Knight`s Tale, A (UK)
He Will Rock You
Certificate: PG
Running Time: 127 mins
Retail Price: £19.99
Release Date:
Content Type: Movie
Synopsis:
The 14th century takes a rocking new twist in A Knight`s Tale, a stylish, exciting, action-packed adventure starring Heath Ledger (The Patriot, 10 Things I Hate About You) from acclaimed director Brian Helgeland (Payback). With heroic performances from Mark Addy (The Full Monty, Down To Earth), Rufus Sewell (Dangerous Beauty, Dark City) and Alan Tudyk (28 Days, Wonder Boys) and introducing sensational newcomer Shannyn Sossamon.
Heath Ledger is William Thatcher, a peasant squire who breaks all the rules when he passes himself off as a nobleman and takes the jousting world by storm. The only thing that stands between William and his dream of becoming the world champion of the extremest of sports is the bad boy of the sport Count Adhemar. And when the two rivals go lance to head at the world finals to determine who will be named the ultimate champion, you better arm yourself and hang on tight for the thrill ride of your life!
Special Features:
Interactive Menus
Scene Access
Commentary by Brian Helgeland and Paul Bettany
Making of Featurette
Behind the Scenes Featurette
Deleted Scenes
Robbie Williams and Queen Music Video
Theatrical Trailer
Screensaver
Weblink
Filmographies
Video Tracks:
Widescreen Anamorphic 2.35:1
Audio Tracks:
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Subtitle Tracks:
Hindi
English
CC: English
Directed By:
Brian Helgeland
Written By:
Brian Helgeland
Starring:
Mark Addy
Laura Fraser
Paul Bettany
Shannyn Sossamon
Rufus Sewell
Heath Ledger
Casting By:
Francine Maisler
Soundtrack By:
Malcolm Young
Angus Young
Cliff Williams
Roger Taylor
Phil Rudd
Freddie Mercury
Brian May
Brian Johnson
John Deacon
Eric Clapton
Carter Burwell
Director of Photography:
Richard Greatrex
Editor:
Kevin Stitt
Costume Designer:
Caroline Harris
Production Designer:
Tony Burrough
Producer:
Tim Van Rellim
Brian Helgeland
Todd Black
Distributor:
Columbia / Tristar
Your Opinions and Comments
The story follows William Thatcher on his quest to become a great jouster. One problem. He is not of noble birth, so gets some fake papers and changes his name to Sir Ulrich Von Lichtenstein of Gelderland. This film is hilarious and I never stopped laughing. The acting is superb and storyline is great.
Video:
Presented in 2.35:1. The picture is very good and crisp.
Sound:
The film uses the 5.1 very well although there are instances where they are not used for a longish period of time.
Features:
Commentary
Making Of
Behind The Scenes
Deleted Scenes
Music Video
Trailer
Screensaver
Weblink
Filmographies.
Although not the most features ever put on DVD, these are all quality and well worth watching.
Commentary- The commentary features Brian Helgeland (the director) and Paul Bettany (Chaucer) and is fantastic. This has to be one of, if not, the best commentary track I`ve had the pleasure of listening to. Funny, informative and downright wacky, I wish all commentaries were this entertaining.
Making Of Featurettes- There are 11 short featurettes about different aspects on the making of the film. Rather informative and interesting to watch.
Behind The Scenes Featurette- This is a 15 minute HBO special (surprise surprise) and isn`t bad. A bit boring though.
Deleted Scenes- A good mix of deleted scenes, some funny and quite good, some crap.
Robbie Williams Featuring Queen Music Video- A We Are The Champions music video. Excellent song, great vid.
Trailer- Not bad, just the usual.
Final Fantasy Trailer- Not bad, just the usual also.
Screensaver- What you expect.
Weblink- A link to the average official film website.
Filmographies- A list of the films the stars have been involved in before. Could have done with some brief biographies aswell.
Overview:
William Thatcher (Heath Ledger) becomes a fake knight with fake scrolls to prove he is of noble birth. This film follows the newly invented Sir Ulrich Von Lichtenstein of Gelderland through his new career as a knight taking part in jousting.
Review:
As you sit down to watch this film, don`t expect to find yourself watching a serious medievil type film as I did, as when you start hearing the crowd chanting we will rock you at the opening jousting event, you know you`re dreadfully wrong. It then turns into an hilariously funny film with some great acting (especially by Paul Bettany and Mark Addy).Rufus Sewell plays the obligatory `baddie` Count Adhemar who is the knight that Ulrich wants to beat the most. The story will keep you glued to your screen and can be quite emotional at times (when Ulrich meets his Dad again). I`d recommend this film to anyone who is a fan of the comedy or action adventure genres. Great.
Picture:
Shown in the original 2.35:1 aspect, the picture is great although with very slight grain in a couple of places. You can`t really tell unless you`re really looking to be honest. All in all a good print.
Sound:
The sound is 5.1 DD with great use of the speakers. Sometimes a bit quiet for a few moments but all in all a good track.
Overall:
A great no brainer film, with great picture and sound and quality extras. Pleasently surprising.