Synopsis
Omar Sharif is the son of Jack Palance (nobody said the casting was ethnically authentic) andis a proud champion of Buzkashi, an unbelievably rough sport which consists of a group ofhorsemen whipping the hell out of each other as they struggle to grab a headless calf. Sharifbreaks his leg in the championship game, and heads out on a long, treacherous journey to regainhis pride. With him are his magnificent horse, his increasingly treacherous servant, and aduplicitous nomad …oman they pick up on the way. Sharif’s character is thoroughly unpleasant,and his motivations are so obscure that the story makes very little sense. One ends up feelinglittle more than baffled impatience. Nice scenery though, and some beautiful aerial shots of anintact Kabul. The Buzkashi scenes are spectacular.
Audio
The sound is mono. The bombastic score nonetheless sounds suitably majestic. The dialogueis buzz-free, and there is no noise or static.
Video
The 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen aspect ratio captures the film’s sweeping panoramas verynicely. The print starts off very dirty and grainy. After a few minutes it improves considerably.There are some speckles too, but not in any serious quantity. There is no edge enhancement tospeak of, and the colours are very rich (the reds are especially good). Some shots are a bit soft,but for the most part the picture is very sharp.
Special Features
Trailers for The Horsemen, Lawrence of Arabia and The Guns ofNavarone. The menu is basic.
Closing Thoughts
Not enthralling, but certainly interesting, and nice on the eyes.
Special Features List
- Trailers
