IceMan Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.5

IceMan Blu-ray Movie Review

An entertaining science-fiction adventure with spectacle and intrigue

Iceman is an action-adventure with science-fiction elements tossed into the equation. The story centers upon a 40,000 year old man frozen in a giant glacier who is then brought back to life by the power of scientific innovation. Produced by Norman Jewison (Moonstruck, Fiddler on the Roof) and Patrick J. Palmer (Don Juan DeMarco, Stanley & Iris), Iceman is ultimately a fun film worth checking out.

After being discovered by a group of top-class scientists assembled for their latest mission, the former cave-man is now a rediscovered specimen who is put under research by the scientists who found him. Dr. Stanley Shephard (Timothy Hutton) is at the top of the list of experts and is brought to the base in order to study the caveman and find out what makes him tick.

Dr. Diane Brady (Lindsay Crouse) helps with the ongoing study and she interacts one-on-one with the caveman after he is pulled from his icicle and brought into a lair all his own. After the scientists get to know the caveman a little better, he gets his own name assigned to him: Charlie. Charlie (John Lone) tries to communicate with them through non-verbal gestures before attempting to become free at last. As events spiral out of control in a mad-dash, the journey of the iceman is just beginning to unfold and new twists and turns await.

Open Sesame

The adventurous aspects of the filmmaking are engaging and exciting to see unfold. There is so much excitement on display in the film and it completely brings one into the story and into the scientific-expedition. Sci-fi fans looking for something to delve into will find this a worthwhile experience. Featuring a bristling score by Bruce Smeaton (The Missing, The Devil's Playground) and beautiful cinematography by Ian Baker (Japanese Story, The Russia House), Iceman is worth its resurrection.

Featuring a screenplay by Chip Proser (Innerspace) and John Drimmer (Tales from the Darkside), Iceman is a bit exaggerated in its caveman story but the film remains extremely well-paced and entertaining even during its more outlandish moments. After the ice melts, the story gets more enthralling and the characters help to make the journey an interesting one.

Directed by Fred Schepisi (Roxanne, Empire Falls), Iceman manages to impress as an entertaining experience that takes viewers on a strange odyssey offering viewers intrigue and wonder in equal measure. Fans of adventure and science-fiction should make sure to check out this entertaining spectacle. The film might not be a masterpiece of sci-fi but it succeeds at being a fun outing.

IceMan Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from distributor Kino Lorber, Iceman has received a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio. This is an impressive scan of the film which has excellent detail in the image. The print is shockingly clean and clear with little to no issues with regards to print damage. There are a few brief specks on the print occasionally but these are fleeting moments overall and the majority of the scan is downright exceptional. The fine detail in the image is also well preserved.

IceMan Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release has received a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 soundtrack. The audio sounds impressive on this release. Dialogue reproduction is clean, clear, and easy to understand. The score music sounds nice as well. This lossless audio track gets things done and will leave fans feeling satisfied. Optional English subtitles are provided.

IceMan Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Director Fred Schepisi

Audio Commentary by Film Historian and Critic Peter Tonguette

Iceman Theatrical Trailer (SD, 1:26)

Trailers for other releases available from distributor Kino Lorber: Ffolkes (SD, 2:14), Stick (SD, 1:11), The Falcon and the Snowman (SD, 2:04), City of Industry (SD, 2:05), and Playing God (SD, 2:02).

IceMan Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There is something exciting about viewing such a fun, action-packed B-movie extravaganza: Iceman is such a film. The spectacle of the science-fiction is worthwhile and the performances are memorable. This is certainly a film that is worth one's time. The Blu-ray release has an impressive presentation and fans would be wise to pick it up. Recommended.