Product Description

Among the best directors of our time Ridley Scott (Gladiator) contributes generously to this extraordinary Collector s Edition of Kingdom of Heaven. Featuring his Director s Cut of the film and hours of fascinating extras including a six-part tour from conception to completion of filmmaking this definitive set makes what Variety called a genuinely spectacular film even more so!An epic marvel that s as beautifully acted as it is visually awesome Kingdom of Heaven stars Orlando Bloom as Balian a Jerusalem blacksmith who has lost his family and his faith. But when his father (Liam Neeson) shows him his destiny Balian vows to defend his country and in the process falls in love becomes a formidable leader and steps forever into historySystem Requirements:Running Time 191 Mins.Format: BLU-RAY DISC Genre: ACTION/ADVENTURE Rating: R UPC: 024543396109 Manufacturer No: 2239610

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #779 in DVD
• Brand: TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENT
• Released on: 2006-11-14
• Rating: R (Restricted)
• Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
• Formats: Anamorphic, Color, DTS Surround Sound, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, French, Spanish
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .20 pounds
• Running time: 194 minutes

Amazon.com
It's hard to believe Ridley Scott's handsome epic won't become the cinematic touchstone of the Crusades for years to come. Kingdom of Heaven is greater than the sum of its parts, delivering a vital, mostly engrossing tale following Balian (Orlando Bloom), a lonely French blacksmith who discovers he's a noble heir and takes his father's (Liam Neeson) place in the center of the universe circa 1184: Jerusalem. Here, grand battles and backdoor politics are key as Scott and first-time screenwriter William Monahan fashion an excellent storyline to tackle the centuries-long conflict. Two forward-thinking kings, Baldwin (Edward Norton in an uncredited yet substantial role) and Saladin (Ghassan Massoud), hold an uneasy truce between Christians (who hold the city) and Muslims while factions champ at the bit for blood. There are good and evildoers on both sides, with the Knights Templar taking the brunt of the blame; Balian plans to find his soul while protecting Baldwin and the people. The look of the film, as nearly everything is from Scott, is impressive: his CGI-infused battle scenes rival the LOTR series and, with cinematographer John Mathieson, create postcard beauty with snowy French forests and the vast desert (filmed in Morocco and Spain). An excellent supporting cast, including Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson, and David Thewlis, also help make the head and heart of the film work. Many critics pointed out that Bloom doesn't have the gravitas of Russell Crowe in the lead (then again, who does?), but it's the underdeveloped character and not the actor that hurts the film and impacts its power. Balian isn't given much more to do than be sullen and give an occasional big speech, alongside his perplexing abilities for warfare tactics and his wandering moral compass (whose sole purpose seems to be to put a love scene in the movie). Note: all the major characters except Neeson's are based on fact, but many are heavily fictionalized. --Doug Thomas

From The New Yorker
At the butt end of the twelfth century, a blacksmith (Orlando Bloom) follows his noble father (Liam Neeson) to Jerusalem, in search of salvation, wealth, and adventure, though not necessarily in that order. He is shipwrecked en route, emerging from the wreck with the bleary air of a groom awaking from a successful stag party. This is one of many underpowered moments in the film, which, despite being directed by Ridley Scott, contrives to make a great and often magnificent fuss about the doings of a feeble hero; in this respect it is the very opposite of Scott's "Gladiator," which worked hard to earn its bombast. Much is made of the power play between the King of Jerusalem (a leper in a metal mask), his exotic and plainly loopy sister (Eva Green), his military adviser (Jeremy Irons), and a brace of leering villains (Marton Csokas and Brendan Gleeson). Opposing them is the mighty Saladin (Ghassan Massoud) and, more injurious still, the filmmakers' anxiety about causing offense to the faithful of any creed. The outcome is a movie so desperate to provoke comparisons with the religious enmities of today that it somehow forgets the fire in its own belly. With Edward Norton. -Anthony Lane
Copyright © 2006 The New Yorker

Customer Reviews

Kingdom of Heaven (what was missed in the cut version)
What you will expect is a whole new movie that makes sense (sic)? It should never have been cut in the first place. When Kingdom of Heaven was cut up it was disjointed with the characters leaving many questions and even less answers. It was some time later that one of my Crusader re-enactor friends had to fill me in on the Director's Cut. It was an epiphany for me and my sons to suddenly see this beautiful movie come together in one of the great wide screen spectaculars (as it was meant to be)! The fact that "Gladiator" was such the hit, "Black Hawk Down", and other of Sir Ridley Scott's many great film artistry indicates to me that some malevolent forces were at work to undermine this particular work. I hope I am wrong, but history will attest that Sir Ridley's "Gladiator's" popularity with the film industry had to upset some of the brahmans to the point of putting the kibosh on this later work (Kingdom of Heaven).
I encourage everyone of the Sir Ridley Scott following to get the "Director's Cut" and enjoy this well made and meaningful movie to it's full extent!

I recommend the Director's Cut
I first watched Kingdom of Heaven in its theatrical release version, and could have given it a 4/5. The effects are good, filming is fabulously done, and it is pieced together well. And of course, the music is by Harry Gregson-Williams, which means that it is a soundtrack worth purchasing! However, some of the historical facts were a little off, some things omitted, others added - you know, common things that go on in historical movies. Just about all of the omissions are actual in existence - on the Director's Cut - which is much more complete. Most of the additional scenes are actual vital for historical accuracy, character development, and a more balanced view of the Muslims (the theatrical release showed actually very little of them - and Saladin was the only obviously intelligent one, although none of them are "stupid"). The viewer's understanding of Sibylla changes drastically in the Director's Cut; I know I was not the only one bewildered by her unexpected character change in the theatrical release (her character development happens in the half hour cut in between).

Honestly, unless you are watching a History Channel special on the Crusades, Kingdom of Heaven is probably one of the most accurate Crusades-era films made. If you want the history, get the facts; that's what I do. But don't pass up this great film!

Great Film - Director's Cut is Even Better!
Ridley Scott is a brilliant artist, and this feature gives a wonderful look into his filmmaking mind. From the detailed historical features, to the Ridleygrams, there is a virtual smorgasbord of interesting and informative special features. This is a perfect gift for a budding historian, filmmakers, artist, and or actor.