times sped up but also again it shows it time. The story is what shines. The overall look of the film is great on Blu-Ray.
With that said I give this film a 3.5 out of 5. I say if you enjoy older action films like Hercules I say pick this up. Its better story wise.
Extras:
- Brand new 2K restoration of the film from the original camera negative
- High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations
- Original Italian and English mono audio (lossless on the Blu-ray Disc)
- Newly translated English subtitles for the Italian soundtrack
- Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for the English soundtrack
- New audio commentary by Tim Lucas, author of Mario Bava All the Colors of the Dark
- Gli imitatori, a comparison between Erik the Conqueror and its unacknowledged source, The Vikings
- Original ending
- Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Graham Humphreys
- FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Collector s booklet featuring new writing on the film by critic Kat Ellinger\