The Beastmaster [DVD] [1982] Don Coscarelli, Marc Singer, Tanya Roberts, Rip Torn, John Amos, Joshua Milrad

Well come on, of course I was going to give it 5 stars, it's only the fourth copy I've bought since it became available on video formats. (Although, keep this between you and me, I'd rather own it on 35mm). I particularly marvel that on DVD you need to be 15plus to ogle Tanya's chesticles but age didn't matter if you saw it in the cinema as a PG (which I did, when it first came out- the film, not her titties- but of course I looked- you can't miss them on a 21ft screen). Of course this film is a must for all self-respecting straight males and red-necks because of Tanya (what more would you need) however if your taxi is travelling the other way there is Mr. Singer at his fittest and smoothest. Meanwhile there is an epic tale told in this fine picture (when you take your eyes of Mark and Tanya). I wasn't quite old enough to appreciate the leading "scenery" when I first watched this so I know it has a good simple story that is truly adventurous and connects with the wonder years of my childhood. Of course I like ET, Raiders of the Lost Ark and the Empire Strikes Back (there is only ONE Star Wars film) but The Beastmaster is the most played film in my house and I have completely lost count of the number of times it's been on. Sometimes I actually watch, other times I have so I can hear the soundtrack. This movie comes with Lee Holdridge's finest adventure scoring, the only thing it lack is a CinemaScope format but it still looks magnificent on the big screen. Excellent cast and excellent adventure, nothing tacky, definitely one of the best of the 80s Fantasy crop.

I have been waiting for this DVD release for ages and it finally arrived. I have loved this film ever since I first saw it on TV once. I wanted to introduce my boyfriend to it. He was a bit skeptical though, as our main character does run around in a loin cloth with muscles to rival Conan. Yet the story itself remains pure magic. An unborn child, chosen for sacrifice who is saved by a traveler whom becomes his "father". In later years he discovers he has the ability to control animals. When his village is destroyed he is the only one to survive by the graces of his dog. He turns to revenge, gathering new companions (animals) along the way. His bond with his animal companions is what really is great for me. His two thieving ferrets are definitely the comic tone in the movie. He joins up with a rebellious group and helps to save their king. This king refuses to listen and accept the aid of the Beastmaster to overthrow an evil sorcerer. There is a lot of action, magic, friendship, and even the loneliness of being an outsider. Something anyone can enjoy!

This version of The Beastmaster (Korean release)is well worth the price.Released in the early 1980's this film still entertains. The villans are horrid as they should be.Rip Torn is excellent as Maxx-the arch demonic high priest.The plot is simple, like most 'sword and sorcery' tales but very entertaining because it adds humour to the action and does not take itself seriously.However it's not a parody.The evil actions of the villan and his various minions are chilling.The hero is well played by Marc Singer and his love interest is delightful to watch(The very lovely Tanya Roberts)This edition is 118 mins long (the uncut version I believe)and is in English with english and korean subtitles which can be easily switched off.The price is excellent when compared to the region 1 release. If you a fan of this type of movie from the heydays of Conan get this DVD.

Ah, "The Beastmaster", part of that select group of films we call "Films made by Don Coscarelli" -- these tend to be a little off-kilter, filled with odd ideas and worth multiple viewings. The "Phantasm" quartet, "Bubba Ho-Tep", "John Dies at the End" and even "Survival Quest" all reward you for your attention and this, probably his most mainstream feature, is still just that little bit bananas. It was made in 1981 and released in 1982, just as the success of Conan The Barbarian (released that spring) was pushing spaceships out of theatres. Consequently the broad story is a familiar one: child sees his village, and especially his father, destroyed at the hands of an evil sorcerer. As he grows up into well-muscled, low-body-fat adulthood he gathers his acolytes and forges alliances with strange tribes before a final battle with the evil sorceror along with the fulfilment of a prophecy and the revealing of unexpected lineage. Throw in some swordplay, witches and topless women and the template is complete (as in Deathstalker, Hawk the Slayer, the Conan sequels and so forth) But Coscarelli manages a few neat finesses and memorable touches to the formula. Our hero Dar (Marc Singer) can see through the eyes of his animal followers, the enemy is the vile Maax (Rip Torn) who has suicidal followers and a city in his thrall and one of the strange tribes is a set of genuinely frightening bat-winged, er, things that smother and digest people in the dark. It's sword-n-sorcery tat so not worth the full five stars but I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy it enough to get it a second time. Second? Well, there's a white-covered DVD that is the main UK issue and it's terrible -- a fuzzy, over-light pan-n-scan picture, no extras and over-priced. Just go look at the reviews (and, the way Amazon mix their reviews by title, it's possible there's a review or two for it here). This version, the blue-covered Korean one, is the real deal -- proper widescreen, good colours (though a bit grainy), a fun commentary, behind-the-scenes home movies with a commentary and even an easter egg. And cheap as chips, too. So, pretty good quality, pretty low price. Told you it befitted the film...

This film is very dated but still fun to watch.

Brilliant film

One of the better Pratchett productions

VERY GOOD DVD

Guter Film.

Video

First of all, The Beastmaster is one of the greatest sword and sorcery films ever made. Sadly, this film can be really hard to come by. Back in the 1980s and 1990s this movie was a staple on cable networks and could be found in every single VHS rental store in the country. Since the age of blu-ray, disc copies have become hard to find. However, this movie can be streamed on Amazon. For the collector of films on discs, this film is a must-have. The movie follows the story of a lone barbarian warrior who has a psychic bond with animals. Traveling with a tiger fighting by his side, a falcon who scouts for him, and two ferrets who bail him out of trouble, he seeks revenge against an evil sorcerer. Epic fight scenes and spectacular practical effects combined with amazing cinematography and great acting make The Beastmaster a well-made film that pulls the viewer into the world of our protagonist, Dar. The movie has only one flaw, the picture is sharper than ever, but it has age has given it a picture grain that is noticeable in some places of the film. This picture grain was not in any of the previous releases. The original negative of the film is supposedly lost and the new transfer had to be made from the interpositive. As stated earlier, the film looks better than ever, but I cannot but wonder if the film would have turned out better in the hands of a more reputable company such as Arrow video. I know for a fact that there are ways to digitally remove picture grain from a movie. However, as a whole, this is the best version of The Beastmaster to date in regards to overall picture quality. Hopefully, we will someday see Beastmaster 2 and Beastmaster III make a long-overdue blu ray release. The sequels never matched the scope and grandeur of the first film but they are certainly worth watching. Fans of Conan the Barbarian (1980s) and The Lord of the Rings will absolutely love this gem of a movie. 10 out of 10

In good condition and just as described. Thanks

The BeastMaster is an underrated gem of 1980s sword-and-sorcery cinema. With its heroic storyline, telepathic animal companions, and mystical battles, the film offers a nostalgic fantasy experience that still holds up today. Marc Singer shines as Dar, the titular BeastMaster, bringing a mix of determination and emotional depth to his role. The visuals are classic '80s fantasy, complete with grand landscapes and practical effects that add charm to the adventure. While the plot is straightforward, the film's world-building, action sequences, and unique animal interactions make it stand out. If you're a fan of cult classics, epic quests, and legendary heroes, The BeastMaster is a must-watch.