The story of King Arthur set to rock/classical music.
924419
Been looking for this album for years. Heard it years ago and finally ran across it while looking for something else.
3172729
"The 10th Kingdom" was an epic fantasy/modern fairy tale hybrid of a TV miniseries. At nearly seven hours in length, the soundtrack to such an ambitious project could have been any number of things, from epic and sweeping to campy and childish. The score to "The 10th Kingdom" is neither of these things; instead, it is a somewhat simplistic, pleasant orchestration that contains a little of both and manages to capture the story to great effect.

The theme song is featured as the closing track, and this was the song that many purchased this soundtrack for -- "Wishing on a Star" was a haunting, magical tune that Miriam Stockley's soaring vocals gave great power (it aided "The 10th Kingdom" in capturing an Emmy for Best Opening Sequence). Ms. Stockley was thankfully used in many instances as the vocalist on the rest of the score and she was never wasted.

There are simplistic tracks that are still emotive, such as "The 4 Who Saved the 9 Kingdoms" and "Addicted to Magic," as well as fun tracks such as "Troll Trouble" and the lovely harps featured in "Kissing Town." There are haunted, creepy themes such as "Nothing Escapes the Huntsman" or "Gypsy Incantation."

Anne Dudley's true strength as a composer, however, truly shines on the songs that dealt with Snow White, her wicked witch of a stepmother, or the current Evil Queen. Orchestrations such as "The Stepmother's Curse" and "The House of White" enthrall the senses with their sweeping themes; "Blood on the Snow" is suitably haunting, and the magic mirror themes ("Travelling Mirror") shimmer in emotive capability.

While the score to "The 10th Kingdom" might not have entirely reached the epic heights to which its rich source material ascended, it is a worthy addition to anyone's musical library and manages to enchant the listener with both the simple and the complex, the magical and the mundane, the sweeping and the pleasant.
2225422
Forget the Arthurian legends you have grown up with, just take them and put them aside, along with all your clean and proper kingly court ideas, and get ready for an epic medieval battle film that will leave you breathless from its stunningly flamboyant proportions.

Following a myth of different origins, this tale of King Arthur tells of a Briton who serves the Roman Empire's army for 15 years, something that they were required to do while under Roman control for God and Country.  Arthur, or Artorius Castus, (played expertly by Clive Owen) and his six Knights have carved a name for themselves in the Roman armies, a legend of being an unbeaten force.

At the end of their 15 years of service, they are summoned by Bishop Germanius (played by talented Ivano Marescotti) to receive their freedom from service.  But the Bishop tells them they are not to be freed until performing one last task for Rome, freeing a loyal Roman family from invasion by the Saxon's to the north, in particular, the son of the family, Alecto.

Arthur and his six Knights, Gawain, Lancelot, Tristin, Galahad, Bors, and Dagonet set off for the north, grumbling at Rome's betrayal.  They must travel through the lands that the Woads occupy, strange barbaric foes led by a wise man named Merlin.  Once past the Woads, Arthur finds the Roman family taking the power of their God and Country and using it to create serfs and slaves, torturing those who they deem heretics.  One of the heretics Arthur frees from the prisons is Guinevere, a Woad.

With the Roman family unwilling to go submissively with them, and Saxon drums beating on their heels, the seven Knights flee into the mountains in a desperate attempt to fulfill their last obligation to the empire and gain their freedom.

Does this movie follow any Arthurian legend?  Not remotely.  Does this movie have any historical value?  None whatsoever.  Is this a good movie?  Yes, indeed!  Put down those history books and King Arthur fantasies and get ready for a stunningly filmed epic, a medieval battle movie far superior to any of the bad "Arthur" movies (except Excalibur).  This is a medieval fantasy, and a very grand one at that.  The photography is spectacular, the acting is superior to many of the "bigger names".  The dialogue is interesting, funny, and intriguing, capturing a closer bond to the feelings of the Knights of their time with the humped up society of today.

These are not the shiny Knights of Boorman's `Excalibur', but a rough and dirty bunch, still keeping nobility about them and Honor above all else.  Special mention goes to Ray Winstone, who plays Bors, Joel Edgerton who plays Gawain, Ioan Gruffuddand who plays Lancelot, and Keira Knightly who plays Guinevere, along with Clive Owen, who I can see as the next Mel Gibson.  Owen fits the part to a Tee, and Knightly plays Guinevere the way she should have been played, both soft and tough.  Knightly was good in Pirates Of The Caribbean, but she is great as Guinevere.

Still, the real attraction to this movie is the striking photography of the battles.  Take particular notice of the fight on the ice, the way the arrows fly through the air, and tip your hat to the costume designer for some spectacular outfits and gear that truly bring this epic to life.  This movie is pure eye candy for those who love a good medieval fight, tossed with realistic characters and a touch of romance.

My only negative thought would be that it needed a little more blood, but since King Arthur was headed towards the PG-13 crowd like LOTR, some decapitation scenes didn't occur that I thought may have enhanced the battles.  All in all, a very lovely piece of tasty filmmaking that should not be ignored simply because it didn't follow someone else's rules.  Enjoy!!
1221765
The big plus in this movie is the new perspective on the possible history that inspired the King Arthur myth.  The possibility Arthur was a Roman soldier who was a student of Greek and Roman philosophers is tantalizing and from what I've learned, might even be true.

Another element of this story that I like is the conflict of religions in England at this time.  And for once early christians are not portrayed as the perfect ancient people they frequently are.  They are shown as violent and cruel towards the pagan faiths (Which in this story, many of Arthur's knights are believers of).  However Arthur himself is a follower of early Christianity and is the more idealized symbol of spiritual morality in the movie, as he should be.  The movie touches on the subject of religion without becomming to preachy or biased.  The ancient pagan faiths are shown with respect and admiration, not as evil savages as the church would want you to believe.

However, despite some of the interesting perspectives on history...as a movie, I found it lacking.  Here are some of the reasons why:
-For one, it's predictable.  And the leader of the Saxon invaders is the sterotypical ruthless war-lord.  Not a very inspired bad guy.
-The only conflict between Lancelot and Arthur is regarding Arthurs decision to make a stand against the Saxons, so the melodrama of the love triangle that turns brother-against-brother in the classic story is not there.
-The movie is not directed poorly. Antione Fuqua did an good job, but while watching it I couldn't help but feel that this movie had a sort of "Me too" attitude.  It wishes it was like Gladiator and Lord of the Rings plus a little Pirates of the Carribbean on the side.  It doesnt seem to be able to stand on it's own two legs compared to these movies.

These gripes aside, I did enjoy watching the film.  The action and battle scenes fit the story and are entertaining.  The acting doesn't suck.  But I still feel it could have been better...
4273867
if you like cinema music you will enjoy this one, it will get you in the mood for epic music like this one.
3855988
The King Arthur legend, burgeoning from Geoffrey of Monmouth's HISTORY OF THE KINGS OF BRITAIN (12th century) and Thomas Malory's LE MORT DE ARTHUR (15th century), has taken on a life of it own so embellished as to obscure the meager facts known about the 5th century Briton that made an enduring name for himself ostensibly battling the invasion of Germanic tribes. Historians don't even know what part of Britain Arthur hailed from, being variously assigned to Cornwall, Wales, and Scotland. And there's no contemporary historical evidence that he was a king at all. King Arthur has been, and will remain, a conveniently blank page on which Hollywood scriptwriters can pen just about any story they want so long as it includes lots of swordplay, male bonding between noble knights, and a Hot Babe (Guinevere).

In this screen version, Clive Owen plays Arthur, a half-Roman, half-British cavalry commander stationed on Hadrian's Wall at the time the Big House back in Italy decides to abandon the province to the barbarians. The traditional knights of Arthur's Round Table - Lancelot, Bors, Gawain, et al - are Sarmatian warriors at the end of a 15-year conscription into the Roman occupation army. (Sarmatia was an ancient territory way over by the Caspian Sea.) Before gaining possession of their demob papers after years of fighting local Briton insurgents, the knights must accompany Arthur on one last mission, i.e., to rescue a patrician Roman family living north of the Wall whose villa is about to be overrun by an inconvenient horde of Saxon invaders.

This KING ARTHUR is refreshing in that it abandons the silliness of the otherwise excellent EXCALIBUR (1981) which played along with the traditional misconceptions regarding elaborate castle architecture and personal fighting armor that actually didn't arrive in the British Isles for centuries. Here, Arthur isn't even a king, at least until the conclusion. And Guinevere (Keira Knightley) is a pagan Druid found chained-up by Arthur in the cellar torture chamber of the Roman aristocrat, a Christian, that Arthur is sent to rescue. The film's creators take this opportunity to take a swipe at the infant Roman (Catholic) Church by making Guinevere's jailers mad monks. Once released, Knightley's character is either muddy or daubed with Druidic war paint, and dressed in shoulder or midriff-baring costumes totally unsuitable for the cold, snowy weather. No frumpy animal skins for her!

The generally cheesy dialogue and standard battle sequences make this a three-star film, but which I'm elevating to four in consideration of the costuming, however unrealistic, the gorgeous Irish exterior sets, and the occasionally engaging performances of Ioan Gruffudd and Ray Winstone as Lancelot and Bors respectively. Owen is suitably dark and rugged as the driven, charismatic Arthur. And he cuts a fine figure against the skyline mounted on his steed with breastplate, plumed helmet, and streaming cavalry standard. Keira's Guinevere isn't much more than eye candy, though she wields a mean bow and arrow.

If I had to choose between KING ARTHUR and the previously mentioned EXCALIBUR, I'd have to go with the latter, a visually stunning piece of filmmaking up in the five-star category that features superb performances by Nigel Terry as Arthur, Nicole Williamson as Merlin, and Helen Mirren as Morgana, plus a soundtrack to knock your socks off.
1119966
I have never researched arthur.  U take facts & fiction put in movies & u really should take things in  w/a grain of salt.  Sometimes people r 2 critical of a movie & 4get 2 enjoy it based on what the actors put in2 the movie.  They all blew me away w/their performance & I enjoyed the ending songs.  Regina.
2997461
The sound quality is excellent and I enjoy listening to the music.  The theme song could be longer, as it is on the TV Show.  I like the song "The King's Arrival" very much.
1422176
Before I seen this movie this past tusday night- I saw a speacail on History channel. So I was ready for the defferent path this movie takes on the legend of King Arthur and his knights of the round table. This movie takes away the triangle love affair,takes away a mythical place of Camolot and the betrail of Arthur's son. The movie uses reference too the first man historiens beleive too be the man of legend-a Roman Captain-who became well know for his deffence of Roman ideals(or what he thought they were) and the people under Roman rule:Against the Saxtons and other Barbaric invaders. Merlin and Quenvier are Natives of Britain who help Aurther relize that the people are willing too fight they just need someone who they can trust & lead them into battle. This relization comes about when Roman troops begin too pull outof the British isle -not long after Aurther and his knights free a important relgious family and a group of villagers. Inside a two hr time frame this movie peice together a century of history. It has plenty of midevil fighting in it and echos "Braveheart".unlike Wallace-Aurther is crowned King and marries Quenveir -in a happily ever after ending.
 The story is done well,the fight scenes are good-If you like lots of sword play and movie that pitt men against impossible odds too relize there dream ,you will enjoy this 3.5 star film
1981583
I enjoyed this book on two fronts - the romantic relationship that King Arthur has with his lover Guinevere, which is about to be snapped in two when Arthur decides to marry another woman for political reasons and to secure his power. The other aspect of the book is the mystery - the killing of young women which may or may not be a challenge being made to the new Christian faith supported by Arthur and opposed by pagan beliefs. The ritualitic style murders were a little overwhelming in their violence. The setting is steeped in history and legend - an excellent novel for lovers of the Arthurian storie and especially to medievel mystery buffs.
2283906
Its the Aladdin soundtrack. If you like it youll like this.
4787616
Their name came from the Arthurian's legend.  Uther Pendragon was the father of king Arthur (knights of the round table with Lancelot).  If you have not read the story, you have to, the story is so beautiful.
I first heard Pendragon's music for the first time in an audio exhibition back in early 90. I went to look at the album and tought it was a soundtrack.  So for a couple of time, me and my brother were searching the album in soundtrack section of music store but could not find it.  Four years ago, I finally realized that Pendragon was a band not a movie and I ended up buying their albums.
This album starts in a kind of "Funeral for a friend" by Elton John mixed with guitar that sound a bit like Ennio Morricone. There is a short part with back vocals done in the way of "Great gig in the sky" by Pink Floyd.
Second song "Dance of the seven veils" is my favorite, it must be the Jack in a box sound that I hear.
Third song "Not of this world" has a lot dynamism and the 3 parts are good.
Fourth song "A man of nomadic traits" is my second favorite, the accoustic guitar is really nice and singer screams his inside feelings.
Fifth song "World's end" is more calm and has a touch of newer  Pink Floyd in it.
The other tracks are accoustic versions of most popular songs from other albums.  Nice to have them a different way.
Great album.
2887141
The album is an excellent re-construction of the best "classic symphonic rock" album of KAYAK: "Merlin". After 20 years, the band sounds like never before, the orchestra performance is in line with the perfect vocals and musical composition in each track of the album.
This album is definitely in the top 10 progressive, symphonic and classical rock expressions of my collection.
3638001
King Arthur: Tales from the Round Table is Dover Evergreen Classic's 2002 adaptation of folklorist Andrew Lang's 1902 The Book of Romance. King Arthur consists of 13 separate stories chronicling King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, Lancelot, and other Knights of the Round Table. A few of the stories are great, and others are only okay. One fantastic aspect of the volume that runs throughout are the illustrations from the original publication by H.J. Ford.

One thing that must be kept in mind is that these stories are from a 1902 collection of much older folklore. As such, the style is not what a modern reader may be used to. For example, characterization and motivation are given little attention, and much of the action you'd expect from a book about knights questing is missing. Most battles are generally summed up in the text as "The two knights fought for an hour before Sir Lancelot dealt a blow to the helm to his opponent, who then yielded."

My favorite story from the collections is "What Beaumains asked of the King." At 36 pages, it is the longest single narrative of the book (more pages are given to the Quest for the Holy Grail, but those pages are split between several stories). In this tale, a humble young man comes to Arthur's court, refusing to give his true name. He asks to be knighted and aide a woman who has come seeking aid for her sister who is besieged in her castle. Beaumains ventures forth to rescue the sister, defeating foes along the way as the woman scoffs at the lowly person sent to help her sister, unaware of Beaumains' true nobility.

As mentioned, I really enjoyed the engravings by H.J. Ford. His 28 illustrations do much to bring the story to life, and portray the characters and setting in a very romantic light. Almost every story gets at least one illustration, and the longer ones include several. I'd actually say that Ford's art is my favorite part of the book. It's just so evocative of the source material.

Overall, this is an interesting book for someone who isn't very familiar with the Round Table tales. There isn't as much depth as there could be to the stories, but perhaps that's more in keeping with the original stories, as opposed to modern expectations. The art, however, is definitely well done and makes the volume worthwhile. I'm very happy Dover included the original artwork when issuing King Arthur: Tales from the Round Table.
3981254
I gave this a listen the other evening, while cleaning weapons after a trip to the range...  It is exactly as I remember it from circa 1962--what was I, maybe seven?  This was a favorite of my parents, and of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy...  It contains many memorable songs.

If you're into "Game of Thrones" or all things Medieval, you'll probably enjoy this song-track from this classic Broadway Musical, based on the King Arthur legends.  In fact, I could easily visualize many of the characters from "Game of Thrones", as I listened to this again, for the first time in over fifty years!  Amazingly, I remembered a great many of the lyrics; but that's me.

Everyone from the virtuous young maiden, betrothed to a man she does not love, to the pure-of-heart, aspiring knight, to the bored and frustrated veteran knights, to the seamy political players behind the scenes, to a very nervous king on his wedding night, to a sage old maestor advising a younger man on "How to Handle a Woman", they're all there (minus the depravity shown in GOT, as this was the early 60's).

I've had several of these tunes buzzing in my head since; and that's a good thing!

Oh, and the advice is sound.  "The way to handle a woman is to love her...  Simply love her...  Merely love her...  Love her...  Love her..."  I have tried this and it works!

RayB
805257
I heard Kayak's hit "Seagull" in the early 80's and went out and  bought this album. I have never regretted it. Most of the album is a rock  opera based on the legend of the wizard, Merlin, and is an excellent  example of "medieval" progressive rock. The rest of the songs are  more commercial love songs. The vocals, keyboards and guitar are AMAZING.  Warning: this album causes a serious lump in the throat !
525767
It definatly isn't the traditional tale.  It takes quite a few little liberties some of the characters and their relations (nothing a non-obssesed Arthur fan would notice).  It's a beginning story (tells about  the establishment of his kingdom, not his reign and end).  Unfortunatly  Arthur's wonderfuly simple wisdom, royal knowledge and extreme goodness of  character are sacraficed to give Guinevere more of the spotlight (and the  credit for the kingdom).  Another thing that was lost was the beautiful  chemistry, tension and thrill of the incredible Lancelot-Guinevere-Arthur  love triangle.  That would probalbly be my greatest chritism.  But it is  Arthur story (and therefore practically impossible to ruin).  And it's also  nice to get a good look at Guinevere.  I always enjoy hearing the story  from her persepective.  Lee's acting was rather weak, but Flannery and  Whyle were superb.  Take a look.