Now, with the release of a letterboxed edition of 'Dragonslayer', that proverbial collector's wish list has gotten a little shorter. Released in 1981, 'Dragonslayer' was a co-production of Paramount Pictures and Walt Disney Productions but don't be mislead by the Disney name or the 'PG' rating. This is not a children's film.
It is a time when magic is fading from the world. In the country of Urland, a land darkened by fear and superstition, the last of the great dragons, Verminthrax Perjorative, is terrorizing the countryside. A delegation of villagers seek out the aid of Ulrich, last of the great sorcerers. When Ulrich seemingly sacrifices himself while attempting to prove his powers, his young apprentice, Galen Brad-Warden, assumes his master's responsiblities and sets off to meet the beast. Soon, however, the lad learns that the slaying of dragons is a difficult business indeed, a business best left to a master.
'Dragonslayer' is, without a doubt, one of the best of a genre that historically does poorly on film. The excellent, mostly British, cast is led by Peter MacNicol, Caitlin Clarke and Ralph Richardson. The film was directed by Matthew Robbins and co-written by Robbins and producer Hal Barwood. The still impressive special effects where produced by Dennis Muren and his crew from Industrical Light and Magic (can you say 'Jurassic Park'). It is, however, Derek Vanlint's dark, almost perfectly executed photography that has caused such anquish among video collectors. Until now, that is.
Much of 'Dragonslayer' takes place at night, in a dark, dank castle or a dark, dank cave and is lit to appear as if by torch light. The effect is quite dramatic on film but anathema to the electronic medium. Previous video incarnations have been, at least in my opinion, nearly unwatchable. This new transfer from Paramount goes a long way toward presenting this film the way it's fans will remember and certainly eclipses all previous video versions. From the opening sequence starting with a single torch and lightening to show the band of villagers in silhouette against the pale blue of the early dawn sky, it is immediately apparent that 'Dragonslayer' will finally be seen in some semblance of it's original form. Colors are are accurate and generally free of excessive chroma noise. The image is sharp and relatively clear, though there is still some grain apparent in most scenes, however, considering the nature of the material, much less than one might expect. Contrast and brightness are very good, with excellent (relatively) detail. For many, the most attractive 'aspect' of this disc will be the widescreen framing. The film was shot in anamorphic Panavision and with a transferred ratio of about 2.30:1, only a fraction less than perfect.
The sound on this disc is as much of a treat as the picture. I have no doubt that, in light of the generally poor state of theater sound, very few people have heard this film sound this good. The terrific Alex North score has great depth and clarity. The mix has good range and frequency response, particularly the low end. Dialog is clear and well balanced. Seperations are clean and there are a number of good directional effects. The surround channel is used to good effect, providing an excellent sense of envelopement. Those of you that enjoy 'THX' volume levels will not be disappointed here.
'Dragonslayer' runs 110 minutes and the disc contains only 12 chapters (typical for Paramount). No trailer has been included (also typical). The side break, even though placed at a scene change, is still somewhat disruptive and made more so since a much better, more natural spot occurs only seconds before the side ends. List price is $39.95.
Recommending this disc seems, at this point, redundant. Collectors have been hoping for a transfer like this for years and Paramount has, to their credit, finally come through and at a relatively reasonable price. I got mine, now go get your's.
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