Legend (1986)

This strange, 1985 experiment by Ridley Scott (Blade Runner) starred the up-and-coming Tom Cruise in a fairy-tale world of dwarfs and unicorns and demons. After the horn of a unicorn is broken, darkness and winter descend upon the world. Cruise's character, helped along by a magic sprite played by David Bennent (The Tin Drum), descends into hell to save paradise. This movie is almost a classic case of art direction gone amok. The somewhat amorphous Cruise doesn't lend much dramatic focus or artistic definition, but the drama between Tim Curry's satanic majesty and Mia Sara's character, who becomes a sort of princess of the netherworld, is pretty captivating. A mixed experience all around that makes one wish it had been more successful. --Tom Keogh Amazon.com essential video

 Some much needed clarification!
There is some hot debate over this dvd. When I purchased it, I thought I was getting the european version of Legend (the best) with the American version on the other side, effectively the same two-disc edition that I fell in love with at my local North American video. But buyer beware! This version of legend (the one that isn't the ultiimate edition) is only the final directors cut, and it is probably my least favorite. There are 4 versions of this movie out there: the american, the european, the tv special edition, and the directors cut. the european is the best because it has a lot of the footage the american version doesn't without the awful soundtrack or stupid ending of the directors cut which ruined the movie for me. grab yourself a copy of the ultimate edition and look on ebay.uk for the european, my personal fav! May 13, 2008

 Right on . . . uneven, but fun
The Director's Cut of this 1986 piece of pre-CG eye candy is a little hard to follow, but as with the original, Tim Curry's appearance makes the entire experience worthwhile. Legend is still a pretty amazing movie, even if very, VERY over the top.

For the price of this set, you get both versions of the movie, each with a different soundtrack; a "making-of" feature; a re-discovered intro sequence; and an unnecessary, but enjoyable, video of Brian Ferry performing his contribution to the film. The Director's Cut features a darker presentaion, a more generous edit, and an orchestral score. The original score is mostly music by Tangerine Dream, with a vocal performace by Jon Anderson, and a tune by Brian Ferry.

The newer version of the film's more standard sounding orchestral score is nice, and may even bring Legend up a notch for some, but I still prefer Legend as a "Rock 'n' Roll movie," as Ridley Scott calls it. And including the original soundtrack could make this set worth having, just to avoid paying a ridiculous price for the long out-of-print soundtrack, as another feature of this set is you can listen to the Tangerine Dream music isolated from the movie's other sounds . . . and music. I was surprised to find the isolated soundtrack includes neither Tangerine Dream's "Loved By The Sun," whose lyrics were written by Jon Anderson, nor Brian Ferry's "Is Your Love Strong Enough."

In all, not bad. If you're a fan of either this movie in particular, or Fantasy films in general, don't hesitate to pick this up. April 29, 2008

 Legend is still fun.
It has been a while since I have seen this movie. It was great to see it the original version and then the directors cut. Overall it is awesome and came in good shape. Thanks. April 28, 2008

 Legend
This was the first Ridely Scott film that I am familiar with and a must have for any Scott or Tom Cruise fan. To Say Tom Cruise is a misnomer, rather Tommy Cruise would be more appropriate. Beautiful, mystical scenes, absolute romantic chemistry between Cruise and Mia Sara, this film needs to be viewed and enjoyed with a "special" someone. A brillinat mix of fantasy and romantacism. I love it. Satan has never been better protrayed than in this film!!! April 21, 2008

 Good 'ol 80s Cruise.
I can't wait for the day that they redo this movie! Perhaps after Sweeney Todd is old news, someone should get ahold of Tim Burton! I love this movie, this is just a great story and one of those movies that despite the fact that it is basically as old skool as you can get, it's just a really good story. March 21, 2008

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