Search - Hercules Unchained on DVD

A True Classic

Michael J. Gratis, Sr. | Buzzards Bay, MA United States | 01/26/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've said it before and I'll say it again: Finally, Steve Reeves on DVD! The version sent to me was by Gemstone Entertainment; but appears to be the same version as United American Video. A few years back I was on Steve's web site and commented that I was disappointed that there were none of his films on DVD, and the reply that I got back was, "Only on VHS now; but just wait a bit longer...." Though watching Italian movies can take a little getting used to, mainly due to the editing practices, in addition to dubbing the sound in after the movie had been completed, this movie holds the test of time very well, considering that it's almost 45 years old. This edition of Hercules Unchained is a notch or two up from the edition of Hercules that I previously reviewed. The print was obviously in much better condition, as the colors are generally very good, most of the picture is sharp, and the sound is better. My only real complaint is that it's not presented in a natural widescreen format. Like I said with my Hercules review, some day I'm hoping to see a higher grade edition, in widescreen, possibly with the film digitally restored a bit better and maybe a few extras; but until then, this will more than suffice. Watching these two back to make makes for a very enjoyable afternoon or evening; so don't hesitate to check out these classics!"

Hercules Sequel With Steve Reeves!

Barron Laycock | Temple, New Hampshire United States | 10/01/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This movie, a sequel to the original box-office smash, is a wonderful treat for those of us who marveled at Steve Reeves and his awesome presence in a series of otherwise forgettable 1960s sword and sorcery adventures. Reeves, a former Mr. America and Mr. Universe, was absolutely stunningly handsome, and as a result became the perfect archetype for young pubescent males looking for a role model. While his wonderful baritone voice was dubbed (much later I heard him talk on "Entertainment Tonight" about the newer types of bodybuilders coming to the fore under the influence of steroids, and he squawked out an answer in a tinny little voice that made one instantly realize why he never achieved wider stardom in more diverse American films. But he was all beef and brawn here, and with the magic of a well-dubbed vocal effort became the star of the decade. This, like the original, was a continuation of his first role, as the immortal Hercules, and here again Reeves plays the part well. As someone who saw both movies dozens of times in the theaters, believe me, it was all Reeves that explained the hit movies and the string of successors that followed. Of course, film producer Joseph E. Levine threw in the lovely Sylvia Koscina and a veteran cast of character actors. The special effects are a bit dated, and the sets are nice, but any chance to watch Reeves going through the motions is an exercise in watching someone so handsome and so well built that none of the rest of it mattered. Not a great movie, but one that is fun to watch to remember way back when....Enjoy!"

If your a Steve Reeves fan, you'll enjoy it!

American Proturf | LIBERT TWP, OHIO United States | 03/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"We're not talking quality films.This was made in Italy and dubbed. It wasn't the plot,special effects,music or whatever it takes to sell tickets,..this was popular because of Steve Reeves.
This was at a time when there wasn't stunt doubles.He dislocated his shoulder when the chariot rolled over during a chase. He slammed his shoulder into a tree and popped it back into place.It wasn't glitz, Reeves was the REAL DEAL!"

Bad quality digital transfer

rikoshea | Ireland | 12/01/2006

(1 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD is produced by Westlake Entertainment Group. It runs for 107 minutes and is presented in the fullscreen format. There is an interactive menu that includes scene selection, photo gallery and very short biographies and filmographies.

The real problem is that the digital transfer used Westlake Entertainment Group is very poor quality. The resultant film imagery is like a very old VHS tape.

I would not recommend you buy from this distributor. This is symptomatic of a wider problem in which classic films that were made before the advent of the digital age are being treated disgracefully by producing bad low budget DVDs transfers. Show some respect to the director, actors and movie viewer and do it properly or dont do it at all and leave the market open for some other distributor to do it the way it should be done."