4K Review: THE SWORD AND THE SORCERER (1982)

Albert Pyun was a prolific genre filmmaker who chalked up 54 credits to his name before sadly passing away in 2022. Among his classic titles were the post-apocalyptic JCVD vehicle, Cyborg (the first R-rated movie I was exposed to) and his directorial debut, The Sword and the Sorcerer – available from November 4 on 4K UHD from 101 Films in the UK.

When a tyrant seeks to consolidate his power over the land, a mercenary with a three-bladed, spring-loaded sword is recruited by descendants of a fallen kingdom to restore peace and stability, while an evil sorcerer from the ‘Netherworld’ makes plans of its own.

Fantasy is a broad genre that boasts imaginative settings spanning from medieval Europe all the way out to a galaxy far, far away. The Sword and the Sorcerer is not the first of its kind, but its colourful and lighthearted tone has made this classic a staple title within the ‘sword and sorcery’ sub-genre, proving to be just as popular as its more refined and philosophical rival, Conan the Barbarian as this film was Pyun’s directorial debut he has since been accused of being in over his head, especially given the complexities of its relatively large production. However, his ambition and wholehearted embrace of fantasy filmmaking supersede the hurdles or difficulties he may have encountered.

The Sword and the Sorcerer offers a unique triangle of conflict, where both our primary antagonist and protagonist have a common enemy in the form of the titular Sorcerer, Xusia of Delos, played by the late Richard Moll. It’s this figure of overwhelming evil that brings an unexpectedly horrific element to the film, which earned an R rating. While it does somewhat alienate audiences, the mixed tone adds a unique, fun energy to the narrative.

Richard Lynch, as always, gives it his all as the slimy and cunning King Titus Cromwell, while his counterpart, Talon (Lee Horsley) is your traditional swashbuckler and scoundrel. Titus’ right hand, the devious Count Machelli, is played by the late George Maharis, who’s hard to recognise at first but contributes to the distinctive ensemble which also includes the very animated Simon MacCorkindale as Lord Mikah. Of course, no fantasy is complete without a princess, who is played by beautiful Kathleen Beller.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Tales of the Ancient Empire – An interview with director Albert Pyun
A Princess’ Tale – An interview with actress Kathleen Beller
Mightier than the Sword – An interview with co-writer/co-producer John Stuckmeyer
Master of the Blade – An interview with editor Marshall Harvey
The Specialist and the Effects – An interview with special makeup effects artist Allan Apone
Brothers in Arms – An interview with special effects artists the Chiodo brothers – Charles, Edward and Stephen
Dedicated to Jack Tyree, Stuntman – The cast and crew remember stuntman Jack Tyree
Trailers From Hell – Editor Marshall Harvey on the Sword and the Sorcerer
Theatrical trailers
TV spot
Still gallery

With almost two hours worth of special features ported from the U.S Blu-ray, fans will gain a new appreciation for The Sword and the Sorcerer after hearing from the various individuals who worked on it. Memories from our subjects range from everywhere to troublesome, lukewarm, to enjoyable with members from the special effects department sharing the most positive recollections. While Albert Pyun is a bit fuzzy in the interview taken a few years prior to his death, his enthusiasm for the business and his career is infectious. Clips taken from each interview regarding the unfortunate death of stuntman Jack Tyree are compiled into a fitting tribute commemorating his contribution to the film. – by Hannah Lynch

VIDEO AND AUDIO

I was honestly quite sceptical about whether there would be much difference in quality between the Blu-ray and 4K versions. You can rest assured the UHD disc offers very noticeable improvement in sharpness and clarity. The ominous reds that dominate the film’s opening sequence seem almost impossibly vibrant. Presented in the film’s original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 the image offers deep blacks and high contrast which tends to add more depth to the image compared to the Blu-ray counterpart.

Optional English DTS-HD Master Audio in 2.0 and 5.1 are both equal in quality, but dialogue volume is frustratingly low with the 5.1 track, whereas it comes through blasting in good old-fashioned stereo. English subtitles are included.

The Sword and the Sorcerer throws as much as it can at you, and while the film’s budget was limited, it very easily draws you into a world that’s both chaotic and creative. 101 Films has captured the film’s essence with their release that encompasses much of what the year 1982 comprised of for movies lovers.

THE SWORD AND SORCERER
(1982, Director: Albert Pyun)

★★★★