Sat Feb 22 21:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Camp Classic “The Conqueror” Rides Again on Blu-ray: A Hilariously Bad Epic Starring John Wayne as Genghis Khan

**LOS ANGELES, CA (February 20, 2025)** – Kino Lorber’s KL Studio Classics is releasing Howard Hughes’ infamous 1956 epic, *The Conqueror*, on Blu-ray on February 25th, giving a new generation a chance to witness this bizarre cinematic oddity. The film, starring John Wayne as Genghis Khan, is less a historical drama and more a unintentionally hilarious spectacle.

Despite its notorious miscasting of Wayne and a historically questionable portrayal of the Mongol Empire, *The Conqueror* boasts surprisingly committed performances from its ensemble cast, including Susan Hayward, Pedro Armendáriz, and a supporting cast of Western and war film veterans. The film’s ludicrous dialogue and outlandish costumes only add to its charm, making it more of a cult classic than a complete disaster. Director Dick Powell delivers surprisingly competent action sequences, filmed on location in Utah, though the use of this location holds a dark legacy (more on that below).

While initially a box office failure, *The Conqueror*’s unique blend of unintentionally comedic moments and surprisingly engaging action sequences has earned it a place in cinematic history, even gaining mention in the Medved Brothers’ list of the 50 worst films of all time. However, this Blu-ray release argues that it’s far more entertaining than that description suggests.

The new Blu-ray release offers a high-quality video transfer, showcasing the film’s original CinemaScope aspect ratio and Technicolor cinematography, though some minor issues resulting from the film’s age and history are noted. Special features include an audio commentary and the original trailer.

The release notes also mention the film’s infamous connection to radiation exposure. Filmed near a nuclear testing site, many members of the cast and crew subsequently died of cancer, a tragic and unsettling aspect of the film’s legacy.

*The Conqueror* Blu-ray is available for $29.95. Whether you’re a cinephile, a history buff, or simply looking for a hilariously bad movie night, this release is a must-see.

Read More