Deathstalker 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Deathstalker 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 2, 2025

1982’s “Conan the Barbarian” was deemed a risky project during production. It was based on material that developed more of a cult than a fanbase, and it starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, who wasn’t typical leading man material. Once the feature began screening for the public, perception of its success changed, and it went on to become a hit during a highly competitive summer. And as with any unexpected score at the box office, copycats soon followed, helping to launch an industry fascination with sword and sorcerer endeavors, with all of them lacking the epic swing and budgetary might of “Conan the Barbarian.” Roger Corman wanted in on the action, with his New World Pictures launching “Deathstalker” in 1983, striving to provide moviegoers with a Conan-like character and his experiences in a fantasy realm. Directed by James Sbardellati, “Deathstalker” doesn’t have much of a budget to do anything, but the production certainly tries to stretch a dollar, submitting a mildly diverting presentation of burly men, monstrous evil, and enough topless women to make Motley Crue blush. Corman knows what he wants, and Sbardellati works to give it to him, though he can’t conquer all of the effort’s creative challenges, making for an uneven sit while watching these days of high (and more affordable) adventure.

Munkar (Bernard Erhard) is an evil sorcerer looking to control the land. He’s seeks to dominate other kingdoms, eventually claiming Princess Codille (Barbi Benton) as the latest addition to his large harem, seeking control of the Three Powers of Creation, which are found in a sword, an amulet, and a chalice. Deathstalker (Rick Hill) is a warrior who makes his own way in the world, occasionally helping those who are besieged by the goblins and ogres that populate the land. He’s asked to help find Codille, offered a chance to claim the Three Powers of Creation for himself should he triumph, giving Deathstalker a shot at the glory and influence he craves. Setting out to infiltrate Munkar’s castle during a fight tournament organized by the sorcerer, Deathstalker begins collecting an army, joined by thief Salmaron (Augusto Larreta) and warriors Oghris (Richard Brooker) and Kaira (Lana Clarkson), with the team making their way into enemy territory. They each hope to disrupt Munkar’s reign in their own ways while Deathstalker searches for Codille, who’s tormented by Munkar while being held captive.

Sbardellati doesn’t waste time getting to sexploitation interests in “Deathstalker,” putting a damsel in distress in the opening scene of the movie. She’s a virginal maiden in a vicious world of oversexed men, leaving it up to Deathstalker to interrupt a developing sexual assault to deal with the perpetrator, also handling an army of goblins who are probably hunting for dinner. The hero is naturally awarded carnal pleasures from the victim, which establishes the production’s quest to make sure every female character disrobes at some point in the endeavor. Again, this is a Corman priority, and Sbardellati is happy to be of service, also out to generate a fantasy world, often created with the help of smoke and outdoor experiences in the forest and around caves.

There’s a quest in “Deathstalker,” which submits the Three Powers of Creation as a priority for the eponymous character, and all he has to do is retrieve a princess and kill a sorcerer. Sbardellati doesn’t have much of a budget to go huge with the feature, so he remains small, populating the picture with a witch who’s determined to put Deathstalker into action, and there’s a visit to a cave to meet Salmaron, who initially appears in puppet form, with the helmer possibly out to recreate a little Yoda-style presence, though he eventually transforms into an older man. “Deathstalker” becomes episodic, watching the warrior find his way to Oghris, saving a younger man who rewards the hero with information about the tournament and partnership. And there’s Kaira, who isn’t offered much of a story, but she’s genuinely concerned about the safety of women in the kingdom. She also walks around bare-chested, which should be a visual of empowerment, but this is Corman. I mean, come on.

“Deathstalker” doesn’t really do all that much with a team dynamic, but there’s some fun to be had with these meet cutes, creating a little screen momentum as the gang finds their way to the castle, which is now home to a large assortment of fighters looking to become Munkar’s heir. Strangely, what should be an event that helps to raise suspense in the feature actually manages to slow it down. Sbardellati spends a lot of time inside the castle, exploring the ways of the harem and their Frederick’s of Hollywood model appearances (G-strings of ye olden times!), even working in a mud wrestling match because…well, it’s 1983. Fights break out and the tournament begins, but “Deathstalker” isn’t big on action choreography, making half-speed battles less than thrilling.

Deathstalker 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Screencaps are taken from the Blu-ray.

"Deathstalker" was originally issued on Blu-ray in 2016 by Shout Factory, and the company returns to the title with a new UHD release, listed as a "4K restoration from the interpositive," "presented in Dolby Vision." This is not a production that utilized the finest moviemaking resources to begin with, but the viewing experience is acceptable, handling the low-budget presence of the film with a decent level of detail at times, though softness tends to dominate. There are skin particulars at times, maintaining a little texture on human participants, and creatures remain appreciable. Costuming is acceptably fibrous, exploring rougher leathers and some sheer outfits. Castle interiors are passably dimensional, delivering a look at community gatherings and set design achievements. Color handles acceptably, sustaining natural skin tones and appealing greenery. Livelier hues on clothing and blood is present, along with the blue skies of the kingdom. Magical elements retain a golden glow. Blacks are reasonably deep, handling evening and low-light encounters. Highlights are tasteful. Grain is decently resolved. Source has its rough spots, encountering some scratches, brief discoloration, and judder.

Deathstalker 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA is working with the limited soundscape of "Deathstalker," also encountering age-related inconsistencies. Dialogue is mostly clear, handling on-set performance choices and a bit of sloppy ADR. Scoring isn't sharp, but functional, maintaining orchestral and choral support, hitting some crackly highs at times. Sound effects are blunt but appreciable.

Deathstalker 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features director James Sbardellati, makeup effects artist John Carl Buechler, and actor Richard Brooker.

• Image Gallery (3:03) contains publicity shots, film stills, and BTS snaps.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:04, SD) is included.

Deathstalker 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Deathstalker" grows somewhat tedious in its second half as Sbardellati tries to work in as much padding as possible, still only reaching an 80-minute run time. Munkar is a passable villain, using interesting magic to tempt Deathstalker into submission (adding another way to get Benton out of her clothes), and he has a monster pet named Norman. However, the picture loses interest in the princess rescue mission as the film unfolds, and the Three Powers of Creation isn't given enough time to marinate, inspiring more questions than answers. Still, there's fun to be gathered from "Deathstalker," especially in its first half, which treats the Conan-adjacent world with a little enthusiasm, putting the main character out front to enjoy his cinematic posing and strange encounters, which manage to provide some entertainment value.