Beowulf: Director's Cut DVD

Story: 7
Action: 8
Acting: 8
FX: 8
Durability: 8
Special Features: 5

The recent, fully animated version of Beowulf was an interesting interpretation of the original. All of the major events happened in sequence, but the characters were connected differently. The original epic poem was more about symbolism and allegory than relation of the characters to each other. In the movie, Hrothgar is connected to Grendel and his mother. Beowulf is connected to the dragon. The dragon is connected to Grendel's mother. Beowulf is connect to Wealthow. All of those relationships were a little strange and some a bit of a stretch, but it goes along with the theme of the "cycle of kings."

The 3-D modeling and animation were both well executed. Beowulf, Unferth, Wiglaf and Grendel's mother were some of the best human 3-D models I've ever seen. The motion was also accurate. They motion captured everything, including the horses!

I was a little disappointed with the special features on this disc. For a movie that was so well-crafted, one would expect a full 2nd disc of features. And there was no commentary track, something I was looking forward to. Usually movies like this have at least 2 commentaries... one for the actors and one for the directors & fx people.

Related: Mr. Hobbs' Beowulf, Official Site