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Excalibur - VHS Videocassette NEW / Factory Sealed
Excalibur - VHS Videocassette NEW / Factory Sealed
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Excalibur - Factory SEALED VHS Video.
Mint condition.
The 1981 film Excalibur is a visually striking, mythic retelling of the King Arthur legend, directed by John Boorman. It's known for its atmospheric style, operatic tone, and a raw, medieval aesthetic that sets it apart from other Arthurian adaptations.
🗡️ Excalibur (1981) – Overview
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Genre: Fantasy / Adventure / Drama
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Director: John Boorman
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Based on: Le Morte d’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory
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Runtime: 140 minutes
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Rating: R (for violence and mature content)
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Release Date: April 10, 1981
🌟 Cast
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Nigel Terry – King Arthur
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Helen Mirren – Morgana
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Nicol Williamson – Merlin
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Cherie Lunghi – Guinevere
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Nicholas Clay – Lancelot
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Gabriel Byrne – Uther Pendragon (his film debut)
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Patrick Stewart – Leondegrance
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Liam Neeson – Gawain (also an early film role)
đź“– Plot Summary
The film is a full-scale retelling of the Arthurian legend, from the sword in the stone to the rise and fall of Camelot. It follows:
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Uther Pendragon’s misuse of Excalibur,
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Arthur’s rise as king after drawing the sword from the stone,
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The formation of the Knights of the Round Table,
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The tragic love triangle between Arthur, Guinevere, and Lancelot,
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The quest for the Holy Grail, and
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Arthur’s final battle against his son Mordred, born of an incestuous union with Morgana.
🎼 Music & Atmosphere
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Features Richard Wagner's music (notably Ride of the Valkyries and Siegfried’s Funeral March) and Carl Orff’s O Fortuna from Carmina Burana.
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These classical pieces give the film a haunting, epic feel that amplifies its mythic weight.
🎥 Visual Style
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Shot mostly in Ireland, with misty forests and lush landscapes giving the film a dreamlike, magical atmosphere.
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Known for glowing armor, symbolic imagery, and bold lighting—often bathed in green, gold, and red hues to reflect the supernatural elements.
⚔️ Notable Elements
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One of the most faithful adaptations of the medieval Arthurian legends (especially Malory’s version), including darker elements like incest, betrayal, and divine punishment.
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Merlin (played by Nicol Williamson) is a standout—wise, eccentric, and deeply mysterious.
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The film doesn’t shy away from the brutal and tragic side of the myth.
🏆 Reception
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Box Office: Moderate success at the time
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Critical response: Mixed initially, but now regarded as a cult classic
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Legacy: Inspired later Arthurian and fantasy films (e.g., The Green Knight, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, parts of The Lord of the Rings)
🔥 Fun Facts
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Director John Boorman originally tried to make The Lord of the Rings before switching to Excalibur.
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Many of the cast members (like Neeson, Stewart, and Byrne) became major stars later.
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The armor was custom-made and unusually bright for a medieval film—intentionally stylized.
đź’ Final Take
Excalibur is not a Hollywood-style fantasy. It’s operatic, surreal, and occasionally over-the-top—but deeply committed to the grandeur and tragedy of the Arthurian legend. It’s a must-watch if you like:
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Epic mythology
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Dark fantasy
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Medieval drama with a mystical edge
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