DVD REVIEW: KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
This extended director's cut of Ridley Scott's epic comes in at an hour longer than the studio version released last year. And it has to be said this original, uncut format is far superior.
Set in the 12th Century at the time of the Crusades, the story centres around a young blacksmith, Balian (Orlando Bloom).
Following his wife's suicide, Balian goes to Jerusalem in search of personal redemption. Here he helps protect the city against the legendary Islamic leader Saladin (Ghassan Massoud).
There is a fragile peace between Saladin and King Baldwin (Edward Norton) but this soon descends into war and Balian finds himself the defender of the city, bound by oath to try and maintain harmony between religions.
The battle scenes and cinematography are amazing and the film is careful not to take too much of a moralistic stance - Scott takes a very even-handed approach and his research and accuracy are notable throughout.
There is some outstanding acting particularly from Jeremy Irons, as Tiberias, Baldwin's advisor, and from Eva Green as Sibylla his sister.
Orlando Bloom also impresses and his character has more depth in this cut - we are given much more insight into his life, actions and motivations.
A perfectly crafted film; this director's cut is well worth the wait - a must see whether or not you saw the original!
The four-disc special edition DVD includes introduction by Sir Ridley Scott, audio commentary with Scott, and two discs of "making of" features with screen tests, scholar interviews, director's cut discussion and special effects breakdowns. - EMILY GOVAN
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