Blu-ray Review: Marco Polo (1962)

In the 1960s and 1970s "Peplum" films or Sword and Sandal features were extremely popular. We saw many Hercules films, Quo Vadis, Jason and the Argonauts, The 7th Voyage of Sindbad, The 300 Spartans and many many more. In 1962 the sword and sandal adventure film Marco Polo was released.

Now the good folks at Kino Lorber under the division of KL Studio Classics are giving this film a chance to shine on Blu-ray for the first time ever. And from a 4K restoration no less.

Italian explorer Marco Polo (Rory Calhoun) rescues Princess Amurroy (Yôko Tani) the daughter of the Mongol leader Kublai Khan, meets a hermit who has invented gunpowder and builds a cannon. Marco uses the cannon to rebel against the evil warlord.

The film was directed by Piero Pierotti and originally entitled "L'avventura di un italiano in Cina".  When it was dubbed in English for a American release, Hugo Fregonese directed some additionl scenes and a new score by Les Baxter was produced.

Even thought Marco Polo had a small budget, it is a fun film to watch. Just don't expect this film to match up with some of the best of the sword and sandal features. Rory Calhoun is kind of odd choice for Marco Polo, but somehow it strangely works. The action is good and the acting is nice. 

It is so cool to see Marco Polo debut on Blu-Ray. The film has been transferred in 1080p in 2.35:1 from a 4K restoration. The audio is a lossless DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio. There is also English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

I have seen some 4K Restorations of 60s films that don't look as dynamic. This restoration of Marco Polo is truly amazing! The colors are vibrant and the picture is crisp and clean with no signs of damage. But a extremely impressive restoration is not all that in included on this Blu-ray. Take a look at the bonus features.

* Audio Commentary: Novelist and Critic Tim Lucas

* Trailers: Marco Polo, Buccaneer’s Girl, Son Of Ali Baba, The Revolt Of The Slaves and Cartouche.

In the final analysis while Marco Polo may not be among the best of the Sword and Sandal features of the 60s it is far from the worst. It is actually pretty entertaining and the new restoration in my opinion is the perfect way to see it. I highly recommend this release for the restoration!  

If you love 60s sword and sandal films Marco Polo maybe just what you are looking for, for your collection. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today.

Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) KL Studio Classics Blu-ray of Marco Polo receives...