Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Ulysses Blu-ray Movie Review

An outstanding production featuring a must-see performance by Kirk Douglas (Spartacus).

Ulysses is an action-packed adventure adapting the epic poem by Homer. Inspired by The Odyssey, the production was mounted by Carlo Ponti (Doctor Zhivago, Contempt) and Dino De Laurentiis (La Strada, Nights of Cabiria). Featuring a must-see performance by the great Kirk Douglas in the title role, fans of classic cinema should consider it a must-see gem.

After winning the Trojan War, the mighty Ulysses (Kirk Douglas) attempts to return home to his gorgeous wife Penelope (Silvana Mangano) but the journey back takes 10 years. Along the perilous journey, Ulysses faces off against the seductress Circe (also performed by the great Silvana Mangano), sultry Sirens wrecking havoc for his crew, and the dangerous one-eyed Cyclops. Ulysses must also stop the vile Antinoos (Anthony Quinn) from stealing his wife (before he can return). Will Ulysses find true happiness following a long and perilous quest?

The performances are outstanding. Kirk Douglas and Silvana Mangano are reason enough to see this great gem of a film. Douglas delivers one of his career-best performances in this action-packed role. Mangano has fun with the dual-performances as the seductress Circe and the loving wife Penelope. Both performers give their roles their absolute best. Douglas is quite muscled and manages to kick major butt throughout the film as an action-hero too.

The original music composed by Alessandro Cicognini (Bicycle Thieves, Umberto D.) is breathtaking. The score helps to expand the scope of the production and makes the filmmaking feel all the more epic. During both quiet dramatic scenes and action-packed moments, Cicognini finds a tonal balance which allows him to craft impressive themes throughout the story.

"Guess what?! I got a 4K restoration!"

One of the most impressive elements of Ulysses is the stunning cinematography by Harold Rosson (The Wizard of Oz, Singin' in the Rain). Rosson is a Hollywood legend and the work done for the production of Ulysses is top- notch from beginning to end. There are many great visuals: the great outdoors and the evocative production design. Each sequence is beautifully realized with stunning attention-to-detail from the gifted cinematographer. Alongside the production design by Flavio Mogherini (La viaccia, Delitto passionale), the visual aesthetic springs to life.

The screenplay by Franco Brusati (Romeo and Juliet), Mario Camerini, Ennio De Concini (Divorce Italian Style), Hugh Gray (Helen of Troy), Ben Hecht (Notorious), Ivo Perilli (Tempest), and Irwin Shaw (In the French Style) finds a balance between adventure and drama. The romantic elements certainly bring a sense of depth to the production. The action scenes are also well-written and are entertaining to watch. The script is never boring and the actors are given fun lines of dialogue too.

The sequence with the giant Cyclops is worth the price of admission on its own. The dramatic tensions which build in the scene are rather extraordinary. The make-up special effects work crafted for the big Cyclops is fantastic. Even before Hollywood (and international studios) could craft high-budget CGI, filmmakers found creative ways to excel in special effects. Ulysses is a perfect example.

Mario Camerini (A Romantic Adventure, I'll Give a Million) expertly directs the ambitious production. The filmmaking is enormously fun and energetic. There is simply something magical about Ulysses. Crafting the film alongside editor Leo Catozzo (8 ½, La Dolce Vita), Ulysses seems to lack any excess weight. The pace and rhythm of the film are expertly handled. Kirk Douglas was a perfect casting choice by Camerini and the star rose to the challenges of the production. Fans of old-school action/adventure should consider Ulysses essential viewing.

Ulysses Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, Ulysses is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original 1.37:1 full frame aspect ratio. The release features a new 4K master. The presentation is a stunning one that delivers an exceptional encode of the film. There are no egregious issues to report in regards to scratches, dirt, debris, and other forms of print damage.

This is a clean print that looks astonishing with the new 4K master. Colors seem quite pleasing throughout. The encode is top-notch and manages to showcase the majesty of cinematographer Harold Rosson. Both the dramatic sequences and the action-packed scenes (such as the confrontation with Cyclops) appear impressive in high-definition.

Ulysses Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented with a DTS HD Master Audio mono track. The lossless audio encoding is top-notch and sounds clear throughout the entire presentation. If one selects the Italian language option the feature-film is presented with the original Italian voices (which aren't dubbed) but Kirk Douglas is dubbed in to Italian for his role as Ulysses.

For those selecting the English language version, the presentation features dubbing for all of the Italian cast members – as well as Kirk Douglas (given some of the limitations of the time-period regarding the variety of audio options created). Kirk Douglas "dubs" himself for the English audio version. Dialogue remains crisp, clear, and easy to understand.

Optional English subtitles are provided.

Ulysses Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release includes the Italian Version (HD, 1:44:44) of Ulysses as an option. The presentation is sourced from the same excellent 4K restoration. The Italian presentation is also provided in DTS-HD Master Audio and in 1.37:1 full frame.

Audio Commentary by Film Historian Tim Lucas (Italian Version)

Alternate U.S. Opening and Closing Titles (SD, 2:55)

Ulysses Theatrical Trailer (SD, 1:09)

The release also includes a selection of trailers promoting other releases available from distributor Kino Lorber: The Vikings (SD, 3:26), Jack the Giant Killer (SD, 3:20), and The Magic Sword (SD, 2:42).

Ulysses Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Ulysses is ambitious, entertaining, and action-packed. Kirk Douglas is perfect in the title-role. The production was impeccably mounted and showcases the exceptional direction of Mario Camerini (A Romantic Adventure). The Blu-ray release from Kino Lorber features a stunning 4K remaster that is a must-see for fans of the film. Highly recommended.