ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT is offering even more diverse titles as the years go by, and "PELLE THE CONQUEROR" is the most recent example.  While the company is also well known for their exemplary quality releases of horror, sci-fi, and cult films, their offering of great "foreign" films deserves a lot of credit.

The company has been releasing foreign films for years now, but none of their "Herzog" releases equal the brilliance or significance of this masterpiece.  At times, resembling "The Bicycle Thief" in terms of its honest depiction of the human condition, "PELLE THE CONQUEROR" follows the struggles of a hard working father and his son(Pelle) as they leave their native Sweden, hoping for a better life in Denmark.  Soon after arriving there, they realize their pains, sorrows, and regrets will become larger than they could've ever imagined.  In spite of all the heartbreak facing them, "PELLE THE CONQUEROR" has a wonderful streak of optimism running through it!  The film is "epic" in every sense of the word, and at a running time of 150 minutes, it requires a degree of patience, but viewers are well rewarded for their effort.  This is a completely original and inspiring film.  The acting is sensational, and Max Von Sydow proves his best work is not behind him. 

Billie August's direction has a slow but deliberate pace at times, holding out from revealing too much information at an early stage.  While American audiences have been trained to get information "immediately"  August prefers to let his audiences reflect over what's unfolding in front of them  for a while.

ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT has provided the correct 1.66:1 aspect ratio for this release with 16:9 enhancement.  The image is flawless!  There is no grain or oversaturation present anywhere!  The colors are vibrant, and there's great definition.  We can almost feel the varnish on wood here!  The contrast is also impressive, with deep blacks and grays.

The Dolby Surround 2.0 mix is wonderful.  While directional effects are restrained, they're extremely effective when used.  Dialogue is well focused and always intelligible.  The surrounds are used mostly to enhance the music, which is sweeping in its effect, engulfing the listener at appropriate times.

ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT has included both the film's original Danish soundtrack as well as an English dubbed soundtrack.  While the English dubbed track is actually much better than most, it pales in comparison to the original track.  Subtitles are optional.