Knightriders (1981) (Blu-ray Review)
Directed By: George A. Romero
Starring: Ed Harris, Gary Lahti, Tom Savini
Rated: R/Region A/1:85/1080p/Number of Discs 1
Available from Scream Factory
The members of a traveling Renaissance Faire, who saddle up on motorcycles instead of horses, ride from town to town to stage medieval jousting tournaments with combatants in suits of armor and wielding lances, battle-axes, maces and broadswords. The spectacle of this violent pageant soon garners national attention, much to the dismay of the current king of this Camelot. A challenger to his throne arises as they try to maintain their fairytale existence in a world wrought with corruption.
George Romero is a director that always seems to have a lot to say with his films and this is a film that was made during a time when George was still relevant with his social commentary. This is a very outlandish and off the wall film. That is, however, what makes it stand out. I think we see George at one his most creative points here and it is very apparent. Stephen King, Tom Savini, Ken Foree and even more pop up here in this wild and crazy film. That makes it that much more enjoyable and I think it is a nice change of pace from the usual zombie flick this director is known for.
This is also a movie that looks very nice on Blu-ray. The colors and details only help with the odd world we are tossed into during the perhaps a little too long-ish running time of the Knightriders. The movie shoots for an epic feel and maybe it does fall ever so slightly short of epic, but it does reach the extremely fun and enjoyable level and that is really all that matters if you ask me.
– Audio Commentary
– New Documentary On The Making Of Knightriders
– Behind-The-Scenes Home Movies
– Theatrical Trailer
– TV Spots
