Plot: What’s it about?
Sometimes just one man can make a difference, even if that one man wears little more than a red Speedo. In this case, that one man is Zed (Sean Connery), but before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s go back and see how it all started. Zed is a Brutal, a segment of the population filled with primitive folks, while the upper class is loaded with Eternals, the smart people. Zed and the rest of the Brutals live in a world crippled by the mistakes of the past, such as war and abuse of natural resources. All the while, the Eternals dwell within the Vortex, a well guarded place that is the total opposite of the Brutals’ home, lush and enjoyable. Although the Brutals have always fallen in line and done as they’ve been told, it seems as though Zed has decided to rock the boat, thanks to some new information. After he discovered an abandoned library and a strange taught him to read, Zed has come to the conclusion that worshipping a giant stone head, Zardoz is not the best he can do. Although he is just one man, Zed could alter the way all the Brutals think and behave, would could pose a threat to the entire system built around them.
I am still stunned that Zardoz has made it onto our beloved format, but I simply couldn’t be much more pleased. As usual from Fox, we’re given a new anamorphic widescreen transfer and some cool supplements, but more on that later in the review. This is one of the most unique science fiction films I’ve ever seen, almost baffling at times, the environment is so rich and complex. An entire universe has been created here, complete with customs, costumes, and a history of existence. This is much more than some funny names and shiny laser swords, that’s for sure. Now Zardoz doesn’t have the resources it deserves, so some portions seem a little limited, which causes some elements to seem campish. But that isn’t bad in the least and in fact, I think the limits add to the creative nature of this movie, which is of course more than welcome. I think the odd nature of Zardoz takes some getting used to, but fans of the genre should be right at home, with all the strange visuals and actions. Is Zardoz a film that everyone will like? Of course not, but if you’re a fan of unusual science fiction and fantasy pictures, then do yourself a favor and at least this disc, while fans will want to own this superb treatment.
Although he is best known for his suave nature and good looks, those elements don’t serve Sean Connery that well in Zardoz. Sure, his masculine features are well presented thanks to some outrageous clothing choices, but his persona here is far from his cool, debonair Bond days, to be sure. Now I admit that his turn here is not on the same level as his finest works, but when you consider how bizarre this picture is, I think some credit has to be given to Connery here. He wears some strange clothes, delivers some hilarious lines, and works within a very limited production, but still manages to come off halfway decent, very impressive in my book. This might not be one his proudest turns, but I love his performance here and commend him for taking on the role. Other films with Connery include Thunderball, The Untouchables, Entrapment, The Rock, Highlander, Time Bandits, Marnie, and Outland. The cast of Zardoz also includes Charlotte Rampling (Stardust Memories, Angel Heart), John Alderton (Hannibal Brooks, The System), Niall Buggy (Alien 3, Hellraiser), and Sara Kestelman (Lady Jane, Mind Games).
Video: How does it look?
Zardoz is presented in a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. This film has a problematic history on home video, due to some of the stylistic choices made that didn’t transfer well to home video formats. But those issues have been neutralized with this new presentation and in truth, I can’t imagine this looking much better, very impressive work indeed. The source print looks clean and lets the other visual elements through, but some grain is present and that’s worth a mention. The grain is by no means excessive, but it is there and as such, I wanted to report it here. With all the smoke, haze, and fog used in Zardoz, the colors and contrast are muted and dulled at times, but I think this transfer more than delivers the goods. A few small flaws aside, this is a terrific transfer and in the end, the best this movie has ever looked on home video.
Audio: How does it sound?
An epic like Zardoz needs a powerful soundtrack, which the included 3.0 surround track seems to live up to well enough. Now this mix won’t blow down the walls by any means, but it does offer a solid experience, which proves be enough. The sound effects come through in fine form, as does the music and while this is not as rich a mix as more modern release sport, I think it gets the job done and that’s what counts. I had no problems with dialogue either, as vocals were clean and crisp at all times, with no volume issues. The disc also houses a French language track, as well as subtitles in English and Spanish.
Supplements: What are the extras?
I was overjoyed to see some extras packed in here, especially the audio commentary track with John Boorman. I was looking forward to this one, as Boorman’s other tracks have been good and this one proved to be no exception. Boorman shares all sorts of information here, from production anecdotes to casting choices to the unique nature of the material, all well worth a listen. And since Boorman served as writer, producer, and director on Zardoz, if anyone has the inside scoop, it’s him and he proves that here. The disc also houses some radio spots, the film’s theatrical trailer, and a selection of still photos & promotional materials.
