The Complete Musketeers
The Three Musketeers/The Four Musketeers
ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT – DV11480
STATS
(The same for each feature)
Widescreen (1.77:1) Enhanced for 16:9 TVs, Full-Frame Presentation, Color, MONO (2.0), Languages: English, Chapters: 25, Running Time: 107 mins., Rated PG, Price: $34.98
VISUAL
Each film is represented in sparkling new anamorphic transfers - each boasting a sharp, vivid and colorful image. The quality is amazing with detail that jumps out, especially when viewed on a 16x9 monitor. Never has either film been presented in such mint condition on home video. I was amazed with the depth and purity of the blacks, and the pristine presence of the whites. The elements are clean as can be adding to a truly excellent dvd presentation.
AUDIO
Although presented in MONO (2.0 – which will be merged into a center channel when played in Dolby Surround/Pro-logic setting.) a robust presence comes through, clean and full. Music and sound effects are well supported with a pleasant under tone of mid-bass, while dialog is natural and clear. (More below in SIGHTS & INSIGHTS)
EXTRAS
THE THREE MUSKETEERS
“THE SAGA OF THE THREE MUSKETEERS”, Part I (23 Mins.) Like the films, this “making of” is divided into parts, which really – like the films – should be one…. but that’s another story. In any case, newly filmed interviews are the meat of this piece bringing together cast and production persons a reflecting on the production and release of the film. Both parts of this retro-piece are presented in 16:9. (See more below in Pt 2.)
THE MAKING OF THE THREE MUSKETEERS (7 Mins.) – This featurette is from the film’s original release compiled with mostly behind the scenes footage and a few on camera interviews. Much less flash or showy than today’s promotionals it is bare bones archival material. Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.33:1
THEATRICAL TRAILER, TV SPOT Original TV 1.33;1 aspect ratio , RADIO SPOTS (4), POSTER & STILL GALLERY – The Gallery is viewer advanced.
TALENT BIOS - Text
THE FOUR MUSKETEERS
“THE SAGA OF THE THREE MUSKETEERS”, Part Two – Continuing, as the theatrical film does, begin where the first film ends, this documentary delivers more interviews covering not only the production of the second film but the unique theatrical circumstances of its release. As with the fist piece the 20 odd mins. moves quickly in an informative and entertaining manner capturing all concerned in a positive light with wonderful posthumous nods too late members of the cast. This is a tasteful and respectful “making-of” that leaves the viewer, as with French pastry, filled, yet yearning more.
THEATRICAL TRAILER in 1.85:1 anamorphic theatrical aspect ratio , TV SPOTS (3) Original TV 1.33;1 aspect ratio, RADIO SPOTS (5), POSTER & STILL GALLERY - The Gallery is viewer advanced.
TALENT BIOS - Text
Bi-fold open
PRESENTATION
ANCHOR BAY leaves their usual plastic Amaray behind for this release opting for a bi-folding digi-pack which unfolds into a quad-pannel piece. Both widescreen anamorphic, and Pan & Scan versions of each film are available on each disc. Though why one would choose the limiting view of the Pan & Scan version is beyond me. Still the choice is available. The unfolding digi-pac will no doubt find cheers from some and jeers from others, but in my book it makes a wonderful presentation that has been done with the utmost taste. Perhaps it could have been made slightly better if it fit into a slip case that would hold the package closed – alas. The cover design taken from a publicity photo has been jazzed up with a 3-D like quality with raised title font and characters
Quad-open showing discs
SIGHTS AND INSIGHTS
It staggers the imagination how films get lost in a of bevy files, vaults and movie packages only to be sold to second rate home video companies and presented to the public in poor quality betraying their original luster. Case in point: THE THREE AND FOUR MUSKETEERS. Since their original theatrical release these films have NEVER had the opportunity to be seen as the producers/director intended. A good transfer, even better a widescreen one, can make or break the difference in a new generation’s appreciation of a well made movie. This tale so many times re-told, and most recently as horrid ninja/matrix hybrid, can only stand the test of time when presented, with the same good taste and talent that accompanied its theatrical run. Ironically this release dubbed THE COMPLETE MUSKETEERS is “almost” what was hoped for by the producers in terms of presentation. “Complete” meaning the viewer has the option to view the films consecutively. Almost , because they have NOT been re-edited into the single feature it was always hoped to be. Not that this was not considered for DVD. Various roadblocks prevented this scenario, one of which was the unfortunate lack of participation from the director who has “retired” himself from the industry. Time also played an unkind host in securing the original 4-track stereo sound elements - which explains why even in MONO the soundtrack shines above other “MONO” films of its day. Very few things in this world are ever perfect. All we can hope for is to strive to deliver the best in the time allotted, and funds available. In this case these small minuses have not detracted from the overall quality, or entertainment derived, of this DVD release. Most interesting are one of the originally radio spots (included on the DVD) which fashions itself to SUPERMAN – at that time a future Salkind project. Prophetic? Perhaps. Pure Magic? Absolutely!
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