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Visitors Review

2013-06-17 12:47:43

Best movie i've ever seen

Legend is the best movie.The story was great,the costumes were wonderful,and the cast was perfect. This movie really shows you how strong and pure love could and should be.I wish they would make more movies like this. We all need to see a fairy tale sometimes.

FORMULACHIC_23 2013-06-17 04:36:49

My comments of the 2nd best movie made, following the Lord of the Rings are as follows below. A magical movie indeed about the powers of good and evil and how they prevail. If you have not seen this movie, I

This is probably one of the best movies I have ever seen. I owned itafter looking for it for about 5 years and it was stolen. Cant find itagain on DVD. I am a huge fan of fantasy and Legend brought to me thefeeling of magic and beauty and bliss. Unicorns are my favorite, I havewell over 500 collectables and this movie started it. If I were acritic back in 85, (I was only 5) then I would have given this movie 10stars. To thios day, I am still astounded when I see this movie. Ifthere is one word to describe it, it would with no doubt be magical.The cast is perfect and the scenes are magnificent. You will never seeTom Cruise in a more beautiful role, I can guarantee that. If you havenot seen this movie, I highly recommend it.

Theo Robertson 2013-06-14 19:02:00

Stunning To Look At But Suffers Greatly From Production Weakness

It's impossible to watch a fantasy film nowadays without comparing itto Peter Jackson's LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY . In fact even Jackson'sadaptation of THE HOBBIT suffers in comparison with his earliermasterwork . I went in to Ridley Scott's LEGEND not expecting much .It's a film that rather mediocre reviews on its release in 1985 andcemented the director's reputation as an artist only interested invisuals to the detriment of emotion and narrative Certainly on a visual level there's little that can be criticised evenin a cinematic post LOTR world and one can't help thinking that perhapsJackson has borrowed the visual look from Scott when he adapted theTolkien books . There is a subtle difference and that is Scott shoots afew too many medium shots in comparison to Jackson . Jacksonconcentrates on an ambitious sweeping spectacle that shows off the setsand locations to the best of their function where as Scott seems tolack this ambition . This isn't perhaps not a fundamental criticismsince one doubts if Scott was allowed the laissez faire artisticcontrol Jackson was allowed . The New Hollywood attitude of film makinghad ended in near disaster for the studios about three or four yearsearlier and one can understand the studio producers wanting to becharge of a production rather than the director And this is where LEGEND fails . It's a film that gives the impressionthat the producers don't know who to market the film for. LORD OF THERINGS is a rare film that celebrates Aglophile culture where as LEGENDseems to be a film that is trying - and failing to appeal to atrans-Atlantic multiplex audience . Tom Cruise has never been prettierbut seems miscast as a hero who is rather rather wet as opposed toheroic . Likewise the whole file suffers from a lack of focus as to whothe film will appeal to . The somewhat unrealistic nature fantasy basednature of the film won't appeal to a more mature audience while thevery impressive make up and demonic characters will absolutely terrifyyoung children . Interesting too that a common complaint on this pageis the incoherent plotting of the narrative . Quite often I foundmyself asking where the story was heading Insummary this is considered to be one of the weaker films of RidleyScott . By a bitter irony the directing and visual aspects are in factthe best thing about LEGEND which is a film that strikes the audiencethat the audience as being a film that is confused as to its market .Certainly it owes more than a bit to Tolkien but by the same tokenPeter Jackson may very well owe a bit to Ridley Scott

2013-06-14 08:13:42

The Ultimate Edition

I have loved Legend ever since I saw it when I was about 7 years old. I love it even more now that I own this DVD release. The director's cut looks and sounds amazing. I'll admit that I do prefer the Tangerine Dream score in some parts, but as a whole I enjoy the director's cut much better. The editing is much better, and Jerry Goldsmith's score gives the movie a much more epic feel. The extras were great. The making of featurette was very informative and enjoyable. I also thought it was really cool that they showed the original opening, and a reproduction of the fairy dance scene. Audio Commentary, trailers, tv spots, and a music video add to this amazing DVD. This is definetly the Ultimate Edition of Legend.

2013-06-14 13:01:24

Excellent Film and DVD

Wow! I just watched the director's cut version of Legend after years of loving the US version, and I must say it's like two different movies. It's not just that they edited the movie differently, but the script was actually slightly changed. In the Euro version Lilly was clearly a "princess" and she was just a lady in the US version. I also thought Lilly seemed a little more bratty in the Euro version. When Jack actually pleads with her not to touch the unicorns, she gives him a wicked little smile does it anyway. And as others have noted the pace is much slower in the Euro version.I see here that many people didn't like the Tangerine Dream score, but it really made the movie. It created a postmodernist sortof fairytale by mixing the classic plot and themes with the modern score. Jerry Goldsmith's score was not nearly as emotional. The DVD is great though. You can watch the version you want and see how they created that beautiful set.

2013-06-14 05:14:37

Jerry Goldsmiths music score should never have been cut.

If you've never seen the Director's cut of this film, you're going to be VERY surprised. When the movie was released here in the US, it was butchered by other editors to the point that the story no longer makes any sense. BY ALL MEANS - see the Director's cut (previously only available over seas!) Plus the Jerry Goldsmith score ranks up there with the best of anything John Williams has written... I am so thrilled that the original version is finally going to be commercially available over here.

2013-06-12 18:23:20

An Underrated Adventure

I love this movie, its the coolest fantasy movie ever. I like it better than all the big budget blockbusters, like Willow (2nd best of all time)and Lord of the Rings... The Prince of Darkness aka: Devil in this movie is the best looking Devil ever designed, those huge horns are awesome. I first saw this movie when I was a little kid and I still get the same feeling when I watch it now. Anyone who has ever watched Dark Chrystal as a kid and than as an adult will know what I mean, as a kid its great, as an adult not really.If anyone collects action figures there are going to be 2 figures released from this movie in McFarlanes next Movie Maniacs line. If you dont have it, buy it,[money] what a steal...

2013-06-12 12:20:18

Looking soo forward to this

This review is from: Legend (Ultimate Edition) (DVD) I am looking forward to seeing this directors cut. I have correction to make from a couple of prior reviewers.1. The Goldsmith score was the original score. Tangerine Dream was an addition after the fact. Personally I prefer it to the Goldsmith which doesn't have the same dark or magical feel to it that the TD score does.2.The chopped up edit job was actually Ridley Scott's own fault. he was totaly parnoid about how this film would be recieved and went way too far in chopping it up.Like I said I cannot wait to see the new version, I just wish they could done a compilation of the best of both soundtracks instead just the Goldsmith score.

2013-06-12 15:19:50

a fantasy of good vs. evil

This review is from: Legend [VHS] (VHS Tape) Una, Gum, and the Unicorns are amongst my favoirte characters. The story is based on true love. And the dualistic nature of this planet. Ridley Scott did a wonderful job on choosing the actors and the costumes are fabulous! The music is amazingly enchanting. Tangerine dream is truly ahead of their time. I like to see this movie often beacuse it sparkes the imagination to beleive in the good in man.

MrVoorhees 2013-06-11 19:52:08

Awesome with a capital A.

This has got to be one of the better Tom Cruise movies. He wasn't asgoodas Tim Curry though. He was just plain scary. He is one of the scariestliving men in Hollywood. Anyway, this movie had an awesome soundtrack,somereally cool fight scenes, and some of my all-time favorite scenery. Thishas got to be the peak of mystical fantasy action/romances of the80's.

2013-06-10 21:29:54

A Fascinating Film with a Fascinating Backstory

This review is from: Legend (Ultimate Edition) (DVD) "Legend" is one of those films that was really ahead of its time. An epic tale of adventure along the lines of "Lord of the Rings", it really is unforgettable and features one of the most memorable villains in movie history.The film is basically a fairy tale, centering on the struggle between good and evil. Tom Cruise plays Jack, an elf looking to save his love, Princess Lily, after the forces of darkness kill a unicorn and kidnap her, along with the last of the remaining unicorns. He must face the Lord of Darkness himself, played by an unrecognizable Tim Curry, to do so."Legend" really has everything. It's, at its heart, a love story about a man trying to save the woman he loves from the clutches of evil. But it also features a cast of characters that is almost too many to count. Goblins, elves, and fairies populate the world of "Legend", making for a true fantasy epic. The Lord of Darkness in particular is spectacular even when he says nothing, as he is both fascinating and terrifying to look at.As I said, this movie was really made too soon. The effects and sets are incredible, only matched lately by "Lord of the Rings". The costume designs are incredible, particularly the Lord of Darkness and his minions. In many ways, the effects are almost too good, as it almost overshadows the story.That's not to say that "Legend" is perfect. The acting, particularly by Cruise, isn't anything to write home about. I think that was partially due to the fact that many of the voices are dubbed in. Still, it's a bit disappointing. There's also some characters in the movie that really serve no purpose, like Screwball, except comic relief, which is sort of inappropriate in this film.This "Ultimate Edition" actually includes two versions of the film. The "Director's Cut" includes the original score by Jerry Goldsmith, which is excellent. This version is also a little longer, although it's not very noticeable. The other version contains the original Tangerine Dream score, which is good, but is almost too cartoonish for my tastes.The thing that really shines on this DVD is the documentary on the making of "Legend". Almost everyone involved in the film (except Cruise) is in it, talking about the production, the set, and their disappointment in the final U.S. product. The most interesting part is about how the sound stage where they had constructed this elaborate set burned down and caused them to forget about certain shots. Ridley Scott is one of my favorite directors, and he very candidly talks about this movie from beginning to end. It's really a treat for fans of this movie.I would highly recommend "Legend" to any fantasy fan or anyone who enjoyed "Lord of the Rings". It's a movie that really doesn't get enough attention from film fans and critics.

2013-06-10 12:59:43

classic fantasy at its best!

I am a kind of fantasy film junkie, and to be frank, this one blew my socks off! This film goes right to the heart of the struggle between good and evil. this isn't a fantasy film, it's THE fantasy film! This is the role midel for all such movies, past and present. this one's right up there with Dragonheart in my book! And what's more , the makeup was incredible, even by today's standards! At first, I was scared by the absence of computer graphics. 10 minutes in I forgot all ABOUT computer graphics!!! This was a real treat!! P.S. Tim Curry was AWESOME as darkness!!!- the Iron Phoenix

2013-06-08 17:22:51

See the light

I was glad to hear Scott was putting out a directors cut of one of my more favorite movies. Yet I have come to find the original American realease is still my favorite. I like the additional scenes in the UK version, but I'm partial to the Tangerine Dream score. I like the original score but there is something about the Dream score that is more mistical than the more classical score used in the UK version. Still this is a must see for any "fantasy" movie buff. Tim Curry's over the top, melodramatic performance makes Legend a legend in this type of film making. And I don't think I have ever seen a Scott film that I didn't like. He is a master film maker. Check out both versions and decide for yourself. You'll see the light and not be disapointed.

samkay1 2013-06-08 11:13:37

A dark fairy tale, but not a dull one

Along with Krull and Dune, Legend was one of the worst received filmsof the eighties, but it's not actually a bad movie. Legend chooses avery dark approach to fairy tales and the one mild problem with this isbeing more focused on atmosphere than both story or originality.Beneath all the creative and expensive work from the art department,the story is a gimmick, but if that doesn't bother you, you might enjoyLegend.Jack is a young woods-boy, who must become a hero when The evil lord ofDarkness plans to destroy sunlight so he can rule the world indarkness. He also has his eye Princess Lily, the love of Jack's life.Legend clearly had quite a bit of money. The production offers large,very beautify sets, great make up, and lots of physical effectsincluding, pyrotechnics, smoke and steam, and showers of glitteringsnow and sparkles. Sometimes the film resembles a kiss concert (with abit more plush). There are also, elves, goblins, unicorns, trolls. When we think of Fairy tales we think of light and chirpiness. We donot consider how dark and sinister they can be. On the light side youhave films like, Labyrinth, and The Princess Bride, and on the darkside you have films like Willow and this. In the end Legend becomes, anatmospheric, eerie fantasy, occasionally charming, not terribly exitingor adventurous but kind of amusing.

shawny11_2001 2013-06-07 07:57:40

A Flawed, Beautiful Masterpiece

At least in the Director's Cut with Jerry Goldsmith's original score. Thatversion of the film is by far the ultimate and most elegant experience.The reason it's flawed is that it could never be perfect, no matter whatcould be tweaked. It just doesn't feel like the grand masterpiece itshould've been, and I know of no way to give this film that feel.Ridley Scott is a true genius filmmaker. He incorporates so many experiencesand questions and dilemmas that the common man and woman go through whenthey age. Jack and Lily's adventure is the personification of thosechildhood experiences that turned boys into men and girls into women.Tim Curry...the best one dimensional character in cinematic history. He isan absolute joy to watch and listen to in this film. His voice is chilling,his image is nightmarish, and he is just amazing to see.This has always been one of my favorite movies. But now that I've seen theDC on DVD, it has cemented its place in my list. 8.5 out of 10 (Mainlybecause I feel flaws, but really can't explain them well)

2013-06-06 19:52:52

Timeless

I have just watched this on DVD. It is stunningly beautiful. Andconsideringit was made fifteen years ago it is as alluring and appealing as anycurrentfantasy on film. A must see. Lots of extras on the first and second DVD.Particularly interesting is the forest they built on the sound stage.

Richard 2013-06-05 02:19:07

Rent Something Else (for the kids only)

This movie was horrible. Bad script, bad acting. The only redeemingquality are the special effects, makeup, and cinematography, but not worthwatching the movie for. I enjoy fantasy movies, but not this one. TimCurry (what you can see of him) might be the only acting worth watching...but there is not enough of him.

2013-06-04 13:13:29

Attention Deficit Disorder generation need not apply

This review is from: Legend (Ultimate Edition) (DVD) **DISCLAIMER** This movie might not appeal to half-wits or those with an attention span the width of a breath. I happen to be a "man" who really likes this movie (yes, a reference to another viewer saying it was only for housewives. Hmm..and haven't we evolved enough to get past macho BS?). No, it doesn't have the depth of Lord of the Rings (then again, it wasn't based off a BOOK which was a culmination of a lifetime of work by a genius who probably had no social life). This movie has a great feel to it. It's not full of explosions and ridiculous one-liners, so that's going to be a turn off for the aforementioned viewers. However, the story line is captivating, and the characters are as developed as any would be in a movie that has no foundation based off a book. Suspense is built through the story, not with big booms and non-realistic fight scenes that are so prevelant in modern movies. It doesn't need that to make up for a lack of premise. It's not made for would-be moths only attracted to all glitter and no substance.

Joshua Calvert 2013-06-03 04:22:58

The original version sucks, the dir. cut is a fantasy classic

Since I VHS-recorded Legend (in the European version) from television aboutten years ago, I've seen it quite a few times: it had, and has, a wonderfulmood to it, reeking oldschool fairy-tales in the Grimm tradition. That is,pretty dark! In the original script, Darkness (the big, red, hornedLucifer-like arch-villain) even f***ed the captured (and seduced?)princess;there's dark for you! That never made it to celluloid, but it is stillhinted at (the dancing scene).The forest, where much of the tale takes place, is incredible, and I wasstunned to find, watching the DVD featurette, that it was a built set. Thatforest has a wonderful golden glow to it, with a constant swirling ofpollenthrough the air achieving a great effect.The Goldsmith score contributes to and completes the mood. Not much to sayabout it, it's just perfect for the film.So, now, I've bought the two-disc Ultimate Edition DVD, where both the USand the European versions are on - so how is the aforementioned?Well, do yourself a HUGE favour, and watch the European version before theUS same, if even bothering to see the US one! The Tangerine Dream score isjust plain boring (and not at all "dark", as I have seen it described) andmany scenes have been cut out - because the people behind the moviepanicked, and deemed it too "complex" for American teenagers!!! This notionmust be one of the biggest insults to American youth I've ever heard of! Inthe US version, scenes, that made perfect sense before, have been cutruthlessly, to the point where they are either diminished in beauty or nowsimply stupid. I'll spare you of a reeling off, and settle with twoexamples:(SMALL SPOILERS, we're talking the beginning of the film)1. When Lily (the princess) approaches the Unicorn in the European version,she sings a quite beautiful song, to calm it. It makes the scene believable(a magical beast like that should be lured in some way, and startled if youjust trample up to it - princess or no princess!), and you begin tounderstand why the protagonist, Jack (a fittingly naive Tom Cruise) thinksMia Sara is a hottie!In the US vers.: oh, two Unicorns, the only beasts of their kind in theworld, can I clap you, horsie? Pah!2. Starting with the US vers. this time: When Jack faces Gump, sort of ahead pixie (or whatever) of the woods, Jack immediately tells the truth ofhim bringing Lily to the Unicorns; Gump freaks, but is all right a secondafter when Jack says he "did it for love". In the European version Jacktries to hide the truth, forgiveness comes much harder, and a riddle gamehas to be won to achieve this redemption; you sense that the consequencesfor Jack, should he loose, would be dire indeed!(SMALL SPOILERS end)All in all: go for the director's cut, with great score plus whole scenesand all, at all costs. I honestly don't understand people who recommend thefilms the other way round - but perhaps due to fond childhood memories ofthe US version, likely?US: 5/10Euro: 9/10 - the best pure fantasy film after PJ's The Lord of the Rings(which is 10/10 in my book)

2013-06-02 04:58:32

a must see classic for fantasy lovers !

Beautiful visuales and an interesting array of actors, make this film about the never ending struggle of light over dark a must see classic for all lovers of fantasy and fairytales. Tom criuse is very young... and Tim Curry as the lord of darkness rocks! the costuming is incredible !