Search - The Beastmaster on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG Content Advisory: Violence, Brief Nudity, Nudity, Questionable for Children Movie Release: 1982 DVD Release: 10/23/2001 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 58 mins Studio: Anchor Bay Members Wishing: 35 Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Romantic Adventure, Sword-and-Sorcery See Also: The Beastmaster [Special Edition] [Divimax]

This low-budget entry into the sword-and-sorcery cycle of the early '80s wasn't successful during its initial release, but has steadily built a strong cult following over the years. The Beastmaster tells the story of Dar (Marc Singer), the son of a king who was stolen from his mother's womb by a witch under the command of vicious sorcerer Maax (Rip Torn). A poor villager saves Dar from being sacrificed and raises him as his own son, teaching Dar how to fight and witnessing the boy's ability to telepathically communicate with animals. Their happiness is destroyed when their village is attacked by the evil Jun horde, a race of beast-like warriors controlled by Maax. Dar vows revenge and journeys to his father's former kingdom to destroy Maax. Along the way, he falls in love with gorgeous slave girl Kiri (Tanya Roberts) and teams up with former royal guard Seth (John Amos). Dar also uses his powers to enlist the aid of an eagle, a panther and two adorable ferrets named Kodo and Podo. Together, Dar and his unlikely but brave team square off with Maax in an impressive two-part finale that involves a swordfight on the side of a pyramid and a showdown with the Jun horde near a flaming moat. The resulting film was full of action and eccentric surprises, but failed to make an impression at a box office already glutted with fantasy films. However, The Beastmaster eventually became a serious cult favorite thanks to home video and extensive exposure on cable (it is the second most aired movie on TBS after Gone With the Wind). This enduring popularity led to two sequels and a syndicated television series chronicling the further adventures of Dar. ~ Donald Guarisco, All Movie Guide

Marc Singer - Dar
Tanya Roberts - Kiri
Rip Torn - Maax
John Amos - Seth
Josh Milrad - Tal

Don Coscarelli's cult favorite The Beastmaster comes to DVD with a widescreen anamorphic transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Closed-captioned English soundtracks are rendered in DTS 6.1 and DD-EX Surround. Supplemental materials include an audio commentary with the director and the screenwriter, Paul Pepperman. In addition, this THX-certified disc contains behind-the-scenes footage, a theatrical trailer, production art, talent bios, a poster gallery, and a still photo gallery. This DVD has almost everything any Beastmaster fan could want. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide