Amazons/Barbarian Queen Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.5

Amazons/Barbarian Queen Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf April 4, 2021

Roger Corman wanted in on the barbarian trend of the 1980s, but he attempted to add something different to the mix. With 1985’s “Barbarian Queen” and 1986’s “Amazons,” female characters take command of adventure, with powerful women hacking and slashing their way to confront evil. These are still Corman-branded experiences, meaning lots of nudity and predatory behavior from male participants, and while both movies struggle to overcome their budgetary limitations, they offer some interesting additions to the loincloth routine.

Click here for a review of Barbarian Queen

Click here for a review of Amazons

Amazons/Barbarian Queen Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

See above for reviews.

Amazons/Barbarian Queen Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

See above for reviews.

Amazons/Barbarian Queen Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Barbarian Queen

• Deleted Scenes (13:47, HD & SD) presents a snipped subplot featuring a gladiator recruited to spy on Argan's plans of rebellion, which is noticeably missing from the final cut. Assorted acts of violence are presented, along with an extended "dungeon squeeze" scene, which clarifies the power of Amethea's thighs as she's sexually assaulted by her torturer. The final cut leaves most of this moment to the imagination. Oddly, a few of these scenes are included in the Blu-ray cut, and there's no explanation provided as to why the rest of the material was removed from the picture.

• A Green Band Trailer (1:32, HD) and a Red Band Trailer (1:55, HD) are included.

Amazons

• Deleted Scenes (12:18, HD) provide a shortened subplot featuring Dyala's attempts to toughen up a cult of virgins, teaching them how to defend themselves against male opponents (which involves a swift staff swing to the groin area). Some dreamlike limbo visits are included, and a handful of seconds-long shots, with many already included in the final cut.

• And a Green Band Trailer (1:34, SD) and a Red Band Trailer (1:43, SD) are included.

Amazons/Barbarian Queen Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Shout Factory wisely pairs "Amazons" and "Barbarian Queen" for this release, with the two short films basically covering the same subgenre ideas, making for a decent double feature. Supplementary material is lacking in substance and explanation, but A/V presentations are satisfactory, with "Amazons" looking especially strong.