Hugh Hudson (Chariots of Fire, I Dreamed of Africa) directs this lavish adaption highlighting the character’s dual nature as master of the African jungle and as John Clayton, seventh Earl of Greystoke, heir to one of Scotland’s great estates. Christopher Lambert (in the title role), Andie MacDowell (in her movie debut) and Sir Ralph Richardson (in one of his final performances) star in a “ravishing, magical epic:” (Guy Flatley, Cosmopolitan).

For thoughts on Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:

[youtube https://youtu.be/iKQbOQ9vcfQ?si=I4dXpUHhCy2zbieU&t=3442]

Video Quality

Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes was one of the first Blu-Ray releases from the Warner Archive back in 2013, and this release shows the hallmarks of the level of care we have come to expect from the company. The film received a fantastic upgrade on Blu-Ray with a 1080p transfer created from a thoughtful remastering process. The transfer captures the vast beauty of the various environments which the transfer realizes thanks to natural film grain free of any compression artifacts or other such digital anomalies.

This disc accurately represents the shooting locations with the clarity and complexity the film requires. There are elements in the environments that far outpace the old DVD source and reveal new facets to the audience. Skin tones are nuanced and consistent, and the presentation offers up deep black levels free from crush. Some miraculous colors viscerally enrich the film. While no longer a new release, it still holds up as a formidable title from the label.

Audio Quality

Warner Archive gives this Blu-Ray a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix that gives the story the grand scope you crave. The score from John Scott sounds lush as it delivers every note with perfect fidelity. The rather sparse amount of dialogue, largely in the latter half, stays grounded in the center channel for most of the film, but it extends to the surround speakers when necessary. There are some impressive environmental effects, especially while still in the jungle in the first half of the story. This audio presentation represents the film as it deserves. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided on this disc.

Special Features

Audio Commentary: Director Hugh Hudson and Line Producer Garth Thomas provide an informative commentary track in which they discuss the logistics of the production, the practical nature of all the effects, the care that went into the construction of the ape suits, the shooting locations, and more.

Original Theatrical Trailer: The minute-and-a-half-long trailer is provided here.

Final Thoughts

Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes takes the oft-adapted character and gives him the sprawling period epic treatment that keeps things more grounded. The results are immensely entertaining, as you truly understand the emotional depth of the character to go along with the thrilling jungle adventure. The care put into crafting this film is readily apparent and allows this one to hold up all the better even after all these years. Warner Archive has released a Blu-Ray featuring a grand A/V presentation and a good commentary track. If you have yet to see this one, definitely make time for it. Recommended

Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes can be purchased directly through MovieZyng or various other online retailers.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Warner Archive has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.