Zardoz

I cannot explain all the reasons why I love this film so much, unlike its critics who seem to have every reason for being confused by it. In places I am also left pondering like Zed and learning the alphabet of the language Boorman uses in Zardoz. This is a complex story in that it probes several philosophical ideas while it gives us a picture of what a world of immortal humans might look like socially, economically, and politically. Recognizing the parallels to our own world, is only a slight stretch of the imagination away. Zardoz is largely metaphorical and leaves some thinking for its audience to do, in an enjoyable way. It is an eternally fresh sci-fi film that should be revisited over time, like a stimulating story-telling uncle. John Boorman is one of the greatest of story-tellers and Zardoz is one of his best films.

There are lots of reasons to love--or hate--Zardoz, depending on your tastes. Technically, its a weak screenplay, a meandering plot that goes round in circles and seems to make little sense, too much T&A (and beefcake) to qualify it as much more than a glorified peepshow, yet not enough sex to be actually erotic. In that way, the movie is immensely frustrating--I either want there to be less sex or a whole lot more.If you're a straight guy tuning in for either the sci-fi aspects or the boobshow, you might get a little tired of seeing Sean's half naked body, clad for the entire movie in something resembling a giant orange diaper. Girls and gays however, may really learn to love that diaper, along with the novelty of seeing "James Bond" in a semi-raunchfest.I imagine that, in its time, it must have been considered very dirty and radical. By today's standards, of course, it would just barely earn its "R" rating, despite the aforementioned bare breasted ladies and sexual situations. And for those considering buying it to see Mr Connery in the altogether, there are no butt shots to be found--despite poster art to the contrary depicting him on a massage type table with his posterior exposed. Alas, despite the brevity of costume and abundance of sexual scenarios, the sex in "Zardoz" is mostly implied, not shown.As with "Barbarella", "Zardoz" is elevated, if not outright saved, by the presence of its star. Just as Fonda lent "Barbarella" a dignity it didn't quite deserve (by giving ridiculous dialog her all, and playing what was essentially a cartoon character with a commitment that actually gave it pathos and intelligence), Connery is so obviously overqualified for this job that one wonders exactly why he's even IN this movie to start with,. This, of course, lends"Zardoz" its camp incongruousnes which is essential to any cult classic.Without Connery in fact, this would be--in spite of its sporadically imaginative sci-fi imagery, a largely forgettable film. His presence secures its cult status and renders it a guilty pleasure for the ages. It's actually easy to rewatch--owing mostly to the trippy imagery.And the orange diaper.

I've Tried Buying This Produce Twice, Both Times They Would Not Play. It's Either A Manufacturing Problem or The Seller Is Sending The Wrong Region Code.

No matter how critical an attitude I bring to it, I simply cannot dislike this film! Its premises, performances, and images are a godsend to a lover of "thinking person's" science fiction. I have no idea what previous reviewers mean when they talk of a hippie sensibility pervading the film. I saw it twice during its initial release and have just seen it again after twenty some odd years; it still holds its special relevance and the satire still connects. Plus, it's a pleasure watching a science fiction film without a surfeit of gratuitous computer generated effects. Most of the story is told with the use of splendid cinematography, interesting sets, and a simple straightforward script with a few compelling twists. Some may argue that the actors' lines are trite; they are, but to wonderful biting effect. The masks worn by the Exterminators are marvelous, as is the floating head of Zardoz. The aerial photography and sound effects are also used to great effect near the beginning of the film to set the stage for the entrance into the Vortex and Zed's "big boy adventure" among the Immortals. Though Sean Connery's Zed chews most of the scenery, my favorite character was Friend played by John Alderton, especially after he received his sentence and was banished to the world of the aging Renegades. Hilarious! Even the time lapse ending was effective. Normally this device is used as a crutch for a filmmaker simply because he/she doesn't know how to develop a denouement. Not here; it works perfectly!This DVD release is crisp and vibrant with stunningly saturated colors and fine sound. I concur with a previous reviewer; this has to be the finest use of the Second Movement of Beethoven's Seventh Symphony ever in a film, heard in both it's original scoring and in a special choral arrangement--slow, stately and at a funeral march tempo, the way it should be despite the composer's score markings! I haven't heard the director's narrative track and am in no hurry to do so; the film speaks well for itself.In my opinion, this rightfully ranks as a "must have" for fans of lovingly-made, imaginative, and thought-provoking films. Bring an open mind and a sense of humor along with the popcorn; you're in for a treat!

BON

Gute Qualität,auch gebrauchte DVDs beim richtigen Anbieter sehr gut erhalten. Für Film Junkies findet man hier immer ein passendes Geschenk

Je l ai bien recu mais malheureusement il n est pas en français. Et il n y a de soutitre en français.

Leider sehr bedauerliche Qualität - Ich hatte erwartet, wenn schon importiert, eine Originale BD zu erhalten, was jedoch leider nicht der Fall ist. Eine mit Tintenstrahldrucker bedruckte, selbst gebrannte BD. Hatte mich an den support per chat wegen eines Ersatzes gewandt, welchen ich auch bekommen habe. Leider ist der Ersatz das selbe: selbst gebrannt, und billig kopiert! Dem support ist allerdings zugute zu halten, dass ich informiert wurde, dass die entsprechenden Abteilungen informiert wurden, um sowas zu verhindern. Ich weiß leider nicht, ob es sich um eine Raubkopie, oder um eine authorisierte Version des Films handelt - darum werde ich die so sehnlichst erwartete BD wieder zurückschicken. Leider mal ein Fehlkauf gewesen - soll vorkommen.

Not the greatest movie ever made but very entertaining and the print is great quality.