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LEGEND (1985) Theatrical Version

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Legend (1985)

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Set in a timeless mythical forest inhabited by fairies, goblins, unicorns and mortals, this fantastic story follows a mystical forest dweller, chosen by fate, to undertake a heroic quest. He must save the beautiful Princess Lili and defeat the demonic Lord of Darkness, or the world will be plunged into a never-ending ice age.

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Want to behold the glory that is ' Legend ' in the comfort of your own home? Searching for a streaming service to buy, rent, download, or watch the Ridley Scott-directed movie via subscription can be tricky, so we here at Moviefone want to do the work for you. Below, you'll find a number of top-tier streaming and cable services - including rental, purchase, and subscription options - along with the availability of 'Legend' on each platform when they are available. Now, before we get into all the details of how you can watch 'Legend' right now, here are some details about the Embassy International Pictures, Legend Production Company, Universal Pictures, 20th Century Fox fantasy flick. Released April 18th, 1986, 'Legend' stars Tom Cruise , Mia Sara , Tim Curry , David Bennent The PG movie has a runtime of about 1 hr 34 min, and received a user score of 62 (out of 100) on TMDb, which compiled reviews from 1,140 well-known users. Curious to know what the movie's about? Here's the plot: "Set in a timeless mythical forest inhabited by fairies, goblins, unicorns and mortals, this fantastic story follows a mystical forest dweller, chosen by fate, to undertake a heroic quest. He must save the beautiful Princess Lili and defeat the demonic Lord of Darkness, or the world will be plunged into a never-ending ice age." 'Legend' is currently available to rent, purchase, or stream via subscription on Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies, Vudu, Amazon Video, Microsoft Store, YouTube, Spectrum On Demand, and AMC on Demand .

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Not even Ridley Scott's gorgeously realized set pieces can save Legend from its own tawdry tale -- though it may be serviceable for those simply looking for fantasy eye candy.

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Dark and often scary '80s fantasy hasn't aged well.

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© 1985 Universal City Studios, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Though Legend may never achieve full-on classic motion picture status, the more fleshed-out director's cut proves that Ridley Scott's lovingly-crafted fairytale always deserved better than it got from both film critics and paying audiences alike.

Legend remains a stunning faerie floss fantasy. Ninety-five minutes of lovingly crafted, 'super real' escapism.

This is a fantasy painting come to life as a movie. If you know anything about fantasy paintings, you'll also know that most fantasy paintings don't have a story or plot to them.

The film has glaring faults that cannot be overlooked so while Arrow does a superb job packaging this release, the movie itself could use a makeover.

The deficits remain as voluminous and ghastly as ever.

Legend is a disaster in a lot of ways, but it's an attractive one that's a lot more fun than many other serious movies.

It's all flash and no flesh. But in the hands of a visual director like Scott, sometimes that's enough.

Legend is not without whimsical touches, but it surely could have used more humor and invention.

You are caught up in a morality play... the deepest significance of which the makers of this PG movie are apparently betting the adolescents of America will instinctively comprehend.

Best known as the movie that was filming at Pinewood when the James Bond stage burned down, this is probably one of the few films on director Ridley Scott's CV that he would prefer to forget.

Additional Info

• Genre : Fantasy
• Release Date : April 18, 1986
• Languages : English
• Captions : English
• Audio Format : Stereo

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Legend (1986)

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Product Description

• Feature Commentary with Ridley Scott
• Lost Scenes
• Bryan Ferry "Is Your Love Strong Enough" Music Video
• Photo Galleries

Product details

• Aspect Ratio ‏ : ‎ 2.35:1
• Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
• MPAA rating ‏ : ‎ NR (Not Rated)
• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches; 3.2 ounces
• Director ‏ : ‎ Ridley Scott
• Media Format ‏ : ‎ Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Director's Cut, NTSC, Widescreen, Subtitled
• Run time ‏ : ‎ 1 hour and 53 minutes
• Release date ‏ : ‎ May 31, 2005
• Actors ‏ : ‎ Tom Cruise, Mia Sara, Tim Curry, David Bennent, Alice Playten
• Subtitles: ‏ : ‎ English, French, Spanish
• Producers ‏ : ‎ Arnon Milchan
• Language ‏ : ‎ English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo), English (DTS 5.1), English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
• Studio ‏ : ‎ Universal Studios Home Entertainment
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0007PLLQ0
• Writers ‏ : ‎ William Hjortsberg
• Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1
• #34,716 in DVD

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Tom Cruise stars in this visually stunning fantasy-adventure in which pure good and evil battle to the death in a mythical forest inhabited by fairies, goblins, unicorns and mortals.

Bundles containing this item

80's Sci-Fi 6 Pack

Available on, description.

Legend, from director Ridley Scott (Blade Runner, Gladiator), is a visually stunning fantasy-adventure in which pure good and evil battle to the death amidst spectacular surroundings. Set in a timeless mythical forest inhabited by fairies, goblins, unicorns and mortals, this fantastic story stars Tom Cruise as a mystical forest dweller, chosen by fate, to undertake a heroic quest. He must save the beautiful Princess Lily (Mia Sara) and defeat the demonic Lord of Darkness (Tim Curry), or the world will be plunged into a never-ending ice age.

Cast and crew

Ridley Scott

David Bennent

Alice Playten

Billy Barty

Cork Hubbert

Peter O'farrell

Annabelle Lanyon

Robert Picardo

Tina Martin

Ian Longmur

Michael Crane

Liz Gilbert

Eddie Powell

Ian Stewart

Jeff Davies

Sally Dewhurst

Jane Devonshire

Amanda Rose

Joey Baxter

Sharon Brown

Nicky Dewhurst

Debbie Greenwell

William Hjortsberg

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Screen Rant

Legend: how the tom cruise and tim curry fantasy movie became a cult classic.

Legend is a little-known 1985 Tom Cruise fantasy movie directed by Ridley Scott. It was a box office bomb but became a cult classic - here's why.

• Legend, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Tom Cruise, is a unique cult classic fantasy film that stands out in both their filmographies.
• Despite being a box office flop, the film gained its cult status through its stunning visuals and the exceptional performance of Tim Curry as the Lord of Darkness.
• The director's cut of Legend, released in 2002, with its different ending and original score, helped solidify its cult classic status by offering a morally gray narrative and questioning the concepts of good and evil.

While a number of '80s movies have become cult classics, one of the more curious films to receive such status is the 1985 film Legend starring Tom Cruise. Directed by Ridley Scott, Legend is an epic fantasy adventure film that follows a young man named Jack (Tom Cruise) who must confront and defeat the Lord of Darkness (Tim Curry) as he plans to curse the entire world with eternal night by killing all the unicorns in this realm and taking their horns. Along the way, Jack encounters various creatures and a princess named Lili (Mia Sara).

After he made Alien , Scott wanted to make a fairytale film. He teamed up with author William Hjortsberg and the two worked closely together for five weeks on the first draft of what would become Legend . Soon after, Scott started principal photography on his iconic sci-fi film Blade Runner (via Starburst Magazine ). By the time Scott had completed Blade Runner , he and Hjortsberg went through 15 drafts before settling on what would serve as the official Legend script. And while Legend may not be nearly as popular as either Alien or Blade Runner , it had enough unique aspects that allowed the Tom Cruise fantasy adventure to become a cult classic.

Every Ridley Scott Movie Ranked From Worst To Best (Including House of Gucci)

The only fantasy film ridley scott and tom cruise worked on.

Part of why Legend became a cult classic is that it stands out in both Ridley Scott's and Tom Cruise's catalog, serving as the only fantasy film either has worked on. While some of Scott's films have fantastical elements, most notably his biblical epic Exodus: Gods and Kings , Legend is the only pure fantasy movie that Scott has directed. Considering that a lot of Scott's filmography consists of high-concept science fiction movies, big-budget historical action epics, intense crime dramas, or horror films, something like Legend completely stands out. The uniqueness of this kind of movie in a filmography like Ridley Scott's makes it worth seeking out.

Similarly, Legend is the only pure fantasy movie that Tom Cruise has starred in. While it can be argued that his reboot of The Mummy has fantastical elements in it, like Scott, he has never again worked on a pure fantasy film. Cruise's filmography primarily consists of either high-adrenaline action movies like Top Gun: Maverick or Mission: Impossible , science fiction films like Oblivion or Edge of Tomorrow , or artistic character dramas like Eyes Wide Shut or A Few Good Men . Therefore, like Scott, Tom Cruise being in a film like Legend is a reason why it is appealing.

Legend Bombed At The Box Office

Like many other movies that become cult classics, Legend was a flop — Tom Cruise's only real box office bomb . The film had a $25 million dollar budget and only made a worldwide total of about $23.5 million despite having been the number one movie at the box office for two weeks when it was released in 1985 (via The Numbers ). The fact that Legend performed so poorly at the box office could be a big reason why neither Scott nor Cruise attempted to make another fantasy movie. However, regardless of how it did financially, Legend eventually gained its cult status when it was seen on home video.

Legend Was Poorly Received Despite Some Positives Aspects

Legend received mostly negative reviews, with criticisms of it being incoherent, messy, and overall lacking a sense of identity or purpose. Roger Ebert described Legend as "... a movie that has no clear idea of its own mission and no joy in its own accomplishment ." (via RogerEbert.com ) Ebert's TV partner and fellow critic, Gene Siskel, was even harsher towards Scott's fantasy film, stating " I don't want to remember any more about Legend than to make sure I include it in my 'worst films of 1986' list and never rent it when it comes out as a video cassette ." (via Chicago Tribune )

However, even the harshest critics cannot deny some admirable aspects of Legend as many of the positive reviews praise the film for its gorgeous visuals. Through a combination of the cinematography, set pieces, and most importantly the makeup effects, Legend was dazzling to look at. Several critics stated that Legend 's visuals and makeup prosthetics alone were enough reasons to see it. A big reason why the movie had such great makeup effects is because of the involvement of makeup effects artist Rob Bottin, who is best known for his work on films like The Howling , Robocop , and The Thing .

Tim Curry Gave A Great Performance

Another aspect of Legend that even the biggest detractors praised was Tim Curry's performance as the Lord of Darkness. Despite only appearing in the last 20 minutes and heavily covered with makeup and prosthetics, Curry received much acclaim for truly embodying this evil, sadistic character and has been cited by many as the best part of the movie. While Curry has played similar types of villains and creatures before, he is completely unrecognizable as Darkness and gives a hugely entertaining yet thoroughly terrifying performance.

The Director's Cut Helped Legend Become A Cult Classic

Similar to the multiple director's cuts that Blade Runner received , a big reason why Legend became a cult classic is the unrated Director's Cut released in 2002. There are two main differences between Legend 's theatrical and director's cut, and the first is that the latter offers a more bittersweet ending in which Jack and Lili go their separate ways instead of riding off into the sunset. The other big change is that the Legend director's cut uses the original Jerry Goldsmith score that was kept in for European audiences rather than the music by Tangerine Dream, Jon Anderson, and Brian Ferry that was in the US theatrical release (via Cinefantastique ).

Overall, while the theatrical cut provides a more clear-cut, good vs. evil story, the Legend director's cut provides a more morally gray narrative. In the director's cut, the ideas about good and evil are consistently questioned as the protagonists are flawed individuals who make mistakes and may not be the pure embodiment of good, but will still rise to the occasion at the end of the day. In the same vein that Blade Runner became a cult classic when an improved version of the movie became available, Legend received a similar status and praise for doing the same.

1985's Legend Is a Cult Classic Movie for Tom Cruise Fans

The 1985 fantasy-adventure film Legend had everything going for it. Ridley Scott had made his mark with The Duellists , then turned to science fiction with the Academy Award-winning Alien and the multiple versions of Blade Runner , before aiming at fantasy filmmaking. Tom Cruise had just finished football drama All the Right Moves and was a year away from mega-star status thanks to Top Gun . With tremendous talent in front of and behind the camera, Legend felt like a sure thing.. until it wasn't.

With special effects wizard Rob Bottin ( Robocop ) burying actors beneath prosthetics and Oscar-nominated production designer Assheton Gorton ( The French Lieutenant’s Woman ) creating this world from the ground up, Legend certainly looks amazing. Cinematographer Alex Thomson is also no stranger to fantasy, having been Oscar-nominated for his work on Excalibur . All that creativity, plus an immense amount of money and time, amounts to something -- even if it's not commercial success. Rather, Legend became a cult hit and it deserves all of the appreciation that's been lobbed on it since.

Tim Curry is the True Star of Legend

Curry's Performance as Darkness Stands Out

10 Best Fantasy Movies That Aren't Based on Fairy Tales

Tim Curry is the centerpiece around which Legend revolves. A preening, elegant and animalistic creation, his eight-foot-tall villain Darkness is an example of great 1980's practical movie effects . Curry -- encased in a full-body prosthetic -- creates an oppressive presence that dominates Legend from the shadows. Cloven hoofs, manicured talons, and a rich baritone distinguish this denizen of the underworld from the innocence above, while the actor towers over his co-stars. Even though Darkness only appears in the later part of Legend , Curry's performance is the most memorable. He elevates overly elaborate pantomime villainy to legendary status.

When Legend was released in 1985, Curry was best known as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in Frankenstein -inspired The Rocky Horror Picture Show , both on stage and on screen. There is no denying the theatrical element that comes through in his portrayal of Darkness, yet there is nothing camp or melodramatic about it. In fact, considering Legend is in a genre that has traditionally aimed at children, he certainly scares audiences by giving them something grotesque. This shocking difference is hammered home in the film's final act, when animal sacrifice and devil worship throw Legend into freefall. But Curry overshadows Cruise, both literally and figuratively.

Tom Cruise Makes an Early Impression - By Not Making One

Legend undersells cruise's hero character jack, 10 best tom cruise movies (that arent mission: impossible films).

The true test of any actor is their ability to make an impression. Legend pushes that idea to breaking point with Tom Cruise, who does less than zero throughout the film. Scott captures him amid pollen with glitter glistening on his skin opposite an equally perfect Mia Sara, and the heightened lovefest between their characters Jack and Lili lasts throughout the movie. Nothing more is asked of Cruise acting-wise, apart from the occasional action sequence; Legend is far from the best Tom Cruise performance .

However, there still are glimpses of the movie star he would become. Cruise has an on-screen presence that is impossible to mimic. He may not make a wonderful impression like other fantasy movie heroes, but he walks away from Legend almost unscathed. That's impressive, since at one point he faces off against a towering Tim Curry wrapped in bright red skin and brandishing a broadsword. Less than a year after Legend , Cruise was winning over film audiences as Lt. Pete "Maverick" Mitchell in Top Gun -- proving how much bigger he was than any one movie.

Legend's Uneven Story Kept It From Being a Box Office Hit

The film has a number of production flaws, ridley scott's 10 best movies according to rotten tomatoes.

There is no denying that Legend lacks a story of any substance . There is so little for audiences to hang onto dramatically that the movie soon becomes an exercise in artistic appreciation. Scenes either feel stretched out too long or lack meaningful dialogue, and writer William Hjortsberg ( Angel Heart ) turns every fairy exchange into rhyming couplets that soon become distracting. But that's not the only way in which the movie wanders off in its own direction -- feeling more like an arthouse film than anything else.

Between the endless shots of Lili running in slow motion, or Jack breaking through sheet ice as the world is plunged into darkness, Legend loses its way. Moments of visual genius are overshadowed by artistic overindulgence, meaning that scenes simply do not work. Whether the fact that the movie's primary set burned down affected the finished product is up for debate, but Legend suffers from tonal inconsistency throughout. Thankfully, Bottin and his team of visual effects boffins manage to turn this turgid trifle into a cult classic, thanks to some groundbreaking techniques.

How Did Legend Become a Cult Classic?

The movie's makeup and effects save the day, 11 most underrated fantasy movies.

From another cult hit in John Carpenter's The Thing to winning an Oscar for Total Recall , Rob Bottin has elevated every movie he touches. In the case of Legend , he designed, implemented, and engineered some of the most intricate practical effects ever seen on film. He was rewarded for his efforts with another Academy Award nomination in the Best Makeup category. Beyond the creation of Darkness, Bottin also brought to life another creature ripped from the pages of a fairy tale nightmare called Meg Mucklebones, played by future Star Trek fan-favorite Robert Picardo.

Encountered by Jack on his way to the underworld, Meg is a marvel of prosthetic make-up and hydraulic invention. Buried beneath this terrifying disguise, Picardo embraces his inner swamp monster. Gnarled, nasty and after a tasty morsel, Meg Mucklebones is the perfect combination of visual effects and acting prowess. Her leering over her intended victim surrounded by a putrid bog is one of the most powerful moments in this disjointed movie.

There is no doubting the ambition behind Legend , which oddly comes off like a cross between Blade Runner and Someone to Watch Over Me . Legend has some of the most impressive visuals Ridley Scott has ever shaped -- including towering trees, woodland glades and awe-inspiring set designs. Those who helped create its world -- including Bottin, Thomson, Gorton and composer Jerry Goldsmith -- made something truly dazzling. Legend might be flawed, but there are elements that shine through the visual distractions, wafer-thin plotline and overly engineered acting. Hiding therein are moments of sheer filmmaking genius. With numerous cuts to choose from and an endless array of interpretations to draw from them, Legend is the cult classic that keeps giving.

In a fantastical realm, a young hero embarks on a quest to rescue a princess and recover the last of the unicorns from a malevolent figure who seeks to plunge the world into eternal night. Joined by allies from the forest, he confronts dark forces in an epic battle to restore balance to the land.

Director Ridley Scott

Release Date April 18, 1986

Cast Cork Hubbert, Alice Playten, David Bennent, Tim Curry, Billy Barty, Tom Cruise, Mia Sara

Writers William Hjortsberg

Rating PG-13

Main Genre Fantasy

• Tim Curry's performance carries the film.
• Excellent makeup and visual effects throughout.
• Stunning production design and superior score.
• A less impressive performance by Tom Cruise.
• Thinly-drawn story and uneven pacing.

Legend (1985)

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