Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		3.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

Ironmaster Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf April 30, 2021

Movie producers love a hit, especially when success belongs to another feature. The urgency to replicate an impressive box office take is found in 1983’s “Ironmaster,” which makes an attempt to become the next “Quest for Fire.” The 1981 Jean-Jacques Annaud picture surprised a lot of people when it found an audience, and “Ironmaster” is here to sustain such excitement, only without the “science fantasy” angle that made the original prehistoric adventure endeavor so memorable. Director Umberto Lenzi keeps the cavemen and the mystery of the time period, but generally drops everything else, working to make more of an actioner instead, and one that details the formation of metal-based combat. There are more conversations in “Ironmaster,” and a lot more ridiculous behavior, with Lenzi overseeing a repetitive effort that launches with enthusiasm but gradually runs out of things to do.

Iksay (Benito Stefanelli) is the leader of a tribe trying to survive as they hunt for food and protect their people. Vood (George Eastman) is Iksay’s heir, but his reckless behavior is threatening his future, with Iksay pushing Ela (Sam Pasco) as a potential candidate for leadership. In a fury, Vood murders Iksay, claiming control of the tribe, only to be pushed out by Ela. Wandering the land on his own, Vood comes into contact with a volcano and a thunderstorm, witnessing the creation of “hard rock.” Claiming a sword, he returns to Ela with violent authority, banishing the peaceful warrior as he mobilizes the clan, arming them for raids on other villages. Ela finds a partner in Isa (Elvire Audray), with the pair coming up with a plan to take on Vood and restore balance to the land.

The world of “Ironmaster” is actually South Dakota, giving Lenzi a different landscape to work with as he creates a prehistoric era. The change is welcome, moving from European rockiness to the open world of the American Midwest, also introducing herds of buffalo to the story, with the characters often (and hesitantly) interacting with the creatures, who represent the danger and potential prey of the land. Lenzi also tosses in the presence of lions, keeping them a periodic threat. However, the helmer isn’t making a naturalistic adventure, he’s generating a fantasy, and one that explores Vood’s claim of iron and the birth of unparalleled power, using molten rock to provide previously unseen weaponry for his men, using swords to claim multiple villages, forcing the weak to provide the mighty with food. Yes, it’s the plot of “A Bug’s Life.” Pixar has some explaining to do.

“Ironmaster” is good with introductions, establishing power plays and survival challenges. The bigness of the picture is compelling, helped along by excellent special effects (for a low-budget effort), including matte paintings, puppetry, and forced perspective work. And there’s something different in Vood’s sword-making plans, making for more involved villainy. However, instead of building to something explosive, “Ironmaster” starts to cycle through the sameness of Vood’s raiding plans, taking on innocents and ape-men. Apparently Lenzi is unfamiliar with the magic of a montage. And Ela is a blank hero, with Pasco more of a posable action figure than an active man of caveman justice, making his side of the story a complete bore.

Ironmaster Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as a "2016 HD Master with Extensive and Painstaking Color Correction." Such a promise of extreme labor results in a satisfying viewing experience, as the aforementioned hues coming through clearly, with defined greenery and costuming, which favors grayish and brownish animal skin. Lava flows retain orange heat. Skintones are natural. Detail is acceptable, delivering a clear look at the bodies on display. Locations retain dimension, and weaponry offers rougher textures. Fine fur on animal suits and actors is appreciable. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is heavier but film-like, with a few dips into blockiness. Source is in good condition.

Ironmaster Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix for "Ironmaster" is a product of the usual quickie Italian dubbing process, but the sound isn't strong. There's a muddier quality to everything, most notably the dialogue exchanges, which aren't always defined to satisfaction, losing some lines. Sibilance issues are mild. Scoring cues don't emerge with authority, but clarity is passable.

Ironmaster Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "One Million Years Ago" (18:50, SD) is an interview with director Umberto Lenzi, who recalls the origin story of "Ironmaster," with the producers looking to cash in on the success of "Quest for Fire." Lenzi explores his relationship with producer Luciano Martino and digs into casting, openly admitting star Sam Pasco was "worthless," unable to participate in stunt work due his fragile nature. Co-star Elvire Audray was the girlfriend of a producer, who forced her casting. South Dakota locations are examined, with the "lunar" landscape providing a unique look, augmented by special effects Lenzi is quite proud of. The interviewee spends a long time discussing the ins and outs of working with lions and creating fake volcanos, lamenting how movie critics never pay attention to these details. He closes with an appreciation for the score and shares his feelings on the film vs. digital debate, knocking Eli Roth for taking his time to make "The Green Inferno."

• "Quest for Iron" (12:21, SD) was actually the first title for "Ironmaster," according to art director Massimo Antonello Geleng, with the production trying to ride the popularity of "Quest for Fire" with more talkative prehistoric characters. Initially planned to be shot in Turkey, "Ironmaster" was moved to South Dakota, and Geleng discusses various visual tricks used to transform the area into a land of chaos. More talk concerning the lion is included, and the interviewee discusses the actors, praising George Eastman for his screenwriting contributions, also describing Sam Pasco as a "big puppet." A few thoughts are also shared on the nature of production department rivalries.

• "Of Buffalos and Lions" (10:44, SD) is an interview with George Eastman (aka Luigi Montefiori), who explains his willingness to make "Ironmaster" after falling in love with "Quest for Fire." The two sides of Umberto Lenzi are shared, with the director switching to anger while the cameras were rolling, screaming at the actors. Interested in South Dakota, Eastman absorbed the local culture while staying in the city of Custer, enjoying such travel opportunities. The interviewee details time with his co-stars, describing Pamela Prati as a "wild woman," while Sam Pasco and Elvire Audray were more distant. Eastman assesses his relationship with producer Luciano Martino, and recalls time spent working alongside buffalos and lions, with the latter providing a real danger to the cast and crew, even wounding its handler.

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

Ironmaster Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Ironmaster" only really connects as intended during its first half. Developing danger and exploring the land offers Lenzi plenty to do, establishing the war to come. Once the story switches over to this conflict, the picture weirdly deflates, unwilling or unable to pursue a more energetic understanding of community woes and antagonisms. The feature stops moving, which doesn't work for this kind of entertainment, reaching an inevitable conclusion with a surprising lack of suspense or decent action.