Reviews (30)

Escaping? Why Not Take the Train?
A lot of effort went into this 1965 military war film classic. Now you don't have to wait for the movie on American Movie Classics to see it in wide-screen. The DVD version was released in Summer 2001. Frank Sinatra, playing the part of a downed American pilot, leads hundreds of POWs on a dash for the Swiss frontier in this action packed movie. Most of the action takes place on a hijacked Italian train, formerly commanded by the German military, as it winds its way ever deeper into enemy territory. Trevor Howard and Edward Mulhare (Known best for his roles in American television shows such as The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, and Knight Rider)co-star. Also, look for Wolfgang Preis reprising the role of a German officer for the un-teenth time in his long career (The Longest Day, Anzio, Raid on Rommel, A Bridge Too Far, Battle of the Commandos, The Train, Is Paris Burning?, Ike the War Years, etc.). This film has nonstop action, train chases, aerial attacks and scenic Italian locations. If you haven't seen this film in wide-screen, now's your chance.

Frank Sintatra Express
Von Ryan's Express is a somewhat unheralded -- yet must see -- film for WWII fans and Sinatra fans alike.

Granted, the movie is a smidgen below The Great Escape, but not by much. If you liked that movie, and who didn't, then you are sure to like this one. Instead of Steve McQueen this has Frank Sinatra who carries this role off to perfection. What makes Von Ryan's character so appealing is the believable character growth. Ryan begins appeasing his captors in exchange for fairer treatment; but over the course of the movie this changes radically and he leads a prison escape on a hijacked train through the spectacular Alps of Northern Italy.

The movie also offers fine acting by Trevor Howard, and an unknown Italian beauty. The costumes and sets are perfect recreations and of interest to people who reminisce or read about that era. Dialogue is excellent. And scenery is of sweeping beauty. I also loved the old trains.

This movie is an unheralded gem. Recommended.

outstanding WWII action film
Easily one of the best action movies I've seen, and it just goes to show you that action movies don't need gratuitous violence to be awesome (it's rated PG). If this had been made today, it would have probably starred Brad Pitt and would have been gruesome just for the sake of being gruesome, but instead it stars Frank Sinatra (?? didn't know he could act well, this was first movie I saw him in) and most violence is implied, making it seem almost more intense. Awesome and highly recommended.

Surprisingly good
My apologies in advance to the legion of fans out there, but somehow the idea of a "good" Frank Sinatra film seems oxymoronic. But this is a fine film, with Sinatra believable as the American martinet, and a simply outstanding supporting cast. I must single out for special mention the wonderful performance by Edward Mulhare, a much underrated actor, who rarely had the opportunity to show what he could do. His performance as Father Costanza is a gem, and one of the elements that makes this movie really work (and his German is excellent!).

Top Quality
This is a great WWII movie with a wonderful storyline. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

"She's even more predatory than you are."
The Peter Greenaway film, "The Belly of an Architect" is the story of an American middle-aged architect, Stourley Kracklight (Brian Dennehy) and his much younger wife, Louisa (Chloe Webb). Kracklight is organizing an exhibition in Rome to Etienne Louis Boulee--an 18th Century architect. Kracklight has spent the last ten years of his life planning the exhibit. It would be fair to say that he is obsessed with Boulee--his architectural hero, but once in Rome, Kracklight's obsession with Boulee assumes much darker overtones.

In Rome, Kracklight and Louisa are introduced to the predatory brother and sister team, Caspasian and Flavia Speckler. The atmosphere between Caspasian and Kracklight is immediately hostile, and even over a splendid banquet, Caspasian's cutting comments set the tone for Kracklight's fate.

There are so many things happening in every Greenaway film, and "The Belly of an Architect" is not an exception to this. Kracklight and Louisa are quintessential Americans and they seem out-of-place amongst the Italians. Louisa, who is half Italian, seems to remember her roots as she begins to pull away from her husband with an increasing sense of dissatisfaction and impatience. In the meantime, Kracklight remains a tourist and even begins writing postcards to his long-dead hero, Boulee. Greenaway's use of the imagery of food is evident throughout the film in the many banquet and restaurant scenes. There is also a subtle undercurrent of the past's influence on the present. Dinner guests are regaled with tales of the emperor Augustus and his much-younger wife, Livia. Tales of death obsess Kracklight, and as his own death becomes imminent, the idea of the legacy of Boulee, and the legacy of the great Roman emperors is in sharp contrast to Kracklight's legacy to his unborn child. I think the powerful scene between Kracklight and his doctor as they walk and discuss several Roman emperors is the most perfect scene in the film. It provides a dreadful symmetry to the film and to life itself.

As ever, Sacha Vierny is the cinematographer, and the sets are exquisite. I think I could recognize this cinematographer's work anywhere. His use of colour is quite unique, and Michael Nyman creates an impeccable musical score. I was a bit surprised that Dennehy was selected for this role as he's not Greenaway's usual type, and Dennehy tends to star in some rather mainstream films. But Dennehy was perfect for this role. As Kracklight, Dennehy towers above all the Italians (as he is meant to), and exudes power even as he weakens from disease. There even is imagery of Kracklight as Samson in the temple (one of Boulee's creations) in several scenes. For Greenaway fans, this film is thought-provoking and utterly memorable--displacedhuman

A terrific, incredible feast!
Greenaway's film is a feast for the eyes, and Brian Dennehy's portrayal of Stourley Kracklite, an American architect struggling in Rome, is the best of his career. Chloe Webb, most notable for playing Nancy in Sid and Nancy, is great as Louisa, his adulterous wife. However, the best part of the film is Rome itself -- Greenaway portrays the city in postcard settings, with typical static shots of mesmerizing brilliance. The buildings, such as the Victor Emmanuelle Building (The Wedding Cake), jump off the screen, begging you to visit. The music, by genius Wim Mertens replacing Greenaway-staple Michael Nyman, is haunting yet drills into your subconcious. Quite simply, everything about this film is brilliant, even the subtle irony at the end!

The Belly of An Architect: Art versus Life in Rome
For those viewers who have found Greenaway's films excessive at times, and the metaphors attenuated to the point of losing their dramatic power, you will find "The Belly of An Architect" a superb, cinematic work of art. Like the "Draughtsman's Contract" but far more complex, the conflicts which are at first masked by social and artistic conventions unfold gradually between the layers of visual imagery, dialogue and music.

Stourley Kracklite, played so perfectly by Brian Dennehy, is a man with a prodigious ego, lust for life and may seem initially to be less than a sympathetic protagonist. But surrounded by intrigue, opportunism and philistinism, he emerges as a hero. He is an architect, an artist with a vision and a mission.From the beginning, his passion for his intellectual mentor,a fictional 18th century French architect, Etienne-Louis Boullee, and the scientist Sir Isaac Newton, provokes thinly veiled ridicule and skepticism from his Italian colleagues. Even
faced with a young and ruthless nemesis, Kracklite remains indomitable. His belly, the center of gravity, becomes a metaphor for his frailty, his humility and his humanity.

What makes this film a work of art, in my opinion,is that you have all the components: A setting that complements the drama, Rome and its magnificent monuments as the backdrop, a strong dramatic situation with several critical issues at stake, including good and evil, characters who elude easy definition at first glance and vary distinctively, and themes that develop and resonate long after you have finished watching. As for the music,
I only wish that Greenaway had recorded a soundtrack. Or if there is one, I haven't found it.

"The Belly of An Architect" is the kind of film about art and life, the individual and society, vision and convention, love and betrayal that works so beautifully because its creator has remained focused, in my opinion, on telling a story, infusing it with a sense of both urgency and mystery, and so conveying an unmistakable emotional power as well.

Rewind asap
This movie is a pretentious bore. If you want to see Brian's unclothed gut, this obscure drama is for you. Watching Chloe Webb pretend to act is excruciating. If you dislike this movie after the first fifteen minutes, rewind. It doesn't get any better.

The most beautiful story by Greenaway
I sat for about 10 minutes in front of the televison after watching this. Simply absorbing what I had seen. This is one of Peter Greenaway's least visual films. But unlike the Draughtsman's Contract, the story steps up in it's place (along with the music.) ... Read more

Reviews (9)

The Herc is back!
I greatly enjoyed this DVD - the colors were vivid and the sound was strong. There was only one problem. If you select chapters, chapter 1 starts 15 minutes into the movie. Not a big deal if you plan to watch it all the way through, and I didn't check the other chapters (there were only 4 listed) to see if they match. For the money spent, not much to quibble over.

The original Hercules portrayed by the Icon!
Although Arnold Schwarzeneggar is the best known action muscle star of the times, and other musclemen have appeared in motion pictures, probably none whse legends have lasted as long as Reeves.Reeves combined a classicly sculpted physique with movie star looks. He brought the mythical Hercules to the silver screen in this and the original "Hercules" originally released in 1957.Hercules Unchained picks up where Hercules left off. Hercules (Reeves) and the entire original cast icluding the beautiful Sylvia Koscina hit the high seas leaving Jolco and head towards Thebes.Upon returning to Thebes, Herc must wrestle a God (portrayed by the late Primo Canera) and then come between two brothers fighting over the right to become the King and replace their father.Herc gets drugged and is taken off to an Island where he loses his memory and his super powers. His side kick Ulysses brings Herc back to normal and he arrives back in Thebes just in time to see his family slaughtered. Herc then fights with not one but three tigers. Ulysses arrow takes out a fourth one about to leap on the tired Hercules.Hercules joins the Thebians in fighting off the bad guys, brings down several giant towers and restores peace and order to his native Thebes.Hercules Unchained was one of the better, if not the best of the sword and sandal movies released back in the 60's. Most of this is due to the untiring efforts of Joseph E. Levine. for putting together a marketing package promoting this and other Reeves films at that time.

A True Classic
I've said it before and I'll say it again: Finally, Steve Reeves on DVD! The version sent to me was by Gemstone Entertainment; but appears to be the same version as United American Video. A few years back I was on Steve's web site and commented that I was disappointed that there were none of his films on DVD, and the reply that I got back was, "Only on VHS now; but just wait a bit longer...." Though watching Italian movies can take a little getting used to, mainly due to the editing practices, in addition to dubbing the sound in after the movie had been completed, this movie holds the test of time very well, considering that it's almost 45 years old. This edition of Hercules Unchained is a notch or two up from the edition of Hercules that I previously reviewed. The print was obviously in much better condition, as the colors are generally very good, most of the picture is sharp, and the sound is better. My only real complaint is that it's not presented in a natural widescreen format. Like I said with my Hercules review, some day I'm hoping to see a higher grade edition, in widescreen, possibly with the film digitally restored a bit better and maybe a few extras; but until then, this will more than suffice. Watching these two back to make makes for a very enjoyable afternoon or evening; so don't hesitate to check out these classics!

Hercules Sequel With Steve Reeves!
This movie, a sequel to the original box-office smash, is a wonderful treat for those of us who marveled at Steve Reeves and his awesome presence in a series of otherwise forgettable 1960s sword and sorcery adventures. Reeves, a former Mr. America and Mr. Universe, was absolutely stunningly handsome, and as a result became the perfect archetype for young pubescent males looking for a role model. While his wonderful baritone voice was dubbed (much later I heard him talk on "Entertainment Tonight" about the newer types of bodybuilders coming to the fore under the influence of steroids, and he squawked out an answer in a tinny little voice that made one instantly realize why he never achieved wider stardom in more diverse American films.

But he was all beef and brawn here, and with the magic of a well-dubbed vocal effort became the star of the decade. This, like the original, was a continuation of his first role, as the immortal Hercules, and here again Reeves plays the part well. As someone who saw both movies dozens of times in the theaters, believe me, it was all Reeves that explained the hit movies and the string of successors that followed. Of course, film producer Joseph E. Levine threw in the lovely Sylvia Koscina and a veteran cast of character actors. The special effects are a bit dated, and the sets are nice, but any chance to watch Reeves going through the motions is an exercise in watching someone so handsome and so well built that none of the rest of it mattered. Not a great movie, but one that is fun to watch to remember way back when....Enjoy!

If your a Steve Reeves fan, you'll enjoy it!
We're not talking quality films.This was made in Italy and dubbed. It wasn't the plot,special effects,music or whatever it takes to sell tickets,..this was popular because of Steve Reeves.
This was at a time when there wasn't stunt doubles.He dislocated his shoulder when the chariot rolled over during a chase. He slammed his shoulder into a tree and popped it back into place.It wasn't glitz, Reeves was the REAL DEAL! ... Read more

Description

Contains: The Giant of Marathon (1962).
Steve "Hercules" Reeves plays the musclebound hero who defends Athens from Persian forces.A horse with incredible stamina, a double-crossing siren, epic land and sea battles and Reeves' amazing physique highlight this sowrd-and-sandal winner.

"The Last Glory of Troy" (1962)
The majestically muscular Steve Reeves slings a lot of swords, in this action-filled tale of a fight for freedom between Etruscan slave drivers and oppressed Trojans. This movie is not to be missed.AKA: "The Avenger" ... Read more

Reviews (9)

The Herc is back!
I greatly enjoyed this DVD - the colors were vivid and the sound was strong. There was only one problem. If you select chapters, chapter 1 starts 15 minutes into the movie. Not a big deal if you plan to watch it all the way through, and I didn't check the other chapters (there were only 4 listed) to see if they match. For the money spent, not much to quibble over.

The original Hercules portrayed by the Icon!
Although Arnold Schwarzeneggar is the best known action muscle star of the times, and other musclemen have appeared in motion pictures, probably none whse legends have lasted as long as Reeves.Reeves combined a classicly sculpted physique with movie star looks. He brought the mythical Hercules to the silver screen in this and the original "Hercules" originally released in 1957.Hercules Unchained picks up where Hercules left off. Hercules (Reeves) and the entire original cast icluding the beautiful Sylvia Koscina hit the high seas leaving Jolco and head towards Thebes.Upon returning to Thebes, Herc must wrestle a God (portrayed by the late Primo Canera) and then come between two brothers fighting over the right to become the King and replace their father.Herc gets drugged and is taken off to an Island where he loses his memory and his super powers. His side kick Ulysses brings Herc back to normal and he arrives back in Thebes just in time to see his family slaughtered. Herc then fights with not one but three tigers. Ulysses arrow takes out a fourth one about to leap on the tired Hercules.Hercules joins the Thebians in fighting off the bad guys, brings down several giant towers and restores peace and order to his native Thebes.Hercules Unchained was one of the better, if not the best of the sword and sandal movies released back in the 60's. Most of this is due to the untiring efforts of Joseph E. Levine. for putting together a marketing package promoting this and other Reeves films at that time.

A True Classic
I've said it before and I'll say it again: Finally, Steve Reeves on DVD! The version sent to me was by Gemstone Entertainment; but appears to be the same version as United American Video. A few years back I was on Steve's web site and commented that I was disappointed that there were none of his films on DVD, and the reply that I got back was, "Only on VHS now; but just wait a bit longer...." Though watching Italian movies can take a little getting used to, mainly due to the editing practices, in addition to dubbing the sound in after the movie had been completed, this movie holds the test of time very well, considering that it's almost 45 years old. This edition of Hercules Unchained is a notch or two up from the edition of Hercules that I previously reviewed. The print was obviously in much better condition, as the colors are generally very good, most of the picture is sharp, and the sound is better. My only real complaint is that it's not presented in a natural widescreen format. Like I said with my Hercules review, some day I'm hoping to see a higher grade edition, in widescreen, possibly with the film digitally restored a bit better and maybe a few extras; but until then, this will more than suffice. Watching these two back to make makes for a very enjoyable afternoon or evening; so don't hesitate to check out these classics!

Hercules Sequel With Steve Reeves!
This movie, a sequel to the original box-office smash, is a wonderful treat for those of us who marveled at Steve Reeves and his awesome presence in a series of otherwise forgettable 1960s sword and sorcery adventures. Reeves, a former Mr. America and Mr. Universe, was absolutely stunningly handsome, and as a result became the perfect archetype for young pubescent males looking for a role model. While his wonderful baritone voice was dubbed (much later I heard him talk on "Entertainment Tonight" about the newer types of bodybuilders coming to the fore under the influence of steroids, and he squawked out an answer in a tinny little voice that made one instantly realize why he never achieved wider stardom in more diverse American films.

But he was all beef and brawn here, and with the magic of a well-dubbed vocal effort became the star of the decade. This, like the original, was a continuation of his first role, as the immortal Hercules, and here again Reeves plays the part well. As someone who saw both movies dozens of times in the theaters, believe me, it was all Reeves that explained the hit movies and the string of successors that followed. Of course, film producer Joseph E. Levine threw in the lovely Sylvia Koscina and a veteran cast of character actors. The special effects are a bit dated, and the sets are nice, but any chance to watch Reeves going through the motions is an exercise in watching someone so handsome and so well built that none of the rest of it mattered. Not a great movie, but one that is fun to watch to remember way back when....Enjoy!

If your a Steve Reeves fan, you'll enjoy it!
We're not talking quality films.This was made in Italy and dubbed. It wasn't the plot,special effects,music or whatever it takes to sell tickets,..this was popular because of Steve Reeves.
This was at a time when there wasn't stunt doubles.He dislocated his shoulder when the chariot rolled over during a chase. He slammed his shoulder into a tree and popped it back into place.It wasn't glitz, Reeves was the REAL DEAL! ... Read more

Reviews (9)

The Herc is back!
I greatly enjoyed this DVD - the colors were vivid and the sound was strong. There was only one problem. If you select chapters, chapter 1 starts 15 minutes into the movie. Not a big deal if you plan to watch it all the way through, and I didn't check the other chapters (there were only 4 listed) to see if they match. For the money spent, not much to quibble over.

The original Hercules portrayed by the Icon!
Although Arnold Schwarzeneggar is the best known action muscle star of the times, and other musclemen have appeared in motion pictures, probably none whse legends have lasted as long as Reeves.Reeves combined a classicly sculpted physique with movie star looks. He brought the mythical Hercules to the silver screen in this and the original "Hercules" originally released in 1957.Hercules Unchained picks up where Hercules left off. Hercules (Reeves) and the entire original cast icluding the beautiful Sylvia Koscina hit the high seas leaving Jolco and head towards Thebes.Upon returning to Thebes, Herc must wrestle a God (portrayed by the late Primo Canera) and then come between two brothers fighting over the right to become the King and replace their father.Herc gets drugged and is taken off to an Island where he loses his memory and his super powers. His side kick Ulysses brings Herc back to normal and he arrives back in Thebes just in time to see his family slaughtered. Herc then fights with not one but three tigers. Ulysses arrow takes out a fourth one about to leap on the tired Hercules.Hercules joins the Thebians in fighting off the bad guys, brings down several giant towers and restores peace and order to his native Thebes.Hercules Unchained was one of the better, if not the best of the sword and sandal movies released back in the 60's. Most of this is due to the untiring efforts of Joseph E. Levine. for putting together a marketing package promoting this and other Reeves films at that time.

A True Classic
I've said it before and I'll say it again: Finally, Steve Reeves on DVD! The version sent to me was by Gemstone Entertainment; but appears to be the same version as United American Video. A few years back I was on Steve's web site and commented that I was disappointed that there were none of his films on DVD, and the reply that I got back was, "Only on VHS now; but just wait a bit longer...." Though watching Italian movies can take a little getting used to, mainly due to the editing practices, in addition to dubbing the sound in after the movie had been completed, this movie holds the test of time very well, considering that it's almost 45 years old. This edition of Hercules Unchained is a notch or two up from the edition of Hercules that I previously reviewed. The print was obviously in much better condition, as the colors are generally very good, most of the picture is sharp, and the sound is better. My only real complaint is that it's not presented in a natural widescreen format. Like I said with my Hercules review, some day I'm hoping to see a higher grade edition, in widescreen, possibly with the film digitally restored a bit better and maybe a few extras; but until then, this will more than suffice. Watching these two back to make makes for a very enjoyable afternoon or evening; so don't hesitate to check out these classics!

Hercules Sequel With Steve Reeves!
This movie, a sequel to the original box-office smash, is a wonderful treat for those of us who marveled at Steve Reeves and his awesome presence in a series of otherwise forgettable 1960s sword and sorcery adventures. Reeves, a former Mr. America and Mr. Universe, was absolutely stunningly handsome, and as a result became the perfect archetype for young pubescent males looking for a role model. While his wonderful baritone voice was dubbed (much later I heard him talk on "Entertainment Tonight" about the newer types of bodybuilders coming to the fore under the influence of steroids, and he squawked out an answer in a tinny little voice that made one instantly realize why he never achieved wider stardom in more diverse American films.

But he was all beef and brawn here, and with the magic of a well-dubbed vocal effort became the star of the decade. This, like the original, was a continuation of his first role, as the immortal Hercules, and here again Reeves plays the part well. As someone who saw both movies dozens of times in the theaters, believe me, it was all Reeves that explained the hit movies and the string of successors that followed. Of course, film producer Joseph E. Levine threw in the lovely Sylvia Koscina and a veteran cast of character actors. The special effects are a bit dated, and the sets are nice, but any chance to watch Reeves going through the motions is an exercise in watching someone so handsome and so well built that none of the rest of it mattered. Not a great movie, but one that is fun to watch to remember way back when....Enjoy!

If your a Steve Reeves fan, you'll enjoy it!
We're not talking quality films.This was made in Italy and dubbed. It wasn't the plot,special effects,music or whatever it takes to sell tickets,..this was popular because of Steve Reeves.
This was at a time when there wasn't stunt doubles.He dislocated his shoulder when the chariot rolled over during a chase. He slammed his shoulder into a tree and popped it back into place.It wasn't glitz, Reeves was the REAL DEAL! ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Escaping? Why Not Take the Train?
A lot of effort went into this 1965 military war film classic. Now you don't have to wait for the movie on American Movie Classics to see it in wide-screen. The DVD version was released in Summer 2001. Frank Sinatra, playing the part of a downed American pilot, leads hundreds of POWs on a dash for the Swiss frontier in this action packed movie. Most of the action takes place on a hijacked Italian train, formerly commanded by the German military, as it winds its way ever deeper into enemy territory. Trevor Howard and Edward Mulhare (Known best for his roles in American television shows such as The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, and Knight Rider)co-star. Also, look for Wolfgang Preis reprising the role of a German officer for the un-teenth time in his long career (The Longest Day, Anzio, Raid on Rommel, A Bridge Too Far, Battle of the Commandos, The Train, Is Paris Burning?, Ike the War Years, etc.). This film has nonstop action, train chases, aerial attacks and scenic Italian locations. If you haven't seen this film in wide-screen, now's your chance.

Frank Sintatra Express
Von Ryan's Express is a somewhat unheralded -- yet must see -- film for WWII fans and Sinatra fans alike.

Granted, the movie is a smidgen below The Great Escape, but not by much. If you liked that movie, and who didn't, then you are sure to like this one. Instead of Steve McQueen this has Frank Sinatra who carries this role off to perfection. What makes Von Ryan's character so appealing is the believable character growth. Ryan begins appeasing his captors in exchange for fairer treatment; but over the course of the movie this changes radically and he leads a prison escape on a hijacked train through the spectacular Alps of Northern Italy.

The movie also offers fine acting by Trevor Howard, and an unknown Italian beauty. The costumes and sets are perfect recreations and of interest to people who reminisce or read about that era. Dialogue is excellent. And scenery is of sweeping beauty. I also loved the old trains.

This movie is an unheralded gem. Recommended.

outstanding WWII action film
Easily one of the best action movies I've seen, and it just goes to show you that action movies don't need gratuitous violence to be awesome (it's rated PG). If this had been made today, it would have probably starred Brad Pitt and would have been gruesome just for the sake of being gruesome, but instead it stars Frank Sinatra (?? didn't know he could act well, this was first movie I saw him in) and most violence is implied, making it seem almost more intense. Awesome and highly recommended.

Surprisingly good
My apologies in advance to the legion of fans out there, but somehow the idea of a "good" Frank Sinatra film seems oxymoronic. But this is a fine film, with Sinatra believable as the American martinet, and a simply outstanding supporting cast. I must single out for special mention the wonderful performance by Edward Mulhare, a much underrated actor, who rarely had the opportunity to show what he could do. His performance as Father Costanza is a gem, and one of the elements that makes this movie really work (and his German is excellent!).

Top Quality
This is a great WWII movie with a wonderful storyline. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

The Herc is back!
I greatly enjoyed this DVD - the colors were vivid and the sound was strong. There was only one problem. If you select chapters, chapter 1 starts 15 minutes into the movie. Not a big deal if you plan to watch it all the way through, and I didn't check the other chapters (there were only 4 listed) to see if they match. For the money spent, not much to quibble over.

The original Hercules portrayed by the Icon!
Although Arnold Schwarzeneggar is the best known action muscle star of the times, and other musclemen have appeared in motion pictures, probably none whse legends have lasted as long as Reeves.Reeves combined a classicly sculpted physique with movie star looks. He brought the mythical Hercules to the silver screen in this and the original "Hercules" originally released in 1957.Hercules Unchained picks up where Hercules left off. Hercules (Reeves) and the entire original cast icluding the beautiful Sylvia Koscina hit the high seas leaving Jolco and head towards Thebes.Upon returning to Thebes, Herc must wrestle a God (portrayed by the late Primo Canera) and then come between two brothers fighting over the right to become the King and replace their father.Herc gets drugged and is taken off to an Island where he loses his memory and his super powers. His side kick Ulysses brings Herc back to normal and he arrives back in Thebes just in time to see his family slaughtered. Herc then fights with not one but three tigers. Ulysses arrow takes out a fourth one about to leap on the tired Hercules.Hercules joins the Thebians in fighting off the bad guys, brings down several giant towers and restores peace and order to his native Thebes.Hercules Unchained was one of the better, if not the best of the sword and sandal movies released back in the 60's. Most of this is due to the untiring efforts of Joseph E. Levine. for putting together a marketing package promoting this and other Reeves films at that time.

A True Classic
I've said it before and I'll say it again: Finally, Steve Reeves on DVD! The version sent to me was by Gemstone Entertainment; but appears to be the same version as United American Video. A few years back I was on Steve's web site and commented that I was disappointed that there were none of his films on DVD, and the reply that I got back was, "Only on VHS now; but just wait a bit longer...." Though watching Italian movies can take a little getting used to, mainly due to the editing practices, in addition to dubbing the sound in after the movie had been completed, this movie holds the test of time very well, considering that it's almost 45 years old. This edition of Hercules Unchained is a notch or two up from the edition of Hercules that I previously reviewed. The print was obviously in much better condition, as the colors are generally very good, most of the picture is sharp, and the sound is better. My only real complaint is that it's not presented in a natural widescreen format. Like I said with my Hercules review, some day I'm hoping to see a higher grade edition, in widescreen, possibly with the film digitally restored a bit better and maybe a few extras; but until then, this will more than suffice. Watching these two back to make makes for a very enjoyable afternoon or evening; so don't hesitate to check out these classics!

Hercules Sequel With Steve Reeves!
This movie, a sequel to the original box-office smash, is a wonderful treat for those of us who marveled at Steve Reeves and his awesome presence in a series of otherwise forgettable 1960s sword and sorcery adventures. Reeves, a former Mr. America and Mr. Universe, was absolutely stunningly handsome, and as a result became the perfect archetype for young pubescent males looking for a role model. While his wonderful baritone voice was dubbed (much later I heard him talk on "Entertainment Tonight" about the newer types of bodybuilders coming to the fore under the influence of steroids, and he squawked out an answer in a tinny little voice that made one instantly realize why he never achieved wider stardom in more diverse American films.

But he was all beef and brawn here, and with the magic of a well-dubbed vocal effort became the star of the decade. This, like the original, was a continuation of his first role, as the immortal Hercules, and here again Reeves plays the part well. As someone who saw both movies dozens of times in the theaters, believe me, it was all Reeves that explained the hit movies and the string of successors that followed. Of course, film producer Joseph E. Levine threw in the lovely Sylvia Koscina and a veteran cast of character actors. The special effects are a bit dated, and the sets are nice, but any chance to watch Reeves going through the motions is an exercise in watching someone so handsome and so well built that none of the rest of it mattered. Not a great movie, but one that is fun to watch to remember way back when....Enjoy!

If your a Steve Reeves fan, you'll enjoy it!
We're not talking quality films.This was made in Italy and dubbed. It wasn't the plot,special effects,music or whatever it takes to sell tickets,..this was popular because of Steve Reeves.
This was at a time when there wasn't stunt doubles.He dislocated his shoulder when the chariot rolled over during a chase. He slammed his shoulder into a tree and popped it back into place.It wasn't glitz, Reeves was the REAL DEAL! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

They don't know what is on the package.
I just bought this film on VHS produced by Fox Lorber Home Video, to my surprise ( or shock ) I found in the box that the leading male actor is Stewart Granger !!!! instead of poor Farley. And this mistake is repeated all over. This is just poor merchandising. It just happens poor Farley gained inmortality by starring in this movie.

The most beautiful film of all times
It's difficult to find, in all the history of the cinema, a so beautifull, sugestive and deep work like this masterpiece of Luchino Visconti. Glorius technicolor, a magnificent cast (even Farley Granger, a very limited actor, is splendid here),dialogues by Tennessee Williams and a wonderful historical recreation of the "Risorgimento", plus a musical score by Verdi and Bruckner make this film a permanent pleasure for persons of good taste. In my opinion the best film of Visconti and perhaps the most beautiful film of all times.

operatic stories should stay at the opera
what a pitty, to waste this cast on such a screenplay. in fact, if one looks better one can find that the source of the story was boito--the same as arrigo boito, the author of mefistofele and libretist of his time.

the characters are out of place, and the story syncopated.

Bellissimo
One of Luchino Visconti's top four or five masterworks. This baroque but magnificent evocation of the Garibaldi period of Italian Revolution in late 19th century is truly one of the great Italian masterpieces of 1950s. The film brilliantly delineates the erotically charged love story between Alida Valli (her best performance ever) and Farley Granger, and the bitter legacy of the revolution. History and Romance merge in a way only Visconti knew how. And the result is an operatic realism at its highest order. Despite the great, heart-renching performances, though, the film's fascination and power lies the sumptuous "look", the realistically accurate detail of that period. Visconti's unique attention to detail is breathtaking. Some may find SENSO crudely melodramatic and is certainly a notch below Visconti's best film, THE LEOPARD (which also features Burt Lancaster's greatest performance); still, it cannot be ignored. It is a must-see if you want to find out why Visconti was one of the great film artists who ever lived.

Visconti Magic
Set in the 19th century durning the Italy's resistance to Austrian occupation Visconti was able to dazzle us with a wonderful display of costume designs, production design, and all around great acting. This is course is not to mention the great directing by Visconti himself. Alida Valli starts as an Italian countess who finds love in an unusual place, an Austrian officer (Farley Granger). She begins an affair that can lead both of them into great danger. Her husband can find out and cause ridicule and shame. And as for him, he can lose his position. But, each doesn't care. They are in love! When compared to other Visconti films this one might fall short to masterpieces like "Ludwig" and\or "The Innocent". But, when judged merely as an individual film and not part of Visconti's collection it's quite enjoyable. Wonderful locations,screenplay (Visconti co-wrote the film), and pleasant music by Verdi and Bruckner. Not my favorite Visconti film, but one that would be a good film to start off with your collection of Visconti film. ... Read more