- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
- Messages
- 18,428
- Real Name
- Robert Harris
In 1982 and 1984, Arnold Schwarzenegger played the titular role in the first two Conan films, fantasy adventures based upon short stories and novels written by Robert E. Howard in the 1930s. Mr. Howard also created Red Sonja.
The films were De Laurentiis productions distributed by Universal, and for their budgets had an impressive size and scope. That noted they not for everyone, and I count myself among that group.
That aside, their productions values, casting and production design helped attain a very impressive world-wide gross.
The first film was directed by John Milius , from a screenplay by he and Oliver Stone. It was photographed by Duke Callaghan, whose work you'll know from Jeremiah Johnson.
The second was directed by Richard Fleischer, and photographed by Jack Cardiff.
Casting is an interesting issue for films of this type. Supporting Mr. Schwarzenegger in Barbarian are James Earl Jones, and Max von Sydow with an appearance by William Smith, while Destroyer has Grace Jones, Wilt Chamberlain, Sarah Douglas and Olivia d'abo.
Further of interest is that films with a largish budget from that era would be released monaural. Arrow's new 4k UHD release sticks with mono for Barbarian, while goes with a re-mix to 7.1 for Destroyer.
Those deeply into the productions will be aware of different mixes, but I've neither researched, nor am I aware of the subject, and will remain mute.
As far as image quality, the two films are reference quality, and appear akin to newly minted 35mm prints.
Image – 10 (HDR10)
Audio
Conan the Barbarian - 10 (DTS-HD MA Monaural (Center channel only)
Conan the Destroyer – 10 (DTS-HD MA 7.1)
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors - Yes
Makes use of and works well in 4k - 7
Worth your attention - 7
Slipcover rating - n/a
Recommended
RAH
Final point: Might I ask Arrow to please lower the gain on their logo? It is SO LOUD, IT CAN DAMAGED ONE’S HEARING!
Thank you for supporting HTF when you preorder using the link below. As an Amazon Associate HTF earns from qualifying purchases. If you are using an adblocker you will not see link.
Conan The Barbarian and Conan The Destroyer
Conan The Barbarian
Conan The Destroyer
The films were De Laurentiis productions distributed by Universal, and for their budgets had an impressive size and scope. That noted they not for everyone, and I count myself among that group.
That aside, their productions values, casting and production design helped attain a very impressive world-wide gross.
The first film was directed by John Milius , from a screenplay by he and Oliver Stone. It was photographed by Duke Callaghan, whose work you'll know from Jeremiah Johnson.
The second was directed by Richard Fleischer, and photographed by Jack Cardiff.
Casting is an interesting issue for films of this type. Supporting Mr. Schwarzenegger in Barbarian are James Earl Jones, and Max von Sydow with an appearance by William Smith, while Destroyer has Grace Jones, Wilt Chamberlain, Sarah Douglas and Olivia d'abo.
Further of interest is that films with a largish budget from that era would be released monaural. Arrow's new 4k UHD release sticks with mono for Barbarian, while goes with a re-mix to 7.1 for Destroyer.
Those deeply into the productions will be aware of different mixes, but I've neither researched, nor am I aware of the subject, and will remain mute.
As far as image quality, the two films are reference quality, and appear akin to newly minted 35mm prints.
Image – 10 (HDR10)
Audio
Conan the Barbarian - 10 (DTS-HD MA Monaural (Center channel only)
Conan the Destroyer – 10 (DTS-HD MA 7.1)
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors - Yes
Makes use of and works well in 4k - 7
Worth your attention - 7
Slipcover rating - n/a
Recommended
RAH
Final point: Might I ask Arrow to please lower the gain on their logo? It is SO LOUD, IT CAN DAMAGED ONE’S HEARING!
Thank you for supporting HTF when you preorder using the link below. As an Amazon Associate HTF earns from qualifying purchases. If you are using an adblocker you will not see link.
Conan The Barbarian and Conan The Destroyer
Conan The Barbarian
Conan The Destroyer
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