Reclaiming the Blade

[Cultlabs]

Here's an interesting documentary about the history of swords and swordplay, the role of the sword in cinema and the groups of people around the world trying revive the traditions of European martial arts.

For collectors and those who want some depths with their documentary releases, the good news is this is one of those films thats been made with the home video release firmly in mind, so the second disc is packed with interview outtakes, catch up mini-docs, behind the scenes footage and other goodies, including a quirky short on New York Jedi enthusiasts.

RECLAIMING THE BLADE





“ENGAGING AND HIGHLY ENTERTAINING.” – THE ONE RING.NET

[indent][indent]Narrated by actor John Rhys-Davies (Lord Of The Rings; Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade) and produced with the support of Weta Workshop and the Royal Armouries, the documentary film Reclaiming The Blade sees Hollywood star names joining forces with historians for a fascinating celebration of the culture and craft of swords, the movie legends and academic warriors who wield them, and the emerging worldwide movement to reclaim medieval and renaissance martial arts.

Illustrated by clips from some of Hollywood’s greatest sword-wielding adventures, from the swashbuckling movies of Errol Flynn to swords-and-sandals epics such as ‘Gladiator’ and ‘Troy’, and from comedies such as ‘The Princess Bride’ and ‘Pirates Of The Caribbean’ to blockbuster sci-fi and fantasy movies ‘Lord Of The Rings’ and ‘Star Wars’, this comprehensive and hugely entertaining film takes a unique look at the history of European and Asian swordplay and offers an in-depth insight into the thrilling world of stage combat on the silver screen. The film also traces the sword’s true history and cinema’s tribute to its beauty and necessity in countless screen classics.

Among those featured in the film discussing the fascination of the sword in popular media are actors Viggo Mortensen (Lord Of The Rings) and Karl Urban (Star Trek; Pathfinder; Lord Of The Rings), legendary Hollywood swordmaster and stunt performer Bob Anderson (Stars Wars; Lord Of The Rings; Pirates Of The Caribbean; Highlander), conceptual designer John Howe (Lord Of The Rings; The Chronicles Of Narnia) and Weta Workshop supervisor Richard Taylor (Lord Of The Rings; The Chronicles Of Narnia).

Boasting an orchestral score by composer David James Nielsen, the soundtrack also features musical contributions from Swervedriver, My Bloody Valentine, Explosions In The Sky, Doves, Julianna Hatfied, The Dandy Warhols, Yo La Tengo, Spiritualized, Morcheeba, Mew and others.

A must-see for ‘Lord Of The Rings’ fans and armed combat and cinema enthusiasts alike, Reclaiming The Blade is “a complex and excellent documentary about the history and symbolism of swords and the glory inherent in sword-fighting… a wonderful viewing choice not only for film fans, but history buffs as well” (Home Media Magazine).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6K7jL8QYpR0

The Double Disc Special Edition of Reclaiming The Blade (cert. tbc) will be released on DVD (£10.99) by Anchor Bay Entertainment on 3rd May 2010.

Special Features include: The Making Of Reclaiming The Blade; Weta Workshop: Lost Interviews; Narsil Reforged As Anduril; Sword Training Footage; Forging A Blade; Touring Higgins Armory; Oakeshott Sword Classifications; New York Jedi Exclusive Featurette; Production Diaries; Trailer.

[Cultlabs]

Reclaiming the Blade is out now on UK DVD

[Blesson1]

It's very nice movie.