WSR Detailed LaserDisc Review

Time Bandits
Genre:Fantasy Adventure

Reviewed In Issue 13 Of Widescreen Review® Stars:
John Cleese, Sean Connery, Shelley Duvall, Katherine Helmond, Ian Holm, Michael Palin, Ralph Richardson, Peter Vaughan, David Warner

WSR Review Scores
Picture Rating: 3.5
Sound Rating: 4
Download WSR Review
Reference Systems
Critics' Composite Score:
Internet Links

Supplementals

DVD General Information
(Studio/Distributor): Paramount Home Video
(Catalog Number): LV 2310WS
(MPAA Rating): PG
(Retail Price): $$39.95
(Running Time In Minutes): 116
(Color Type): Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
(Closed Captioned): Yes
(Theatrical Release): 1981
(LD Release Date): 1/1/95
(THX® Digitally Mastered): No

Credits Information
(Director): Terry Gilliam
(Screenplay/Written By): Michael Palin & Terry Gilliam
(Story): NA
(Music): Mike Moran
(Director Of Photography):
(Production Designer): Milly Burns
(Visual Effects): NA
(Costume Designer): Jim Acheson & Hazel Côté
(Editor): Julian Doyle
(Supervising Sound Editors): NA
(Re-Recording Mixers):
(Executive Producers): George Harrison & Denis O’Brien
(Co-Producers): NA
(Producers): Terry Gilliam

DVD Picture Information
(Principal Photography): Academy Standard Flat
(Theatrical Aspect Ratio): 1.85:1
(Measured LaserDisc Aspect Ratio): 1.85:1

DVD Sound Information
(DVD Soundtrack): Dolby Surround
(Theatrical Sound): Dolby Stereo A
(Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
(Remastered Dolby Digital):
(Remastered DTS Digital Surround):
(Additional Languages):

WSR Narrative Review
Story Synopsis:
Terry Gilliam’s Time Bandits is a wonderfully imaginative and off-the-wall adventure-fantasy-comedy that trips through time and space with lots of special effects, action and humor. We join young Kevin (Warnock) and six time-travelling dwarves who befriend him while they are rampaging the heavens and history as well. Along the way, Kevin meets Napoleon, Robin Hood and King Agamemnon and visits the Titanic as it sinks. Eventually the group land in a place with strange creatures controlled by the Supreme Being. The set designs are marvelously inventive and visually mesmerizing with super special effects. The music was by ex-Beatle George Harrison. This is a special treat for the entire family.

LaserDisc Picture:
The picture is matted at 1.85:1. There is evidence of slight grain and noise but shadow detail is generally good. Colors are vivid and contrast is excellent with decent blacks. But images are generally soft and fleshtones are inconsistent.

LaserDisc Soundtrack:
The soundtrack has wonderful surround envelopment and spatial ambience associated with the music and effects.
(Surround Bass Below 50Hz):
(Aggressive System Surround):
(Intense 25Hz Bass):
(Deep Bass Challenging):
(Aggressive 0.1 LFE):
(Holosonic Soundfield):
(Aggressive Split Surround):
(Center Back Surround Imaging):
(Directionalized Dialogue):
Superb Sound Effects Recording Quality:
Superb Music Score Recording Quality:
Superb Special Visual Effects Quality:
Superb Color Fidelity:
Superb Cinematography:
Reference LaserDisc:
Collector Edition: