First Knight Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "First Knight" on Blu-ray is a mixed bag, capturing both the strengths and weaknesses of its source material. The 1.85:1 1080p transfer reveals significant details and depth, especially in close-ups, such as the facial features and textures of Sir Connery’s beard. Numerous exterior shots look crisp, particularly countryside scenes, which benefit from an increased level of detail. However, there are noticeable shortcomings. The grain is ever-present, becoming excessively heavy in long-distance shots, and sporadic noise is observed throughout the film. Additionally, the video exhibits fluctuations in contrast and ambient light mid-scene, detracting from the overall visual experience.

Color reproduction is another area where the transfer shines but with reservations. The vibrant blues of Camelot and the lush greens of its surroundings stand out, adding a vivid touch to the visual palette. However, these hues can sometimes appear muted, losing their luster in certain scenes. Night scenes and areas with deep blacks, such as Malagant's lair, are well-represented; unfortunately, some elements like medieval armor fail to exhibit the reflective brilliance one might expect. Furthermore, an aged look permeates the film's esthetics, with a few flaws in the print—such as minor pops and nicks—evident throughout.

In terms of technical challenges, glaring issues like excessive edge enhancement, blocking, and banding are notably absent, which speaks to a solid underlying quality of the transfer despite its imperfections. Still, the lack of a consistent three-dimensional feel makes the image often seem "flat," which limits the immersive experience that modern high-definition formats usually aim to deliver. While this Blu-ray release delivers a respectable presentation for its age, it ultimately stops short of achieving the high benchmark set by leading catalog titles and more recent Blu-ray offerings.

The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio presentation on the Blu-Ray release of "First Knight" demonstrates a solid effort but ultimately reveals its age in comparison to contemporary soundtracks. Jerry Goldsmith's rousing score is a standout, with brass and strings that resonate clearly and choral elements that shimmer throughout the mix. Sound effects such as sword clangs, horse hooves, and environmental noises deliver adequate intensity and detail but fall short of creating an immersive, wrap-around experience. The mid-range frequencies are reasonably well-balanced; however, dialogue occasionally suffers from volume inconsistency and prioritization issues. This can result in key moments being either muffled or overpowered by the score.

Despite these shortcomings, the mix does offer some engaging aspects. The rear speakers frequently contribute with ambient sounds like rainfall and the thud of arrows, which helps to create a more enveloping sound field. Combat scenes bring out some notable low-end frequencies, although the .1 channel doesn't achieve the depth and impact expected from newer, more dynamic tracks. The high-end effects are clear and stable, with scenes featuring powerful legions of horses and the shouts of soldiers being particularly well-represented. However, the overall soundstage feels somewhat dated due to its mid-90s design sensibilities.

In sum, while the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix on "First Knight" provides an adequate and in some cases, impressive listening experience, it is hindered by a number of limitations. Fans of the film will appreciate the enhancements over the standard DVD, but those accustomed to modern sound design may find it somewhat lacking in full sonic immersion. Sony has delivered a respectable effort, though it may leave some audiophiles desiring more from this catalog title.

The Blu-ray release of "First Knight" offers a varied selection of supplementary materials. The two commentary tracks present contrasting experiences. Director Jerry Zucker and producer Hunt Lowry’s track provides light-hearted, self-deprecating insights into the film’s making, adding humor and levity. Conversely, Arthurian historian Corey James Rushton delivers a scholarly, albeit dry, perspective on the legend’s historical context, which may appeal solely to niche audiences. The featurettes range from underwhelming to moderately engaging, with "In Shining Armor: Knights in Training" standing out for its detailed exploration of medieval combat training, despite some eccentric elements. Unfortunately, the deleted and extended scenes add little value due to their poor condition and negligible content enhancements.

Extras included in this disc:

• Filmmakers’ Commentary: Light-hearted discussion with director Jerry Zucker and producer Hunt Lowry.
• Historian Commentary: Scholarly analysis by Arthurian expert Corey James Rushton.
• The Quest for Camelot: Philosophical perspective on the film.
• The Creation of a Kingdom: Behind-the-scenes look at set and costume design.
• In Shining Armor: Knights in Training: Insights into medieval martial arts and training.
• Deleted and Extended Scenes: Collection of additional scenes with audio drop-outs.
• Trailers: Previews for "The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep" and "A Knight’s Tale."

"First Knight," directed by Jerry Zucker, attempts to re-imagine the Arthurian legend through a lens of romantic chivalry, but falls short in key areas. Sean Connery assumes the venerable role of King Arthur with his usual gravitas, while Richard Gere's Lancelot comes across as oddly boyish and miscast. Gere's American swagger undercuts the gravitas of the European medieval setting, rendering his performance unconvincing. Julia Ormond delivers a competent Guinevere but doesn't elevate the material beyond its pedestrian script. The film's villain, Prince Malagant played by Ben Cross, adds some weight to the antagonistic forces at play, though his character could have benefited from a more formidable presence.

Visually, the film capitalizes on its medieval sets and decent cinematography, crafting a war-torn Camelot that feels appropriately grand yet historically sanitized. The action sequences and sword fights are competently executed but lack the visceral impact needed to fully engage the audience. Zucker's avoidance of magical elements in favor of grounded, human drama is commendable yet ultimately unsatisfying. This is further compounded by William Nicholson's script, which is overly dense and frequently lapses into unrealistic dialogue and philosophical navel-gazing.

Despite these shortcomings, "First Knight" provides serviceable entertainment with rousing set pieces and occasional bursts of emotional resonance. Unfortunately, its formulaic plot and overextended runtime prevent it from achieving greatness. The film's true strength lies in Connery's portrayal of a flawed yet noble Arthur and the intricate set designs that bring the legendary Camelot to life. However, these elements can't sufficiently counterbalance the missteps in casting and scriptwriting. Overall, "First Knight" is an ambitious yet flawed adaptation that maroons its tale of love and honor in a bog of mediocrity.

First Knight presents an Arthurian tale that falls in the middle ground of cinematic accomplishments. As a film, it serves its purpose without delivering any particular standouts. Though it will not leave audiences feeling disappointed or irate, it's a movie that can be easily forgotten. This Blu-ray release, however, is a marginal improvement over previous DVD editions. The video transfer offers a fine cinematic feel with above-average presentation that doesn't quite reach a spectacular level. The TrueHD audio is powerful, though it comes with some minor issues. For those who enjoy the genre or the film itself, the visual and auditory improvements may justify the purchase.

The Blu-ray supplements are commendable, with behind-the-scenes insights particularly entertaining as the director and producer candidly critique their own work. However, these bonuses do not fully compensate for the film’s inherent shortcomings. The overall package is generous, but the inconsistency of the supplemental material reflects the movie’s unevenness. For those who cherish the film, this Blu-ray is a notable upgrade, whereas for newcomers or casual viewers, renting might be a more prudent option.

In conclusion, while ‘First Knight’ on Blu-ray surpasses its DVD predecessors in technical merits, it remains an average film overall. The enhancements in video and audio quality make it a worthwhile acquisition only for dedicated fans. Otherwise, its merits do not radically alter its standing—a decent movie for a late-night watch, best considered for rental before purchase.