Ulysses(1954)

[Dragon78]

Never heard of this movie, looks interesting.

The release date is august 25th by Kino Lober.

So who here has seen it?

[Jobla]

Fun early peplum flick, with Kirk Douglas battling a giant cyclops. a sorceress who turns men into pigs (way before men were described as such), and a gang of freeloaders led by a black-clad Anthony Quinn. There are beautiful European actresses in the cast as well, such as Rossana "HELEN OF TROY" Podesta and Silvana Mangano in a dual role.

This isn't a "cast of thousands" film like HELEN OF TROY or LAND OF THE PHARAOHS," but it's a fun slice of Greek mythology.

[Dragon78]

Still weird I have never heard of this version.

I wonder if we are getting the black and white version or the colorized version.

[Jobla]

It was filmed in color originally, so I'm sure that the Kino will be in color. I saw it in the theater in the late 1950's as the co-feature with SAMSON AND DELILAH.

[Nissen]

It was released on Blu in Germany in 2018 (as "Odysseus").
https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Ulisse-Blu-ray/192944/

I have the disc, and the transfer is okay. It states is was restored in 4K from the original negative. The sharpness was good, but the contrast seemed weak and the colours seemed muted to me. I was expecting a more vibrant look, but I cannot claim any knowledge of what is accurate for this film. I wonder if Kino will be using the same transfer?
The German release includes an SD "longer version" on a separate DVD, running 109 mins, compared to the theatrical 105 mins. If Kino are smart they'll branch the extended scenes into the HD stream and make that an option.

[Dragon78]

Extended scenes?

[billydillydilly]

Haven't seen this in years and years but remember thoroughly enjoying it as a youngster.

I remember seeing the Coen Brothers doing press for "O, Brother... Where Art Thou?," bragging about how they never read Homer's The Odyssey, instead basing their film on Kirk Douglas' "Ulysses."

[Jobla]

This is a vague recollection from the late 50's, but sometimes films were cut down a bit for later double-bill screenings. I recall seeing films like ULYSSES and SOLOMON AND SHEBA and being disappointed that certain scenes had been cut (when I attended those films for reissue screenings).

[zepol]

Originally Posted by Jobla

Fun early peplum flick, with Kirk Douglas battling a giant cyclops. a sorceress who turns men into pigs (way before men were described as such), and a gang of freeloaders led by a black-clad Anthony Quinn. There are beautiful European actresses in the cast as well, such as Rossana "HELEN OF TROY" Podesta and Silvana Mangano in a dual role.

This isn't a "cast of thousands" film like HELEN OF TROY or LAND OF THE PHARAOHS," but it's a fun slice of Greek mythology.

Good movie!

[Dragon78]

So when do you guys think the preorders will start?

[Jobla]

Don't know yet, as ULYSSES has been removed from the August schedule.

[VCD]

I am hoping Kino Lorber restores this in the longest runtime and best quality possible.
Also there is an alternate ending and 42 minutes documentary on a previous DVD release according to dvdcompare.
I would like to see those if Kino Lorber could get them, especially the alternate ending.

By the way, I am still waiting for The Odyssey 1997 miniseries to get a Blu-ray release....

[Justin Decloux]

I've never seen this one, but have always been interested by the fact that both Mario Bava and Eugen Schufftan worked on it.

[Dragon78]

I hope the preorders start soon.

[ddwall]

I wanted to import the German but I am not region free. I'm so happy Kino releasing this.

[Drifter]

Originally Posted by Dragon78

I hope the preorders start soon.

I asked KL Insider in the Kino thread - this is delayed until Nov./Dec.

[Dragon78]

Well that explains a lot, thanks for the info Drifter.

[Dr Lenera]

Will definitely get this. A real fun early 'peplum', and, being a lover of Mario Bava, I think you can certainly see his touch in the Circe scenes. Let's just hope we'll get the full version - which I've never seen.

[Dragon78]

I still find it funny I had never heard of this one before now. Makes me wonder what other fantasy movies from the 30's, 40's, 50's, and 60's that I have never heard of before are out there.

[Jobla]

According to Video Watchblog today, Tim Lucas will be recording an audio commentary track for this release.