Studio: Criterion Collection
Release Date: June 13, 2023
Rating: Not Rated
Film: 4/5
Plot In this fantastic voyage through time and space from Terry Gilliam, a boy named Kevin (Craig Warnock) escapes his gadget-obsessed parents to join a band of time travelers. Armed with a map stolen from the Supreme Being (Ralph Richardson), they plunder treasure from Napoleon (Ian Holm) and Agamemnon (Sean Connery)—but the Evil Genius (David Warner) is watching their every move.
My ThoughtsTime Bandits is a visually stunning film, with imaginative sets and costumes. The film's humor is often dark and surreal, but it is also heartwarming and full of wonder. The film's cast is excellent, and the dwarfs are particularly memorable. I remember seeing the film when it was released over 40 years ago and wasn’t sure what to make of it. As time has gone on, I’ve actually increased my appreciation for the imaginative story.
Even after all of these years, the film’s visual imagination is stunning, and the sets and costumes are very detailed and creative and the special effects have held up pretty well. I love the dark humor, which probably went over my head when I was young, but I definitely appreciate it more today. Furthermore, the time travel aspect is lot of fun and is certainly thought-provoking.
The film boasts a new 4K master and its visually stunning from beginning to end. The practical special effects don’t lose any of their luster with the added resolution either, which isn’t the case with a lot of CGI in today’s films. The color palette is well saturated and finer details in clothing and facial pores are extremely revealing. The audio is based on the 24-bit audio mix from the theatrical release and while I would have loved to have seen a modern-day remix, I can’t say I was disappointed with the stereo track.
Video 10/10
Audio 9.5/10 (PCM 2.0)
Special Features: - Audio Commentary
- Trailer
- Creating the Wolds of Time Bandits
- Terry Gilliam and Peter von Bagh
- Shelley Duvall
- Stills Gallery
- Leaflet
Conclusion if you’ve never seen this film, you’re definitely missing out. While it can be a bit bizarre at times, it’s also a lot of fun and regardless of how many times I’ve seen it over the years, I always have a good time. The 4K presentation is outstanding and Criterion has hit another home run. Highly recommended.
Reference Review System: JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Kaleidescape Strato + Server
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
SVS SB3000
HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
M&K Sound X15+ Subwoofer
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner