Barnes & Noble

While the Highlander name was becoming synonymous with less-than-par sequels, the television show based on the movie effectively took over the lore. Through it all, though, the exhilarating original stood out as a superior film, placing unintentional irony in the film's popular refrain: "There can only be one." When Connor McLeod (Christopher Lambert, in his most memorable role) is killed in a 16th-century battle, he surprises everyone, including himself, by coming back to life. He is subsequently banished by his fellow warriors; while in exile, he learns from a fellow "Immortal" (Sean Connery) the truth behind this newfound life: Death comes only in decapitation, and all Immortals are set to conquer one another in order to gain a nirvana-like existence, the "Quickening." Surviving eras, McLeod finds himself in modern-day Manhattan, pursued by the only other remaining Immortal, the dreaded Kurgan (Clancy Brown). Lambert's steely gaze and deadpan cool make McLeod a fitting king of the Immortals. With swordplay reminiscent of the Errol Flynn classic The Adventures of Robin Hood, plus a dashes of myth and mysticism, Highlander's fantasy action charms were unique enough to copy into oblivion. It also earns bonus points for an otherworldly soundtrack by the rock band Queen, who made both Flash Gordon and Wayne's World memorable. Jason Bergenfeld

All Movie Guide

With the ultimate throw-down, "There can be only one," Highlander captured the imaginations of fantasy fans seeking a well-executed swordplay epic, becoming a cult classic in the process. Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert) is one of a waning few survivors of a clan of immortals. The breed have been dueling each other for centuries in the quest to be the last one remaining, and hence achieve a supreme enlightenment that would be dangerous in the wrong hands. The immortals can only die by decapitation, so they hunt each other through time and across continents to meet for each decisive duel, which will bring one of them a step closer to ultimate power. In present-day America, the troubled hero MacLeod lives a brooding and lonely existence, having lost his true love centuries ago. The evil Kurgan (Clancy Brown), an immortal who plans to use his power toward unspeakable ends, has fought MacLeod before but is still trying to finish him off. After emerging victorious from a parking garage skirmish with the third-to-last immortal, MacLeod knows that only Kurgan is left, and the two are on a collision path toward the inevitable. In the film's numerous flashbacks to the past, Sean Connery plays Ramirez, the immortal who first tutors MacLeod after the hero survives a mortal battle wound, prompting his fearful village to banish him. Roxanne Hart plays MacLeod's modern-day love interest, who tries to help him while struggling to believe his incredible story. The director's cut runs four minutes shorter. ~ Derek Armstrong, All Movie Guide

Product Details

• UPC: 031398103608
• Source: LIONS GATE
• Region Code: 1
• Aspect Ratio: Theatre Wide-Screen (1.85.1)
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Sound: Dolby Digital Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
• Language: English, Français
• Time: 1:56:00
• Sales Rank: 1,562

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