Erik the Viking Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Erik the Viking" by Olive Films delivers an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The film exhibits an admirable clarity, particularly in well-lit, daylight sequences, where colors are convincingly vibrant. The production design details stand out, offering a fresh visual appreciation for fans of the movie. However, the presentation does expose some limitations, notably the film's inherent softness and less favorable lighting conditions. Black levels are notably deep, resulting in a loss of detail in poorly lit scenes and dark interiors. Blue screen work is glaringly obvious in high definition, which might detract from the viewing experience for some audiences.

The transfer is generally strong with a consistent organic film grain retained throughout, contributing to a more authentic viewing experience. Grain intensity can spike, particularly during sequences with optical effects, sometimes leading to a patchwork appearance due to uneven color timing. Despite these issues, the background imagery maintains decent clarity and the overall print condition is commendable with minimal visible wear. Flesh tones remain natural and consistent, though finer details such as stubble and wrinkles only reveal themselves in close-ups.

In sum, while this no-frills presentation by Olive Films may not have undergone extensive restoration or feature excessive digital enhancements, it remains a respectable representation of the original theatrical release. Some viewers might find the aged effects jarring, but for fans who appreciate authenticity and detailed production design, this Blu-ray edition offers a gratifying experience. The preservation of the film grain and vibrant colors in well-lit scenes provides a nostalgic yet enhanced viewing that surpasses previous DVD and laserdisc versions.

The Blu-ray release of "Erik the Viking" features a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix that remarkably supports the film's dialogue, playful sound effects, and engaging score. The audio fidelity is commendable, and the dynamic range surpasses what is typically expected in comedic genres, providing an enriched auditory experience. The mix captures various sound elements with precision, most notably the great Horn Resounding, without any noticeable audio issues or distortions.

One of the most impressive aspects of the DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo track is its imaging. Sound elements move dynamically around the center channels, enhancing scenes from the chaotic opening raid to melodic sequences like the singing of Hy-Brasil's people. The balance between dialogue and sound effects is excellently managed, ensuring that the film's humor, which often relies on deadpan delivery, is not overshadowed. Additionally, distinct audio effects such as sword clangs are effectively rounded within the mix, providing a clean and clear audio representation. While the low-frequency extension and surround sound presentation are not applicable here, the overall audio performance is significant.

Overall, the audio presentation provides an admirable uptick from previous releases such as the old laserdisc version. This Blu-ray's sound quality will greatly please fans of "Erik the Viking," offering an enhanced auditory experience devoid of any hiss or track issues. The dialogue reproduction remains solid throughout, albeit slightly lower in the mix but consistently clean and clear. This audio track delivers a dependable and satisfying experience that faithfully complements the visual narrative of the film.

The Blu-ray extras for "Erik the Viking" present a captivating array of bonus content, providing a comprehensive insight into the film's production and reception. The trailer, available in HD, effectively condenses the movie's essence into a concise two-minute preview. The added interviews are illuminating, offering both behind-the-scenes perspectives and personal anecdotes from the cast and crew. The "Director's Commentary" is particularly notable, delivering valuable insights into the filmmaking process and creative decisions. Each featurette is well-crafted, contributing to a richer understanding of this cult classic. The restoration featurette provides an informative look at the technical efforts that went into upgrading the film's visual and audio quality for its Blu-ray release. Overall, these extras significantly enhance the viewing experience, making it a worthwhile investment for fans and film enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A two-minute HD preview encapsulating the entire film.
• Interviews: In-depth discussions with cast and crew.
• Director's Commentary: Insightful filmmaker analysis on production and creative choices.
• Restoration Featurette: Detailed account of the film's technical enhancements.

"Erik the Viking," directed by Monty Python’s Terry Jones, is a unique blend of comedy and adventure that transports viewers into the whimsically brutal world of Norse mythology. This film, inspired by Jones' children's book “The Saga of Erik the Viking,” follows the peculiar journey of Erik (Tim Robbins), a Viking warrior disillusioned with the monotonous life of looting and pillaging. Tim Robbins delivers a naively charming portrayal of Erik, who embarks on a quest to end the Age of Ragnarök, a period characterized by endless conflict. Accompanied by a motley crew of eclectic characters, Erik navigates through a series of humorous and fantastical vignettes that echo the irreverent spirit of Monty Python. Notably, Jones’ script incorporates clever references to classic mythology and includes memorable comedic performances by John Cleese as Halfdan the Black and Terry Jones himself as King Arnulf.

The film’s comedic energy can be inconsistent at times, and it occasionally suffers from uneven pacing. Some of its most engaging sequences take place on the mythical island of Hy-Basil, where Erik encounters Princess Aud (Imogen Stubbs) and contends with her father, King Arnulf. These moments highlight the film's strengths in blending hilarity with satire. However, the special effects, particularly those depicting fantastical elements like the world's edge, have not aged gracefully and may detract from the overall experience. Despite these shortcomings, "Erik the Viking" manages to maintain a level of charm, thanks in part to its sharp dialogue and situational comedy.

The Blu-ray release from Olive Films is notable for including the original 107-minute theatrical cut. This is a significant improvement over the previously available "Director's Son's Cut," which reduced the runtime to 75 minutes, thereby omitting several key scenes and characters that contribute substantially to the film’s humor and narrative coherence. Fans of Monty Python will find much to appreciate in this release, though newcomers might need some patience to fully enjoy its offbeat humor and layered storytelling. The film ultimately strikes a balance between being intellectually stimulating and entertainingly absurd, living up to Terry Jones' legacy within Monty Python's cinematic oeuvre.

"Erik the Viking" on Blu-ray is a commendable release, showcasing enhanced video and audio quality that surpasses previous editions. This 107-minute cut restores several key scenes, addressing pacing concerns present in earlier, shorter versions. Despite certain performance style imbalances—most notably Tim Robbins' portrayal which doesn't fully align with some of the more eccentric cast members—the film maintains a mischievous charm largely due to Jones' engaging performance.

The technical aspects are noteworthy, with solid video and very good audio that enhance the viewing experience. While the Blu-ray presentation itself is somewhat average and lacks notable extra features beyond a trailer, the improved A/V quality and extended cut make it worthwhile for fans of the film. Olive Films has done a commendable job bringing this title to high-definition, although more supplemental content would have enriched the release further given its premium price.

In conclusion, "Erik the Viking" is an entertaining comedy and fantasy adventure that shines in its restored format. While it has some pacing issues and could benefit from additional extras, its technical merits and the allure for Python fans make it a recommended addition to any collection.