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True Legend of the Eiffel Tower
Koch Vision // Unrated // October 3, 2006
List Price: $19.98 [Buy now and save at Amazon]
Many modern architects strive to construct unique exceptional works of beauty. People of the world stand utterly spellbound over such outrageous creations. Through the eyes of engineer Gustave Eiffel during late 19th and early 20th century France, the Eiffel Tower was erected as one of these beautiful challenges to all things conventional. This fascinating story is crafted through Koch Vision's True Legend of the Eiffel Tower. Through this docu-drama, directed by Simon Brook, the unfolding story of the Eiffel Tower spans decades from its conception through its practical use during World War I.
As a competitor in the World's Fair marking the anniversary of the French Revolution, Eiffel and his team of architects sought out to create a structure that was daring, breathtaking, and near impossible. Using similar bridge mechanics they were accustomed to working with, his team began designing a beautiful weaving metal structure that would extend into the clouds. From there, the journey leads down a tumultuous, deadline-driven path involving labor restrictions, assembly material problems, and innovatively dangerous construction techniques. Before, during, after the construction, the country of France followed the exploits of a journalist (our narrator) that chronicles the fate of the Eiffel Tower.
Koch Vision's production of The True Legend of the Eiffel Tower boasts some very strong performances over the course of its 90 minute run time. Gustave Eiffel's bestial and strong persona is crafted with sincerity by Jacques Frantz. Flowing from this cornerstone performance, all of the modest supporting roles, ranging from architects and journalists to the riveters atop the massive structure, add a strong impression of realism. No characters are wasted through this production.
Taking into account the budget restraints, the True Legend of the Eiffel Tower is a nicely shot film. Each shot that captures the Paris streets, the French burlesque shows, and personal character locations, enhances this subdued yet amorous Parisian period. Of course, the shots amidst the Eiffel Tower are gorgeous. While the CG-portions of the film might need a bit more polish, the overall product is well achieved and convincingly majestic.
The strength of the story lies with the Eiffel Tower's creation. The tower's conception, the politics surrounding its progress and the physical development itself are all pretty darn interesting. It's only after the structure is built that the tale begins to lose steam. After the turmoil of construction, we move to other events surrounding Eiffel's life. While seemingly interesting in context, these elements seem a bit drawn out in this production. None the less, the conclusion and the tower's practical usage during the war still give The True Legend of the Eiffel Tower just enough steam to cross the finish line with grace.
The DVD:
Koch Vision's The True Legend of the Eiffel Tower comes in a normal keepcase DVD with a promotional insert for other Koch Vision products.
The Video:
Presented in a non-anamorphic letterboxed image, the image is nicely done. Shot in Hi-Definition, the detail and flesh tones appear strong throughout the presentation. Each shot of the Eiffel Tower, whether it be in construction or completed, is awe-inspiring. The cinematography shines through this docu-drama style filming. Why Koch Vision has elected to matte this disc in a letterboxed 4x3 presentation is beyond me. Even so, the film's transfer is well executed.
The Audio:
Sadly, the only available language track is an English Dubbed track over the French dialogue. While the voiceovers were decently performed, an original language track would have been a very welcome portion of the disc. Still, the Dolby Digital track is nicely executed. Uses of certain bass effects during the camera's panning of the tower were a pleasant surprise. Dialogue comes through crisp and clear, while some of the construction noises rang through very nicely.
Final Thoughts:
The story of the Eiffel Tower's conception is a lot more interesting than expected. What gripped this reviewer is the politics surround its construction, the efforts of the workers to maintain efficiency, and the overall design difficulties. Even though it does begin to lose steam once the construction suspense has died down, it still maintains a level of interest until the credits. The True Legend of the Eiffel Tower can be Recommended for those interested in delving into the intricacies of France's pinnacle trademark.
Thomas Spurlin, Staff Reviewer -- DVDTalk Reviews | Personal Blog/Site
As a competitor in the World's Fair marking the anniversary of the French Revolution, Eiffel and his team of architects sought out to create a structure that was daring, breathtaking, and near impossible. Using similar bridge mechanics they were accustomed to working with, his team began designing a beautiful weaving metal structure that would extend into the clouds. From there, the journey leads down a tumultuous, deadline-driven path involving labor restrictions, assembly material problems, and innovatively dangerous construction techniques. Before, during, after the construction, the country of France followed the exploits of a journalist (our narrator) that chronicles the fate of the Eiffel Tower.
Koch Vision's production of The True Legend of the Eiffel Tower boasts some very strong performances over the course of its 90 minute run time. Gustave Eiffel's bestial and strong persona is crafted with sincerity by Jacques Frantz. Flowing from this cornerstone performance, all of the modest supporting roles, ranging from architects and journalists to the riveters atop the massive structure, add a strong impression of realism. No characters are wasted through this production.
Taking into account the budget restraints, the True Legend of the Eiffel Tower is a nicely shot film. Each shot that captures the Paris streets, the French burlesque shows, and personal character locations, enhances this subdued yet amorous Parisian period. Of course, the shots amidst the Eiffel Tower are gorgeous. While the CG-portions of the film might need a bit more polish, the overall product is well achieved and convincingly majestic.
The strength of the story lies with the Eiffel Tower's creation. The tower's conception, the politics surrounding its progress and the physical development itself are all pretty darn interesting. It's only after the structure is built that the tale begins to lose steam. After the turmoil of construction, we move to other events surrounding Eiffel's life. While seemingly interesting in context, these elements seem a bit drawn out in this production. None the less, the conclusion and the tower's practical usage during the war still give The True Legend of the Eiffel Tower just enough steam to cross the finish line with grace.
The DVD:
Koch Vision's The True Legend of the Eiffel Tower comes in a normal keepcase DVD with a promotional insert for other Koch Vision products.
The Video:
Presented in a non-anamorphic letterboxed image, the image is nicely done. Shot in Hi-Definition, the detail and flesh tones appear strong throughout the presentation. Each shot of the Eiffel Tower, whether it be in construction or completed, is awe-inspiring. The cinematography shines through this docu-drama style filming. Why Koch Vision has elected to matte this disc in a letterboxed 4x3 presentation is beyond me. Even so, the film's transfer is well executed.
The Audio:
Sadly, the only available language track is an English Dubbed track over the French dialogue. While the voiceovers were decently performed, an original language track would have been a very welcome portion of the disc. Still, the Dolby Digital track is nicely executed. Uses of certain bass effects during the camera's panning of the tower were a pleasant surprise. Dialogue comes through crisp and clear, while some of the construction noises rang through very nicely.
Final Thoughts:
The story of the Eiffel Tower's conception is a lot more interesting than expected. What gripped this reviewer is the politics surround its construction, the efforts of the workers to maintain efficiency, and the overall design difficulties. Even though it does begin to lose steam once the construction suspense has died down, it still maintains a level of interest until the credits. The True Legend of the Eiffel Tower can be Recommended for those interested in delving into the intricacies of France's pinnacle trademark.
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