Hercules Movie Reviews

This pack provides a real sampling of the Hercules series, along with Xena and Young Hercules. If anyone has not seen these, this pack could very well get them hooked! The animated movie was entertaining as well, but I prefer the real thing. The only disappointment is the lack of chapter stops on the Hercules's Amazon Women and Lost Kingdom DVD, and the Xena Trilogy DVD. Using the fast forward is inconvenient, but does not detract from the stories!

hercules and xena all together this ios a great

box set im a big hercules fan

hercules and xena are #1

It almost seems too good to be true, but this package contains four discs crammed full of Hercules and Xena. Each selection features a variety of stories from the quest to liberate the city of Troy to the memorable transformation of Xena from a warlord to a warrior princess fighting for justice. None of them will disappoint. Kevin Sorbo and Lucy Lawless shine as the stars and display both wit and charisma. If there is one gripe to be had about this collection, it is the lack of the other three original Hercules movies. This compilation only features two. Despite the setback, there is no shortage of action and humor that have carried the series for more than five years now. A true fan treat.

Hercules the Legendary Journeys was one of the most popular syndicated shows ever. It was originally part of the action pack with other shows such as Kung Fu, Tekwar, Babylon 5, and Highlander. Hercules was the crown jewel of the action pack and is finally out on DVD.

Hercules is executive produced and founded by Sam Raimi(Evil Dead Series and Spiderman). The lead character is played by Kevin Sorbo and he established himself as the best Hercules ever. He was outstanding and could act unlike some of the previous people to play the strongest man alive.

Hercules The Legendary Journeys contains the five original made for TV movies and all 13 episodes that were put out in season 1. The movies are about an hour and 45 minutes long and are great. I've enjoyed reliving the experience of watching them, and enjoy them all a lot except for the Maze of the Minotaur which lacks the originality of the first four. The 13 episodes tell the tales of Hercules, as he goes off and helps people that are in need.

It's a great show with a great cast. Tawny Kitaen plays Hercules wife in the movies. She it totally hot and it's a shame she's gone of the deep end. Anthony Quinn plays the king of the gods Zues. Michael Hurst plays Hercules best friend Iolas and there is also Lucy Lawless and Xena in a couple of episodes. There are a couple of other actors that are in the show that look familiar and can be seen in a lot of Sam Raimi's stuff.

This is a great show. It's awesome being able to just pop a DVD in and watch a great episode from a great tv show. Any fan of mythology has to get this. Any fan of the tv show should get it. You won't regret buying it. Don't miss out on it.

I've been looking forward to getting the first season of H:TLJ on DVD for the LONGEST time and was not as all disappointed when it finally showed. This set is even better than anticipated.

The background and commentary from the stars of the show, Sorbo and Hurst, is wonderful. You can actually see them watching the episodes along with you or, if you prefer, listen to their comments as you watch. I only wish we could have heard from both actors on more than a few episodes. Also would have loved to heard from Rob Tapert on a few of those first season episodes as well.

The installment with Kevin Sorbo and one of the directors (of his first HTLJ movie?) is fun and quite telling. They obviously respect each other a great deal.

Even the small gaff's in both Sorbo and Hursts memories are endeariong. We tend to forget how long ago these shows were taped and they've been inviolved in so many!

In the furture I would like to see outtakes, comments from other actors such as Bruce Campbell (Autolycus) and Bob Trebor (Salmoneus) and also a segment with Sorbo and Hurst together, in the same room, taking a trip down memory lane, especially about their good friend, Kevin Smith (Ares) who is sadly no longer with us. However, we have five in a half more seasons to go for all that!

The picture quality in these DVDs is superior, much better than any of the videos (tape) done years ago, and I eagerly await Season Two and the surprizes it has in store for the HTLJ fans!

Hercules Season One, an 8-disc DVD Collection, collects all 5 TV pilot movies and the 13-episode first season (1994-1995) of the syndicated action series based on the popular Greek mythological figure.

THE STORY

The critically-acclaimed 'Hercules the Legendary Journeys' aired in syndication for 6 seasons from 1994 till 1999. Based on the popular hero from Greek mythology, the story followed the adventures of Hercules and his friend Iolaus as they traveled the earth defending mortals against the tyrannical gods who plagued them, namely his step-mother Hera, Queen of the Gods and his half-brother Ares, the God of War. The series' brilliant combination of action and adventure, special effects and adaptation of Greek mythology was a critical as well as commercial success, drawing strong ratings and a cult-following.

THE DVDS:

Disc 1:

Movie 1: 'Hercules and the Amazon Women' ' Hercules and Iolaus embark on one last great adventure before Iolaus' wedding. Answering the call to save a village from mysterious monsters they instead find a tribe of Hera-worshipping warrior women who have shunned men from their lives.

Movie 2: 'Hercules and the Lost Kingdom' ' Hercules aids a young woman find the lost city of Troy which was banished by Hera.

Disc 2:

Movie 3: 'Hercules and the Circle of Fire' ' Hera has stolen fire from mankind and only Hercules, along with the lovely Deianera, can get it back.

Movie 4: 'Hercules in the Underworld' ' Hercules is called to help save a village where the people are being sucked underground. In the midst of it all he saves his wife Deianera from the traitorous Centaur Nessus and winds up in the Underworld battling the guard of Hades -- the three-headed dog Cerberus.

Disc 3:

Movie 5: 'Hercules in the Maze of the Minotaur' ' Settled down with his wife and kids, Hercules and Iolaus reminisce about their adventures together until they are summoned to a village to help slay a mysterious monster that not even Zeus himself can kill!!

Disc 4:

Episode 1: 'The Wrong Path' ' After Hera kills his family, Hercules sets out to avenge them. With Hercules on his personal quest, Iolaus answers to call to help a village being plagued by Hera's She-Demon who can turn men into stone.

Episode 2: 'Eye of the Beholder' ' Hercules helps a town overcome a Cyclops who's diverting their river's flow away to Hera's vineyards. Intro: Salmoneus the Traveling Salesman

Episode 3: 'The Road to Calydon' ' Hercules aids a cursed people move to the protected and enchanted city of Calydon.

Disc 5:

Episode 4: 'The Festival of Dionysus' ' Hercules helps to thwart a devious plot concocted by an ambitious prince and Ares the God of War to overthrow the peaceful King of Meliad.

Episode 5: 'Ares' ' Hercules stops Ares and his servant from recruiting an army of teenage boys.

Episode 6: 'As Darkness Falls' ' Hercules must battle Nemis the Centaur, brother of Nessus and servant of Hera, who has kidnapped the bride Penelope. He has one problem though, he is slowly going blind as part of Nemis' plot to kill him and only Salmoneus, the timid traveling salesman, can help him.

Disc 6:

Episode 7: 'Pride Goes Before a Brawl' ' Iolaus saves a maiden and battles a group of bandits in the forest. Little does he know that Hera has sentenced him to death and only Hercules can save him.

Episode 8: 'The March to Freedom' ' Hercules helps free a group of Easterners from a vicious slave trader.

Episode 9: 'The Warrior Princess' ' THE DEBUT OF XENA. To Iolaus she is the love of his life for whom he would kill and die for. To the rest of the world she is a merciless Warlord who is bent on world conquest. What happens when Hercules sets out to stop her once and for all?

Disc 7:

Episode 10 ' 'The Gladiator' ' Hercules and Iolaus free the prisoners of Menas Maxius, ruler of Apropus, who forces them into mortal combat for his own sick pleasure.

Episode 11 ' 'The Vanishing Dead' ' Hercules and Iolaus try to stop a senseless civil war between the people of Tantalus concocted as a devious scheme by Ares who wants more dead bodies to feed his dog Graegus.

Episode 12 ' 'The Gauntlet' ' Xena is usurped by her ruthless lieutenant Darphus. Hercules and Xena join forces to defeat Darphus' army and stop their reign of terror once and for all.

Episode 13 ' 'Unchained Heart' ' Ares resurrects Darphus and sends him on a mission to destroy the world and provide enough dead bodies to satiate Graegus' hunger. It will take the combined might of Hercules, Iolaus, Xena and Salmoneus to stop him.

THE DVD EXTRAS

Anchor Bay's put out another solid Season DVD set with an awesome extras package. Among the goodies this DVD set comes with are:

SELECTED EPISODE COMMENTARY

Select episodes feature audio or video commentary by series' stars Kevin Sorbo and Michael Hurst. Audio commentary is featured on episodes 2, 5, 7, 9 and 10. Video commentary is featured on episodes 5, 7, 10.

COLLECTIBLES AND CONTESTS

Each season DVD set includes a collector's edition Hercules coin. You can mail away for a coin holder to house your coins. Also included are entry forms for the Hercules sweepstakes contest for a trip to the Athens Games of 2004.

DISC 8: EXTRAS

Included on Disc 8 are:

1. Hercules screensaver

2. The Chronicles: A comprehensive guide to the Hercules universe including Episode Guides (Scrolls) and character guides for important characters including Mortals, Gods and Creatures.

3. Trivia Game: Test your Hercules knowledge (or pick up some).

4. Director and Actor Bios: Filmographies for ALL actors and directors who appeared in/worked on Season One.

THE VERDICT

Lovers of action-adventure and mythology are bound to fall in love with this series. The 'Ancient Greece' settings and the FX that make up all its evil monsters are awe-inspiring. In all, you won't be disappointed as you follow along with Hercules and his Legendary Journeys!!

Highest Recommendation

Truly enjoyed Season One of the DVDs and this superior H:TLJ DVD set is even better -- with an exception of one or two (but nothing to lose stars over) little things. The crisp quality of the episodes are wonderful.
Also loved the extra disc with the Rob Tapert interview (he gets wonderfully emotional at one point with regards to his creation) and outtakes (etc. - and I had absolutely NO tech problem with this extra disc as was mentioned by another reviewer) and the single episode discussion/over-view done by Kevin Sorbo, including "The Apple" and "Cast a Giant Shadow" were just so much fun to listen to -- BUUUT ... Where was Michael Hurst this time? He was the co-star of the show yet there were no episode commentaries from him as there was in Season One and that just seemed so wrong. His presence is sorely missed this time. Hope to hear him in the Season Three DVDs!
Nevertheless, the GREAT stuff out-weighs the missing and I highly recommend this DVD package to any fans. LOVED IT!

Hercules Season 2 is a brilliant box set. The bonus disc is great as are the video and audio commentarys given by Kevin as he's watching certain episodes. The picture quality is excellent. I've been a fan of Hercules since it started and Kevin, so it's great to see Hercules getting the regonition it deserves at last. Season 2 is a must for any DVD collection and a must for all Hercules's fans. Five stars all the way and I can't wait for Season 3 to see what goodies will be included.

Now I know why our family fell in love with Hercules during the second season. What fabulous episodes! I enjoyed season one, but season two has been even better. The friendship between Herc and Iolaus shines even more during season two and the stories are just a delight. Clever, funny, interesting, and thoroughly entertaining. We've all enjoyed watching these together again. Excellent, family fun.

Most of the Italian Hercules movies made during the '60s were silly sword & sandal sagas. And so is this one. But, as directed by the great Mario Bava, it's also an atmospheric exercise in cinematic style. The photography is great, the special effects are innovative, and Bava uses colour as strikingly here as he did in Baron Blood. Christopher Lee makes a great villain, too. So what if the silly storyline wanders far afield from its mythic origins? The weird flying zombies alone are worth the price of admission.

Fantoma's DVD release of Mario Bava's Hercules in the Center of the Earth ought to elevate his stature in the film world, if not as a "serious" movie director, then certainly as one of the cinema's most talented and artistic lighting cameramen/cinematographers. The story is fairly generic muscleman stuff and the acting is competent if unexceptional (although three-time Mr. Universe Reg Park definitely has a believable physical presence as Hercules); what really sets this movie apart from virtually any other peplum flick are Bava's neon-hued Technicolor visuals, which at times border on the hallucinatory. Throughout most of the movie he tosses off shot after stunning shot, many only a few seconds long, nearly every one impeccably lit, artfully composed, and accented with vibrant color. Bava's interweaving of light, shadow, color, and sometimes literal "smoke and mirrors" to define space, mood, and even character is consistently impressive, even more so after reading the liner notes describing how little he had to work with. Cool sequences and striking set-pieces abound, including Deianira rising from her sarcophagus and floating across the room (like Lon Chaney in Son of Dracula); Hercules's eerie visits with the sibyl; the psychedelic ocean vistas on the voyage to the Hesperides; Lyco (Christopher Lee) reflected in a pool of his victim's blood; the flying ghouls rising from their slimy crypts (which must have given nightmares to the kiddie matinee crowd in 1964); and the climactic showdown between Hercules and Lyco, shot in an atmospheric Roman grotto. There's almost too much to appreciate in a single viewing. While I'm not normally a huge fan of sword-and-sandal flicks (though I did watch lots of them on Saturday afternoons as a kid), and I could've done without the 'comedy relief' character, I still have to strongly recommend this movie not only to fans of Bava's other movies (particularly Planet of the Vampires), but also anyone who simply appreciates breathtakingly beautiful color cinematography.
Fantoma's DVD is transferred in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio and anamorphically enhanced, from a virtually pristine Technicolor print of the original Italian-language dub. There is only the lightest of speckling evident; otherwise it's crisp and clean, with lush, richly-saturated color, and excellent contrast and detail. Optional English subtitles are included, as well as the (continental) English-dubbed soundtrack. Unless you're extremely subtitle-phobic, I recommend the Italian-language soundtrack with the subtitles. The English dubbing gives the film a campier, less serious tone and often renders the dialogue much more prosaically than the subtitles (example: Hercules's final words to Deianira in the subtitled version, "Man's love is passionate, but often inconsistent. Ours will last forever"; in the English dub, "As long as Theseus steals other men's girls, I have nothing to worry about.") Unfortunately we don't get to hear Christopher Lee's actual voice in either version. The DVD also includes excellent Tim Lucas liner notes; a gallery of approximately 45 color and B&W stills, posters, and ad mats; and a comparatively rough-looking trailer, matted to about 1.66:1 and suffering from medium to heavy scratching and lining, poor color, and merely acceptable sharpness and detail. The film is broken into 16 chapter stops and the Dolby 2.0 mono sound is full and clear. The definitive edition of an unmercifully neglected film.

This is the great Mario Bava's first work in colour (1961) and atypical of his usual output of horror and thriller films (although Bava certainly excelled in many genres!)
I hadn't seen this film before and was anticipating a certain level of campness to be on display - yes, the script is ludicrously bad and the acting varied - but I was genuinely lifted by what I saw. There is a very strong current of nobility running through the film and REG PARK as the titular hero gives a very warm and engaging performance. There are also two stunning young women so typical of European films of this era: LEANORA RUFFO as Hercules' love and MARISA BELLI as Persephone, whose love for Hercules' best friend Theseus causes so many problems later in the story. Both manage to be attractive and convincing in their roles.
All of Bava's trademark beautiful photography is evident here. The blues and reds used to paint Hades in so rich a colour really do make us forget how low the production budget was (and it really WAS low!)
CHRISTOPHER LEE is the villain of course and is as reliable as ever (Though inexplicably dubbed yet again!)and this is the first time EVER that I can recommend listening to a film with the dubbed English soundtrack instead of the original Italian (which I usually prefer) as it's done very well and adds certain pieces of dialogue not on the European dub.
Never destined to be a great film, this is however a fascinating look at the work of one of the greatest directors of the last century - It's stunning to look at and never once boring.
My only complaint: The "comic" sidekick of Hercules becomes annoying within a minute of his first appearance! Try to ignore him and you'll enjoy 80 minutes of imaginative fantasy. PROCRUSTES, the stone creature, is especially fun so watch out for 'it'!

Most of the Italian Hercules movies made during the '60s were silly sword & sandal sagas. And so is this one. But, as directed by the great Mario Bava, it's also an atmospheric exercise in cinematic style. The photography is great, the special effects are innovative, and Bava uses colour as strikingly here as he did in Baron Blood. Christopher Lee makes a great villain, too. So what if the silly storyline wanders far afield from its mythic origins? The weird flying zombies alone are worth the price of admission.

Fantoma's DVD release of Mario Bava's Hercules in the Center of the Earth ought to elevate his stature in the film world, if not as a "serious" movie director, then certainly as one of the cinema's most talented and artistic lighting cameramen/cinematographers. The story is fairly generic muscleman stuff and the acting is competent if unexceptional (although three-time Mr. Universe Reg Park definitely has a believable physical presence as Hercules); what really sets this movie apart from virtually any other peplum flick are Bava's neon-hued Technicolor visuals, which at times border on the hallucinatory. Throughout most of the movie he tosses off shot after stunning shot, many only a few seconds long, nearly every one impeccably lit, artfully composed, and accented with vibrant color. Bava's interweaving of light, shadow, color, and sometimes literal "smoke and mirrors" to define space, mood, and even character is consistently impressive, even more so after reading the liner notes describing how little he had to work with. Cool sequences and striking set-pieces abound, including Deianira rising from her sarcophagus and floating across the room (like Lon Chaney in Son of Dracula); Hercules's eerie visits with the sibyl; the psychedelic ocean vistas on the voyage to the Hesperides; Lyco (Christopher Lee) reflected in a pool of his victim's blood; the flying ghouls rising from their slimy crypts (which must have given nightmares to the kiddie matinee crowd in 1964); and the climactic showdown between Hercules and Lyco, shot in an atmospheric Roman grotto. There's almost too much to appreciate in a single viewing. While I'm not normally a huge fan of sword-and-sandal flicks (though I did watch lots of them on Saturday afternoons as a kid), and I could've done without the 'comedy relief' character, I still have to strongly recommend this movie not only to fans of Bava's other movies (particularly Planet of the Vampires), but also anyone who simply appreciates breathtakingly beautiful color cinematography.
Fantoma's DVD is transferred in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio and anamorphically enhanced, from a virtually pristine Technicolor print of the original Italian-language dub. There is only the lightest of speckling evident; otherwise it's crisp and clean, with lush, richly-saturated color, and excellent contrast and detail. Optional English subtitles are included, as well as the (continental) English-dubbed soundtrack. Unless you're extremely subtitle-phobic, I recommend the Italian-language soundtrack with the subtitles. The English dubbing gives the film a campier, less serious tone and often renders the dialogue much more prosaically than the subtitles (example: Hercules's final words to Deianira in the subtitled version, "Man's love is passionate, but often inconsistent. Ours will last forever"; in the English dub, "As long as Theseus steals other men's girls, I have nothing to worry about.") Unfortunately we don't get to hear Christopher Lee's actual voice in either version. The DVD also includes excellent Tim Lucas liner notes; a gallery of approximately 45 color and B&W stills, posters, and ad mats; and a comparatively rough-looking trailer, matted to about 1.66:1 and suffering from medium to heavy scratching and lining, poor color, and merely acceptable sharpness and detail. The film is broken into 16 chapter stops and the Dolby 2.0 mono sound is full and clear. The definitive edition of an unmercifully neglected film.

This is the great Mario Bava's first work in colour (1961) and atypical of his usual output of horror and thriller films (although Bava certainly excelled in many genres!)
I hadn't seen this film before and was anticipating a certain level of campness to be on display - yes, the script is ludicrously bad and the acting varied - but I was genuinely lifted by what I saw. There is a very strong current of nobility running through the film and REG PARK as the titular hero gives a very warm and engaging performance. There are also two stunning young women so typical of European films of this era: LEANORA RUFFO as Hercules' love and MARISA BELLI as Persephone, whose love for Hercules' best friend Theseus causes so many problems later in the story. Both manage to be attractive and convincing in their roles.
All of Bava's trademark beautiful photography is evident here. The blues and reds used to paint Hades in so rich a colour really do make us forget how low the production budget was (and it really WAS low!)
CHRISTOPHER LEE is the villain of course and is as reliable as ever (Though inexplicably dubbed yet again!)and this is the first time EVER that I can recommend listening to a film with the dubbed English soundtrack instead of the original Italian (which I usually prefer) as it's done very well and adds certain pieces of dialogue not on the European dub.
Never destined to be a great film, this is however a fascinating look at the work of one of the greatest directors of the last century - It's stunning to look at and never once boring.
My only complaint: The "comic" sidekick of Hercules becomes annoying within a minute of his first appearance! Try to ignore him and you'll enjoy 80 minutes of imaginative fantasy. PROCRUSTES, the stone creature, is especially fun so watch out for 'it'!

Considering they used pretty much the same production team as they did with H:TLJ, it was okay. No it wasn't the same, but it was close. This is before Hercules had his legendary journeys. It shows young Herc trying to impress his father and forging an unlikely friendship with Ioalus to help their new friend Jason, heir to the throne of Corinth. With the same crew that brought us "HTLJ" & "XWP" it's perfect.

Kevin Smith as Ares, Michael Hurst as a jeweler, & Meighan Desmond as Discord make appearances.

This is a really great movie! Ian Bohen's performance as the serious, yet fun teenage Hercules is truly award worthy! He seemed to capure the escence of the part that Kevin Sorbo recently made famous a bit more than Ryan Gosling, who played Young Hercules in the T.V. series. And, he's increadably cute! Dean O'Gorman played Iolas to a "T". Chris Conrad did not disappoint with his portrayal of the always serious, and determined, Young Jason. The chemistry between the actors makes the film even more enjoyable. It really looks like they're having fun working together! Another key character is Ares, played by Kevin Smith. He, as always, gives a truly inspired performance as the deliciously evil God of War. The director should really be accredited for casting such a talented group of actors, and using thier abilities to thier full potential. The breath-taking scenery of the New Zealand countryside is the backdrop of this innovative film. It was only fitting that the "Young Hercules" movie was shot in the same location of "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys". The soundtrack is also amazing. It really fits the tone and overall feel of the movie. It should definately not be missed!

I have always loved Greek mythology so I loved this movie. I will not lie, you will get the most enjoyment out of this movie if you are a teenage girl, but it is also a good family movie. I loved the short lived :( series, so I was so excited to get this movie. Do not watch this if you like movies with really deep, complex story lines.This is just a good movie if you want to kick back and relax.

Considering they used pretty much the same production team as they did with H:TLJ, it was okay. No it wasn't the same, but it was close. This is before Hercules had his legendary journeys. It shows young Herc trying to impress his father and forging an unlikely friendship with Ioalus to help their new friend Jason, heir to the throne of Corinth. With the same crew that brought us "HTLJ" & "XWP" it's perfect.

Kevin Smith as Ares, Michael Hurst as a jeweler, & Meighan Desmond as Discord make appearances.

This is a really great movie! Ian Bohen's performance as the serious, yet fun teenage Hercules is truly award worthy! He seemed to capure the escence of the part that Kevin Sorbo recently made famous a bit more than Ryan Gosling, who played Young Hercules in the T.V. series. And, he's increadably cute! Dean O'Gorman played Iolas to a "T". Chris Conrad did not disappoint with his portrayal of the always serious, and determined, Young Jason. The chemistry between the actors makes the film even more enjoyable. It really looks like they're having fun working together! Another key character is Ares, played by Kevin Smith. He, as always, gives a truly inspired performance as the deliciously evil God of War. The director should really be accredited for casting such a talented group of actors, and using thier abilities to thier full potential. The breath-taking scenery of the New Zealand countryside is the backdrop of this innovative film. It was only fitting that the "Young Hercules" movie was shot in the same location of "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys". The soundtrack is also amazing. It really fits the tone and overall feel of the movie. It should definately not be missed!

I have always loved Greek mythology so I loved this movie. I will not lie, you will get the most enjoyment out of this movie if you are a teenage girl, but it is also a good family movie. I loved the short lived :( series, so I was so excited to get this movie. Do not watch this if you like movies with really deep, complex story lines.This is just a good movie if you want to kick back and relax.

On a budget that makes Blair Witch seem like a Hollywood blockbuster, with production values that would be shamed by your child's high school play, with actors designed to make Arnie seem like Lawrence Olivier, with a director whose only experience was apparently shooting his kid's birthday parties, with a writer who doesn't know he writes comedy, here is a movie you can laugh at, not with. It fascinates like a train wreck and speaking of children, watching our governator get his start makes you feel proud. It also makes you feel that no matter what you have done, you can still be a success. I read that the guv donated a couple million of his 30 for T3 back to help finance the special effects. If he has any pride he will do the same to re-do this one. I think it was all done for about $29.95.

Low budget is the key phrase in describing this film debut of the pre-'Pumping Iron" Mighty Ripped One, Arnold. But don't let that keep you from enjoying the film, flaws and all, for it really is a lark and a half. The movie is also known as "Hercules Goes Bananas", and that ought to tell you something.

The music is heavily zithered, a la "The Third Man", but seems oddly appropriate to the film. It actually grows on you, believe it or not. We get an interesting view of the gods hanging out on Mount Olympus, and we meet a dashing Pluto (AKA Death). Tony 'Mr.World' Carroll cameos in a weightlifting contest with Herc, and "Dark Shadows" alum Tracy Loomis plays Herc's love interest, Helen. Soap opera regular Ernest Graves steals all of his scenes as Zeus.

On the DVD, you can choose between the Real Arnold voice track, and the dubbed voice track. I sampled the dubbed version, and then quickly opted for the Real Arnold, with his classic Arnold accent that renders him almost unintelligible ("Eye yam Her-cue-leesse!"). The dubbing is classic in it's own way, however, with the ridiculously deep, white, all-American, manly voice so common to dubbed pictures of Herc, et al. But, with an Arnold movie, we need the sound of Arnold's own vocal undulations as he navigates the rocky waters of the English language.

Arnold Stang actually gets top billing over Arnold Strong (Schwarzenegger). Stang was a memorable, but largely forgotten comedian from the golden age of television. Perhaps most memorable for the voices of "Top Cat" (Hanna-Barbera)and "Herman" (Famous Studios), Stang also appeared in "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World". Here, Stang plays the goofy schlub "Pretzie" (so named because he sells pretzels), a perpetually bewildered person who befriends the bewildered Herc.

Herc has been cast out of Olympus for talking smack to his dad, Zeus. Herc wants to meet new people, and see the mortal world, and when Zeus gets tired of hearing about it, he hurls a lightning bolt (which looks suspiciously like a bent piece of re-bar that was spray painted silver), and POOF! Herc is falling to Earth. Before you know it, he's teaching athletes how to throw the discus and javelins, becoming outraged when he sees a movie poster for a Herc movie, beating up escaped grizzly bears, etc. He also starts making time with the daughter of a college professor (with an interest in mythology, of course), and takes up wrestling.

Half the fun is Arnold's acting. The other half is the valiant attempt of the filmmakers in making lemons out of lemonade on their skimpy budget. Stang is a bit over the top at times, but really helps to keep things moving in a typical kid's movie kind of way.

Probably the biggest flaw with the movie is that the relationship between Herc and Helen is never resolved. In fact, Helen inexplicably vanishes before the movie is all wrapped up. The movie does end delightfully, with the mighty Zeus casting an eye towards his old stomping grounds, but the loose ends are kind of annoying.

Besides the dual voice track, the DVD also offers some TV spots from the movie's 1980 re-release (post-"Conan"), in which Arnold is given heavy play.

The DVD is a must-have for Arnold fans, or fans of low-budget dreck for the 70's. Suitable as a guilty pleasure, or as a treat for the kid in all of us.

Well, what can I say? The title says it all. Hercules, a strong young man looking to find his purpose in life. Being judged by his father Zeus is hard enough so he moves to New York, and creates havoc in the Big Apple. The hot dog vendor scene is the best. I would pay three hundred yen to see that. The guy chases the horse man and it goes Baaauuuggghhh!!!! It's awesome! Baaaaaauuuuuuuuggggghhhhhh!!!!

This is without doubt the worst film transfer to DVD I have ever seen. I saw the film recently on TV and it was 10 times the quality of this DVD. Dont waste your money on this DVD.
It is an insult to modern technology and frankly a rip-off. Amazon should be ashamed of selling this product.

This is a very badly acted film, but it's still fun to watch, maybe partly for that. This is what started all the muscle guy movies. If you take this seriously, you'll vomit. The dubbing alone is enough to get your stomach churning. Have your friend talk while you move your lips, not knowing what your friend will say, & you get the idea. Anyway, the main reason for this film is to show off Steve Reeves' great build. He's buff & tuff. Herc's cool. If you watch this with the same attitude as looking at an old comic book, you'll like it, I think.

Ah, yes! Those were the days! Disregard the dubbed-in dialogue and hokey plot lines. The orginal 1957 "Hercules" is a treasure of fantasy and fun. To those Americans who possess a sense of the past (what used to be known fondly as "nostalgia" prior to the MTV generation and its contemptuous stance toward anything that occurred prior to the maturation of Jennifer Lopez's big, fat posterior), Johnny Weismuller was Tarzen. Bela Lugosi was Dracula. Clayton Moore was the Lone Ranger. And Steve Reeves was Hercules. Long before Arnold there was Steve Reeves, the prototype body builder who in the 1940s and 50s surpassed what Charles Atlas initiated a generation earlier. A scrawny, unathletic kid who was teased unmercifully, Reeves decided to do something about his predicament. He made body building and fitness a way of life. Between 1945 and 1950, Reeves won every body building competition and award in the universe, and he did so without the use of steroids or any other drugs. It didn't take long for Hollywood to come calling. After being considered and then turned down for the role of Samson (for being "too muscular") in the 1949 MGM production of "Samson and Delilah" opposite Heddy Lamarr, Reeves spent a few years playing mostly forgetable parts in a number of films before achieving celluloid stardom in his adopted home, Italy. In 1957 Reeves portrayed the legendary Greek hero Hercules in the film of the same name, and repeated the role in its sequel, "Hercules Unchained," two years later. Reeves was extraordinarily handsome with black wavy hair and piercing blue eyes. With his beard and spectacular physique, Reeves looked exactly like the image of the Greek demigod as it had been depicted for thousands of years. So ingrained became his image in the minds of movie fans, that the names "Steve Reeves" and "Hercules" became synonomous. For a time in the late 1950s and early 1960s he was the highest-paid movie star in the world. To kids growing up in an innocent age of malt shops, high school dances, science-fiction comics, and "Father Knows Best," Reeves was the epitome of wholesome manliness. He became the idol and inspiration for a whole new generation of weightlifters and body builders, including Lou Ferrigno, Franco Columbo, Reg Park, and old Arnold himself. He enchanted young and old alike as Hercules and as a number of other legendary Greco-Roman characters. In the late 1960s while still fit as a fiddle, very popular, and only in his early 40s, Reeves was asked by Sergio Leonne to star in a series of Spaghetti Westerns. But Reeves decided to leave the acting business. His place was taken by Clint Eastwood, and the rest is history (there's that anachronistic word again). Reeves continued living in Italy where he could be spotted daily "power-walking" (rapidly walking while carrying light weights in his arms) around all the famous sites in Rome. By the 1990s he and his wife returned to America where they raised horses and lived quietly on a beautiful ranch in Southern California. Reeves still looked great into his seventies and remained a steadfast advocate of drug-free athletics. Which is why it was so shocking to hear of his sudden death from cancer in 2000. Supposedly, Reeves visited his physician and was diagnosed with an accutely malignant form of cancer. In two weeks, he was dead. Upon hearing the news, I couldn't accept the fact of his passing. "Steve Reeves dead? Can't be." He always seemed so invincible. How time marches on. But the image of Reeves as the prototype celluloid demigod will endure. In the hearts and memories of many a young boy in the 1950s and 60s, there was no more popular person in the world than Steve Reeves. In many ways, Reeves may well have been the last great role model of an America that used to be. Malt shops are gone. Early sci-fi classic films with thoughtful plots like Howard Hawks' "The Thing From Another World" and Robert Wise's "The Day the Earth Stood Still" are now considered archaic by a generation whose attention span is measureable in nanoseconds. High school dances long ago devolved into loud, coarse, uncivil environments known as "clubs." There are no TV shows even remotely resembling the quaint idealism of "Father Knows Best." Yet certain images from yesteryear remain transfixed eternally in the minds of those still thoughtful enough to remember. Steve Reeves will always be the one and only "Hercules." So long, pal.

This is without doubt the worst film transfer to DVD I have ever seen. I saw the film recently on TV and it was 10 times the quality of this DVD. Dont waste your money on this DVD.
It is an insult to modern technology and frankly a rip-off. Amazon should be ashamed of selling this product.

This is a very badly acted film, but it's still fun to watch, maybe partly for that. This is what started all the muscle guy movies. If you take this seriously, you'll vomit. The dubbing alone is enough to get your stomach churning. Have your friend talk while you move your lips, not knowing what your friend will say, & you get the idea. Anyway, the main reason for this film is to show off Steve Reeves' great build. He's buff & tuff. Herc's cool. If you watch this with the same attitude as looking at an old comic book, you'll like it, I think.

Ah, yes! Those were the days! Disregard the dubbed-in dialogue and hokey plot lines. The orginal 1957 "Hercules" is a treasure of fantasy and fun. To those Americans who possess a sense of the past (what used to be known fondly as "nostalgia" prior to the MTV generation and its contemptuous stance toward anything that occurred prior to the maturation of Jennifer Lopez's big, fat posterior), Johnny Weismuller was Tarzen. Bela Lugosi was Dracula. Clayton Moore was the Lone Ranger. And Steve Reeves was Hercules. Long before Arnold there was Steve Reeves, the prototype body builder who in the 1940s and 50s surpassed what Charles Atlas initiated a generation earlier. A scrawny, unathletic kid who was teased unmercifully, Reeves decided to do something about his predicament. He made body building and fitness a way of life. Between 1945 and 1950, Reeves won every body building competition and award in the universe, and he did so without the use of steroids or any other drugs. It didn't take long for Hollywood to come calling. After being considered and then turned down for the role of Samson (for being "too muscular") in the 1949 MGM production of "Samson and Delilah" opposite Heddy Lamarr, Reeves spent a few years playing mostly forgetable parts in a number of films before achieving celluloid stardom in his adopted home, Italy. In 1957 Reeves portrayed the legendary Greek hero Hercules in the film of the same name, and repeated the role in its sequel, "Hercules Unchained," two years later. Reeves was extraordinarily handsome with black wavy hair and piercing blue eyes. With his beard and spectacular physique, Reeves looked exactly like the image of the Greek demigod as it had been depicted for thousands of years. So ingrained became his image in the minds of movie fans, that the names "Steve Reeves" and "Hercules" became synonomous. For a time in the late 1950s and early 1960s he was the highest-paid movie star in the world. To kids growing up in an innocent age of malt shops, high school dances, science-fiction comics, and "Father Knows Best," Reeves was the epitome of wholesome manliness. He became the idol and inspiration for a whole new generation of weightlifters and body builders, including Lou Ferrigno, Franco Columbo, Reg Park, and old Arnold himself. He enchanted young and old alike as Hercules and as a number of other legendary Greco-Roman characters. In the late 1960s while still fit as a fiddle, very popular, and only in his early 40s, Reeves was asked by Sergio Leonne to star in a series of Spaghetti Westerns. But Reeves decided to leave the acting business. His place was taken by Clint Eastwood, and the rest is history (there's that anachronistic word again). Reeves continued living in Italy where he could be spotted daily "power-walking" (rapidly walking while carrying light weights in his arms) around all the famous sites in Rome. By the 1990s he and his wife returned to America where they raised horses and lived quietly on a beautiful ranch in Southern California. Reeves still looked great into his seventies and remained a steadfast advocate of drug-free athletics. Which is why it was so shocking to hear of his sudden death from cancer in 2000. Supposedly, Reeves visited his physician and was diagnosed with an accutely malignant form of cancer. In two weeks, he was dead. Upon hearing the news, I couldn't accept the fact of his passing. "Steve Reeves dead? Can't be." He always seemed so invincible. How time marches on. But the image of Reeves as the prototype celluloid demigod will endure. In the hearts and memories of many a young boy in the 1950s and 60s, there was no more popular person in the world than Steve Reeves. In many ways, Reeves may well have been the last great role model of an America that used to be. Malt shops are gone. Early sci-fi classic films with thoughtful plots like Howard Hawks' "The Thing From Another World" and Robert Wise's "The Day the Earth Stood Still" are now considered archaic by a generation whose attention span is measureable in nanoseconds. High school dances long ago devolved into loud, coarse, uncivil environments known as "clubs." There are no TV shows even remotely resembling the quaint idealism of "Father Knows Best." Yet certain images from yesteryear remain transfixed eternally in the minds of those still thoughtful enough to remember. Steve Reeves will always be the one and only "Hercules." So long, pal.