Customer Reviews

NEW Hercules (DVD)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is without doubt the worst film transfer to DVD I have ever seen. I saw the film recently on TV and it was 10 times the quality of this DVD. Dont waste your money on this DVD.
It is an insult to modern technology and frankly a rip-off. Amazon should be ashamed of selling this product.

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...." I remember the first time I saw this movie as a kid, I was totally hooked on Steve Reeves and his name was forever connected with Hercules, which is kind of funny considering that he only made two Hercules movies. 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. My only real complaints are that it's not presented in a natural widescreen format and that the copy of the print was not in pristene condition; but don't let the TV format, soft focus and colors in some spots, and a few scratches and specks during the movie deter you from getting this classic. Some day I'm hoping to see a higher grade edition, in widescreen, with the film digitally restored and maybe a few extras; but until then, this will more than suffice.

I just watched the Italian film Hercules staring Steve Reeves in the title role. First of all it was a pleasure to see Hercules call on his father Jupiter (and not Zeus as so many would have it).

Hercules travels to Jialco where he finds himself first welcomed by the Throne and then despised. After defeating the Cretan Bull, Hercules finds Jason, lost heir to the throne of Jialco. To prove Jason is who he says he is, Hercules, Jason, Argos and others set out to find the lost Golden Fleece.

Originally shot in Italian, this film does suffer from bad dubbing. This film, and particularly its sequel, Hercules Unchained, are some of the best interpretations of the Hercules legend.

Steve Reeves is wonderful as the hero and looks like he could defeat Kevin Sorbo without even trying. Reeves spends most of the film sans shirt showing off one of the finest builds ever filmed. For those who prefer looking at bodies with more curves, there are plenty of women in short Grecian robes.

This movie 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 was his first role, as the immortal Hercules, and he plays the part well. As someone who saw the movie dozens of times in the theaters, believe me, it was all Reeves that explained the hit movie 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!

This is a film I saw as a kid on a summer afternoon in one of those grand old downtown movie palaces and it's still my all-time favorite fantasy film. Steve Reeves is magnificent as the chiseled, moody Greek hero; his performace is timeless. My favorite scene has Hercules supplicating the gods to permit him to experience the joys and sorrows of human life. The heavens answer the hero's plea with a deluge of rain, freeing the hero of godhood. The script adapts episodes from the Labors of Hercules and the Quest for the Golden Fleece; sets and costumes suggest the rugged age of myth; supporting roles are played by attractive and competent performers. The dragon guarding the Golden Fleece is nothing to write home about, but who cares? ... we came to see Steeve! A classic not to be missed!

I remember seeing this movie as a child and interestingly enough, now that it is on dvd, my son has bought this for his family.There are no great special effects. And don't look for any great acting, but Hercules is a fun movie and Reeves is the perfect Hercules with a sculpted physique, handsome and charismatic. I hope more Reeves movies become available on dvd. He was the original action hero.