6.3 | / 10 |
Users | 3.1 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.1 |
Conan, the swashbuckler, is promised that his dead love will be revived if he procures a magic crystal from a magic fortress. He gathers a fighter, a wizard and a thief to help him as he overcomes the perils on the way.
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Grace Jones, Wilt Chamberlain, Mako, Tracey WalterAction | 100% |
Comic book | 19% |
Fantasy | 17% |
Adventure | 16% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.35:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
French: DTS 2.0
English SDH
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
BD-Live
D-Box
Mobile features
Region free
Movie | 2.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 0.5 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
How exactly does one earn a promotion from Barbarian to Destroyer? Aside from, well, destroying everything in sight? If Conan the Destroyer is any indication, it's easier than you might think. You just need a sketchier script, sillier dialogue, campier performances, nuttier action, stockier stuntwork, a trailer packed with leather and loincloths, an NBA legend, a toothy supermodel, a Kryptonian ice queen, everyone's favorite Austrian bodybuilder and, perhaps most ironically, a shift from hard-R Frank Frazetta fantasy to tame, PG-rated flights of fancy. (That's right, Destroyer is rated PG.) Yet, awful as all that might sound, it's these things -- things that have caused many a movie buff to completely dismiss Conan the Barbarian's 1984 sequel -- that make Conan the Destroyer such a deliciously cheesy '80s treat. That doesn't mean it's a good film, not by any means, or that it's misunderstood, under-appreciated or, really, anything more than a big, dumb, tasty slice of Big Dumb Fun. But it certainly helps. And sometimes that's enough, no matter how bad or how misguided a movie may be.
"Enough talk!"
Conan the Destroyer's 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer is about as close to a revelation as Cimmerian zealots could hope for. The film doesn't look as if it were shot yesterday -- softness descends like a diffuse fog on several scenes, the sorcerer's ice castle and the heroes' reward ceremony chief among them, and black levels aren't always as rich as they are at their best -- but for a twenty-seven-year old, third-tier '80s fantasy flick, it doesn't get much better than this. Colors are bight and vibrant, skintones are warm and nicely saturated, and contrast, despite some inherent inconsistencies tied to Jack Cardiff's original photography, is quite striking. Detail steals the show, though. Fine textures are notably resolved, object definition is sharp and satisfying, grain is intact and unobtrusive, and the presentation doesn't exhibit the intermittent digital manipulation, moderate edge enhancement or obvious ringing that brought Conan the Barbarian's transfer down a full notch. (Faint halos and extremely minimal DNR are evident, but are rarely a distraction.) Closeups are impressive on the whole, as are the vast majority of mid-range and establishing shots. Again, most every shortcoming traces back to the source, not Universal's efforts (or lack thereof). Moreover, significant artifacting, banding, crush and other digital anomalies are nowhere to be found, and scratches, nicks and other print issues are kept to a bare minimum. (Don't panic when the film begins; the prevailing print damage that accompanies the opening titles quickly disappears once the movie gets underway.) I imagine most fans will be ecstatic, especially those who were already more smitten with Universal's Conan the Barbarian transfer than I was.
Conan the Destroyer may look better than its Blu-Barbarian brother, but its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track isn't as remarkable. It's serviceable, involving even. It just lacks the sort of fullness and fidelity that might leave a more lasting impression. Dialogue is intelligible and reasonably well-prioritized, but a number of lines are thin and feeble, while others are bulky and burdensome. LFE output is strong and able-bodied, yet lacks the discernment, polish and authority of the best Universal catalog remixes. And the rear speakers, though certainly active, don't unleash the most convincing ambience or directional effects. All that being said, the track isn't a disappointment. If anything, it simply isn't as reliable (or memorable) as it could be. Basil Poledouris' score is every bit as brash and bold as its Barbarian counterpart, clashing swords and crackling magic rarely falter (even though they have the distinct tone of '80s fantasy effects) and dynamics are quite good (albeit less than ideal). Ultimately, "hit or miss" is an accurate description of the mix. Thankfully, the hits outweigh the misses.
The Blu-ray edition of Conan the Destroyer only includes one extra: a standard definition theatrical trailer.
Conan the Destroyer is a much lighter, flimsier fantasy than Conan the Barbarian, and the differences don't stop there. It's fun -- or rather it will be for '80s fantasy addicts -- but it isn't a very good film at all, and doesn't do justice to the character, Howard's original stories or Milius' 1982 Conan adventure. But Universal's Blu-ray release? So long as you aren't bothered by the lack of special features, you won't have much to complain about. The film's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track isn't ideal, but it's more than adequate, and its video transfer is excellent. Not quite top tier, mind you, but well worth its weight in filmic gold. Conan the Destroyer isn't for everyone, that much is sure. No matter. Sometimes nostalgia and cheesy fun are enough.
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1984
Limited Edition
1984
Limited Edition
1984
Standard Edition
1984
Standard Edition
1984
Standard Edition
1982
2010
2012
2014
Director's Cut
2007
2019
Director's Cut
1986
2016
2014
2017
Collector's Edition
1985
2018
2017
2014
2011
Extended Edition
2012
2005
2009
2022
1997