Highlander Immortal Edition
What?
A 1980’s classic, Highlander can be sited by many as being one of the defining films of that decade. Spawning a litter of sequels that many purists despise, I’ve always been a sucker for the follow-ups even if the quality took a severe plummet. Guilty pleasure after guilty pleasure, I can’t help but smiling as the latter installments memorably fail to rekindle the zeal of the initial Highlander. With that aside, the father of them all has finally landed on a format that can do the film right. This more explanatory cut of the film answers some questions while raising others. Crossing different timelines throughout history, the undying Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert) must battle the demonic Kurgan (Clancy Brown) who viciously murdered the Spanish/Egyptian Ramirez (Sean Connery), Connor MacLeod’s teacher. Highlander is as 80’s as movies get and showcases the highest highs and lowest lows of the period. Sappy dialogue, dubious cinematography, and undemanding editing are aspects that do leave something to be desired. Nevertheless, therein lies the charm of Highlander that may turn off the uninitiated. The age of this film might be considered an issue, even though my already held sentiments allow me to see past this as well as other possible faults. Likely, my reverence for Highlander clouds my capacity to scrutinize the filmmaking process though there is a few things I take immediate issue with. The seemingly hurried scripting and corny special effects are snags in quality, yet these do facilitate my infatuation with every one of these almost campy productions. Like it or not, Highlander is a cult hit and the newly tooled Blu-ray ensures viewer’s appreciation for this heroic tale for years to come.
Optics:
Highlander’s magnificent lucidity becomes more than I bargained for on this 50GB, BD. But before I get to the proficiencies, I’ll divulge the faults. Act one of the film exhibits many defects, namely edge enhancements and numerous greenish or hazy blacks. What's more, the application of DNR detracts ever so slightly although it is infrequently present. Earth and skin tones come through remarkably well and provide an exultant optical effort. Outdoor scenic landscapes are out of this world and transmit a sense of genuineness. Fans of Highlander will appreciate the hearty filmic appeal of generous grain and occasional print noise on Optimum’s release. This technical restoration is precisely what aficionados have dreamed of—I really couldn’t be happier with the final product. Punctiliously strict Highlander lovers will notice objects and details they’ve never seen as they re-experience familiar scenes in 1080p, HD.
Sonics:
Audio on this Blu-ray edition of Highlander is truly top-shelf. The 5.1 DTS-HD lossless soundtrack thoroughly annihilates the previous copies of Highlander I’ve acquired over the last decade. As preparation for this review, I went through my DVD and VHS copies just to refresh my memory. I can tell you with no bias that Optimum’s choice in mix is the end all be all for Highlander’s sonic presentation. At no point was there any type of drop-off or restrained amplitude. Dialogue, action, and the nostalgic Queen musical score continued to electrify throughout the near two-hour duration of the film. If you’re an audiophile and want to hear Highlander the way it was meant to be, pick this up without further ado.
Extras:
The considerably extensive quantity of special features provides additional fanfare that owners can really sink their teeth into. The long list includes a documentary, Christopher Lambert as well as cast and crew interviews, several HD deleted scenes, the theatrical trailer in HD, and director Russel Mulcahy’s commentary. Want to be immersed in all things Highlander? Here’s your chance to have a very well rounded set of extras that add a great deal to the viewing event.
Well?
Optimum seems to have a knack for selecting cult favorites and restoring them to their deserved quality. Anyone uninterested in Highlander probably won’t consider this transfer of anything overtly substantial. However, if you’re a fan like me, the upgrade puts previous DVD versions to shame. I don’t plan to watch Highlander in any other format again. This disc is the perfect way to fully experience what Highlander has to offer and is decidedly worth your time and money. There can be only one essential version—and it’s right here on Blu-ray!
Grant Iwan
A 1980’s classic, Highlander can be sited by many as being one of the defining films of that decade. Spawning a litter of sequels that many purists despise, I’ve always been a sucker for the follow-ups even if the quality took a severe plummet. Guilty pleasure after guilty pleasure, I can’t help but smiling as the latter installments memorably fail to rekindle the zeal of the initial Highlander. With that aside, the father of them all has finally landed on a format that can do the film right. This more explanatory cut of the film answers some questions while raising others. Crossing different timelines throughout history, the undying Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert) must battle the demonic Kurgan (Clancy Brown) who viciously murdered the Spanish/Egyptian Ramirez (Sean Connery), Connor MacLeod’s teacher. Highlander is as 80’s as movies get and showcases the highest highs and lowest lows of the period. Sappy dialogue, dubious cinematography, and undemanding editing are aspects that do leave something to be desired. Nevertheless, therein lies the charm of Highlander that may turn off the uninitiated. The age of this film might be considered an issue, even though my already held sentiments allow me to see past this as well as other possible faults. Likely, my reverence for Highlander clouds my capacity to scrutinize the filmmaking process though there is a few things I take immediate issue with. The seemingly hurried scripting and corny special effects are snags in quality, yet these do facilitate my infatuation with every one of these almost campy productions. Like it or not, Highlander is a cult hit and the newly tooled Blu-ray ensures viewer’s appreciation for this heroic tale for years to come.
Optics:
Highlander’s magnificent lucidity becomes more than I bargained for on this 50GB, BD. But before I get to the proficiencies, I’ll divulge the faults. Act one of the film exhibits many defects, namely edge enhancements and numerous greenish or hazy blacks. What's more, the application of DNR detracts ever so slightly although it is infrequently present. Earth and skin tones come through remarkably well and provide an exultant optical effort. Outdoor scenic landscapes are out of this world and transmit a sense of genuineness. Fans of Highlander will appreciate the hearty filmic appeal of generous grain and occasional print noise on Optimum’s release. This technical restoration is precisely what aficionados have dreamed of—I really couldn’t be happier with the final product. Punctiliously strict Highlander lovers will notice objects and details they’ve never seen as they re-experience familiar scenes in 1080p, HD.
Sonics:
Audio on this Blu-ray edition of Highlander is truly top-shelf. The 5.1 DTS-HD lossless soundtrack thoroughly annihilates the previous copies of Highlander I’ve acquired over the last decade. As preparation for this review, I went through my DVD and VHS copies just to refresh my memory. I can tell you with no bias that Optimum’s choice in mix is the end all be all for Highlander’s sonic presentation. At no point was there any type of drop-off or restrained amplitude. Dialogue, action, and the nostalgic Queen musical score continued to electrify throughout the near two-hour duration of the film. If you’re an audiophile and want to hear Highlander the way it was meant to be, pick this up without further ado.
Extras:
The considerably extensive quantity of special features provides additional fanfare that owners can really sink their teeth into. The long list includes a documentary, Christopher Lambert as well as cast and crew interviews, several HD deleted scenes, the theatrical trailer in HD, and director Russel Mulcahy’s commentary. Want to be immersed in all things Highlander? Here’s your chance to have a very well rounded set of extras that add a great deal to the viewing event.
Well?
Optimum seems to have a knack for selecting cult favorites and restoring them to their deserved quality. Anyone uninterested in Highlander probably won’t consider this transfer of anything overtly substantial. However, if you’re a fan like me, the upgrade puts previous DVD versions to shame. I don’t plan to watch Highlander in any other format again. This disc is the perfect way to fully experience what Highlander has to offer and is decidedly worth your time and money. There can be only one essential version—and it’s right here on Blu-ray!
Grant Iwan
Director:
Russell Mulcahy
Starring:
Christopher Lambert
Roxanne Hart
Clancy Brown
Sean Conner
Jon Polito
Alan North
Best line:
"Tonight you sleep in hell."
Tagline:
"There can be only one."
Description:
Optimum Releasing
UK
Region free
Rated 15
1Hr 56 Mins
1.85:1
DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Audio commentary with director Russell Mulcah
Documentary
'A Legend Is Born' interview with Gregory Widen and Peter Bellwood
'The Visual Style' interview with cameraman Gerry Fisher and architect Allan Cameron
'A Strong Woman' interview with Roxanne Hart
Interview with Christopher Lambert
Deleted scenes
Trailer
Ratings: (Out of 10)
Film 8.0
Optics 7.0
Sonics 9.0
Extras 8.0
Overall 8.0
