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Beowulf and Grendel roars onto DVD in September

By Patrick Luce Aug 4, 2006, 23:00 GMT

Filmed in Iceland and staring Gerard Butler, Stellan Skarsgård, and Sarah Polley, Beowulf and Grendel (the latest adaptation of the classic tale) is set to hit DVD on September 26th for the suggested retail price of $29.98.

The film is adapted from the Anglo-Saxon epic poem, Beowulf and follows the medieval adventure that tells the blood-soaked tale of a Norse warrior's battle against the great and murderous troll, Grendel. Heads will roll in this provocative take on the first major work of English literature. Out of allegiance to the King Hrothgar, the much respected Lord of the Danes, Beowulf leads a troop of warriors across the sea to rid a village of the marauding monster. The monster, Grendel, is not a creature of mythic powers, but one of flesh and blood - immense flesh and raging blood, driven by a vengeance from being wronged, while Beowulf, a victorious soldier in his own right, has become increasingly troubled by the hero-myth rising up around his exploits. Beowulf's willingness to kill on behalf of Hrothgar wavers when it becomes clear that the King is more responsible for the troll's rampages than was first apparent. As a soldier, Beowulf is unaccustomed to hesitating. His relationship with the mesmerizing witch, Selma, creates deeper confusion. Swinging his sword at a great, stinking beast is no longer such a simple act. The story is set in barbarous Northern Europe where the reign of the many-gods is giving way to one - the southern invader, Christ. Beowulf is a man caught between sides in this great shift, his simple code transforming and falling apart before his eyes. Building toward an inevitable and terrible battle, this is a tale where vengeance, loyalty and mercy powerfully entwine. A story of blood and beer and sweat, Beowulf and Grendel strips away the mask of the hero-myth, leaving a raw and tangled tale that rings true through the centuries.Beowulf and Grendel is available for pre-order at Amazon. As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.

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Nancy MelitoAug 5th, 2006 - 12:12:19

Thank you so much for this wonderful review. I admit it, I'm a Gerry Butler fan, but this film would have me raving in its own. You captured it beautifully in all its nuances and grasped the true importance of the story. A clever example of how a legend can be started, it has relevance for us today. The DVD has splendid special features and when one fully realizes the role the gods-given weather played it adds even more to the film.

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PatrickL.Aug 5th, 2006 - 18:41:30

Thanks for the kinds words Nancy, but this isn't a review of the film - just the announcement that it is finally coming to DVD. I am looking forward to writing a review as the release date approaches, but I haven't seen the film yet. Check back closer to the release date for the full review.

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