One of the best-composed shots in the movie

Fox Lorber released the Kirk Douglas-starring tale of Ulysses (Odysseus) about ten years ago. Lionsgate has reissued it with new cover art and no extras. It's important to note that Ulisse (Italian title) was shot in 1.66:1 aspect ratio, so the 1.33:1 transfer on this DVD is problematic for purists (myself included) from the start. Thing is, I don't think they really sank much money into quality film stock or decent lighting, so I don't know how much better this one will look.

The movie was shot predominantly in Italian and dubbed into English with the exception of Douglas and Anthony Quinn's lines. Dino de Laurentiis produced, and one would expect he's why the predominantly mediterranean-staffed production got its cost-saving configuration.

It's interesting to me that no one has come up with a definitive film adaptation for one of the great centuries-old men on a mission stories that turns into a quest for revenge. The thing this attempt does best is that it's slavishly faithful to much of the source material. In that respect, it's a safer bet for middle school teachers showing something to kids when studying Greek & Roman history since people have realized there's (gasp!) nudity in Clash of the Titans.

No one quite matches Quinn-style swagger and bravado these days

I'll watch anything with Kirk Douglas in it, but this movie drags toward the middle, only picking up speed again in its last 15 minutes or so. This year marks Ulysses' 55th year since release, and about the only thing I'd look forward to in a 60th Anniversary release in 2014 or a tie-in for a Troy sequel is a featurette on the practical effects and a cleaner transfer. Lionsgate rereleased this on disc back on 8/4 for $15 or a little less. I'm a sucker for enjoying this in spite of flaws I don't usually tolerate, but I'll plunk down for any imperfect adaptation of The Odyssey, so sue me.