Time Bandits

loved all of them

I loved this movie! Before the time of Harry Potter, a great experience for children & adults. The director, Terry Gilliam, takes you on an adventure with historical figures throughout time!

I like that line. I use it on people I know. Well, anyway, I decided to sit down and watch this film today to see if it's worthy of a re-purchase in the future, in the Blu-Ray format. If I didn't watch it today, I would have probably made the mistake of just going ahead and buying it again because I like films of the Sci-Fi fantasy genre. But, as movies get older and older, and we've watched them several times over the past 20 plus years, we begin to realize that we know every next scene, and we learn that it wasn't as great as when we were unprepared for the next scene. This movie has some great dark mid-eval scenery, but Terry Gilliam is famous for that. I still appreciated Terry Gilliam's work at this time, because he is surely extremely strange and bizarre to me lately ("Tideland", "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas", "12 Monkeys"). Not like his earlier Monty Python days where I appreciate a single step or two into the strange and bizarre. He's way weird to me know.Anyway, "Time Bandits" is a semi-child fantasy that gets less interesting every time I watch it again, so I may or may not be repurchasing this as a Blu-Ray DVD in the future because, although I'd like to see it in a more realistic visual high definition experience, it's still the strange story that Terry Gilliam wrote back then. My favorite scene in the film is when they were in the cage and they cut string from the support rope of the suspended cage and made a few ropes to make an interesting, well calculated, escape from the suspended cage. But, when we get nearer to the end of the film, we gotta wonder, did Terry Gilliam have this whole story written before he started filming, or did he just start adding things because he came to a stand-still of where to go next?He probably thought, "Let me think here, just to throw something bizarre and off-the-wall here, let me have Randall bust through the wall with a Sherman tank from the 1940's. Let me see what that suggests to me so that I can finally work on an end to this movie sometime within the next 15 minutes or so. I'm out of ideas about how to keep this story interesting so let me try to slap things together so I can get this semi-bored audience on their way home soon."I guess what I'm saying here is the story was sort of interesting when it started. I enjoy it once we get past the Napoleon part, and from there forward. But it started to lose it's charm when "Evil" got the map and now they must work on a reclamation and a conclusion.It's funny (and even Terry Gilliam claimed with a tongue in cheek approval) that the critics said that the best part of this movie was the ending. It's not the the ending was great (because it certainly wasn't). What was meant by the "great ending" statement is that they were happy that it was finally over. HA! HA! Monty Python fans ought to appreciate that the critics statement was misinterpreted too.Anyway, this is probably a movie that I have on DVD that would probably look great on Blu-ray Hi-Definition, but it is certainly not one of the first Blu-Ray discs that I would run out and buy. I made an expense vow that I plan to stick to. I will only replace my absolute favorite movies (which are about 60 of my 500+ movies) at any price under $30. But, anything else that I already have on DVD that's not incredibly fantastic, I will only buy the new Blu-ray version if it's $9.99 or less. I have to initiate a discipline for myself so I don't go wasting my money on replacing movies that I'll just watch again, once more maybe, and then have it just sit on my DVD shelf as a part of a proud collection that may never be watched again anytime soon.I'm definitely going to be very selective of how I buy Blu-Ray discs. I've bought just 8 in the past year and I still don't have a Blu-Ray disc player. I'm just not that anxious to buy a Blu-ray disc player although I know I've bought some Blu-Ray discs where I'd like to someday see a better quality picture of a film that I truly enjoy.. When I eventually own about 25 or 30 Blu-Ray discs, I may then go out and buy my first Blu-Ray disc player. I must maintain discipline on my Blu-Ray disc expenses! It's very important that I live this way for my movie library. Because, before you know it, they will eventually come out with something better than Blu-ray, like 1500p resolution. You know, that's not too far-fetched to imagine. Blu-Ray is simply not the end to improved video quality. I hope you all know that."I am the Supreme Being, I'm not entirely dim." That's another great line from this movie.

Time Bandits was Terry Gilliam’s (Monty Python) amazing sci fi adventure film. The story is about Kevin a pre-teen kid who loves history but is ignored by his parents. He goes on an adventure through myth and the past with the help of 6 dwarves who stole a map from the Supreme Being to navigate through time. It turns out they are committing robberies while the Supreme Being is attempting to get the map back and the devil wants it as well.The beauty of the movie is how it weaves in all kinds of historical figures into the story. Kevin for instance meets Napoleon who is obsessed with his small stature. Then he meets Robin Hood whose marry men turn out to be a group of real ruffians who abuse the poor. It’s these takes on famous people that draws people in.The dwarves are real characters as well and provide some laughs. Gilliam also got his old Python compatriots Michael Palin and John Cleese to make cameos.This movie creates a real sense of adventure and fun and shows how much of a talent Gilliam was as a director.C

A modern English schoolboy named Kevin (Craig Warnock) was trying to have a good's nights rest, a group of dwarfish theieves (Kenny Baker, Mike Edmonds, David Rappaport, Tiny Ross, Malcom Dixon, and Mike Edmonds) exit out of his closet and the young boy joins them on the run from the supreme being. The little theives have a special map of time and space that they stole as they travel through different times from the age of Robin Hood to the age of Titanic then they confront the forces of darkness conducted by Evil One (David Warner).A brilliant, magicial and hilarious fantasy comedy adventure from Terry Gilliam of Monty Python is the first great of Terry Gilliam's big 80's fantasy trilogy that began with this then continued with the even better "Brazil" in 1985 and ended with the underrated "Adventures of Baron Munchausen". The film does have an all-star supporting cast such as Shelly Duvall, Katherine Helmond, Ian Holm, John Cleese, Michael Palin and Ralph Richardson to shine on the film. The script by Terry Gilliam and fellow Monty Python member Michael Palin is witty and the music score is superb even some of the few songs by George Harrison of "Beatles" fame whom also produced the film. The special effect are still very good even in these days of CGI and there's even a fun sense of humor that makes this a winner for everyone.This 2-Disc DVD set has brilliant picture and sound thanks to Divamax HD and some cool extras like interview with Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin, The Directors retrospective on the films of Gilliam featurette, Trailers, a fold out map of the universe with liner note, Terry Gilliam Bio and DVD-Rom feature on the original screenplay, this is a must have for the fantasy collection.Also recommended: "Brazil", "The Adventures of Baron Munchausen", "The Wizard of Oz", "The Brother's Grimm", "The Dark Crystal", "Harry Potter Saga", "Lord of the Rings Trilogy", "Labyrinth", "The Neverending Story", "Pan's Labyrinth", "Krull", "Willy Wonka (Both 1971 and 2005)", "The Spiderwick Chronicles", "The Golden Compass", "City of Lost Children", "Spirited Away", "My Neighbor Totoro", "Howl's Moving Castle", "Monty Python Movie Series", "Clash of the Titans", "Heavy Metal", "Excalibur", "Big Trouble in Little China", "The Forbidden Kingdom", "Shrek Trilogy", "Willow", "The Princess Bride", "Legend", "Return to Oz", "Jabberwocky", "Castle in The Sky", "Kiki's Delivery Service", "Hellboy 1 & 2", "Superman", "The Last Unicorn", "The Secret of NIMH", "The Flight of Dragons", "Watchmen", "Back to the Future Trilogy", "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure", "Making Contact (a.k.a. Joey)", "Army of Darkness", "The Chronicles of Narnia 1 & 2", "Fire and Ice", "Mirrormask", "The Goonies" and "Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey".

I remember my wife buying me the first release of Time Bandits on Blu-Ray may years ago and being very giddy about the whole affair. It was around the time when I first took the plunge to go HD and as much as I appreciated the gift the end result was nothing more than baffling.Firstly the DVD looked better than what I was seeing. After inserting the disc there are scenes playing in the background on the main menu and they were nothing more than breathtaking bearing in mind these were just 2 second clips gearing you up for what you were about to see and it was just stunning, seeing the film like it was the first time. Then pressing play takes you into a whole different experience. It was just awful, black lines appearing and jumpy screen shots popping up from nowhere. Whoever viewed the Blu-Ray at head office and signed it off as a worthy release is clearly not working in the industry today and if he or she is then maybe any poor release on Blu-Ray is because of this person.So after a couple of years of never forgetting this rough start into trying a new format Arrow Video announced they were releasing a remastered version of the film with Director approved extra's. It has to be the best release there will ever be on the film. It has a lot of what we have never seen. It is lacking a full throttle all you can eat documentary but has many interviews with Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin, David Warner etc to keep you satisfied. My actual favourite addition to the extras was a restoration demonstration which to me fees like an apology for the first release but it wasn't made by Arrow then but still a great way to look at it. Seeing how they restored the film is an exciting insight into how remastering is done.Never be in doubt Arrow's release of Time Bandits is the best there is and possibly will ever be so do not hesitate and buy this as soon as you can.

I blame myself for not having yet to talk about this nice blu-ray Steelbook edition.Indeed, Time Bandits is one of my favorite Terry Gilliam films with Brazil and 12 Monkeys.If there is darkness in this film, as in most of Gilliam's works, this Time Bandits is (almost) the happiest story of his filmography. A funny tale in which a young boy gets lost, along with other time travelers. But beware! We are not in a Dr Who style story.

Young 'Kevin' (Craig Warnock) reads of times gone by, one night, his bedroom seems to have become a portal, assix dwarfs led by 'Randall' (David Rappaport) enter his bedroom through the wardrobe, they are running from the'Evil One' (David Warner) they'd stolen an enchanted map.'Kevin' gets swept away through a Time-Window along with his new found friends, this triggers a new and wonderousadventure as with the Dwarfs he begin a journey to steal whatever they can.The Dwarfs by using the map can travel through portals to accumulate and escape...........their fist encounter is with'Napoleon' (Ian Holm) who has a complex about his 5' 1" stature, stealing from the legendary conqueror far too easy,the portal lands them into 'Sherwood Forest' where 'Robin Hood' (John Cleese)is more than happy to relieve the wouldbe thieves of their ill-gotton gains.They are unaware that the 'Evil - One' is tracking their every move, he wants the stolen map back to further his evil plansto rule the World with his brand of justice.'Kevin' escapes through the portal alone on this occasion finding himself in Ancient-Greece where his entry into that timesaves the King of Mycenae Agamemnon (Sean Connery) who decides to make 'Kevin' his 'heir' in gratitude.However the loveable thieving 'Dwarfs' are not far behind 'Kevin' as his adventure continues.....Will 'Kevin' find his way back home and return to reality.........(What of the Photo's he takes with his Polaroid Camera ??)A superb family friendly fantasy adventure that can be enjoyed by all.........the 1981 movie's upgrade to the Blu-ray formatactually most acceptable.Features -* Chasing Time Bandits a new interview with Terry Gillian - Writing the film that daes not to say his name - A new interviewin which Michael Palin discusses co-writing and acting in Time Bandits - The effects of Time Bandits a new interview withKent Houstan, founder of the peerless camera company, discusses Time Bandits special-effects - Playing Evil a new interviewin which David Warner remembers producer George Harrison and playing Evil in Time Bandits - The costumes of Time Banditsa interview with costume designer James Acheson - The look of Time Bandits a new interview with production designer MillyBurns - From script to screen - A new animation featurette in which Milly Burns takes us through her production note-books,location photographs and storyboards revealing how Twentieth Century Morocco was transformed into Ancient Greece -Original trailer - Reconstruction demonstrations - Collectors booklet featuring new writing on the film by critic James Oliver.

Some very slight spoilers, but hopefully nothing that should spoil your enjoyment:This is Alice in Wonderland for boys. Time Bandits features some of the most imaginative scenes I've ever seen.The Supreme Being represented by a terrifying, floating head, following the gang down a hidden corridor in Kevin's room is so eerie and exhilarating that the last time I watched it I welled up! Although it was a bank holiday Sunday morning and I'd helped myself to some gin...Children may lose patience during the Napoleon scene but if they stick with it they're in for an ogre, a giant and a battle between good and evil! And they'll love the bickering, silly time bandits themselves. There are also excellent performances from David Warner, Sean Connery, John Cleese, Ian Holm, Michael Palin and the cute Craig Warnock as our hero, Kevin.But one thing I've found time and time again from talking to friends: it is not for girls! My wife finds it grubby-looking and refuses to watch it again. Other lady friends conclude that they just don't get it. Although this is just my experience and other reviews have disagreed.This film was released the year I was born and I have grown up with it. I watch it every few years and it never ceases to completely capture my imagination. Charming, inventive, funny and quintessentially British.

All these dvds`s ordered in the past year, many via tv screening.. often full screen. I`M STILL a home cinema enthusiast and expect..if the case says its wide letterbox...good. Over the past few years i`ve beem so disappointed i gave up at one stage. HOW can it be me..does anyone return them. Time Bandits rewstored but..full screen..why. Highlander my last order the sa,e. Its not amazons faukt but after removing shrink wrap.. bfi man told me my mulberry bush must be wide. Its not.