Product Description

Half god. Half man. All power. Studio: Lions Gate Home Ent. Release Date: 05/23/2006 Starring: Paul Tefler Sean Astin Run time: 127 minutes Rating: Nr

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14942 in DVD
• Brand: Lions Gate
• Released on: 2005-09-06
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: 3.00 pounds
• Running time: 127 minutes

Amazon.com
Hercules is the enjoyable, full-length version of a truncated television miniseries starring Scots actor Paul Telfer in a revisionist telling of the mythical Greek hero's life. Reputed to be the son of Zeus and Hera-worshipping priestess Alcmene (Elizabeth Perkins), Hercules is born a fraternal twin but half-brother to Iphicles (Luke Ford), son of Amphitryon (Timothy Dalton). Though he is raised under the latter's protection and counsel, Hercules has an unrelenting streak of bad luck that finds him accused of murder, rape, and the killing of his own children. With such a black cloud hanging over him, Hercules seeks redemption through his famous Labors. Sean Astin, Leelee Sobieski, and Leeanna Walsman co-star in a complex story of intrigue, revenge, and hope, full of gleaming swords and fairly good special effects, including a passable centaur and multi-headed hydra. Written by Charles Edward Pogue (Dragonheart). --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews

"Call Him Hercules" ~ The Labors of Hercules Never Looked So Good
Be forewarned, I'm a big fan of 'Hercules, The Legendary Journeys' and 'Xena, Warrior Queen' so anything new on this mythical hero automatically starts off with the expectation of being a - 5 Stars - production.

This Hallmark Entertainment made-for-television production presents a much darker and somber tale of the "Son of Zeus" than what the fans of Kevin Sorbo have grown familiar with. Hated by his Mother Alcmene (Elizabeth Perkins), High Priestess to Hera and twin brother Iphicles they both unsuccessfully plot to kill Hercules (Paul Telfer). They even enlist the aide of his new wife Megara and his three young sons. When their plan fails and results in the deaths of the three children Hercules is blamed and is banished from the Kingdom. In an attempt to redeem himself he agrees to be tested by his betrayers and undertakes a series of all but impossible tasks, or "Labors." That is, almost impossible for anyone but Hercules!

Hallmark has certainly not given us the definitive version of the God/man but it is a good one. It has better than average special effects, a competent storyline and a strong cast of character: Timothy Dalton, Elizabeth Perkins, Sean Astin, the lovely LeeLee Sobeiski and Paul Telfer as Hercules.

*Special message from my seventeen year old daughter for all the young girls out there:

"Check out Paul Telfer, HOTTTTTT......!"

Buyer Beware: This is the cut version
This passable movie would have gotten three stars, but it lost a star due to the release version being offered.

Before I get to the time issue, let me just say that this was an entertaining movie. I've read other reviews complaining about its inaccuracies, which frankly I don't care much about as it's a myth that happened thousands of years ago. If you want a night of action, adventure, and cheap CGI, pick up this DVD. BUT...

NBC was originally supposed to air this as a two-night four-hour miniseries (roughly 180 minutes minus commercials), but decided instead to butcher the movie and fit it into a three-hour timeslot (roughly 135 minutes minus commercials), which is what you're given in this DVD. Sci-Fi recently aired the four-hour miniseries in its entirety, with all the cut scenes intact. If you haven't seen the miniseries and don't care mcuh for what was cut, then you might as well get this DVD. But if you were like me and actually saw the original cut, wait for LionsGate and Hallmark to release the original 177-minute version.

In Australia and Europe, the film is released in its original 177-minute version, so if you have a multi-region player, I'd suggest importing from there.

What a Powerful Message!
I'm shocked at some of the reviews here; I just finished watching this on Sci-Fi, and rushed online to see if I could order the DVD. This is also the first review I have ever felt motivated to make, after years and years of purchasing at Amazon.

IMO this is THE best done Hercules movie I've ever seen, primarily because the message. The point of the movie was not the heroics, nor the political intrigue, nor the subplots, nor the eye candy (though, I have to admit Paul Telfer was certainly that! then again, I've always been partial to dark hair and blue eyes... *purr*) or about the special effects. It was about an ordinary man who, through his actions and determination, fought back against the prevailing beliefs of his day, to come to the ultimate self-realization: I, AND NO ONE ELSE, DETERMINE MY DESTINY.

I watched this journey with my 10 year-old son, and in addition to the above, found example after example of courage and morals demonstrated. (Wish it was a little less gory in spots though.) The second biggest lesson my son took away from the movie was how Hercules, though it wasn't completely "his fault", took full, unremitting responsibility for his actions, and made every effort to make full restitution and make the wrong right. In contrast, we have the dumb-butts who took no responsibility at all for their actions. Wow!