Search - The Sword and the Sorcerer on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Violence, Brief Nudity, Nudity, Adult Situations, Not For Children, Adult Language Movie Release: 1982 DVD Release: 04/24/2001 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 39 mins Studio: Anchor Bay Members Wishing: 34 Genres: Fantasy, Sword-and-Sorcery, Fantasy Adventure

This is an unusual entry in the knights-in-armor genre. Set in medieval England, the film follows the exploits of a young swordsman, Talon (Lee Horsley). Working as a mercenary knight, Talon possesses a unique three-bladed sword which fires its two extra blades when he touches a button. By chance, Talon learns that he is a prince who has forgotten his royal heritage. Using his sword and his wiles, he attempts to regain control of his kingdom, which has been taken over by a sadistic tyrannical knight and an evil sorcerer. In doing so, he can save a princess who has been taken hostage by the usurpers. Comedy is interspersed with gory and licentious drama throughout the film, which was directed and written by Albert Pyun. ~ Michael Betzold, All Movie Guide

Lee Horsley
Kathleen Beller - Alana
Simon MacCorkindale - Mikah
George Maharis - Machelli
Richard Lynch - Cromwell

Released theatrically in the summer of 1982, just as a new wave of sword-and-sorcery fantasy films were about to flood the market because of the high-profile Arnold Schwarzenegger project Conan the Barbarian, the low-budget yet impressive looking The Sword and the Sorcerer rode into theaters and stole a little of Conan's thunder before disappearing into movie culthood. In the wake of Xena and other such shows which routinely mix comedy and action, perhaps the time is right for this movie to find a new audience. Unfortunately, the years haven't been too kind to the film's patchwork print, as there is much grain and overall shabbiness in the picture. Many scenes appear too dark and muddy looking, though other scenes are relatively sharp and crisp. Reds tend to bloom, but other colors seem to be stable and appropriate looking. The Dolby Surround 5.1 soundtrack is fair, though it reveals too many limitations in the original lackluster sound design. A Dolby Digital 2.0 soundtrack is also available. Perhaps there just wasn't enough good source material to work with, hence Anchor Bay's decision not to make this DVD a more stellar affair. Too bad. The film is letterboxed at 1.85:1 and has been enhanced for 16 x 9 TVs. Two theatrical trailers and a TV spot have also been included. ~ Derek Hill, All Movie Guide