The late Heath Ledger jousted his way into the hearts of movie audiences in director Brian Helgeland’s 2001 dramedy action epic that now debuts in ultra-high definition disc format packed with fan extras and protected within a metal case in A Knight’s Tale: SteelBook Edition (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, rated PG-13, 1.85:1 aspect ratio, 116 minutes, $44.95).
Set in 14th-century medieval Europe, the story finds three squires in the midst of a jousting tournament and realizing that their competing master is dead.
The most ambitious, William Thatcher (Ledger), takes the initiative to wear his master’s armor, completes the competition and wins without revealing his deception.
Inspired by his prowess with a lance, and with the help of his squire friends Roland (Mark Addy) and Wat (Alan Tudyk), William trains for lucrative competitions across the land, taking on the nobleman name Sir Ulrich von Liechtenstein of Gelderland and looking to conquer the most extreme of the knight’s sports.
Veteran knight Count Adhemar of Anjou (Rufus Sewell) only stands in his way, and to defeat him, William will need the help of cutting-edge blacksmith Kate (Laura Fraser), the wry wordsmith Geoffrey Chaucer (Paul Bettany) and the love of Lady Jocelyn (Shannyn Sossamon).
The thoroughly entertaining period romp stars some impressive jousting matches and gets multiple shots of pop culture adrenaline, thanks to a collection of 1970s rock classics as an atypical musical soundtrack.
A few examples of clever infusion included the audience of a joust singing and pounding along to Queen’s “We Will Rock You” and a court dancing to David Bowie’s “Golden Years.”
Viewers get the theatrical cut of the movie and an extended cut that adds roughly an extra 10 minutes of footage.
4K in action: After nearly two decades relegated to Blu-ray, first-generation mediocrity, “A Knight’s Tale” gets brilliantly restored from the original camera negative to showcase the colorful period costuming, greenery of exterior locations and brushed variations of jousting armor.
The presentation brings to vibrant life a landscape often awash in earthtones and tarnished metals and often surrounded by a piercing blue sky. Notice Count Adhemar’s glossy black armor spread across his horse, the flaming tendrils from a blacksmith’s fire, the colorful tunics of a formal banquet and the loud red hair of Wat.
Viewers will also admire a canal on the outskirts of Paris looking like a painting; the staggering detail of the front of Notre Dame Cathedral and its interior stained glass; and a flyover of the city of London and its streets during a dreary day.
Best extras: Sony offers all of the previously released bonus content from the DVD Special Edition from 2001, starting with a vintage optional commentary track starring the director and Mr. Bettany.
Lively and entertaining throughout, the pair enjoy watching the film together, occasionally discussing specific scenes, and are amused by the rocking soundtrack.
They immediately comment that the first scene of a joust has a stunt person knocked out cold after falling from his horse.
The director mostly dissects the scenes and often plays the straight man with Mr. Bettany offering the mirth and goofing around. Both parties laugh liberally throughout.
The pair also touch on the story; their favorite stunt horse Barney; mentioning their favorite song “Low Rider” in the movie (not written in the 14th century); and noting how Mr. Bettany’s bare buttocks got an audience laugh.
Yup, a joyous and informative track worthy of a listen during a very entertaining film.
Next, a 32-minute (six-part) production overview covers adding rock music and slang to the Middle Ages; costuming (should look like the Rolling Stones during their 1972 tour); working with the Prague extras and set designers; recreating jousts; knights in competitive combat events; the history and strategy of jousting; the herald’s role in promoting their knights; the real Geoffrey Chaucer; the rules of courtship; Heath Ledger’s acting; Brian Helgeland, as the writer and director; and more.
Finally, 58 minutes of deleted scenes with nine minutes new to the release and six scenes including video introductions with the director (sporting a missing tooth due to an on-set accident) and editor Kevin Stitt.
The collector’s metal case is worthy of the entertaining film and starts with a front cover of a full-color Thatcher in armor, with sword slung over his shoulder and the royal crest and joust in black and white behind him.
The back cover has team Thatcher in a full-color, full-body pose while the interior spread offers a full-color image of a pair of knights in mid-joust with the audience in the stands cheering them on.
• Joseph Szadkowski can be reached at jszadkowski@washingtontimes.com.
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