The Vikings Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Vikings" offers a visually compelling experience that makes excellent use of its 2.35:1 aspect ratio and 1080p resolution. The high-definition transfer meticulously preserves the film's cinematic gravitas, delivering impressive detail across costumes, makeup, and rugged landscapes. The image benefits from strong clarity, highlighting the intricate textures of period fabrics and set pieces. Colors are well-preserved, boasting vivid primaries that enrich the visual palette, while facial details maintain a natural and unsoftened appearance. Black levels are deep and inky, ensuring a substantial sense of depth without crush issues.

The AVC-encoded image consistently exhibits strong delineation, even during evening sequences, which are handled with great care to retain visibility. Film grain is intact, enhancing the authenticity of the original cinematography, while scenes of mist and fog display minimal noise. Importantly, the source is largely free from major damage, presenting only minor instances of speckling that do not detract from the viewing experience. Overall, the Blu-ray transfer elevates "The Vikings," bringing its epic visuals into sharp focus and making it a standout in high-definition presentations.

The audio presentation of "The Vikings" on Blu-ray delivers a robust auditory experience with a DTS-HD MA 2.0 sound mix that manages to capture the grandeur of this epic film. The sound mix demonstrates a solid implementation, although some limitations in range are noticeable. Combat sequences can overwhelm the track with shrill highs, yet the dialogue remains clear and intelligible, comfortably handling the various accents and intense exchanges. The score is presented with clarity, blending adequately with action-driven dramatics, although the initial scenes can feel too front-loaded without sufficient background presence to balance the auditory landscape.

As the film transitions from the initial castle-based scenes to expansive outdoor settings, the audio mix becomes richer and fuller. The track’s ability to handle both the high and low ends skillfully during the climactic Viking invasion is particularly noteworthy. It's loud, adventurous, and well-layered, ensuring that dialogue, sound effects, and the score come through harmoniously without demanding frequent volume adjustments. Despite these strengths, there are minor shortcomings such as occasional hiss and pops, especially noticeable during quieter moments, but these do not significantly detract from the overall auditory experience.

Overall, while not perfect, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix for "The Vikings" provides an immersive and memorable audio experience befitting both its dramatic dialogue scenes and sprawling action sequences.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Vikings" offer a valuable insight into the film's production, showcasing the dedication to authenticity that permeated its creation. "A Tale of Norway" is a detailed and engaging featurette from 2002 where director Richard Fleischer discusses the challenges and triumphs faced during filming, supported by behind-the-scenes photos and video clips. The featurette effectively captures the camaraderie among the cast and crew, who shared dormitory ships and endured the wilds of Norway for the sake of realism. Additionally, there are several theatrical trailers included for both "The Vikings" and other classic films, enhancing the historical context and offering a nostalgic glimpse into the era's marketing.

Extras included in this disc:

• A Tale of Norway: Director Richard Fleischer on the production of "The Vikings," featuring behind-the-scenes photos and clips.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer for "The Vikings."
• 'The Devil's Disciple' Trailer: Promotional trailer.
• 'Mr. Majestic' Trailer: Promotional trailer.
• 'Marty' Trailer: Promotional trailer.
• 'Taras Bulba' Trailer: Promotional trailer.

Richard Fleischer's 1958 film, "The Vikings," stands as a quintessential epic adventure, impressive for its blend of grand scale and intimate storytelling. The film, featuring powerhouse performances from Kirk Douglas, Ernest Borgnine, Tony Curtis, and Janet Leigh, expertly navigates the landscape of love, war, and internal conflicts. Fleischer’s direction ensures the widescreen spectacle remains visually commanding while also focusing on the subtleties of personal drama. The film is marked by standout battle scenes and strong community dynamics, enhanced by vividly captured European landscapes and authentic Viking ship replicas. The presence of 100 extras in the background contributes to the epic feel, making the production’s visual effort truly eye-opening.

While its early stages may come off as a bit theatrical, especially in its depiction of Viking costumes and communities, once the core plot unfolds, "The Vikings" reveals itself as a robust and exciting narrative. Historical accuracy takes a backseat to storytelling, providing a platform for the legendary cast to display their prowess. Kirk Douglas and Ernest Borgnine deliver compelling bravado, while Tony Curtis brings depth to his role as Eric, a slave with a mysterious lineage. The dynamics between Eric and Curtis’ then-wife Janet Leigh add an authentic chemistry to the ensemble. The film’s strength lies in its ability to offer two hours of rousing entertainment and spectacular moments, particularly notable in a poignant scene between Curtis’s Eric and Borgnine’s Ragnar.

Despite some initial setbacks with costumes and set designs that feel reflective of the late 1950s aesthetic, "The Vikings" morphs into a thoroughly enjoyable classic upon hitting its stride. The camaraderie among its legendary cast members during the height of their careers elevates this film into a memorable adventure worthy of its praise. The painstaking effort in set design and costume, alongside dynamic performances, underscore why this film remains a treasured piece of cinematic history.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of 'The Vikings' superbly captures the grandeur and intensity of this classic Hollywood action-adventure film. The film's rich production values are showcased in a beautifully restored image transfer, which preserves the lush cinematography and vibrant colors typical of 1950s epic filmmaking. The meticulous restoration ensures that every frame, from panoramic vistas to dynamic battle sequences, remains visually stunning and faithful to the original presentation.

The audio track is equally impressive, delivering a robust and immersive experience. The clanging of swords, the roar of Viking ships navigating treacherous waters, and the fervent cries of battle are all rendered with clarity and depth. The sound design enhances the narrative’s tension and excitement, making the viewing experience both engaging and authentic.

In addition to the stellar audiovisual presentation, Kino Lorber has included a selection of compelling bonus features. Most notable is an insightful interview with the film's director, offering valuable context and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Although it includes a collection of original trailers, enthusiasts might find these extras somewhat limited but nonetheless interesting.

'The Vikings' is violent and rough with its characters, sustaining attention through acts of protection and defense, with enough clanging swords and flaming arrows to preserve excitement. It's also a warm reminder of classic Hollywood enormity and raw performance energy, finding full-scale war sequences almost as harrowing as an extended Kirk Douglas close-up.