1492 - Conquest of Paradise (1992) ( Fourteen Ninety Two - Conquest of Paradise ) [ Blu-Ray, Reg.A/B/C Import - France ]

This Korean version plays in English. Most formats of this movie do not play on US players, but this one was no problem, you just have to turn off the subtitles. Very enjoyable movie; enlightening, with a splendid soundtrack. I noted how the producers and writers of 1492 made sure to: properly show Columbus' struggle against generally accepted flat-earth theories, and myopic thinking of the world, and also that they did well in showcasing the epic moment of Columbus' discovery, the music as he leapt out of the raft to be the first European to stand upon the Americas (yes, they are historically faithful in making it clear he landed in what he called San Salvador (a Bahamas island), and never made it to the mainland. Still, it was thrilling to witness. Also appreciated his Christian nature in pursuing peace with the natives, despite others' bloodthirsty wills. Good movie. They don't make them like this anymore!

A great historical movie that is about 3 hours long, but there's nothing nothing about this gem. I loved Segorney Weavers performance even though it wasn't big but it was very impressive. A great film and they sure don't make them like this one anymore.

I was prepared for the worst before viewing this version of the Columbus story. I'd read various reviews including that of the Washington Post upon its release back in 1992. But as a teacher who wants to introduce history to students through fictionalized movies, my choices were limited. I was pleasantly surprised. There were enough historical facts to make it worth viewing, and the sceneries and cinematography were appealing. There were also enough added fictionalized segments to lend themselves to analysis and discussion.Maybe it was the hype about two movies released in the same year on the same topic, or maybe it was a teenage-style hunger for more and more high tech CGI, excitement and "go-ahead-try-to-wow-me" attitude, but I did not find it particularly boring or cheesy if you look at it as a historical semi-fiction. However, the introduction and conclusion with Columbus's son Fernando writing of his biography seems to suggest the movie is totally based off of this biography, and not a fictionalized account.I did not find Depardieu out of place with his French accent either. After all, Columbus was a foreigner in Spain, and they did not speak English there nor on the Santa Maria. There is therefore no reason why he should speak perfect American English. I am not particularly a fan of his despite having watched many of his movies, and up till now, did not particularly try to figure out why he is so praised for his acting. I guess having to dissect a movie in order to write 100 questions about it made me pay attention to several things, one of which was how good his acting was. When asked by the rector of the University of Salamanca whether he saw himself as the chosen one of God (when he retorted that God chose a carpenter to bring his word to the world), there was a fleeting shadow of a sarcastic smile on his face before he replied with perfect seriousness.As to the derision about the landing being shown more grandiose than Neil Armstrong's landing on the moon... well, it was. I am aware that the moon is further from the earth than America is from Europe, but Armstrong was an employee entrusted with a mission. Columbus on the other hand was a dreamer who finally achieved an impossible dream. Only those who have never had a dream can find it in them to laugh at the slow motion or falling on one's knees. Again, I was surprised at how well Depardieu showed deep emotional reaction in a minimal way, unable to read out the formal proclamation properly at first.I can think of no better way of approval of this movie than the students' reaction. They started off, whenever Columbus mentioned going West to find a closer route to Asia, bringing the word of God to a new world, etc, by making snide comments about how he would end up massacring people. Yet at the end, they were rather silent, having understood that one can embark on a dream, yet have reality intrude upon it and take it into a totally different direction while one is left unable to stop the tide of time.1492 Conquest of Paradise is really trying to show Columbus as another Oedipus or another Jesus, someone who is a savior and a scapegoat -- the common end of the few truly great heroes. And strangely enough, it tastes better on the second viewing, like a good tea.

I saw this movie at THX certified movie theaters both projected from 70mm print 2.20:1 aspect ratio with 6 tracks discrete sound system and 35mm print with Dolby SR sound system when it was released in 1992 and later on, I watched it on laser disc and eventually I watched it again on first DVD released many years ago! Nothing is wrong with the movie as it can't go wrong when Ridley Scott directed and produced it! However, the movie's video reproductions should have been considered more seriously and watching this film on video formats would have been more fun! Video quality of laser disc was poorly done as well as the first dvd until now when I saw this movie released by Kino Lorber and I am pleased with their work! As a critical audio/videophile, I'd give this release a 5 stars on its video quality and unfortunately Dolby digital 2.0 is the only audio option and no 5.1 available! Thanks to modern technology, I was able to enjoy the DD 2.0 from my old reference THX home cinema system via DTS Neo:6 surround mode equivalent to 70mm 6 tracks discrete system at movie theaters equipped with 70mm 6 tracks! I definitely give its DD 2.0 mix a 4 stars as it'd have been 5 stars if DD 5.1 was available! I don't understand why studios won't reproduce this movie soundtrack into 5.1 mix? It could have been easily done since the studios already have the movie 70mm 6 tracks discrete audio format!!! Nevertheless, if you're a movie buff or a critical audio/videophile, I'd strongly recommend this release! As always, thanks to Ridley Scott and everyone behind his production! Also thanks to everyone at Kino Lorber for their hard, good works!This DVD was evaluated on my old but still good audio/video system including Loewe Aconda CRT NTSC properly calibrated connected directly to Denon DVD3910 via DVI to VGA 1080i and audio reprocessed by Marantz SR8001 THX receiver 7.1 channels output to M&K THX speakers system with 3 fronts, 4 sides, 4 backs and 3 powered subwoofers! You don't wanna be my next door neighbors! Hahahaha!Wires, cables by Wire World Cables by the way!