The Magic Sword
Director- Bert I Gordon
Cast- Basil Rathbone, Gary Lockwood
Country of Origin- US
Distributor - Kino Lorber
Number of Discs - 1
Reviewed by David Steigman
Date- 03/03/2020
Bert I. Gordon, who, along with Roger Corman were two major pioneers of the low-budget B-movie genre which took place during the mid-late 1950s. The two made, at first, movies with man-sized creatures or giant beasts, with the shoddiest of effects and the slimmest of budgets. Bert I. Gordon, who continued to make monster movies until the seventies, wore many hats as he wrote, directed, produced and helmed the special effects for his films. He is mostly known for his cheaply made, but highly entertaining monster movies such as The Amazing Colossal Man, The Cyclops, War of the Colossal Beast and Empire of the Ants. Often was the case in his films that Gordon’s special effects work was laughable, yet, his movies were compelling to watch. Many of his films wound up being riffed on the popular television series Mystery Science Theater 3000, which resulted in helping his movies increase in popularity with another generation of fans. Arguably among his best work was his 1962 fantasy film The Magic Sword, which was his first film shot entirely in color. This movie is the one film where his effects work rose above the others. I’m not saying it’s up to a Ray Harryhausen special effects level type of fantasy film, but for a Bert I. Gordon picture, it’s a damn good flick!
In this feature, Gary Lockwood(2001 A Space Odyssey) stars as Sir George, who along with a team of ancient knights take a ‘dark journey’ to save Princess Helene (Anne Helm) who has been captured by a sinister wizard, Lodac (legendary actor Basil Rathbone, Sherlock Holmes). Lodac intends to feed her and other females that he has captured to his pet dragon. Discovering there is a team of knights out to rescue Helene, Lodac has also unleased the seven curses intended to kill Sir George and the other knights before they arrive at castle where Helene is being held prisoner. Along the way the face ogres and other life-threatening curses. Another obstacle on this journey is Sir Blanton (Liam Sullivan), a knight who was supposed to rescue the princess alone. It turns out that he is secretly working with Lodac as part of a secret deal, making this rescue mission more of a ruse. Sir George, with help from his knights and assistance from his mother, Sybll (Estelle Winwood), who also happens to be a sorceress is determined to save the princess from Sir Blanton, Lodac and one hungry dragon.
The Magic Sword, despite its shortcomings in acting, dialog and general cheesiness, is a fun ride. Director Gordon’s gigantic dragon is one of, if not his best creation. The movie boasts a lot of interesting characters, among them are conehead people (one of them is said to be the late Richard Kiel), dwarves, midgets, and a two-headed man. I found it odd, perhaps the weakest plot point that George loved the princess without even meeting her and just gazed upon her beauty through a magic mirror. The excellent musical score is by Richard Markowitz, which completely fits the tone of the movie; the lavish colorful cinematography for the film was handled by Paul Vogel, which assisted in making The Magic Sword an above average film. Gordon’s direction keeps the film moving along at a good pace without much in the way of padding or other plots to slow the story down.
Kino Lorber debuts The Magic Sword on Blu-ray and without question this is an impressive release. Previously released on DVD from MGM and even from Alpha Video, Kino’s Blu-ray boasts a superior image. Viewing this movie in high definition is a vast improvement; and though while not spectacular, is still a delight. Colors, especially reds are especially rich and bold. Exterior shots look vibrant with great details to the scenery. Outdoor shots do look the most attractive with colors showing their richness. Film grain is present throughout, and no use of DNR has been applied. The film has never looked this good on any home video release!
Kino’s English 2.0 DTS-HD master audio track comes in loud and clear, especially Richard Markowitz’s rousing musical score. The dialog and other sounds also sound flawlessly without any hissing or drop-offs detected. English subtitles are offered for this release.
Extras include an audio commentary by film historian Tim Lucas and Larry Blamire who joins later in the proceedings. As with most commentaries with Tim Lucas, he shares a wealth of information, some background information about the film, including some production and title changes the film underwent before being titled The Magic Sword. This is another excellent commentary.
A theatrical trailer for The Magic Sword along with trailers for other Kino Lorber releases that are in the same genre which include Jack the Giant Killer, Arabian Adventure, and Sinbad of the Seven Seas round out the extras.
I’ve always enjoyed The Magic Sword, be it on its own or though the Mystery Science Theater 3000 version, which is how I first became acquainted with this filn. But then again, I enjoy just about every Bert I. Gordon film that he’s made as they make for some great escapism without convoluted plots. The Blu-ray release, due to the extras and improvement in picture quality is easily recommended and you can safely retire your DVD.
