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And, if feeling the need to take stock of the bank balance,
work or way-behind study notes, it was "It's better to
burn out than to fade away!"
Yup, as you can see the old flat in Coventry St was a den
of Highlander fiends - only one of whom could actually
lay any claim to Scots ancestry.
Anyway, back to the movie. Highlander introduces you
to Connor Macleod, an antiques dealer in Manhatten, who has
lived for more than 400 years and cannot die. That is unless
someone chops his head off, then he's cactus.
Macleod has no idea he's immortal until a highland battle
has him running into a very big and nasty brute called the
Kurgan (Clancy Brown) who does his best to despatch our hero
before he can used to his powers.
Surviving that original encounter, Macleod then is met by
Ramirez (Sean Connery) who takes him under his wing, teaches
him about his power and also how to fight properly with a
sword.
The two become as close as brothers and there is an unspoken
loyalty that they will not fight each other, even at the Gathering
of immortals when the last one left alive gets the Prize -
infinite knowledge with all living things.
There are swordfights galore, flashbacks to Macleod's past
- some of which, like the duel on Boston Common, are very
funny - and a terrific soundtrack that put Queen right back
to its rocky best. No crappy Fat-Bottomed Girls songs
in this film.
Directed by Russell Mulcahy, Highlander is filled
with beautiful images, lots of flashy music-video-style scenes
and high action. But it also has moment of deep intraspection
where Macleod thinks about all the loved ones in his life
he has lost, particularly his first major love Heather.
The transfer of Highlander is very very good, although
you do get some grain, but overall it is clear, sharp and
has wonderful colour rendition. The audio is better yet and
- with the soundtrack and sound effects available - will give
your system a pretty damn serious channel workout.
Highlander is a terrific movie - one of this chap's
favourites - and is a fine addition to any DVD library. And,
best of all, it will take at least 500 playings without breaking
a sweat.
There can be only one!
Conclusion: Movie 90%, Extras 40%
Continued:
DVD details at a glance >
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