Scorpion
King 4: The Quest For Power
(2015/Universal Blu-ray w/DVD)
Picture:
B+/C Sound: B+/B- Extras: B Film: C-
From
the Producers of The
Mummy
films comes the fourth entry in the direct-to-video Scorpion
King
franchise that reminds me more of the Kevin Sorbo Hercules
television show than the Scorpion
King.
Admittedly, the costumes and locations aren't half bad considering
that this is a lower studio production however it isn't as stylized
or as cinematic as Spartacus
or Game
of Thrones,
which ultimately hurts the piece.
Perhaps
with a more stylized director (the look feels very flat) and more of
a fun supernatural angle (like using some elements from The Mummy
films perhaps?) and some better actors this could have been a more
memorable outing.
Framed
for killing the king of Norvania, Scorpion King Mathayus (Victor
Webster) seeks the help of an enigmatic woman and her eccentric
father on his mission to harness a mystical power, and stop an evil
heir from seizing control of the kingdom. The film also features Lou
Ferrigno (TV's The
Incredible Hulk,
still often voicing that character today) Roy 'Big Country' Nelson
(winner of The
Ultimate Fighter),
Royce Gracie (UFC
Hall of Fame),
and a brief cameo by the legendary Rutger Hauer (Blade
Runner).
Universal
is always three steps forward when it comes to Blu-ray disc sound and
picture quality and this release is no different. Featured in
stunning 1080p high definition with a 1.78:1 widescreen aspect ratio
and a great mix in English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 that is comparable
to a theatrical exhibition. There are also subtitles available in
English, Spanish and French. The DVD has a soft anamorphically
enhanced transfer and lesser, lossy Dolby Digital 5.1 mix by
comparison.
Extras
feature Blu-ray
exclusives are deleted scenes and The Making of: Real Fighters, Fake
Punches. Other features include a gag reel, The Making of: A Brand
New World/Great Chemistry and a feature-length audio commentary with
cast and crew.
All
in all, if you are fan of B-movie sword and sandal epics then this
could be a good, one-time watch for you, though it's not original or
strong enough of a film to make a lasting impression.
-
James Harland Lockhart V
www.facebook.com/jhl5films
