LEGEND (1985) Retrospective / Review

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LEGEND (1985) Retrospective / Review
Get LEGEND on Blu-ray here goo.gl/XOVHe1
Get the LEGEND Soundtrack here goo.gl/wx2fNw
Big thanks to David Labraccio for helping with the research and additional photos.
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[@OliverHarper]

Get LEGEND on Blu-ray here goo.gl/XOVHe1 Get the LEGEND Soundtrack here goo.gl/wx2fNw

[@jim22277]

Oliver Harper is that the Tangerine sound track ?

[@HurricaneDDragon]

Oliver Harper I just want to say I love these videos. Your retrospectives are one of my favorite ways to study films, especially ones I've never actually seen.

[@PictureHouseCinema]

Both scores are used in this video, The Jerry Goldsmith score is the original and was used in the UK release. The Tangerine Dream score was a studio interference for commercial reasons for the US release. Both scores are superb but Goldsmith's score is more suitable for the story yet the Dream score also adds an interesting dynamic even though it often jars with the European story themes. The UK and US versions have some footage differences. Both versions are a must have for any serious collector.

[@ludlowryder8803]

Really like this film but would like to see the version with the Tangerine Dream soundtrack just to see how it contrasts with the Directors Cut.

[@tjfi8841]

Hi Oliver. Hope this message gets through to you but I've never seen this movie and was wanting to know which version o should watch? Which would you say is the best to watch for a better experience?

[@emailchrismoll]

This is still the best devil on screen of any movie EVER!

[@TheSwankyGaming]

+emailchrismoll I much prefer Peter Cook in Bedazzled (1967), much more realistic and that movie is one of the best comedies from the 1960's. This is pretty stellar when it comes to a more fantastical depiction. I wonder if the person who directed Hellboy was influenced by it at all because they look very similar in the finale when Hellboy regrows his horns.

[@brianseymour5191]

muchomochi I don't know, in terms of realistic but interesting might be the one from either Constantine or Viggo Mortenson from The Prophecy.

[@bigmike3872]

Drew Jackson It didn't win & just because a movie is ' nominated' for an oscar doesn't mean shit

[@outsidethegame5141]

Darkness is not the devil. At some point in the film he speaks to his father so i assume that character is the devil.

[@irllcd13]

Gabriel Byrne in End of Days is really good too.

[@kahldrialeighsun1208]

As a little girl in the 80s when I saw this, I was absolutely entranced. When Lily danced in her tattered dress, whirling around like so much gossamer in a playful breeze, I wanted nothing more than to be her. I would tie my grandmother's silk scarf collection about my waist and spin with abandon in the back yard. In my twenties I became injured and can no longer walk, let alone dance. But every time I watch that scene, I'm right back there, spinning in sunshine. A beautiful memory I carry with me. I guess I'm trying to say I love this film. It will always have a special place in my heart. The simplicity, is part of its beauty. Not every film needs to be overly complex to be beloved. 🥰

[@lisaellis2593]

What a beautiful memory.

[@mauriciomorais7818]

You're a nice person and I lament your injury.

[@1Buttonmasher]

That's really beautiful. I'm glad you have that treasured memory to comfort you!

[@zacharyjochumsen9677]

@@lisaellis2593 fu. Fsct didvyiu k owvthis movi was acthulktbsuposed to be a horror movie orginslly yeh it was orgindkynsupoed to be way darker andvfor disturbing and thres acthuy supposed to be ra rape scene

[@zacharyjochumsen9677]

@@lisaellis2593 didbyounsee mynreplyn

[@1987MartinT]

Darkness is one of the greatest fantasy villains ever.

[@jeremysumrak1842]

Being deaf...i can appreciate a film that tells most of its story thru visuals rather than be dialogue heavy. You can turn the sound off....just watch the visuals...and have no doubt about what is going on.

[@Xegethra]

Bet you cheat with subtitles!

[@blackspring3207]

Hell yeah bruh

[@MarkAS56]

Apocalypto

[@shiddy.]

try re-watching this sometime while sitting next to a good, loud speaker system and you'll feel something amazing while watching this

[@BipoIarbear]

I'm not deaf but I imagine at least "the last of the mohicans" would still be as amazing , although the music is integral but still it's a story that doesnt need words

[@andreraymond6860]

I have always been fascinated with Cruise in this film. Tom Cruise's acting is always worth taking a close look at. Here I don't find him wooden at all. He is trying to play a character who is child-like and guileless. The decision to cut dialogue would only enhance these qualities. Remember he is the one who brings Lily to the unicorns. It is his innocence that soothes them at first and makes it possible for her to touch one. He is a wood dweller and stays close to the ground. (Hence all the crouching). Cruise is working on the physicality of the character. The open eyed unblinking reaction shots. The Peter Pan acrobatics. The un-self consciousness. He created a character that is very coherent.

[@mycapibara]

André Raymond I totally agree Andre!

[@IndyMotoRider]

Well stated!

[@NickRoman]

I agree. I think it was insightful of Tom to recognize that himself. It makes it a unique film where the character is the character, not a recognizable Tom Cruise character.

[@Schush]

I can't say I'm the biggest Tom Cruise fan... I think he just did *all right* here. I read somewhere where its said Mr. Cruise denounces his role in Legend and sort of passes it off.

[@bigmike3872]

André Raymond Im sure you are fascinated by Tom Cruise, but ahhhh.... it doesn't quite sound like for the reasons you state, hence my assumption that you're gay

[@1Inked4Heart3]

This movie is my childhood. 🖤 "This place holds more magic for me than any palace in the world"

[@brendancaldwell7755]

Beautiful comment

[@zacharyjochumsen9677]

@@brendancaldwell7755 my grdjpqd had this film on VHS do you have this on DVD VHS

[@athenassigil5820]

I find it funny how many of these cult films did not do well on initial release. Yet , now, they're still watched and new fans find them. However, the big hits or critical darlings of the same era, are largely forgotten. Legend, Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal etc, all seem to have done better through time, interesting. ...

[@Schush]

What's weird is you would think the '80s would tie into the fantasy genre well. Most of the fantasy films didn't have big numbers as hoped with maybe the exception of The Neverending Story. I'll also include films like Dragonslayer, Willow, and Return to Oz to your forgotten list.

[@bigmike3872]

Sean Bell That's because they're better movied

[@kascnef]

Your Lord Zeus look at Scott pilgrim. Didn't do well but found new life on home video

[@airbomb34]

The puppet movies have not aged well what so ever. You can’t even compare them to this movie or any of Ridley Scott’s movies. His movies are essentially timeless. Puppet movies are certainly not.

[@alexandresobreiramartins9461]

@@airbomb34 People who worship Riddley as some sort of genius.... Look the guy has 4 good movies. He is a wondrous visual director, but as a MOVIE director, he's just terrible. The Duelists, Alien, Blade Runner and Legend are so great because he didn't commando them on his own. He has a great EYE, and a very small brain.

[@shewolfsiren]

I heard a quote once when I was a child that has stayed with me: “Sometimes even the devil deserves a LITTLE pity.” That certainly holds true in “Legend” if you stop and think about it. The devil in this particular case is a victim of Fate. He was BORN like this, he wasn’t made like this! He didn’t choose to look like that; who willingly chooses to be ugly? What’s more, he said himself, “Sunlight is my destruction!” So, for him, evil isn’t a choice, it’s a necessity. In a way, he’s just like all the other unfortunate people suffering from xendoderma pigmentosum, one of the original sources for the vampire curse--a potentially FATAL condition triggered by exposure to sunlight. Imagine seeing so much beauty linked to a spring/summer/fall/winter day, but never getting to share in it, because if you do, it’ll most likely be your last day alive. Wouldn’t that make you sad and mad? Also, when Darkness goes and allows himself to fall in love--possibly for the very first time ever in his life--what happens? The woman he loves fears and loathes him! What’s more, she uses his feelings for her to get close enough to the unicorn to free it, thereby all but guaranteeing Darkness’ death! First heartbreaks are the worst, especially for those who’ve never gotten to know the sweetness of love before! Anyway, I’ve said my peace, and will welcome any feedback for it. It can be an official debate thing.

[@kaiserschnitzel89]

"Ridley wanted a fairy-tale adventure with unicorns in it" is a line I never thought I would hear about the director of Alien and Blade Runner.

[@BillGunslinger]

Blade Runner has unicorns

[@Anubis22774]

BillGunslinger the unicorn in Blade Runner was taken from Legend. It was never in the theatrical release.

[@SobiTheRobot]

I mean after such heavy-hitting fare, I would want something more lighthearted too.

[@rickyrackey7930]

What if the xenomorphs are the children of Darkness

[@zacharyjochumsen9677]

@@rickyrackey7930 and plus Ridley Scott complained during preview screening abut smelling pot you ever smoke pot

[@armyofninjas9055]

Using the shield as a mirror is a reference to Perceus and Medusa.

[@ghostly9450]

obviously

[@TheSwankyGaming]

one thing I can say postively about this film that still strikes me as crazy every time. It does NOT look like it was filmed in the 80's. the set design, cinematography and makeup/costume somehow rises above the tropes of the decade.

[@Kawayoporu]

+muchomochi What decade you think it's not made in the 80s, in the 90s?

[@Kawayoporu]

Are you the same person that use muchomochi youtube account and now your using MallarRallan youtube account? Yes, it does, cus it didn't look very fuzzy unlike other 80s films.

[@Kawayoporu]

Aww man, wonder why that first user who said it didn't look like the 80s film did not respond me in the first place. (◞.‸.◟)

[@TheSwankyGaming]

I'm not saying it looks like it is from any decade in particular, Ridley Scott's camera work and the real life sets just make it rise above the stereotypical 80s film style. Hard to describe in a youtube comment.

[@Kawayoporu]

Hi, you finally replied the exact person should of replied me, so did you see my reply when I've asked what decade you think it's not made in the 80s, in the 90s?

[@OroborusFMA]

It's a bit ridiculous that every great movie that people didn't understand or the critics slammed becomes a "cult classic." There's no cult. The dumbasses finally caught up with the genius that was always there.

[@lopiklop]

(S)He said every "GREAT" movie that people dont understand/slammed by critics.

[@calicuz]

Well said.

[@NickRoman]

Ridiculous, yes. It's one of those quirks of language that makes it easier to say something, but is meaningless in itself.

[@theroaringblaze2742]

OroborusFMA..... I can dig it. This movie was good when I was ten years old, and now I'm 40 and its still good.....

[@bigmike3872]

OroborusFMA Legend is no work of genius pal, not in any of uts several hundred forms

[@rudieopperman4388]

How she dances with the dress and then fuses it is an amazing piece of filmmaking.

[@totalprocall6894]

This is how you make a fairlytale film...no fear of showing scary scenes. I mean scary parts are key to the very best fairy tales ever made.

[@Tr0nzoid]

I always saw Legend as a "realistic" look at a basic bedtime fairy-tale fantasy story and that angle was the simple intention of Ridley Scott. It is dark and gritty instead of clean and cute like what you would find in an illustrated kid's pop-up book. The movie filled the void before that type of movie became really common, and the production design and visuals make up for a lack of story exposition. I don't need to see Lilly's castle or know how she met Jack or see how the ice affects the whole kingdom. I can imagine all that and take clues from the narrative. That's one of the interesting things about it to me. (Similarly, when watching E.T., I don't need to know where E.T. came from or what Peter Coyote means when he says "he came to me too.") That said, once I saw the European release on the DVD in 2002, I was amazed at how much more there was to the movie. Still, having been first introduced to the American release decades ago, I associate the Tangerine Dream score with the film and consider it one of the key characteristics of Legend. It comes to mind when I think of the movie, so even though I prefer the European cut, I always watch the American release when I feel like watching the movie.

[@bigmike3872]

Tr00peroid Peter Coyotye meant that he had too had dreamt of a an extraterrestrial encounter & possibly a friendship with something like E. T. since he was a small boy, you fucktard & now I know for sure the mentality of the average Legend fan & how dare you even utter E.T & ' legend' in the same breath. If I were Spielberg I'd find out where you are & then come & slap the fucking taste from your mouth

[@Derke73]

"I don't do Director's Cuts. I get it right the first time." - Q. Tarantino I wish this were the case with Ridley. Way too many of his movies have been butchered by last minute changes (as recently as Prometheus), and although most of his Director's Cuts are improvements, even they often feel rushed and in need of more work.

[@adamw116]

Derke73 Still an incredible, one of a kind director! God I hope he stays with us for a few more years at least!

[@fastertove]

The infamous Prometheus was more than a last minute change.

[@spyroskarageorgis2089]

Well his films are butchered by the studios . If he did what he wanted from the beginning,his films would have been more successful in theaters . The directors cuts of Kingdom of Heaven,Robin Hood,The Counselor,Legend,Alien, American Gangster and his version of Blade Runner are great!!!! It is like he is cursed or something!! One of my favourite filmmakers of all time! He's 80 years old and still going strong!!! I love him !!!

[@James_Bee]

@@spyroskarageorgis2089 Black Hawk Down

[@bonzoforlife]

Django Unchained Director's Cut coming soon... So even Tarantino does it!

[@rogerstephenroth8073]

The costume designer deserved an Oscar for making Darkness and as well Tim Curry for his role in Legend.

[@markelijio6012]

Yes I understand what you're saying. Loud and clear. To make matters either better or worse, Sir Ridley Scott's "Legend" has earned a 1987 Academy Award nomination for best achievement in make-up. This was the first of many for both Rob Bottin and Peter Robb-King.

[@rogerstephenroth8073]

This movie was great. It kind of reminded me of the Legend of Zelda game. Another fantasy movie which did remind me of the Legend of Zelda is the Never Ending Story@@markelijio6012

[@raygoshay4096]

I love the scenes of Darkness with Lili - everything about them: the dialogue, the set, the camerawork and the dancing gown - Of course Tim Curry is great, but I think Mia Sara is remarkable playing against him. She more than holds her own. Finally, the tone is epic, haunting, erotic and full of Gothic suspense.

[@levarmitchell3962]

I wish there was another way to express how startlingly beautiful the visuals are. Everything from the lighting, colors, movement of characters... man o man.

[@tylermane77]

Gotta disagree with Harper here a LOT about the story. The simple story is exactly what makes it so magical. It's simple, pure and essentially innocent. It's the most "pure" fantasy film ever made-devoid of convoluted politics and treachery.

[@OliverHarper]

Its perfectly fine for it to be a simple story but its not strong enough to run to nearly 2 hours long. (directors cut)

[@lukebaxter3252]

I got to agree with Mr Maws because as he said, it is a pure, simple, sweet fairy tale that is boosted by the truly beautiful visuals and the Goldsmith score. I tend to mostly watch the European cut.

[@NickRoman]

It is a movie that partially created who I am, or was in my youth. I was about 11 or 12 I guess when I saw it (10/11 when it came out). So, for me, that's around the age that it should be geared toward. I think the editing was unfortunate in that it made some things unclear. The Tangerine Dream score really worked for me. I would always keep that, though having two versions seems ok as long as it is edited well. Probably 1:45 would indeed be a good length, but I wouldn't want to miss any good stuff that could be thrown in. I also do not think that there is any version that is properly edited and just in general I think the script was never quite right.

[@alexkx8599]

@@OliverHarper I emphatically disagree! Both versions of the film are classic!

[@alexkx8599]

@@lukebaxter3252 Both versions are classics!

[@katherinegallagher9081]

From the costumes, to makeup, to lighting, to cinematography, set design, music, actors..... THIS is ONE of the BEST Realistic Fantasy Pictures of ALL Time

[@germanicelt]

This was the time of my childhood, when these kinds of fantasy films plus the sci-fi's were art works. I feel CGI has spoiled things now. I wish I saw this at the movies when it came out, just after I turned 12. It would've impacted my much more and been a great memory. But for some reason I never heard of this movie until a few years later.

[@storungz]

I totally agree with your comment-CGI has been both a curse and pretty freakin' cool. TLOTR is a great example of using both techniques masterfully, creating an amazing fantasy experience. LEGEND is one of my ultimate fav movies EVER-along with Blade Runner, Aliens, Alien, and Sunshine (Boyle) (yes, Cameron's has always been my fav of the two, but you can't have it without the AMAZING first!)! Clearly I'm into the scifi, but this is one of the most visually stunning movies ever, taking fantasy to a level only perhaps recently surpassed with TLOTR..... I grew up seeing LGND on TV first, then recording an HBO or other outlet broadcast onto VHS, which I watched all the time. This lead me to getting into Tangerine Dream at about 10 years old (I was 5 when it came out) which ultimately brought about my passion of electronic, experimental music. I dare say this movie set me on the path to cherish the imagination; to love, admire, and create visual arts; and tune my ears away from muddled pop music, to the internal power of interpretation of sonic experimentations.

[@Quast]

In Bladerunner 2049 they now had build models for some shots that were taller than some persons. Was the only film of the last 8 years that brought back that feeling of watching something real

[@Larry]

Great video Sir!!! I must admit I didn't like the sequel to Legend with Will Smith in it, I Am Legend. They never carried anything over from the first film, none of the original characters are in it either :(

[@OliverHarper]

haha I am Legend was seriously lacking Tim Curry. Thanks for the feedback mate.

[@Larry]

Oliver Harper No worries :D You've not done Willow yet have you?

[@OliverHarper]

***** Not yet but I will be in a couple of weeks. Im working on Hard Target for next week.

[@Larry]

Oliver Harper Nice! Are you going to cover Stranghold in the video?

[@mengutimur]

Oliver Harper Oliver, I'm glad that you're working on Backdraft for next week.

[@the1tigglet]

Even though we saw Lili be called simply a lady, she said the statement "Not my father's court nor a king's ransom could keep me from the forest today!" She was telling her friend Nel this while visiting her cottage. That happened in the American version so we pretty much knew at that point that she was a princess.

[@Twirlyhead]

Have to say that I loved Mia Sara in _that_ black dress.

[@piromaniac9999]

Best part of this movie is tim curry without a doubt.Tim curry as the devil=AWESOMENESS!!

[@thepinknightmare8747]

Tim Curry=awesomeness no matter what...I never knew I could find an alien transvestite sexy as he'll til I watched Rocky Horror Picture Show

[@chrisredfield6274]

I first saw this when I was like 6 or 7. My mom loved this movie and had it on VHS. And the goblins always creeped me out. This movie did such a good job at conveying atmosphere and that unsettling feeling of the dark. Legitimately unsettled me during certain scenes. The music, the display of innocence when showing the unicorns, and the gut wrenching feeling you get when the henchmen kill one of them. The scene when she's hiding in the attic almost gave me nightmares. This isn't a movie you can dissect with a typical critic's viewpoint. This isn't an oscar-bait film. It's a very simple fairytale and the most accurate depiction of one on screen. No bullshit CGI or greenscreens all over the place. Everything about this movie is beautifully depicted and they do a great job of displaying the ugly and dark as well. A true balance.

[@rocknrollkid90]

Mia Sara is currently, married to Brian Henson, son of Jim Henson.

[@shaggycan]

Mia Sara is a goddess.

[@kascnef]

Jim Humphries she's a bit older than me

[@charmainebalzan1857]

Wouldn’t she be the stem of everything that is having innocent lives who are connected with the consciousness of the creator, watching both good and bad murders the most horrible crimes of the times of having lost the true origins of men because of the fact of hatred and love of money instead of people and morals

[@alexandresobreiramartins9461]

@@charmainebalzan1857 Could you phrase that in actual English? I couldn't understand anything you wrote.

[@rodneysettle8106]

Charmaine Balzan is that a poem or is it how you talk in real life.

[@randomaccessfemale]

@@alexandresobreiramartins9461 That was perfect english, but it's meaning is lost in your foolish desire to simplify and understand that which is forever out of your reach for it to justify your delusions of influencing another being to submit to your needless demands

[@NickMichalak]

I've never seen "Legend" in any form, but after watching this, I can certainly agree that its cinematography and visual design is stunningly gorgeous. Many of Ridley's films can tend to suffer from a lack of apparent substance, but they are always so richly photographed.

[@thecocktailian2091]

Ridley is an expert at casting unique actors and amazing DP's. Those two skills translate across all his films. But not all his films are good.

[@dvddmc]

Tim Curry Recently had a stroke I do hope that he returns to Full Health.

[@danielwilliamson6180]

Tim Curry could had been Skeletor in Masters of the Universe.

[@fabiotellez6192]

yes

[@AceMcSch00ly]

@@danielwilliamson6180 Frank did a great job as Skeletor.

[@danielwilliamson6180]

@@AceMcSch00ly I know. All I said was "Tim Curry could had been Skeletor."

[@danielwilliamson6180]

@Flat Earth Mos Shouting? No. If I was shoting I'd write in capital letters and type in the ! at the end of it. I just said calmly "All I said Tim Curry could had been Skeletor". That's not shouting. You misunderstood.

[@kingboobs20]

The soundtrack situation is similar to Sonic CD, people can debate all day over which version is better but they're both very good.

[@jackbuchanan9085]

This review totally turned me onto the movie and after watching it its one of the most beautiful movies ive ever seen. Thanks Oliver.

[@stephencorbett2862]

This film IS a Legend.Tim Curry is just amazing

[@rogerstephenroth8073]

Well it comes to show how people at the time don't really appreciate the genius of this film. There is something amazing about how enchanting and engaging this fantasy film is along with its incredible music by Tangerine dream. Personally I love the movie and the music of the film and no the critics were wrong. What an awesome iconic devil this film had as a villain too.

[@MrB0Obs]

tim curry's opening monologue was so amazing

[@Nemoticon]

I watched this movie when I was like 5yrs old... it will always be amazing to me. It was before Tom Cruise was Tome Cruise, so I didn't really have an issue with him. Tim Currie is INCREDIBLE in this flick xD

[@Nemoticon]

Rogue Qall Oh, and Gump was the scariest character I have ever seen on screen!

[@zacharyjochumsen9677]

@@Nemoticon yeh ithink Tom had kind of ,ow opnions if this mkvie but think he called the mke a leering experincd over the years

[@louiethepitt]

80s Movies of my early childhood...Dark Fantasy shaped me...same level as: The Gate The Garbage Pail Kids The Black Cauldron The Witches Labyrinth¨ Dragonslayer Tales from the Darkside Troll Willow Red Sonja ET Critters The Pit Flash Gordon The Secret on NIMH Nausicaä Heavy Metal Clash of the Titans Conan The Barbarian The Dark Chrystal The Adventures of Baron Munchhausen The Hobbit & Lord of the Rings Animated Big Trouble in Little China The Sword and the sorcerer Erik The viking Highlander Krull Care Bears The Movie Howard the Duck Animal Farm Excalibur Masters of the Universe The Never Ending Story Time Bandits Return to Oz Gremlins Little Monsters The Goonies The last Unicorn The Princes Bride

[@IndyMotoRider]

great list! wow Krull, I saw that in the theater with my father... ages ago

[@jermainewilliams7187]

louiethepitt You forgot the Goonies

[@jermainewilliams7187]

louiethepitt okay I apologise but what about Battle Beyond The Stars and SpaceRaiders

[@louiethepitt]

Jermaine Williams I think I went a little or a lot overboard with the list...as I was intending to just post my list of Dark Fantasy Films from the 80s that I saw when I was a child on VHS or Cable TV lol..... but now it has grown to cover Fantasy horror and Science Fiction fantasy......so the 2 you mention are more in the science Fiction department...good movies...forgot that Beyond the Stars had Christian Slater...Watching right now in the TV series iRobot.

[@Soulfly415]

You missed one - Dragonslayer

[@stephenburky9780]

Tangerine dream's soundtrack for this movie is one of my favorites

[@naturalisted1714]

I think when you realize that Jack is the "innocence" that is the bait; and that everything occurs after Jack jumps into the water; then at the end of the Original version, Jack once again jumps into the water to get the ring; we are left wondering if the entire thing was a dream... that she had to encounter her (Jung) Shadow Self in order to realize her love for Jack... jack too realized the potential for darkness in her, but ultimately, his faith in her saved them both.

[@KingEgyptian]

I've always seen Legend as an unofficial Legend of Zelda movie. You have an adventurous hero that lives in the woods that uses a sword and shield (Link), a princess (Zelda), a big powerful monstrous villain (Ganon/Ganondorf), a fairy (Navi), the unicorns (Epona), exploring a dangerous dungeon/castle, defeating a great evil and restoring peace in the world until the evil returns in the future, goblins, elves, and other magical creatures.

[@rockmangurlx4973]

Another bonus is that it’s contrast between light and dark is beautiful in both ends.

[@lamasu]

Unofficial Legend of Zelda movie.

[@starhunterterra9849]

YEAH, I THINK SO TOO IF THERE IS EVER ONE.

[@Tactical_Therapist]

truth.

[@robertkeen5326]

lamasu byto

[@nicholasrue7397]

This is actually where they got the idea for Legend of Zelda.

[@NearLife4life]

lamasu i thought so ever since 89 when i played my first zelda game - zelda 2

[@Crichjo32]

Watching Legend high... that would be amazing.

[@stefenjordan968]

It is

[@tobii6939]

I’ll definitely do this then huh

[@somefella5818]

Speaking of Tim Curry and his great performances (I agree with you Oliver, Legend was one of Tim's best performances as Darkness) yet another great performance by Tim Curry is in Clue: The Movie (1985) as Wadsworth the butler. In my opinion I think that was one of his best comedic roles ever. Even to this day his performance in that film alone still makes me laugh like crazy (the candlestick scene, fumbling around in the dark, piecing together the scene of the crime, 2 plus 1 plus 2 plus 1, etc.) Hey Oliver, you should do a Retrospective / Review on Clue: The Movie (1985), and how it was one of the first movies based on a popular board game & about it's three unique multiple endings that were shown in separate theaters at the time ....and don't forget about Tim Curry. ;-)

[@watermelonlalala]

Damn. I found an old copy of Legend in a storage box today and I thought, "I am going to watch this" and here is youtube giving me this recommendation. I know they read my mind.

[@eduardo_corrochio]

The film is a feast for the eyes. It features the greatest fake forest ever conjured up on a soundstage. Still impressive. And that charming and rustic cottage, I want to stop by for a nap there, and then enjoy some cheddar scones (yes, the birdies may have some, lol). Oh, and Meg Mucklebones was delightfully ghastly. She deserved a longer scene.

[@kornfreak78]

Legend is my favorite childhood fantasy movie... followed closely by The NeverEnding Story. Movies like these just do not exist today. The 80's was such a fantastic time to be alive. Very happy I was a kid during that time. Legend will always be one of my favorite movies. Awesome review, by the way. Very well done. :)

[@amzlakezxxx3048]

Love your reviews Oliver!! I grew up watching the Tangerine Dream soundtrack version and find it better. I tried to watch the European version and couldn't get into the film. Some parts of the music just seemed silly where I like the darkness the US soundtrack brings to the movie. The scene where Jack sees the dead unicorn has so much more emotion with the US soundtrack. But like you said, I guess part of it is my nostalgia!!

[@smokydogy]

"Just as wooden as the trees" OOOOH, Tom you need some ice for that burn?!

[@Barada73]

I can’t imagine Legend without the Tangerine Dream score.

[@mattstorm6568]

It's better you don't, I watched the Euro version, way too "happy and bright", just not the same.

[@notthesamecc1927]

me too though i am not a fan at all of modern music in period type pieces. I really wish there was a traditional music cut for Ladyhawke.

[@youtubeistrash953]

Tangerine Dream helps make this movie....as a fan of Legend I could never watch this without Tangerines music.

[@bertman4]

Tim Curry as Darkness is evil incarnate yet oozing charisma. I would love to see the UK version.

[@BobExcalibur]

I'm glad somebody else appreciates just what a great actor Robert Piccardo is. Even with his fairly minor role here and so much make up, his talent shines through. I mean anybody who can make Voyager even slightly watchable is already a mighty God-KIng of Thespians, obviously.

[@thecocktailian2091]

Amen brother, Voyager is just terrible.

[@Noflippinfloof]

Tim Curry is outstanding! Just love his acting.

[@1Inked4Heart3]

Forever!

[@cliffcampbell8827]

I enjoyed almost all of it in it's entirety. Tim Curry absolutely nailed the part of Darkness and his swamp fit perfectly. I even liked the Tangerine Dream soundtrack. I didn't get the chance to see it in theaters because it wasn't promoted very well and I didn't know about it until home release years later.

[@bigemugamer]

i do love Jerry Goldsmith's work but i grew up with the tangerine dream soundtrack version, but decades later when i went looking for this movie to show it to someone i first had the goldsmith version and i have to say due to my love of this movie with the tangerine dream soundtrack i just did not like how the movie felt... imo of course =)

[@LordDragon1965]

This might be Tim Curry's second best role (outside of Frank)

[@JoypeaceinJesus]

Alan Lambert yeah those are my two favorite movies

[@clone1eighty7]

Alan Lambert what about the butler from clue lol

[@starmartyr7299]

Lol..or how bout' Dr. Pool from 'Oscar' :}

[@starmartyr7299]

Agreed. Curry was truly Amazing as Lord Darkness in this movie.

[@TheGreatestPlayerInTheWorld]

I’d suggest penny wise as well

[@DejaVuJT]

I love Legend. Sure it has its issues, but there still is nothing quite like it, and Darkness is still amazing.

[@chrishealey3516]

Hands down one of my favorite films of all time. I think this is a fair review, the point about the plot being thin I think isn't a problem because it's supposed to be a fairy tale and as such the imagery, symbols and their relationship to one another are more important. It's raw material instead of being worked into more of a fantasy story and that would have detracted from it's mythological feel.

[@anteldrobat3880]

i saw this at the theaters. i was very little and i remember being so spellbound by this movie. at the end when they started playing that rock ballad i kept going back into the theater and my mom and sister had to keep going back in there to get me. i couldnt stop going back in to listen to that music. the soundtrack is one of the greatest things about legend. its what separates it from any other movie of this genre and really makes it a film all its own. its one of my top ten movies of all time.

[@theproplady]

Concerning the religious themes.I think Lily is an Eve/Christ hybrid. She has the Eve temptress qualities to her personality (using her sexuality to manipulate men, even if she isn't trying to actively do evil or selfish things.) Her "sin" leads to the world being plunged into darkness and her soul being sent to Hell. It's here that she turns into a Christ figure. She is tempted to the dark side by Satan (much the same way Jesus himself was in the Gospels) but lacking Christ's overt strength, she instead uses her temptress abilities to fool Darkness into giving her access to the remaining Unicorn. She then tries to free it, knowing that such an action will probably end in her death. (Indeed, it does end in her being plunged into a deathlike state, from which she is resurrected, just like Christ was.) It's not an exact analogy, but it is interesting to see a Christlike role being fitted to a traditionally feminine character.

[@valiantloony8336]

Well done theproplady, I think Ridley mentioned something like this in an interview, so you are pretty much spot on with your observations on Legend in my opinion.

[@bigmike3872]

theproplady You do realize Ridley Scott is a devout aetheist dont you?

[@randomaccessfemale]

@@bigmike3872 All the more reason for him to get inspired by the original fairy tale.

[@DavidGreen_au]

Legend is one of my favourites. And Tim Curry and his make up are one of the best parts of this film!

[@jow84]

I usually never comment on videos, but I have been a fan of your work for a while now. Just wanted to drop in and say thank you for making these! Your American fan appreciates the hard work piecing your videos together!

[@1Hogany]

My childhood, watching Legend in my Aunt's basement, my brother, cousins & me, all spellbound. What I wouldn't give to have one more of those weekends together. Love this beautiful, fantastic movie.

[@paulstaker8861]

I never knew all the lines were dubbed! I knew however that the movie was unnaturally beautiful, it had to be a set.

[@ZombiAstral]

Good observation. I personally feel the same way too. I don't like it when sets look obvious in films.

[@paulstaker8861]

deathmetalduke yeah, but sometimes when they look surreal like this one, I think it's a plus

[@AssyMcgeeee]

I thought all movies are dubbed.

[@Uroste]

Probably the biggest guilty pleasure film that I enjoy.

[@rorschach36]

Legend is one of the most visually amazing films I've seen, definitely worth your time

[@Scotticusmaximus]

ive learned so much about my favorite movies because of this channel. i love what you do. Thank you!

[@sinredzone]

Came across this video. Watched it, subscribed to your channel, picked Legend from the shelf and watched it again. Good job on the review, looks like your taste in movies is approximately 98% the same as mine!

[@Tigerfire75]

I hear Tim Curry didn't actually use any make up for his role.

[@kevynhansyn2902]

He used Makeup for his role in Clue and other Various movies. This is him on a good day.

[@stickthesecond5085]

@@kevynhansyn2902 the joke flew right over your small brain

[@BigDictator5335]

I heard he just walked on set, and nobody was brave enough to tell him to leave.

[@appetizingly]

@@stickthesecond5085 Actually, no. His reverse joke flew right over your, seemingly, small brain. Try to keep up before making a complete ass of yourself, eh?

[@stickthesecond5085]

@@appetizingly dude my reverse reverse joke flew right over your, seemingly, small brain. Try to keep up before making a complete ass of yourself eh?

[@cloud9847]

One of the best movies ever made. As a kid this movie totally blew me away. Oona was beyond beautiful.

[@brucelaborin2124]

Such a huge part of my childhood. Here in the US we got the short and cheap version of Legend, yet it was all I knew and I was fine with that. But when I started reading in fanzines about Superman II and Legend directors cuts, I was forever waiting to see these cuts that existed. When we got the Ultimate Edition of Legend in 2002 here in the US, I rediscovered Legend in a way that I never thought possible. The Directors Cut was the most glorious thing I had ever seen. A whole new film seen with different eyes than when I was a kid. This is a masterpiece, like The Dark Crystal is a masterpiece.

[@kyoto5]

Great review of a classic film. For me, I like the director's cut of the film, but I also, still like the U.S. version. I agree with just about everything you said about this film. I remember in the commentary by Ridley Scott, he said that he wished he could have had more action sequences and a better story. It would have been nice, but I still love Legend and I love the blu ray version of this film. He shouldn't have messed with the Jerry Goldsmith soundtrack, but I like the Tangerine Dream music as well, and I own both soundtracks. Keep up the great reviews!

[@squamish4244]

Ridley Scott used footage of the unicorn for Deckard's dream in the Director's Cut of Blade Runner.

[@bigmike3872]

valar Yep. He also used prop roses from Legend for the finale of Gladiator. Its good that Ridley was able to get some use out of an otherwise utterly worthless piece of cinematic dog shit to help enhance some of his real films

[@johnta17]

Your retrospectives are excellent and deserve my binge watch

[@taketheredpill1452]

Curry's 2 roles (legend & rocky) are SO powerful, it really has never been matched.

[@LeeHutchingsdrumsUK]

Hey Oliver, I've recently discovered your site and think you're doing great work. Keep it up :)

[@OliverHarper]

Thank you very much sir!

[@LeeHutchingsdrumsUK]

Oliver Harper You're very welcome ;)

[@tyrantgregcagkaiju71]

This wasn't even the first time Jerry Goldsmith's score had been either omitted or re-edited in a Ridley Scott film: When he was hired to create the score for Alien, a lot of his music was removed from the film; the soundtrack that remained, however, was digitally altered, which made Jerry very upset. He received a lot of praise for Alien, but he never truly accepted a liking to it because of the changes to his work, which I feel is highly understandable.

[@valmarsiglia]

It's understandable, but in the end I think Scott made the right decision because the music and sound design in Alien are about as perfect as as it gets.

[@bigmike3872]

Tyrant Gregcag No. Goldsmith was trying to aporoach Alien as an adventure/ sci fi film which it wasnt. It was hardcore horror & Ridley had to keep rejecting these pieces of music that this pioneering feeling to it & told him to try & come up with the creepiest, freakiest sounds he coukd. It should feel cryptic. Finally he returned with the score ti the scene where the camera pulls back from the space jockey & reveals the true nature of their surroundungs. There relationshio was fine after that but tbe triumphant end credits music was not his. It was another composer

[@adrianpetyt9167]

Looking back from the age of the MCU, the idea when "heavy on visuals and light on story" was considered a damning criticism and led to a film flopping seems incredible!

[@steerpike66]

Curry knocks it out of the park as usual. The man has a natural grandeur and scary humor that could make anything. no matter how camp or overwrought, seem magnificent and believable.

[@aureliadestiny2482]

The only good parts were with Darkness and Lili. They had a lot of chemistry together and it was great to see a ‘good’ and innocent character so consumed with the dark. Darkness was very sexual too.

[@mattstorm6568]

Sexual? You got issues.

[@MegaAedu]

I LOVE the story of this masterpiece of a film.

[@alexkx8599]

THANK YOU! Jesus!

[@oscarstainton]

It still fascinates me how close Ridley Scott could have come to fashioning his own fantasy opus to stand alongside Star Wars had he developed the story more; it has the perfect visual design for it. But for what it is, it's a beautiful movie in its simplicity. I have to admit while I did enjoy the Tangerine Dream US version and felt the 80s score did build an enchanting atmosphere, I'll be sure to track down the U.K. version! Awesome review, Ollie!

[@jimbobaggans1564]

This film was beautifully done. Everything blended extremely well. I never get tired of watching it.

[@eukat3ch]

Legend, Willow, Labrynth i all love em.. they dont make these type of movies anymore

[@blackmanta777]

Ha! Man we watched some crazy things back in the day!! LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!

[@kentagious1246]

This movie and Rats of Neim two great ones!

[@montgomerypowers7205]

My favorite aspect of the film is how the camera frames most of the shots from a perspective within the frame. Low, ground-level angles and close, intimate shots of the characters give a feeling of being inside the scene.

[@0pensourcegamer]

Thanks so much for this review! I have just discovered this movie, I didn't know anything about it except for the fact that it was directed by Ridley Scott after Blade Runner. And I did not expect this quality visuals. The quality of film it was shot on is similar to LOTR and the visual side itself surpasses almost all fantasy movies I've encountered. Fantastic, fantastic movie. Maybe the script is easy and actors are not so deeply playing their roles, but everything isn't perfect, right? It's so sad that it was a failure at the box office, I wonder what Ridley would shoot next if it was successful. By the way, I watched the Tangerine Dream version first, and it seemed to me to be much more trance-y, hypnotizing. So I really don't know what to prefer - Goldsmith's score with rich orchestra or this dreamy electronic sequence. I'd go for TD for a first time.

[@karlmueller1980]

Gosh I love legend how is start darkness was as a interesting villain as Vader from Star Wars

[@markg.7865]

I agree 100%, the Dark Lord is one of the best villains on screen ever created, he's so good that you root for him.

[@MilesVideos10000]

Love your reviews Oliver! This movie looks really interesting, and because I first heard about it on your show, I thought I should ask you, can you please recommend which version I should watch first? And how many cuts are there? Keep up the good work!

[@OliverHarper]

+Miles Mathias I recommend the European cut. The Blu-ray is region free if you live outside the UK.

[@Boa1701]

Watch both and decide for yourself. :)

[@NearLife4life]

intro and cottage by tangerine dream. listen to the harmony. The use of common chord modulation, effortlessly, sends chills down my spine. TD captured the mood of the film, while also being relevant to the time. Yes, its dated, but in a rate and good way. i don't think we'll hear work like that again, and that lends to its magic

[@lenzino7383]

You know it's funny critics then pretty much disliked the film for its visuals and elaborate sets. Those sets and visuals hold up SO well 30 years later, look more life-like and tangible than the CGI drenched nightmares that most fantasy films are now a days. The costumes also, are just so remarkable and timeless. Personally, I think it's a severely underrated film and a masterpiece in filmmaking that people just didn't see until years later.

[@ZombiAstral]

I enjoy your spoiler ridden reviews a lot Mr Harper (being a filmmaker myself). It's always good to listen to someone who has a keen eye for the craft. Legend is an undoubtedly beautiful film, however; We'll have to disagree on the best looking bit. Lots of the sets look like sets, and take away the much needed immersion for this type of genre imo. Good, informative video nontheless.

[@benjammin8184]

If you've already seen this before Bladerunner final cut, then the unicorn scene is so clearly lifted from here it's impossible to take it seriously.

[@DakarBlues]

Along with the little cyborgs in J.F. Sebastian's workshop 😘

[@jahredsplitfoot]

Great visuals and weak story are pretty much a mantra when it comes to Scott. To be fair that isn't always his fault and is more often down to studio bosses trimming his work for cinema release. I find myself usually awaiting the DVD release of his movies rather than watching them in theatres as the "plot" tends to be restored, Kingdom of Heaven and Gladiator are prime examples of this.

[@thepinknightmare8747]

I love your videos, I'm always interested in learning as much information as I can about everything and you do a great job at telling all this really interesting info about movies.

[@levarmitchell3962]

I get the feeling most of the Tangerine Dream fans' sentiment is based on nostalgia. Since I've only seen parts of it and never picked up on the soundtrack until now sorry I have to say... the original is more fitting. The 80s pop synth feels way out of place. Maybe it works for a contemporary or futuristic tale but legend is a timeless tale. A symphonic score is more suitable for a fairytale, in this case.

[@ArnoldTohtFan]

why is it that all the goldsmith fanboys are stodgy old fogeys with a prejudice against synths? goldsmith's score sounded so generic and dull! tangerine dream brought the story to life with their otherworldly music!

[@connorbrennan4233]

The Goldsmith score seemed to have a couple of bits reused from Psycho II. The Tangerine Dream score works in some places, like when Jack is in the snow apologizing to the other unicorn.

[@runlarryrun77]

It's weird but I remember when I first saw this film (early 90's) I felt the synth score was out of place. It's the only version I've seen but synth just never sat right with the fantasy genre for me.

[@Jetwolf]

@@ArnoldTohtFan I love synths, and between synth and classical, synth is in my car every time, but it doesn't suit this film.

[@ArnoldTohtFan]

TD's music brought the film to life and gave its magical fantasy world a voice. We'd never experienced anything like it before, nor have we since. It's what makes it so unique. Goldsmith's score was generic, reminiscent of every Disney production we've ever seen.

[@dejabu24]

I agree Goldsmith was one of the greatest , I remember I saw part of the movie when I was a kid , great review

[@delilahmills7192]

Tim Curry-incredible performance-by far my favorite version of the Devil/Darkness, first introduction to him was in Rocky Horror Picture Show, which was also a cult classic, truly a pleasure to watch.

[@jonanjello]

Great retrospective, Oliver. 17:22 That's a keen observation. I love Legend, but it does indeed feel like a vignette or portion of a larger tale.