Erik The Viking: The Director's Son's Cut (Special Edition)

Advantages: Cool effects, good storyline, scary.
Disadvantages: This is not the director's cut

...as to state this on the DVD. The original version of the film, which is also included on the DVD, is the director's cut, the way Ridley Scott wanted it to be. What Fox have done is taken the deleted scenes that were previously on the last release off this DVD and insert them into the film, against Scott's wishes. They could reasonably call this a Special Edition, but when the director actually objects, there's no way they can all it a director's cut. For this reason, I suggest you only purchase this DVD if you can't get your hands on the previous release of the film, which is still doing the rounds. The previous release has the same extras such as a commentary and so forth, and actually is the real director's version of the movie. This needless re-release is best left on the shelf.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Some inspired comedy moments
Disadvantages: No consistency, and feels a little long in places

...'Erik' the Viking is cute and has some absolutely fantastic moments but the film overall wasn't as consistently funny as I expected. There were quite a few sections that seemed to wander along pointlessly, which was a pity! Erik the Viking (Tim Robbins) gathers warriors from his village and sets out on a dangerous journey to Valhalla, to ask the gods to end the Age of Ragnorok and allow his people to see sunlight again. Particularly noteworthy are Jones himself as a king who quite literally only sees what he wants to see and John Cleese who has a hilarious cameo as Halfdan the Black who runs a torture chamber in his spare time. Also watch out for the Japanese slave driver, he is one of the highlights for me. This film is a hilarious Pythonesque satire of Viking life. Tim Robbins was fine in a cutesy, little boy way which is, I... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Finally its on DVD
Disadvantages: lacks in the special features

...DVD that comes in a limited edition folding pyramid box, which can get annoying but admittedly does look cool. Being a special edition the movie is the Director’s cut containing over thirty minuets of unseen footage. (Total running time 124 min) The special features aren’t anything to shout about you get the obligatory Trailer and subtitles, the promo reel is basically a best bits of the movie backed with classical music. The audio commentary is by Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin, which give you an insightful look at how the movie was made. The picture quality is anything you would expect from a DVD but what is cool is that you get a choice of 5.1 and DTS, which sound amazing. If you are more bothered about special features then this may not be for you but if like me you see them as a bonus on top of a great film... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful