Conan The Barbarian Review - Off The Shelf Reviews

[@pppaaaooo13]

Rip james earl jones

[@MidnightBlackandVictoria]

Very one of a kind person. Heavy loss to the talent pool.

[@ManDuderGuy]

"There comes a time, thief, when the jewels cease to sparkle, when the gold loses its luster, when the throne room becomes a prison, and all that is left is a father's love for his child."

[@robertparker51]

I saw this in the theater in 1982 with my friend Mike. I was 10 and he was 11, we were both blown away. Such great memories.

[@ThreadBomb]

Wow, I wish I had got to see this when it came out. I did get to see Dune. And Supergirl. Oh well, can't win 'em all.

[@MidnightBlackandVictoria]

I saw it when I was 12. The thing is, I was ALREADY a huge Robert E. Howard fan. I was reading the paperbacks back when I was 9 and 10 years old. And I'll never forget checking the mailbox to find the first issue of a surprise subscription my grandparents had gotten for me. Issue number 96. The lore though, is VERY different from the films. Conan leaves Cimmeria because, unlike most of his people, he is a dreamer with wander lust. He IS captured and enslaved by Hyperborians (whom he comes to despise) but only for like a year. He joined his first full on battle when he is 15, as Robert E Howard put it "He was the first over the wall. A lean youth of 15 winters with a muscular form. Already nearly six feet in height. Shouting his blood curdling war cry of the Cimmerians, with rage and elation on his features, long black mane in the wind and sullen blue eyes seeking his next foe". BRILLIANT character. In the right hands, there is so much that could be done with him. Don't get me wrong, I think Millius created a masterpiece, but there is so much to the Cimmerian, so much lore to draw from especially if you add Roy Thomas' work on the magazines....And yet it all sits in limbo. Like throwing money in a furnace.....

[@asifnewazmohammad9603]

FUCK YES! RIP James Earl Jones...

[@TheBoss-pb1gd]

Here i sit in my shop. In the Pacific Northwest. On the side of my mountain. Applying my trade as a carpenter. The alert went off that the boys from across the pond dropped a new video!!! This movie helped shaped my childhood. You guys are awesome. Keep up the stellar work!

[@edmonlessley4932]

As a kid, my parents took my brother and I to see this movie at a drive in theater in Missouri. They backed up a pickup with a camper shell towards a screen and on a tailgate I first watched Conan. Gary and Ian... I share your reviews on Facebook...does that help or make it weird? Part of me asks how are you guys just now finally reviewing this movie..... mostly I'm just grateful to be watching a new review by you guys. Really just trying to say thank you both for being you. In a world of shit and sadness being blessed to watch every movie review you have done helps me deal with depression. Keep shining 🌟

[@TheUballe]

Yeah, these guys are awesome, and their channel is easily the best for movie reviews.

[@cmyates42]

So many memories. I even nicknamed my nephew Thulsa Doom.

[@NickElliott-dv8vn]

Well, what can I say? Epic film epic review, and it was kind of you both to drop this review after the sad news of James Earl Jones passing. Looking forward to the podcast lads 👊.

[@ryanjacobson2508]

Rexor was played by Ben Davidson, who in the 60's and early 70's was a notoriously aggressive American football defender. Fittingly, he played for a team called the Raiders.

[@Stroheim333]

A breakfast-beer, and Iain and Gary! Cheers from Sweden!

[@CDee-if9og]

Beer for breakfast my kinda guy ! 😂 👍

[@TheBeird]

I watched this again a few months ago, for the first time in years. Yeah, it’s brilliant. Just like John Boorman’s Excalibur, Conan achieves the feeling of myth. Whatever one thinks of John Milius, dude could tell a story and it’s a shame we didn’t get his Conan trilogy. It would have been something special. RIP James Earl Jones

[@ryanjacobson2508]

I'd say Conan is better... Excalibur has it's moments but John Boorman did A LOT of drugs in the 70's and early 80's and it shows!

[@Lorfarius]

It has an amazing Directors Cut. Adds so much more to the character and shows Arnie can do some acting.

[@reidmason2551]

@@ryanjacobson2508 Boorman wrote a *Lord of the Rings* screenplay in the early '70s that was full of bizarre sex scenes (between Frodo & Galadriel AND Aragorn & Eowyn, respectively) and hallucinatory weirdness. It has barely anything in common with the source material, and both Boorman and his co-writer Rospo Pallenberg were proud of how much they had drastically changed the story. The script is horrible, by the way.

[@norwegiangamehunter4868]

Great review as always. I love the symbolism of Conan destroying his fathers sword with his will. Even Conans father failed the riddle of steel.

[@KingSidJames]

Just like StarWars, Conan was a game changer of a movie. If only greed had not won out we could of had a Conan movie every four years just like the Bond series.

[@itsalwayssunnyinpahoa7631]

Iain and Gary are so extremely chill, hilarious, intelligent and well spoken. They constantly produce quality content, the vast majority of which I enjoy watching more than the films that are being reviewed. These two down to Earth chaps would be ones that I would enjoy having a brewski with at the pup as well. Good vibes all the way around to compliment the excellent work they produce. I am stoked that YT’s recommendation algorithm was actually on point for once after recommending this channel to me some several months ago. Mahalo nui loa/thanks a ton for your highly entertaining vids and for such a relatable demeanor, Iain, Gary and the entire O.T.S crew! We’re all super grateful. *Post Script : If any of y’all find yourselves on vacation/holiday here in the Hawaiian Islands, I would love to personally take you guys on a guided tour of my home island, or any other in the State/chain and then take y’all out for some drinks, in me of course. Anyways, my posts are often extremely long, for that I apologize but I thought it necessary to share my thoughts and show some Aloha! Yes, Aloha not only means “hello” and “goodbye” but it also means “love” and “respect”. I wish anyone who may actually read this a blessed day and remember to be safe, grateful, have fun and smile wherever possible and last but not least, “stay frosty” as we say here in America.

[@Tyrant96]

My boys are back, rest in power James Earl Jones

[@parapoliticos52]

The real protagonist of the movie was Poledouris. All the rest are tributary to the music, the best OST ever written and directed into a movie.

[@derekshropshire2513]

Did anyone mention that the scout at the beginning was Franco? Between Franco and Sven-Ole Thorsen, Arnold looked out for his friends. Also I liked the cartoon as a kid.

[@mattmidgley4275]

Thanks boys. Great to see this in the OTSR catalogue 👊👊

[@shallendor]

When the 3 protagonists of your film are a surfer, a dancer and a body builder, the movie shouldn't be this good! At least Valaria Kept her word! One of the best speeches in a movie!

[@TheRASDEL83]

Back in the day it was kind of tough to get good Fantasy movies and in my country we did not get some of the great cult classics you guys have reviewed. Conan the Barbarian is one of those movies that put Fantasy on the map back then between the time when the oceans drank Atlantis and the rise of the sons of Aryas, where LOTR was undreamed of... That said, I gotta admit I still love Conan the Destroyer as well. It was cheesy, silly but it gave D&D vibes just like Willow. This three pillars of fantasy are probably one of the reasons I still love the genre today.

[@avalangrin4904]

What a great fantasy film. They don’t make them like that anymore. I loved hearing Gary and Iain discuss this film with so excitement and details. It reminded me how films like these like Conan and (example : Excalibur ) how much I enjoyed them. Thank you Gary and Iain for such a wonderful review. RIP James Earl Jones. 😔

[@KalleVilenius]

My introduction to Conan was the MAD Magazine parody of this movie, Conehead the Barbituate. Been a fan ever since.

[@phoenixshroud]

Another awesome review guys! 👊👊 This film is simply epic on the big screen (it always opened the Arnie All Nighter at The Prince Charles Cinema) with basil poledouris' score booming

[@johnantonywalton-tz6xe]

James Earl Jones is an absolute legend. He will be missed by everyone. I always remember him in Field of Dreams when he says "Oh my God." Amazing. ❤

[@neanderthal-]

42:06 his name is Sven-Ole Thorsen, legendary danish actor-bodybuilder, and friend of Arnold. Heard a longer interview with him, his life story, how his own father mocked him about bodybuilding and how he was one the the guys, who pushed the bodybuilder/gym culture in Denmark, more then a few steps forward.

[@CDee-if9og]

Played the demon samurai in Dragon The Bruce Lee "story" 😂👍

[@johnw8578]

I was lucky enough to see this in the theater when I was a kid.

[@jackbedient]

The greatest fantasy movie ever made. The directors cut is richer. The romance between Conan and Valeria is kickass. When he gives her that giant gem from his cut of the spoils and their romance begins, my heart warms a bit…

[@kevinedw2002]

Such an underrated movie. I think the cinematography and music are just sublime. Best line: " For us, there is no spring. Just the wind that smells fresh before the storm"

[@ThreadBomb]

How is it 'underrated'? Everyone who's seen it thinks it's great.

[@kevinedw2002]

@ThreadBomb a lot of people I know think it's a cheesey 80's fantasy

[@schizzo8959]

@@kevinedw2002 Nothing cheesy about an epic andventure of high fantasy.

[@kevinedw2002]

@@schizzo8959 That's the point I was making in my original post - I think it is a surprisingly deep and much-underrated movie

[@VenusHeadTrap2]

This movie is “underrated” in your own mind. Just like every other film you like.

[@Zomby_Woof79]

I love this film. So nostalgic, and so badass! I watched the new 4k release on my birthday a few days ago. Turned it off, and literally the first thing I read on the internet is James Earl Jones RIP.

[@Emulous79]

Looking at this now I see a lot of similarities with the Furiosa film: the killing of the main character's mother, the child-slavery, the fighting dogs, the caves...

[@ThreadBomb]

Hey, have you guys seen The Whole Wide World, the biopic of Robert Howard? It's pretty good! Starring Vincent d'Onofrio and Renee Zellweger.

[@WMDTVIDS]

One of the finest and most inspirational films made. Love this movie.

[@slayerstenis]

The little big bad guy with the klubb is the security guard in The Running Man his name is Sven-Ole Thorsen and is from Danmark.

[@G_Elektrik]

Great adventure movie, i remember my grandmother had a comic of conan rescuing some people and fighting a giant tarantula, later i watched this movie and as a kid i was mesmerized by this savage fantasy world, and still today is a fun entertaining movie

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

Another great fair review, guys - although I admit this film has so many silly things which were covered by the Nostalgia Critic in an earlier hilarious but apt review. Fun Fact - This film helped to inspire the Nintendo video game "The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess" as if you look closely, one of the enemies helmets greatly resembles (if not outright copies) Midna's helmet and the theme from "Conan the Barbarian" was even used in a "Legend of Zelda" video game commercial. While this film is not one of my favourites or cup of tea, I do appreciate the work and efforts of the people who are involved in making the film (and its sequel - which you guys don't like to admit). I look forward to your next review. :)

[@glowingturtle9673]

The standard from which all other sword and sorcery films are judged. Great review!

[@RetroRanter]

One of my all time favourite movies, absolute classic that I can watch any time, one id the best soundtracks ever put to film too, shame studio meddling put a stop to the planned series of films with Destroyer.. Amazing review as always lads. R.I.P James Earl Jones, the one who discovered the riddle of steel. 💜

[@ryanjacobson2508]

I don't think it was the studio as much Arnold generally disliking sequels outside of the Terminator series. At the time Arnold did The Destroyer, it was just before he turned into a major star. But after The Destroyer, he really has tended to avoid sequels.

[@Too_Much_Midi]

One of my memories is during high school, in English class we had an assignment to read a poem to the whole class, set to music. I chose a poem describing a medieval battle and when I announced to the class that I would read it to the music from Conan the Barbarian (Riders of Doom track), the whole class laughed like I was joking. It really confused me, I was like, "no, I'm serious". This movie (and the soundtrack) aren't taken seriously enough as great art outside of the nerdly world.

[@Bajker4ever]

Music from the start strongly reminds me on main soundtrack from 1990 "Total Recall" ,another awesome Arny's movie

[@robertbarron283]

Growing up, the first Arnold movie my parents introduced me to was Conan the Destroyer. I watched that movie on a loop growing up. I didn't see Barbarian till I was maybe 6 or 7. I liked it but I would always rather watch Destroyer. Once I hit my teens they switched, and I've preferred Barbarian ever since. It's easily in Arnold's top 5 greatest fims💪 Great review as always lads.

[@adambusenlehner3689]

Basil Poledouris' complete score is available on a 3CD set from the Intrada soundtrack label.

[@HunterSchoumacher]

I first saw this movie at the drive-in in 1982. It was doubled with John Carpenter's "The Thing". Little did I know these would become two of my favorite movies 42 years later.

[@brianoneil9662]

I saw this in the theater with my friends. We were all D&D players and giant snakes and huge temples immediately became fixtures in our games.

[@nealsullivan5359]

My wife puts on Celebrity Masterchef, to maintain some grip on my sanity I watch an OTSR review. Can’t believe you guys have not done Conan before?! Great review as always guys 👊🏻 By the way it’s on Disney+ if anyone hasn’t seen it and wants to!

[@mrnaughtycat]

The guy with the giant hammer is the body gaurd in the running man who says a got to score some steroids

[@antonyledsom5171]

This movie is A+. So powerful. Soundtrack unbelievable. No movies are made like this any more. Your review is fantastic. Absolutely loved your enthusiasm. You are always great reviewers, but I especially love when you love a movie.

[@dejabu24]

absolute Masterpiece , RIP James E Jones legendary actor

[@mikelezcurra810]

What a treat. RIP, Mr Jones.

[@FlatterNewt1036]

When they announced Conan was gonna be in Mortal Kombat, it gave me an excuse finally watch this movie. And I had alot of fun with it. Had no idea James Earl Jones was in it. Rest in peace…

[@Commentator541]

I love you guys - the channel is just you, no bullshit, even small movie reviewers just keep making it so commercial and catchy, comes off as disingenuous. Keep it up. Or don't, I like watching old stuff too.

[@pkvanderzee6226]

James Earl Jones: Star Wars (Masterpiece) Lion KIng (Masterpiece) Conan (Masterpiece) James Earl Jones (taking mr Bisons Line years and years before).."The day that I graced your village was the most important day of your life...but for me it was tuesday" Arny's best movie in my opion: Predator...although Terminator, True Lies and this movie are amazing but just saying The novel by Robert E Howard is a reccomend for sure...I have read it ..A lot is based on.. Thulsa Doom exactly works for ..stands out as a scout for Set the evil snake God wich returns in Marvel Comics "The Saga of the serpent Crown" wich I read as a little boy and what an amazing comic that is..Thanks guys Great review..Ciao to the next one

[@Mikeybigguns79]

I bought the board game Hero Quest during covid, kids loved it, there’s a space marine one I wouldn’t mind getting

[@capitalcitygoofball1987]

Ralf Moeller played Conan in the short lived tv show and his German accent was perfect. I doubt the accent is canon in the comics or books but after Arnold cemented the character is almost seemed like a necessity. I don't remember much about the show except I think it was capitalizing on the Xena craze at the time and didn't have much of a budget. Shame Amazon was about the greenlight a hardcore Conan tv show then pivoted to Rings of Power instead.

[@hookybrickshooky9529]

Is "Conan - The Destroyer" really so bad that we cannot even talk about it? It's a huge downgrade from "Conan - The Barbarian", that's for sure but the movie has it's moments in my opinion.

[@derekshropshire2513]

It's not as good but it's more like a bloody Saturday morning cartoon version compared to this. Fun fact Andre the Giant is the monster at the end of Destroyer.

[@hookybrickshooky9529]

@@derekshropshire2513 Didn't knew Andrew was involved, but that's indeed a nice fun fact!

[@derekshropshire2513]

@@hookybrickshooky9529 he's uncredited I believe but there's pictures of him on set with Arnold and Wilt Chamberlain. Arnold looks so short next to them.

[@hookybrickshooky9529]

@@derekshropshire2513 I've seen the pictures! He looks really small between them, but then again, who wouldn't ;)

[@SunshineLoLypops]

​@@derekshropshire2513No he was in the country on a wrestling tour and came to the set. He is not in the film.

[@violetmoonofthenorth]

Love this film too 🖤 RIP James Earl Jones 🫶🏻

[@MattBlindbard]

42:17 the style is definitely more Manowar than Iron Maiden 😄

[@robdario661]

Still the best. 11:01 They didn’t mess around with workout machines back in the Hyborean Age. How awesome would it be if you review the documentary of John Milius. Milius! So quote able. My fave is when they walk the city market and the merchants peddle their wares. One offers a talisman to ward off evil. Subatai says, “I am evil!” So D & D.

[@danielscott5673]

49:08 but wait, i remember in the vhs that Conan went by himself to kill thulsa doom. but on the dvd years later, the princess accompanies conan and i think distracts the guards for conan to kill. also, on the vhs, the movie ends of just the palace being burnt to the ground. but on the dvd years later, conan carries the princess back home. i'm majory confused, there are 2 versions of this film?

[@evilsdemise1287]

This film and it's soundtrack is THE reason why to this day I love sword & sorcery settings in anything, especially video games. It is (movie and soundtrack) no1 on the all-time list and nothing even comes close.

[@patrickmckenna5812]

I never fully appreciated this film until I watched the "making of" documentary, and understood the philosophy behind the movie and what they were reaching for. Now many years later I have it in my all-time top ten. This is a genuine classic that was way ahead of it's time, and still continues to improve with age. Plus, the soundtrack is fantastic! 10 out of 10, and then some...

[@aintsam9952]

Conan Exiles is a fun game

[@carlredbird3054]

Listing to the audio commentary on the DVD. The valerian actress cut a stunt and throat with a sword lolz think he survived

[@ipunkhc]

Great review, thank you.

[@Kaiyanwang82]

Guess it's time for a rewatch.

[@ipunkhc]

Remember reading the commic as a kid and came the movie... it was Gigantic! It felt real... (a still today) This movie has the Best opening credits in film history - the burning iron ripping the darkness - just one scene takes you to the world/age of Conan

[@DavyDredd14]

Conan The Barbarian (1982) is bloody brilliant and the best fantasy adventure Film ever !

[@krisorgan]

I love both this film and The Destroyer, grew up watching both films and love em. I’ve never understood why people don’t like the second film.

[@nigeldonaldson1647]

I unashamedly LIKE - THE LAST STAND yes your reminded of Dukes of hazard, SMOKIE & THE BANDIT etc, but it works in it's all American way, a good action thriller well made with great stunts.

[@kalel81100]

As a sword-man myself, & as young kid always did like the sound of the head hitting the steps the sound skull & the brain 🧠 dead weight hollow sound. Love the scene when he unite, he sword with his fathers sword by cross his arms ⚔️💙 Best soundtrack R.I.P James Earl Jones It was the first time I got to see the face of the voice behind the mask the dark Lord of the Sith Darth Vader 🖤❤️ he is one with the force now.

[@chrisperrien7055]

Since it was a B movie sword and sorcery movie, it was ignored, the screeen-play deserved an Oscar for the story telling and script in this one movie.

[@ryanjacobson2508]

Not literally a B movie.... It has a fairly large budget and a wide release. "B movie" first referred to the second and less notable movie shown in a double feature. Then it came to refer to low budget movies in general. If you think Conan is a B movie you haven't seen enough low budget movies!

[@jamesabernethy7896]

I normally save your videos as workout videos but will watch this one when I get home from work. This film still holds up, performance and storytelling. I have an older brother who recorded movies like this off tv and gave me access to amazing movies from a young age. Although not one of my favourite favourite movies, it is a great one. The extended world of Conan is interesting. Fantastical but familiar,

[@MidnightBlackandVictoria]

She clawed his hand...Can't remember if I read that on a released script, in a comic, or a book adaptation, but Conans mothers fingernails were dug into his hand and dragged across when she fell. Conan is looking at the clawmarks. And later, a nice touch, is when he is practicing with his sword, and again looks at the scars on his hand to fuel his vengeance. Brillaint and subtle!

[@misterwillguitar]

cant believe I never saw this movie! thanks so much for the review sirs!

[@alberttorres5157]

I remember watching this movie when it came out in the theater. Danm, I'm old 😮

[@apollyon9-11]

T-hiss is a brilliant and funny review, in your top 100❤❤❤. Thanks gents

[@Gorgutsforcongress]

The camel wasn't harmed. They has reigns on it and just jerked it to the side when Arnold swung.

[@jdsantibanez]

Conan's father was played by the great William Smith, a character actor who played the most vicious villains on film and TV.

[@Runeinc]

I blame this movie for getting me DEEP into the fantasy genre. So glad I never looked back.

[@PaoloLery]

Great film gents cheers. One of the greatest! If you wanna have a laugh listen to the commentary with Arnold and Milius. The soundtrack is brilliant. See ‘mountain of power’

[@janleslielvaas3211]

Have you guys seen Wolfhound? It's a fantasy movie from 2006, really good sword & sorcery movie.

[@wolf19able]

Iron Maiden, yes! :D

[@hookybrickshooky9529]

"Rescuing the princess"? Somebody should try that plot point in 2024... unimaginable. The princess would rescue Conan and replace Thulsa Doom in no time. God, I miss the 80s...

[@keychainere]

Calm down old man. No one is taking Conan away from you.

[@ThreadBomb]

@@hookybrickshooky9529 What? The Crow remake is yet another 'rescue the princess' story, just like you wanted.

[@hookybrickshooky9529]

@@ThreadBomb It's been pretty hot the last few days, but now there's a low pressure area here and I find the cooler nights with some precipitation more pleasant. You know, it can't rain all the time, but I usually appreciate it if it does. Keep your head up.

[@keychainere]

@@hookybrickshooky9529 The Crow got “reimagined” four times previously so it’s hardly a new thing. Stop whining.

[@Endzeitstille]

Conan the barber best soundtrack ever, the orgry best piece of music ever written!

[@1kylecurry]

Good movie....most & more important, RIP to the great James Earl Jones.!

[@caingamalo4584]

The movie where Arnold fought Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden and Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead😂😂😂

[@veit_of_the_nite]

F**kin' Masterpiece!

[@useyourillusiongnr]

This film is just so funny! The music, when they slaugther all the people, is like a "happy tune", and that tune is for every killing scene in this movie! It is a great film..thank God that Arnold, did speak less... " By Cram" , not saying " By Crom" ! Thank you guys for another great review going into Arnold-territory, before Predator! 👍 R.I.P - James Earl Jones - The Force is with you..! 👍❤ Reading the comic-books that is released , it is a quite a good movie! 👍 The scene, were the dogs chased him, got really wild..! it's so much about this movie ....recomend that all, have to find "behind the making of Conan The Barbarian" ! 👍 it would been fun, to watch Conan vs Toth Amon..

[@andrewblanchard2398]

PLEASE review the sequel but not the remake

[@voxdraconia4035]

While the new one is not great...in many parts its closer, much closer to the "real" Conan

[@ThreadBomb]

I thought the remake started very well, but gradually got worse as it went on. Disappointing overall.

[@andrewblanchard2398]

@@ThreadBomb instead of a remake they should've made a movie about the untold CONAN adventures I recently came up with many story ideas that would've been better than a remake

[@schizzo8959]

I lke Conan the Destroyer. But the first one is a quality film and iconic.

[@voxdraconia4035]

Conan in a futuristic apocalyptic setting??? THUNDARR THE BARBARIAN feat Ookla the Mok!!!

[@deus_ex_felis]

shelf life! ❤

[@JanHell666]

Young Conan looks like Linda Hamilton

[@LeanderNadeltanz]

Dudes will watch this and say HELL YASSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!

[@tomsenior7405]

I still haven't seen this film. I was gifted an Ex-rental VHS copy donkey's since. The Video shop, the girlfriend who gave me the tape and my Video Cassette Player are all ancient history now, but I still have the tape (Somewhere).

[@regismathias6707]

CROM fucking great movie, fucking great music, fucking great review , ho this music

[@MrAdamGrainger]

I don’t normally condone casting him, but I could totally buy Jared Leto in the role of Thulsa Doom. It’s the role he’s been playing irl for years now.

[@Peanutz777]

Good review! But you said there was no sequel or whatever but what about Conan the Destroyer? Is that just a spin off or is it not a direct sequel to conan the barbarian? Or dont you want to mention it? Is it that bad? Lol

[@pppaaaooo13]

Ok its the second time you post a review the day the actor died. First was donald sutherland now its james earl jones

[@15blackshirt]

While he was still a bodybuilder, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in Hercules in New York, The Villain and Stay Hungry. He won seven Mr. Olympia bodybuilding titles. Thorgrim is portrayed by Arnold's good friend Sven Ole-Thorson

[@anthonywindom9665]

The sword he took from the caves is King Krull

[@anthonywindom9665]

correction: it is King Kull.