Dragonslayer 4K UHD (1981)

[Pieter V]

Dragonslayer 4K Blu-ray

Dragonslayer 4K Blu-ray Steelbook

An essential fantasy-adventure, with groundbreaking Oscar-nominated visual effects, DRAGONSLAYER has been restored for exceptional picture and sound approved by director Matthew Robbins. Set in sixth-century England, an ill-tempered, fire-breathing creature—ominously known as Vermithrax Pejorative—terrorizes its citizens until a young sorcerer’s apprentice named Galen is reluctantly tasked with confronting the beast. For Galen to succeed, it will take more than magic to defeat the dragon.

[HD Goofnut]

Day one!

[crackedknee]

At last, I've been (impatiently) waiting for them to announce a street date.

[Jar Jar Stinks]

I know people love this movie, but I wasn't feeling it when I saw it in the theater. It is the only movie I've ever walked out on.

[Matt89]

So this is coming direct from Paramount then huh? Would've thought this might have gone to Shout.

Great that it's getting a 4K release, but I'll wait for reviews. Can't trust Paramount.

[crackedknee]

Originally Posted by Jar Jar Stinks

I know people love this movie, but I wasn't feeling it when I saw it in the theater. It is the only movie I've ever walked out on.

Yes, I think you're right, some people just can't stand this movie. And even the music (Alex North) is thought to be pretty off-kilter and thereby off-putting to some people. I definitely love the soundtrack (including in context with the film), La La Land reissued their set about a year ago (I finally picked it up then).

[crackedknee]

Originally Posted by Matt89

So this is coming direct from Paramount then huh? Would've thought this might have gone to Shout.

Great that it's getting a 4K release, but I'll wait for reviews. Can't trust Paramount.

I thought the same (Shout), but yeah, good point given Paramount's recent record.

[HD Goofnut]

Originally Posted by Jar Jar Stinks

I know people love this movie, but I wasn't feeling it when I saw it in the theater. It is the only movie I've ever walked out on.

[brainofj72]

OMG yes...please please please don't mess this up, Paramount

[DMRI2006]

Originally Posted by crackedknee

Yes, I think you're right, some people just can't stand this movie. And even the music (Alex North) is thought to be pretty off-kilter and thereby off-putting to some people. I definitely love the soundtrack (including in context with the film), La La Land reissued their set about a year ago (I finally picked it up then).

For me, I don't think the score works well with the movie at all. I actually prefer listening to the album, it's very dense and atmospheric, but it doesn't support the film very well. It's very heavy going and mostly dissonant, and comes off very harsh. They also replaced music North wrote for the climax as well as the end credits -- reusing this silly "cacophony" track from earlier in the picture -- neither of which helped.

That said I am excited to see this on UHD, it's a gorgeous looking film, long overdue for remastering.

[crackedknee]

Originally Posted by DMRI2006

For me, I don't think the score works well with the movie at all. I actually prefer listening to the album, it's very dense and atmospheric, but it doesn't support the film very well. It's very heavy going and mostly dissonant, and comes off very harsh. They also replaced music North wrote for the climax as well as the end credits -- reusing this silly "cacophony" track from earlier in the picture -- neither of which helped.

The soundtrack reminds me of what Jerry Goldsmith had done for the Planet of the Apes movies, with the strange instruments/dissonance (though Dragonslyer soundtrack really goes to town with dissonnance) etc working more readily for more people with respect to the sci-fi aspect maybe.

[deet]

Dammit, Dragonheart gets another 4K release and still no Dragonslayer, stupid movie companies getting my hopes up [rereads topic title] wait, what?

[DMRI2006]

Originally Posted by crackedknee

The soundtrack reminds me of what Jerry Goldsmith had done for the Planet of the Apes movies, with the strange instruments/dissonance (though Dragonslyer soundtrack really goes to town with dissonnance) etc working more readily for more people with respect to the sci-fi aspect maybe.

I can see that. My feeling was that this was a fantasy where the characters arguably needed a little "lightening" or a more fanciful tone in places -- and there was room for a bit of that -- but his music kind of comes off like a sledgehammer. SO dark at times it kind of feels oppressive.

It's weird, I still think it's good music, I just think a different score could've helped the film more.

[AmishParadise]

Originally Posted by Matt89

So this is coming direct from Paramount then huh? Would've thought this might have gone to Shout.

Great that it's getting a 4K release, but I'll wait for reviews. Can't trust Paramount.

Hodge: Ah, so it's a test you're looking for. We don't do tests!

[AmishParadise]

Looks like they've got 3 UPC's listed for this.

(191329240045) BLU-RAY | SRP: 18.99
(191329240021) 4K-UHD | SRP: 27.99
(191329240038) 4K-UHD STEELBOOK | SRP: 33.99

Bring it on. The more the merrier.

[DaylightsEnd]

I asked Shout three months ago if they were considering licensing this title for an eventual 4k release. They told me their acquisitions team were very interested in the title, but it was not on the list of "approved titles" they were bandying back n forth with Paramount. And now we know why. Paramount was intent on releasing it themselves on 4k. This title has lots of nostalgic value for me, and I'm happy to buy the piss out of it especially considering the fact that it's making the leap straight from dvd to 4k uhd....but the fact that it's going to be a Paramount jam has my expectations very damped and I'm naturally gearing up for a bit of disappointment. I hope they pleasantly surprise me, but the smart money thinks otherwise. Still, thrilled to see the title make it to a 4k release at all. Amazing announcement for fans of the film.

[crackedknee]

Originally Posted by DMRI2006

I can see that. My feeling was that this was a fantasy where the characters arguably needed a little "lightening" or a more fanciful tone in places -- and there was room for a bit of that -- but his music kind of comes off like a sledgehammer. SO dark at times it kind of feels oppressive.

It's weird, I still think it's good music, I just think a different score could've helped the film more.

That makes total sense, though for some reason I like that darker aspect the movie is providing (though yes, the sledgehammer analogy is pretty apt). But yes even those lighter motifs North DOES sort of provide don't quite match the lighter points of the movie (especially in a traditional sense). I normally don't care as much for Alex North's music but for some reason just love this soundtrack (most often listening to it by itself rather than through the movie).

[DaylightsEnd]

I dig the dark, brooding, powerful score. It feels more like a fantasy flick that's "not just for the kiddies"

2023 is already off to a slamming start with Death Wish, Dragonslayer, Slumber Party Massacre, Leviathan, tons of Italian zombie gore horror, and a whole host of other fantastic 4k's that have been high on my wish list for more than 3 years. Keep the hits coming!!!!! Now can we get some frikkin' Conan up in this joint already?????

[crackedknee]

This was also originally co-financed with Disney, but I guess Paramount must have the primary right/distribution rights?

[By_His_Strypes]

Still the best dragon ever in a movie... to me anyways. This was during Disney's dark 80s period, something they kinda disown now. They should be more proud of things like Dragonslayer, Something Wicked This Way Comes, The Black Cauldron and Return to Oz to name just a few. I just said it w/ the DragonHeart announcement, But another Day 1.