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"Highlander" is a film that has attained a very large following, but it is also a film that is an acquired taste. The films slow pace and dated look will turn away many a new viewer, however, die hard fans will sit through the film countless times without thinking twice. Though it does not get released with the frequency of another cult class, "The Evil Dead," "Highlander" has enjoyed a good life in the home video marketplace and continues to do so. The new Anchor Bay "Highlander: The Immortal Edition" offers fans a new transfer, and new supplementary features that celebrate the music of Queen, the rock group responsible for the films soundtrack. Though it is not as supplementary inclusive as the previous Artisan / Republic DVD, the film does offer fans something new.
The film itself tells the story of an immortal, Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert) and his discovery of his uniqueness through his mentor Ramirez (Sean Connery), and his final battle with destiny against an evil immortal named Kurgan (Clancy Brown). The story begins with MacLeod as a simple Scotsman who does battle against an opposing clan. He is severely wounded, but miraculously survives. He becomes an outcast, until Ramirez finds him and educates him on the meaning of being an immortal. As the centuries pass, MacLeod is not subjected to the aging process of mortals. He outlives his loves and finds that immortality is not the gift it may seem.
One prophecy of the immortals is that there will eventually be a gathering and that the immortals must do battle until only "The One" is left standing. The final immortal will receive a powerful gift. The calling is finally made in New York City in present times (well, late Eighties to be exact). Connor has been living in the City and the others arrive. Kurgan has been a nemesis for years and MacLeod knows that he is the most powerful of the immortals and his prime rivalry to be "The One." During one sword battle, the police intervene and MacLeod is introduced to the female lead and object of desire, Brenda (Roxanne Heart). Brenda is attracted to MacLeod´s bladed weapon and her curiosity drags her into the center of Kurgan and MacLeod´s blood feud.
As I previously stated, the pacing of "Highlander" leaves a bit to be desired. The film moves very slowly and the fight choreography doesn´t even come close to that shown in any given Jackie Chan film or the wondrous "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." "Highlander" is certainly not a film for hard-core sword fighting enthusiasts. Some scenes feel to last much longer than their actual running time. The film contains a limited amount of humor and action, and the characters are not very well fleshed out. However, there is a certain appeal to the film that brings back many for a second or third helping. I have learned to appreciate the film over the years, and was not very enthusiastic about it after my first viewing. The films story is unique and entertaining. It may not be the most action packed film in the annuls of cinematic history, but it has gathered quite a large following that you simply do not want to argue the films shortcomings with.
Video:
I have previously owned both the original Anniversary Edition LaserDisc and the DVD that was released by Republic and derived from the LaserDisc. The DVD was considered by most to be a disappointment because of the poor image quality. The THX Logo was lambasted because it simply appeared on the cover of the disc and there was no apparent quality control used in the transfer. Anchor Bay has revived the picture to a degree and now present the film in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. The image quality is head-over-heels better than the previous DVD and LaserDisc, but it is still a far cry from how the film should look. Film grain is still heavily present during quite a few scenes. Edges are visibly over-enhanced and detail drops from time to time. Colors are generally well-saturated, and when grain isn´t a burden, black levels are good. There are times when the picture shines and looks splendid, but there are moments when it looks horrendous. This is the best the film has ever looked, but I feel as if it could look much better.
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[release]9987[/release]