Erik The Viking Review

• 6th Oct 2011

Erik the Viking sails onto Arrow Video disc this coming week. Terry Jones went on a python-esque adventure with the likes of Tim Robbins, John Cleese, Eartha Kitt, Samantha Bond, Tim McInnerny, Mickey Rooney and a whole host of others.

Erik has lost his Viking mojo and sets out on a journey with a rag-tag group of his kinsmen to find Asgard and perhaps seek a little bit of meaning towards that which we call life. The group accompanying him have their own agendas for better or for worse and off into the misty seas they set, unknowing of the adventure and calamities that await them.

Robbins was perhaps an odd, yet affable, choice for Erik; the brave but slightly dim-witted leader of the crew out to discover the Viking heaven. But it is the Brit supporting cast who steal most of the best one-liners. John Gordon Sinclair’s cowardly wee Scot among the group is always a good giggle, and Tim McInnerny’s Sven the Beserker is a real highlight (and a real nutcase). Hell, there is even a Japanese Slave master who doesn’t speak any English who gets his moment to shine on screen. Jones himself pops up as the leader of a peaceful tribe the group happen upon who love to create music; but are all sadly tone deaf.

The adventure takes them through wild seas and into the midst of Pirates, fire-breathing dragons and all sorts of trouble before they reach their destination.

With this special edition we get a wealth of extras. Plenty of short featurettes, but most people will be drawn to the two versions of the film (the newest of which was edited by the Director’s son). The film is barely 90 minutes long as it is, and yet they still managed to find time to trim out 15 minutes making for an even shorter, yet slightly more paced film. Jones also delivers a commentary (which appears on both versions).

Steven Hurst