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Whistle Stopper - Zulu
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List Price: $14.98
Our Price: $4.98
Your Save: $ 10.00 ( 67% )
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
Starring: Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Michael Caine
Directed By: Cy Endfield
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Average Customer Rating:  
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Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audience Rating: Unrated
Binding: DVD
Brand: TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENT
EAN: 9780792855613
Format: Anamorphic
ISBN: 0792855612
Label: MGM (Video & DVD)
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: MGM (Video & DVD)
Region Code: 1
Release Date: 2003-05-20
Running Time: 138
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Theatrical Release Date: 1964-06-17
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: May 2003 MGM release: Excellent anamorphic transfer to DVD
Comment: I almost did not purchase a DVD of "Zulu" based on the mostly negative comments (by other Amazon reviewers) regarding the quality of the video and sound transfer to DVD. Well, I took a chance--and wow! The transfer to DVD is excellent! The format is anamorphic widescreen, enhanced for 16 x 9 large-screen, high-definition TVs. My comments are based on the Region 1, May 2003 DVD release by MGM. The DVD cover artwork is a painting (not a photo) that shows a likeness of Michael Caine in his British uniform. There are apparently older versions or knock-offs that might be the source of those other negative comments regarding the picture quality.
I have a high-defintion TV and I am very particular about the quality of the transfer of old films (like this, filmed in 1964) to DVD. I watched "Zulu" on a 46-inch Samsung high-def, LCD TV, played via a Toshiba 1080p HD DVD player. The picture is crystal clear (I did not notice any grain or dirt), the colors perfect (good flesh tones--and the British red coats are their true bright red, not washed-out orange as another reviewer commented), and the sound is also good. If you have a high-defintion TV with surround sound, you will not be disappointed. This DVD edition of this 1964 classic is highly recommended!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Stunning - every time you see it
Comment: I still remember the first time I saw this film and sat riveted to the TV. Everytime I see it again I think I'll be watching it for some favorite scenes, only to be - yep - still riveted to the TV. There are so many good actors in good roles with well-written scenes, so well directed and filmed that it would be pointless to try to list them. The film works on many levels, including an accurate depiction of the actual battle, a peek at a culture that has disappeared in its aboriginal form, filmmaking as storytelling, cultural conflict (in about half a dozen ways, actually), courage and survival, and on and on and on. It's absolutely spine-tingling in the battle scenes. This film has been #1 on my top 10 films list for decades.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Victorious Alamo
Comment: "Zulu" is a fabulous film based on a relatively minor action during the Zulu Wars in Natal during the 1870's. The acting is uneven in places but the spectacle and glory carry the film to a full five star rating. This is a story of the battle of Rourkes Drift, a crossing from Zululand into greater Natal. The crossing is defended by a small number of British regulars who expect no action--they are building a bridge.
Things are about to change drastically, though. Unbeknownst to them the Zulu have annihilated a large column of British troops and gained their rifles. An induna of one Zulu is humiliated that he didn't make the battle in time. Against orders, he decides to make up for his tardiness by attacking Rourkes Drift. 5,000 Zulu bear down on a makeshift fort manned by scarcely 300 Brits armed with Martini-Henry single shot rifles. The Zulu bide their time but make sure the English drink the last drops of terror. The colorful impi, dressed in the differently colored cowhide uniforms of their various regiments, stay just out of range, singing and pounding on their shields in a terrifying display of power.
The attack comes frontally while Zulus armed with rifles set up an inaccurate fire from the overlooking heights. Charge after charge is repelled by rifle and bayonet. Englishmen die and Zulu are dead in heaps. The Zulu make it to the burning hospital where they try to kill the sick and wounded soldiers. The hospital bursts into flame and, again, Englishment and Zulu die. The fight goes on all night and the English are constantly whittled down.
Amazingly, in the morning, the Zulu have had enough. They signal their respect and trudge back into Zululand leaving their comrades rotting in the sun. It's a great film, a testament to courage and a testament of what men can do when their backs are hard against the wall.
Ron Braithwaite author of novels--"Skull Rack" and "Hummingbird God"--on the Spanish Conquest of Mexico
Customer Rating:
Summary: Zulu
Comment: Excellent movie! Historical accuracy, great scenery, fantastic music, and wonderful acting. Newcomer Michael Caine is the Guy You Love To Hate.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Zulu
Comment: Wow. An old movie, with great action, and Ok acting. Introducing Michael Cane??? That tells you how old it is. I'd definitely watch it again.
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Editorial Reviews:
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A towering cinematic achievement. An astonishing true story. And "a battle film in the grand tradition of Four Feathers and Gunga Din" (Time)! Filmed against the exotic locales of Africa and starring Stanley Baker (The Guns of Navarone) Jack Hawkins (Lawrence of Arabia) and Michael Caine (in his first major motion picture role) Zulu is a thrilling account of one of history's fiercest battles!As a terrifying war chant echoes across the majestic African plains 4000 Zulu tribesmen rise up from the tall grass that hides them. Furiously beating their swords against their shields the warriors descend upon a small garrison of English soldiers. "Usuto! Usuto! (Kill! Kill!)" they cry as they launch into a battle with the vastly outnumbered English militia... who must manifest incredible skill and incomparable bravery just to survive.System Requirements:Starring: Stanley Baker Michael Caine Jack Hawkins James Booth Ulla Jacobsson Directed By: Cy Endfield Running Time: 138 Min. Color Copyright 2003 MGM Studios.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: ACTION/ADVENTURE Rating: NR UPC: 027616885807 Manufacturer No: 1004529
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