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Conan - The Complete Quest (Conan The Barbarian/The Destroyer) Customer Reviews (10 - 12 of 23 Reviews)

A "Conan" for both the adults and kids in the family!
Governor Schwarzenegger may be better known for his "Terminator" films but I feel that his first big-budgetted role in "Conan the Barbarian" is the film that ranks as one of his best. Directed by John Milius, the movie is a blend of rousing adventure, adult situations, a brilliant Basil Poledouris score, exquisite cinematography for its exotic locations, stunning set pieces and costuming, and not-bad-acting from a former body builder. Though he didn't sport a lot of dialogue, Schwarzenegger did make the most of his limited vocals with revealing facial expression, along with the required muscle flexing and heroics, as needed to portray Robert E. Howard's legendary hero. With an international cast that features Max Von Sydow, Mako, and the stunning Sandahl Bergman as Conan's romantic interest Valeria, it's no wonder that the film was a worldwide hit.

However, James Earl Jones must have had the most fun, assaying the role of villain "Thulsa Doom," sporting a long wig, menacing eyes, and over-the-top renditions of his lines and mannerisms as the ultimate "religious leader/sorcerer".

The film probably garnered an R-rating because of the well-choreographed violence scenes and a brief but highly erotic sexual romp between Conan and Valeria.

This is the more adult of the two film, fit for older and more mature viewers.

The aforementioned factors may have led the producers to water down the tone and situations in the sequel "Conan the Destroyer." The PG-rated film features Arnold and Mako returning in their roles from the first, but they are joined by basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain, disco diva Grace Jones, perennial sidekick Tracy Walter, and favored villainous Sarah Douglas.

Directed this time by Richard Fleischer "Conan the Destroyer" has a modicum of bloodshed (in comparison to the first film) and Grace Jones's character, though scantily clad, is too adrogynous to pose a "threat" to members of either gender, and can easily be viewed by a younger audience which is this film's target.

The first film gets five stars for its pluses, wherein the second one gets three and a half.

A warning for purchasers: One might wonder what director Milius was "on" when he and Arnold added their commentary, available only for the first film. The director sounds really "out there" in his ramblings.

conan would slice this
this terds only 17 for a reason its 2 crappy dvds terrible sound with no extras buy conan the barbarian seperate if u care about u know picture and sound that sorta thing it looks like a 1984 vcr the qualitys a disgrace conan would slice this version in half and go u piece of shi u ruined krom

We could live without destroyer
HOWEVER, this is still a good thing to have in the ol' DVD Collection. The Barbarian element has everything the special edition has that's sold seperately. So, why not throw in destroyer for basically the same price?
The special features are good. But as someone else mentioned here, the Arnold/Milius commentary is a hidden gem. I actually watched the barbarian a few times on this DVD before I got around to watching it with the commentary from these two. If there was a rating system for commentaries, the barabarian commentary from Arnold/Milius would be five stars all the way. Perhaps the best audio commentary I've ever heard on a DVD barring Glory. It is very witty, downright hilarious at times and kind of frightening how the discussion between the two leaves little doubt that they are both verrrrrrrrrry conservative politically and perhaps philosophically. Wagner, Nietzche, Reifenstahl... What's next? I was surprised at the lengths at which Milius unapologetically waxed nastalgically about his influences who include several early 20th century german directors, including Reifenstahl [Sp?]. But it is what it is. Arnold skillfully avoided mentioning anything german directly, although he did acknowledge Nieitzcheian perspectives several times. And Arnold was so funny. At the point where a snake-cult maiden is eating a human hand, Arnold said, "John [Milius], you're sick. But that's funny."
The two go on to spew a few well-spun yarns as well particularly about Arnold having to bite the neck of a vulture. I think the two were clearly telling their stories with tongues firmly planted in cheeks and winks exchanged off camera. It's a whole new experience to watching this film. Forever macho, don't expect any political correctness or softy sensative viewpoints. But nonetheless very entertaining and provides a good laugh... several times.

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