A Knight's Tale (Superbit Collection)

Starring:Heath Ledger, Rufus Sewell, Shannyn Sossamon, Paul Bettany, Laura Fraser (II), Mark Addy, Alan Tudyk, BÃ©rÃ©nice Bejo, Scott Handy, James Purefoy, Leagh Conwell, Christopher Cazenove, Steve O'Donnell, Jonathan Slinger, Nick Brimble, Karel Dobry, Philip Lenkowsky, Roger Ashton-Griffiths, Petr Meissel, Matthew Mills
Director: Brian Helgeland
Studio: Sony Pictures
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
There's no rule against rock anthems from the 1970s in the soundtrack for a movie about a medieval jousting champion, but if you're going to attempt such jarring anachronisms, you'd better establish acceptable ground rules. Writer-director Brian Helgeland does precisely that in A Knight's Tale and pulls off this trick with such giddy aplomb that you can't help but play along. (Upon witnessing a crowd of peasants at a jousting match, singing and clapping to the beat of Queen's "We Will Rock You," you're either going to love this movie or dismiss it altogether.) Other vintage rock hits will follow, but Helgeland--the OscarÂ®-winning cowriter of L.A. Confidential--handles this ploy with judicious goodwill, in what is an otherwise honest period piece about a peasant named William (Heath Ledger) who rises by grit and determination to the hallowed status of knighthood.

As if the soundtrack weren't audacious enough, Helgeland (recovering from the sour experience of his directorial debut, Payback) casts none other than Geoffrey Chaucer (wonderfully played by Paul Bettany) as William's cohort and match announcer, along with William's pals Roland (Mark Addy) and Wat (Alan Tudyk), and feisty blacksmith Kate (Laura Fraser). Of course there must be a fair maiden, and she is Jocelyn (newcomer Shannyn Sossamon), with whom William falls in love while battling the nefarious Count Adhemar (Rufus Sewell) on the European jousting circuit. Add to this an inspiring father-son reunion, Ledger's undeniable charisma, a perfect supporting cast, and enough joyful energy to rejuvenate the film's formulaic plot, and A Knight's Tale becomes that most pleasant of movie surprises--an unlikely winner that rises up, like its hero, to exceed all expectations. --Jeff Shannon
Description
The Superbit titles utilize a special high bit rate digital encoding process which optimizes video quality while offering a choice of both DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. These titles have been produced by a team of Sony Pictures Digital Studios video, sound and mastering engineers and comes housed in a special package complete with a 4 page booklet that contains technical information on the Superbit process. By reallocating space on the disc normally used for value-added content, Superbit DVDs can be encoded at double their normal bit rate while maintaining full compatibility with the DVD video format.

A Knight's Tale
Average customer rating:

A Fun Film - If You Get the Joke and Don't Take It Seriously

An embarrassing fiasco

Hunky Heath Ledger

Dumb and Dumber

Enjoyable Movie

A Knight's Tale
Starring: Heath Ledger , Rufus Sewell , Shannyn Sossamon , Paul Bettany , and Laura Fraser (II)
Director: Brian Helgeland
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Addy, Mark | ( A ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Brimble, Nick | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Cazenove, Christopher | ( C ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
O'Donnell, Steve | ( O ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Purefoy, James | ( P ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Sewell, Rufus | ( S ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B00000F4ZY
Release Date: 2002-06-04

Amazon.com

There's no rule against rock anthems from the 1970s in the soundtrack for a movie about a medieval jousting champion, but if you're going to attempt such jarring anachronisms, you'd better establish acceptable ground rules. Writer-director Brian Helgeland does precisely that in A Knight's Tale and pulls off this trick with such giddy aplomb that you can't help but play along. (Upon witnessing a crowd of peasants at a jousting match, singing and clapping to the beat of Queen's "We Will Rock You," you're either going to love this movie or dismiss it altogether.) Other vintage rock hits will follow, but Helgeland--the Oscar®-winning cowriter of L.A. Confidential--handles this ploy with judicious goodwill, in what is an otherwise honest period piece about a peasant named William (Heath Ledger) who rises by grit and determination to the hallowed status of knighthood.

As if the soundtrack weren't audacious enough, Helgeland (recovering from the sour experience of his directorial debut, Payback) casts none other than Geoffrey Chaucer (wonderfully played by Paul Bettany) as William's cohort and match announcer, along with William's pals Roland (Mark Addy) and Wat (Alan Tudyk), and feisty blacksmith Kate (Laura Fraser). Of course there must be a fair maiden, and she is Jocelyn (newcomer Shannyn Sossamon), with whom William falls in love while battling the nefarious Count Adhemar (Rufus Sewell) on the European jousting circuit. Add to this an inspiring father-son reunion, Ledger's undeniable charisma, a perfect supporting cast, and enough joyful energy to rejuvenate the film's formulaic plot, and A Knight's Tale becomes that most pleasant of movie surprises--an unlikely winner that rises up, like its hero, to exceed all expectations. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

A Fun Film - If You Get the Joke and Don't Take It Seriously.......2007-06-23

Here is my disclaimer - DON'T TAKE THIS MOVIE SERIOUSLY. I have to admit, when I first saw A Knight's Tale, at first I was a bit put off by the glaring historical inaccuracies and rock music. That is I was until I saw the scene where the herald, Geoffrey Chaucer (Paul Bettany), is getting the crowd fired up prior to a match and it all made perfect sense - Jousting as PRO WRESTLING! What the director and writers have done is a satire, putting the features and passion of pro wrestling (and other fan favorite sports like football) into a medieval setting.

Not to completely rehash the plot, the story is a basic, Horatio Alger rags to riches story. William (Hugh Ledger) is a commoner serving as page for Sir Hector, an aging knight who dies of a heart attack during the course of a tournament. Out of funds, William dons Sir Hector's armor and finishes the tournament. This victory inspires William to try to make a living impersonating a knight. He convinces Sir Hector's other pages, Roland (Mark Addy) and Wat (Alan Tudyk), to join him and with practice, they become successful on the "Jousting circuit" with William creation, "Sir Ulrich von Lichtenstein." Along the way, William defeats the heavy, Count Adhemar (Rufus Sewell), gets the girl (Jocelyn - played by Shannyn Sossamon), and wins the Jousting Championship.

The dialogue is average (although Bellamy shines in the role of the herald) and the directing is adequate (I did like the shots of the jousting) but the real fun in this film is the satire and the music. The musical selection, such as "Golden Years" by David Bowie for the dancing scene or the choice of "The Boys are Back in Town" by (British) band "Thin Lizzy" for the return to London scene really capture the spirit of the action on the screen. Other details such as the Nike "Swoosh" on the armor just add to the "don't take this too seriously" tone.

I suppose from looking at what others have written, this is a love it or hate it film. I think I got the joke and once I started looking at it from that perspective, found the movie very entertaining.

An embarrassing fiasco.......2007-06-10

I watched this terrible movie on the recommendation of a friend, recently. As soon as I heard the music of Queen, I knew that I was about to be subjected to a slice of dumbed down unfunny Pop culture schlock.

I wouldn't be surprised if Aussie thesp, Heath Ledger, prudently leaves this dud off his resumé. I wouldn't blame him, either! However, he did make "Two Hands" and on the strength of that film alone, he deserves our respect.

Hunky Heath Ledger.......2007-06-09

I love this movie! My daughter & I love to watch this over & over. Funny, romantic, everything you want in a good chick-flick.

Dumb and Dumber.......2007-05-24

Dumb, dumb, dumb, ney, moronic. If you want Medieval fantasy with silly music, rent Ladyhawk. A much better film.

Enjoyable Movie.......2007-05-11

I truly enjoyed this movie. Moves fast, good characters, sense of humor, and good music.

Average customer rating:

Fun take on the Canterbury Tales
Fun movie, but not worth Blu-Ray
A PSEUDO-MEDIEVAL ROMP...
For the classic rock lover with brains :)
Blu-ray looks and sounds good; but no extras.

A Knight's Tale [Blu-ray]
Starring: Heath Ledger , and Rufus Sewell
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

Action & Adventure | Blu-ray | Formats | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000EZ7ZYU
Release Date: 2006-09-19

Customer Reviews:

Fun take on the Canterbury Tales.......2007-05-07

This movie has been out for a while...so it'll be pointless to write a full review on the movie itself. If you are thinking about buying this BD, that means you a) Know/liked about the movie and would like to own it or b) seen the movie and would like to own it.

So, what I'm going to focus on is the BD itself. First off, the picture quality is very nice. I'm not a videophile by any stretch of the imagination, but when I was watching this movie, I was pleased with the level of detail and richness of color.

The sound was also superb. Unfortunately, I've yet to buy a 7.1 receiver, or one that allows for uncompressed PCM, so I had to settle for the 5.1 DD track, but even so, I found it to be of very high quality.

The extras are the one thing this BD release lacks. It has none, as far as I remember.

All and all, I would recommend this movie to anyone who liked it in the first place, and any of those who are interested in a fun movie.

Fun movie, but not worth Blu-Ray.......2007-05-06

This movie has always amused me on DVD, so I figured I'd snag it on sale on Blu-Ray. Well, there is nothing diffrent from it's older DVD conterpart.
No Hi-Def, enhancements or anything. So, unless you can find it cheaper on a sale someplace, just buy the DVD and save yourself some cash.

A PSEUDO-MEDIEVAL ROMP..........2007-03-26

This highly enjoyable, fairy tale of a film revolves around the efforts of William, a tanner's son, trying to change his destiny. His father gave him up into servitude to a knight, when William was a slip of a lad, in hopes of his having a better future. When he grows up, William, remembering his father's advice, reaches for the stars in an effort to become what he has always dreamed of being, a knight in shining armor.

Played to perfection by the very hunky and charismatic Heath Ledger, William gets his big break when the knight, whom he serves, dies during a jousting competition. Donning his knight's armor and substituting secretly for the knight, he handily, though clumsily, wins the competition and its purse. He persuades Roland and Wat, the other two vassals who also served the now dead knight, to assist him in his efforts to continue competing. They reluctantly agree and begin helping him train for future jousting competitions. William, however, needs credentials establishing his knighthood in order to compete, as mere peasants are prohibited to do so. He has the good fortune to run into a man of letters, Geoffrey Chaucer, who happens to be a bit down on his luck. Chaucer agrees to provide him with forged patents in order to enter tournaments.

William, playing the role of a knight named Ulric Von Lichtenstein, becomes a force with which to be reckoned on the playing field. This does not pass unnoticed by an evil knight, Count Adhemar, played with deliciously wicked malice by Rufus Sewell, who does not hesitate to play dirty on and off the field, if necessary, in order to win. William, however, plays his role most honorably and nobly.

William falls in love with the Lady Jocelyn, whom Sewell also covets and intends to marry, but Lady Jocelyn, played by lovely newcomer, Shannyn Sossamon, may be falling for our erstwhile hero. This turn of events makes Count Adhemar all the more determined to win on and off the field. When a jousting competition brings them all to William's hometown, Adhemar pulls out all the stops in an effort to settle the matter once and for all.

This is truly a fun film. The viewer can't help but love the ever so earnest William, played by the simpatico and romantically handsome Heath Ledger. Paul Bettany, as the insouciant and scampish Chaucer, very nearly steals the film, so terrific is he in his role. Rufus Sewell is both sexy and ruthless as the unprincipled and haughty Count Adhemar. The rest of the supporting cast is likewise superb, with the exception of Shannyn Sossamon who does not seem fit the role of one to the manor born.

While the plot seems somewhat formulaic, it is made new by the interjection of modern day music and customs. Watch as the crowd gathered for the jousting competition stomps, claps, and does the "wave" in time to Queen's rousing song, "We Will Rock You". See Chaucer act as a modern day huckster for his knight, working the crowd to a fever pitch. Look to the dance led by William at a post jousting reception at the local castle. Likewise, Jocelyn's costumes, at times, resemble haute couture. These modern day interjections that occur throughout the film, though jarring, keep this age old story fresh and funny. It is difficult not to enjoy this film, as it is infectious in its charm.

For the classic rock lover with brains :).......2007-03-09

Title says some of why I love this movie, a very smart and articulate love/comedy musical. With an awesome soudtrack (Bowie 's Golden Years is a blast ) and vibrant picture, it's imposible not to thouroughly enjoy this movie that's got it all and in Blu-Ray, it just got better. Up there on my cult classics list. 5 stars.

Blu-ray looks and sounds good; but no extras........2007-01-19

The Blu-ray version of this film looks and sounds great; however I am disappointed that none of the extras or extended scenes from the DVD release are included on this disc.

A Canterbury Tale - Criterion Collection

Average customer rating:

Don't expect The Wife of Bath
A Treasure of a Film
Fine Film - But Way Over-Priced!
England - land of hope and glory
A Canterbury Tale

A Canterbury Tale - Criterion Collection
Starring: Eric Portman , Sheila Sim , Dennis Price , Sergeant John Sweet , and Esmond Knight
Director: Michael Powell , Emeric Pressburger , and David Thompson
Manufacturer: Criterion
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000FILVNM
Release Date: 2006-07-25

Amazon.com

One of the most beloved of all British films, A Canterbury Tale marks yet another occasion to celebrate the Criterion Collection's growing DVD legacy of Powell and Pressburger classics. Originally conceived as good-natured propaganda to support the British-American alliance of World War II, the film became something truly special in the hands of the Archers (a.k.a. writer/director/producers Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger). Taking its literary cues from Chaucer's titular classic, it begins with a prologue that harkens back to Chaucer's time before match-cutting to present-day August of 1943, with the night-time arrival of U.S. Army Sgt. Bob Johnson (played with folksy charm by John Sweet, an actual American GI) on the shadowy platform of Canterbury station in the magically rural county of Kent (where Powell was born and raised). He is soon joined by two fellow train passengers: Alison Smith (Sheila Sim), a brashly independent recruit in the British Woman's Land Army; and Peter Gibbs (Dennis Price), a sergeant in the royal Army, and before long they're tracking clues to find "the glue man," a mysterious figure who's been pouring "the sticky stuff" on unsuspecting women as the midnight hour approaches. Their investigation leads to Thomas Colpeper (Eric Portman), a village squire whose local slide-shows celebrate life in an idyllic rural England threatened by wartime change. As Graham Fuller writes in an observant mini-essay that accompanies this DVD, is this a whodunit? Historical documentary? War film? Rustic comedy? It's all these and so much more: As photographed in glorious black and white by Erwin Hiller (faithfully preserved by one of Criterion's finest high-definition digital transfers), A Canterbury Tale has an elusive, magical quality that encompasses its trio of Canterbury "pilgrims" and translates into a an elusive, spiritually uplifting sense of elation that has made it an all-time favorite among film lovers around the world. --Jeff Shannon

On the DVDs
In addition to one of the most crisply detailed black-and-white transfers you're ever likely to see, disc 1 of A Canterbury Tale includes a feature-length commentary by film historian Ian Christie, author of the now out-of-print Arrows of Desire (the definitive study of Powell & Pressburger films) and a foremost authority on British films in general. Disc 2 is loaded with Canterbury extras, including a pleasant reminiscence by actress Sheila Sim; a documentary about John Sweet (who is seen visiting Canterbury in 2000, for the first time since filming A Canterbury Tale in 1943); and a charming new documentary that follows contemporary Canterbury "pilgrims" as they revisit locations used in the film. There's also "Listen to Britain," a seven-minute video-installation piece inspired by A Canterbury Tale by artist Victor Burgin (and programmed to loop from start to finish and back again, as it did in museums); and the original "Listen to Britain," by Humphrey Jennings--a classic wartime documentary from the classic era of British non-fiction film that celebrates the sights, and especially the sounds, of rural England in the early 1940s. All in all, these are excellent features that place A Canterbury Tale in evocative historical context. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's beloved classic A Canterbury Tale is a profoundly personal journey to Powell's bucolic birthplace of Kent, England. Set amidst the tumult of the Second World War yet with a rhythm as delicate as a lullaby, the film follows three modern-day incarnations of Chaucer's pilgrims—a melancholy "landgirl," a plainspoken American GI, and a resourceful British sergeant—who are waylaid in the English countryside and forced to solve a bizarre village crime en route to the mythical town. Building to a majestic climax that ranks as one of the filmmaking duo's finest achievements, the dazzling A Canterbury Tale has acquired a following passionate enough to qualify as a pilgrimage all its own.

Customer Reviews:

Don't expect The Wife of Bath.......2007-07-01

This is another of those movies I caught on late-night TV, and eventually ended up buying.

In some ways it kind of reminds me of Rudyard Kipling's "Kim". There's not really a plot, as such, there's just people who come together for a while, do their thing, and part.

A couple of things make it clear this is a WWII propaganda film made to encourage wartime Anglo-American friendship and understanding: Sgt Johnson impresses the locals with his knowledge of lumber, and then goes on to slam isolationists who oppose the Lend Lease program. At the end he is completely overwhelmed by the glory of Centerbury Cathedral, but remains proud of his small rural church back in Oregon.

What else to say. Well, Kent is laid out in all its glory. I lived in the UK for a couple of years in the mid 1980's, and got to travel all over, including to Kent. Seeing the hop gardens, drying sheds, and the manicured British countryside brought a nostalgic lump to my throat.

Great movie. I think I'm going to go on a Criterion Collection WWII movie buying spree.

A Treasure of a Film.......2007-06-06

A CANTERBURY TALE is an enchanting film from British filmmakers, Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. The film takes place during the height of World War II and originally served as a propaganda tool for the British Ministry of Information. But underneath the exterior of the film, there is a deep underlying meaning of revisiting and taking a pilgrimage to the past in order to understand the present.

Powell and Pressburger invoke British romanticism and spiritualism that is clearly shown with the shadow and light essence of the film that is exceptionally conveyed and characterized through the cinematography. Undeniably, the beautiful English countryside and village landscape offers a quaintness and familiarity that echoes home in terms of American versus British identity, which is seen and heard in the conversations between American G.I., Sgt. Bob Johnson (John Sweet) and British soldier, Sgt. Peter Gibbs (Dennis Price) as they speak atop a grassy hill as well as throughout the film. Also, there is a complex subplot that involves Alison Smith (Sheila Sim) who served in the British Women's Land Army and the town's Magistrate, Thomas Colpepper (Eric Portman), which is ambiguously portrayed.

Overall, THE CANTERBURY TALE is indeed on the list of thought-provoking films. It subtly recants Chaucer's original tale, but it is an original Powell and Pressburger production that that resonates the history of England. This is definitely a film that should be viewed more than once.

Fine Film - But Way Over-Priced!.......2007-05-27

Criterion here offers a remarkable film; quiet and unprentenious and unspoiled by heavy plot machinations or ersatz pumping-up of story. The battle of the village boys remains the high point, but the entire film resonates the director's love for his native Kent countryside. The amateur American actor gives the interplay among the characters a decided contrast and conveniently served to mark the differences between the American and the British. The cinematography was as natural as ever with this team's films.
Criterion offers this as a set of two CDs. Good as the extras are, they end up raising the price to the point I fear very few people will give this film a look. Too bad. 39.99 is is a pretty steep toll for a film most Americans will be taking a chance on. But the quality is certainly first class, so those buying the CD will have as fine a version as possible.

England - land of hope and glory.......2007-03-11

I am so glad this extraordinary film has been remastered, returned to its original edit, and preserved on DVD. I love some of Michael Powell's films -- some I'm lukewarm about -- I love this one. A CANTERBURY TALE is quite lovely. It's not quite perfect -- don't be put off by the little "glue man" mystery -- it's a device -- and it works in the overall plot. These actors are superb, and the film is a moving tribute to England and her people during the darkest days of WW II. I cannot say enough about how beautiful it is. Be sure to watch the special features and read the essays in the booklet that all make up this very special DVD package. Don't miss this one.

A side note from a native Atlantan -- this is the film which Margaret Mitchell was crossing Peachtree Street to see when struck by a hit-and-run driver.

A Canterbury Tale.......2007-02-18

Wonderful Movie from the 2nd world war period. Poetic & very british. Movies like this are no longer made.

Average customer rating:

A Fun Film - If You Get the Joke and Don't Take It Seriously
An embarrassing fiasco
Hunky Heath Ledger
Dumb and Dumber
Enjoyable Movie

A Knight's Tale
Starring: Heath Ledger , Rufus Sewell , Shannyn Sossamon , Paul Bettany , and Laura Fraser (II)
Director: Brian Helgeland
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( K ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000ALM4C6
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Amazon.com

Description

After serving a number of years as a squire, an earnest young commoner poses as a knight and establishes himself in the jousting tournaments of Europe. He and a princess fall in love, but she is unaware of his deceit and common roots. The false knight is estranged from the princess once his true roots are revealed. He struggles to amend their relationship.

Customer Reviews:

A Fun Film - If You Get the Joke and Don't Take It Seriously.......2007-06-23

An embarrassing fiasco.......2007-06-10

Hunky Heath Ledger.......2007-06-09

I love this movie! My daughter & I love to watch this over & over. Funny, romantic, everything you want in a good chick-flick.

Dumb and Dumber.......2007-05-24

Dumb, dumb, dumb, ney, moronic. If you want Medieval fantasy with silly music, rent Ladyhawk. A much better film.

Enjoyable Movie.......2007-05-11

I truly enjoyed this movie. Moves fast, good characters, sense of humor, and good music.

Average customer rating:

A Fun Film - If You Get the Joke and Don't Take It Seriously
An embarrassing fiasco
Hunky Heath Ledger
Dumb and Dumber
Enjoyable Movie

A Knight's Tale (Superbit Collection)
Starring: Heath Ledger , Rufus Sewell , Shannyn Sossamon , Paul Bettany , and Laura Fraser (II)
Director: Brian Helgeland
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( K ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Superbit Collection | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video
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A Knight's Tale
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ASIN: B00006ADD1
Release Date: 2002-08-27

Amazon.com

Description

The Superbit titles utilize a special high bit rate digital encoding process which optimizes video quality while offering a choice of both DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. These titles have been produced by a team of Sony Pictures Digital Studios video, sound and mastering engineers and comes housed in a special package complete with a 4 page booklet that contains technical information on the Superbit process. By reallocating space on the disc normally used for value-added content, Superbit DVDs can be encoded at double their normal bit rate while maintaining full compatibility with the DVD video format.

Customer Reviews:

A Fun Film - If You Get the Joke and Don't Take It Seriously.......2007-06-23

An embarrassing fiasco.......2007-06-10

Hunky Heath Ledger.......2007-06-09

I love this movie! My daughter & I love to watch this over & over. Funny, romantic, everything you want in a good chick-flick.

Dumb and Dumber.......2007-05-24

Dumb, dumb, dumb, ney, moronic. If you want Medieval fantasy with silly music, rent Ladyhawk. A much better film.

Enjoyable Movie.......2007-05-11

I truly enjoyed this movie. Moves fast, good characters, sense of humor, and good music.

Average customer rating:

A Knight's Tale / First Knight
Starring: Heath Ledger , Rufus Sewell , Shannyn Sossamon , Paul Bettany , and Laura Fraser (II)
Director: Brian Helgeland , and Jerry Zucker
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Comic Action | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

( K ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B00007L4OK
Release Date: 2003-02-11

Amazon.com

A Knight's Tale
There's no rule against rock anthems from the 1970s in the soundtrack for a movie about a medieval jousting champion, but if you're going to attempt such jarring anachronisms, you'd better establish acceptable ground rules. Writer-director Brian Helgeland does precisely that in A Knight's Tale and pulls off this trick with such giddy aplomb that you can't help but play along. (Upon witnessing a crowd of peasants at a jousting match, singing and clapping to the beat of Queen's "We Will Rock You," you're either going to love this movie or dismiss it altogether.) Other vintage rock hits will follow, but Helgeland--the Oscar®-winning cowriter of L.A. Confidential--handles this ploy with judicious goodwill, in what is an otherwise honest period piece about a peasant named William (Heath Ledger) who rises by grit and determination to the hallowed status of knighthood. As if the soundtrack weren't audacious enough, Helgeland (recovering from the sour experience of his directorial debut, Payback) casts none other than Geoffrey Chaucer (wonderfully played by Paul Bettany) as William's cohort and match announcer, along with William's pals Roland (Mark Addy) and Wat (Alan Tudyk), and feisty blacksmith Kate (Laura Fraser). Of course there must be a fair maiden, and she is Jocelyn (newcomer Shannyn Sossamon), with whom William falls in love while battling the nefarious Count Adhemar (Rufus Sewell) on the European jousting circuit. Add to this an inspiring father-son reunion, Ledger's undeniable charisma, a perfect supporting cast, and enough joyful energy to rejuvenate the film's formulaic plot, and A Knight's Tale becomes that most pleasant of movie surprises--an unlikely winner that rises up, like its hero, to exceed all expectations. --Jeff Shannon

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Don't expect The Wife of Bath.......2007-07-01

A Treasure of a Film.......2007-06-06

Fine Film - But Way Over-Priced!.......2007-05-27

England - land of hope and glory.......2007-03-11

A Canterbury Tale.......2007-02-18

Wonderful Movie from the 2nd world war period. Poetic & very british. Movies like this are no longer made.

Average customer rating:

A Fun Film - If You Get the Joke and Don't Take It Seriously
An embarrassing fiasco
Hunky Heath Ledger
Dumb and Dumber
Enjoyable Movie

Corazon de Caballero (A Knight's Tale)
Starring: Heath Ledger , Rufus Sewell , Shannyn Sossamon , Paul Bettany , and Laura Fraser (II)
Director: Brian Helgeland
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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A Knight's Tale
10 Things I Hate About You
King Arthur - The Director's Cut (Widescreen Edition)
Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves

ASIN: B00006AUHZ
Release Date: 2002-09-03

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

A Fun Film - If You Get the Joke and Don't Take It Seriously.......2007-06-23

An embarrassing fiasco.......2007-06-10

Hunky Heath Ledger.......2007-06-09

I love this movie! My daughter & I love to watch this over & over. Funny, romantic, everything you want in a good chick-flick.

Dumb and Dumber.......2007-05-24

Dumb, dumb, dumb, ney, moronic. If you want Medieval fantasy with silly music, rent Ladyhawk. A much better film.

Enjoyable Movie.......2007-05-11

I truly enjoyed this movie. Moves fast, good characters, sense of humor, and good music.

Average customer rating:

A Fun Film - If You Get the Joke and Don't Take It Seriously
An embarrassing fiasco
Hunky Heath Ledger
Dumb and Dumber
Enjoyable Movie

A Knight's Tale [Region 2]
Starring: Heath Ledger , Rufus Sewell , Shannyn Sossamon , Paul Bettany , and Laura Fraser (II)
Director: Brian Helgeland
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( K ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

First Knight
A Knight's Tale
10 Things I Hate About You
King Arthur - The Director's Cut (Widescreen Edition)
Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves

ASIN: B00005YVUF

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

A Fun Film - If You Get the Joke and Don't Take It Seriously.......2007-06-23

An embarrassing fiasco.......2007-06-10

Hunky Heath Ledger.......2007-06-09

I love this movie! My daughter & I love to watch this over & over. Funny, romantic, everything you want in a good chick-flick.

Dumb and Dumber.......2007-05-24

Dumb, dumb, dumb, ney, moronic. If you want Medieval fantasy with silly music, rent Ladyhawk. A much better film.

Enjoyable Movie.......2007-05-11

I truly enjoyed this movie. Moves fast, good characters, sense of humor, and good music.

Warriors 3-Pack (The Patriot / A Knight's Tale / Das Boot Director's Cut)

Average customer rating:

Warriors 3-Pack (The Patriot / A Knight's Tale / Das Boot Director's Cut)
Starring: Mel Gibson , Heath Ledger , Joely Richardson , Jason Isaacs , and Chris Cooper
Director: Roland Emmerich , Brian Helgeland , and Wolfgang Petersen
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Action & Adventure | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

( W ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B000094J9J
Release Date: 2003-05-20

Amazon.com

The Patriot
Aimed directly at a mainstream audience, The Patriot qualifies as respectable entertainment, but anyone expecting a definitive drama about the American Revolution should look elsewhere. Rising above the blatant crowd pleasing of Stargate, Independence Day, and Godzilla, director Roland Emmerich crafts a marvelous re-creation of South Carolina in the late 1770s (aided immeasurably by cinematographer Caleb Deschanel), and Robert Rodat's screenplay offers the same balance of epic scale and emotional urgency that elevated his earlier script for Saving Private Ryan. Unfortunately, Emmerich embraces clichés and hackneyed melodrama that a more gifted director would have avoided. Instead of attempting a truly great film about the most pivotal years of American history, Emmerich settles for a standard revenge plot with the Revolutionary War as an incidental backdrop. On those terms, the film is engrossing and sufficiently intelligent, especially when militia leader Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson) cagily negotiates with British General Cornwallis (Tom Wilkinson) in one of the most rewarding scenes. For the most part, the story concerns Martin's anguished quest for revenge against ruthless redcoat Colonel Tavington (played with snide relish by Jason Isaacs), and the rise to manhood of Martin's eldest son, Gabriel (Heath Ledger), whose battlefield honor exceeds even that of his brutally volatile father. At its best, The Patriot conveys the horror of war among innocent civilians, and the epic battle scenes, while by no means masterful, are graphically intense and impressive. And although Ledger's love interest (Lisa Brenner) is too bland to register much emotion, the focus on family (which frequently relegates the war to background history) provides a suitable vehicle for Gibson, who matches his achievement in Braveheart with an effectively brooding performance. --Jeff Shannon

Das Boot
This is the restored, 209-minute director's cut of Wolfgang Petersen's harrowing and claustrophobic U-boat thriller, which was theatrically rereleased in 1997. Originally made as a six-hour miniseries, this version devotes more time to getting to know the crew before they and their stoic captain (Jürgen Prochnow) get aboard their U-boat and find themselves stranded at the bottom of the sea. Das Boot puts you inside that submerged vessel and explores the physical and emotional tensions of the situation with a vivid, terrifying realism that few movies can match. As Petersen tightens the screws and the submerged ship blows bolts, the pressure builds to such unbearable levels that you may be tempted to escape for a nice walk on solid land in the great outdoors--only you wouldn't dream of looking away from the screen. --Jim Emerson

DVD:

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