Features: DVD, Widescreen, Aspect Ratio 2.35:1, Spanish, Photos, Director's Cut, Trailers
Hollywood legends Kirk Douglas, Tony Curtis, Ernest Borgnine and Janet Leigh dazzle in this epic chronicle of brutal rivalry and bloodthirsty ambition. Roaring through the 9th Century with powerful performances and "brilliant visual drama" (Cue), The Vikings is a "riveting spectacle of have-at-'em action" (Los Angeles Examiner)! Bitter hatred divides two brothers. Prince Einar (Douglas) is the son and heir of a savage Viking chieftain. Prince Eric (Curtis) is his unknowing half-brother, the bastard offspring of Einar's father and an English queen. When the Vikings kidnap a princess (Leigh), her beauty inflames the desires of both men, forcing a bloody duel that decides their fate...and the future of the English throne.
"Thunders across the screen...a blockbuster from the word go!" The Film Daily
"A rousing adventure... The production values are all top drawer." TV Guide Online
"A spectacular, brawling epic." Life
"Basic costume epic with good action scenes." VideoHound's Golden Movie Retriever
Editor's Note
Einar (Kirk Douglas), a hideously scarred Viking warrior, seeks land acquisition and the hand of the beautiful Princess Morgana (Janel Leigh). Einar crosses paths with Eric (Tony Curtis) who has his sights set on the same prizes. The two have more in common than they know; unbeknownst to one another, they are brothers.This 1958 epic was based on an actual Viking, Ragnar Lothbrok, a sadistic and adventurous sailor. While not very rooted in fact, the film is a rousing adventure with lusty, violent imagery very bold for its time. A scene where Janet Leigh's clothing is ripped, enabling her to row a boat and exposing her back was considered very risque and undoubtedly added to the film's stellar performance at the box office. Ernest Borgnine shines as Ragnar and Jack Cardiff's photography is breathtaking. An opening animated historical prelude is narrated by Orson Welles.
Plot Summary
Half-brothers Eric and Einar are sons of the Viking leader Ragnar. Einar is the heir to the throne, while Eric grows up as a slave. Though they have become bitter enemies in battle -- Eric's trained bird has disfigured Einar's face -- neither knows that they are related. During a raid on an English ship, Einar captures Morgana, the daughter of the King of Wales and bride-to-be of the English King. Einar wants her for his own, but she falls in love with Eric. United by blood and separated by hatred, the two brothers face off in a fight for love and power.
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