5.2 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 2.5 | |
Overall | 2.5 |
A barbarian named Kull unexpectedly becomes a king after an old king (whom Kull has just killed in a battle) gives his crown to him. But direct heirs of a killed king, trying to topple Kull and regain the throne, bring an old witch-queen Akivasha back to life. Their plan backfires, however, as Akivasha is going to allow their lords - demons - to rule the kingdom. The only thing that can stop her now is a breath of the god Volka.
Starring: Kevin Sorbo, Tia Carrere, Thomas Ian Griffith, Karina Lombard, Harvey FiersteinAction | 100% |
Fantasy | 45% |
Adventure | 2% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
French: DTS 2.0
English SDH
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region free
Movie | 2.0 | |
Video | 3.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 0.5 | |
Overall | 2.5 |
Kull the Conqueror has a quasi-interesting history behind it, a history that might be a little more spicy if the end product wasn't quite so dull. Story has it that the film was slated to be next in line in the Arnold Schwarzenegger Conan series but fell through when the muscular superstar refused the role. The part was finally reworked to star Kevin Sorbo of TV's Hercules fame, who is certainly no Arnold Schwarzenegger but who has proven his worth and ability to carry this sort of material in the aforementioned longstanding hit production. Alas, however, this is no Conan, and not just literally in name only. It's a pedestrian, lethargic movie, one made of 100% recycled content, lacking even a hint of creativity or originality in its sword-and-sandal, love triangle, heroes-and-demons, who-will-rule-the-kingdom narrative. It's Fantasy watered down to its most overly simplistic core, yielding a superficially fun, if not mindless, movie but one that lacks the depth and complexity of the meatier, more robust, more intimately meaningful and dramatically purposeful Fantasy narratives that define the genre's best works.
The king.
Kull the Conqueror's 1080p transfer is another in the growing line of decent-not-great catalogue presentations from Universal. The image as presented offers good-to-great detailing, even under the limitations of some minor-to-moderate noise reduction. Light grain does remain in spots, though there are more than several scenes that look particularly flat and devoid of their more natural filmic state and textures. On the whole, however, viewers will note some sufficiently complex skin details, quality textures on various regal appointments, and a few crisply defined surfaces scattered throughout the film. Colors are cheery if not a little lacking in the finest subtleties, though darker scenes take on a more washed-out, dull appearance. Skies often look like a washed-out white blob (with a couple of particularly troubled shots revealing light blockiness) and black levels that waver between naturally stable and evident crush (with light noise in accompaniment). Flesh tones aren't problematic. While not reference material, Kull the Conqueror's Blu-ray satisfies base requirements, leaving a more finely-tuned presentation behind but managing a good, basic HD experience.
Kull the Conqueror's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack is flashy and hard-working, though absent the subtle nuances and tight precision that define the format's best sound presentations. It's aggressive and wide, with the Rock tunes blasting out of every speaker and supported by some tight, deep bass. Musical clarity lacks the tight, lifelike precision one might expect, though it still proves satisfying in a broad, big cinema context. Battle scenes are appropriately heavy and complex, with sounds scattered all around the stage. Even calmer moments enjoy a full-bodied atmosphere of blowing wind, rustling armor, crackling fires, footfalls, and animals. Whether these be quieter pieces or more aggressive elements heard later in an ice cave, the track provides listeners with a full, complex, and big sound presentation. Where this track lacks in subtlety it more than makes up for in power and position. It's rounded into shape by faultless center-focused dialogue.
All that's included is the Kull the Conqueror theatrical trailer (480i, 1:19). No top menu option is included. Settings, chapters, and the trailer must be accessed in-film via the pop-up menu.
Kull the Conqueror isn't a total loss. It's decent enough to enjoy on a rainy sick day home from work or school, lying on the couch and only half aware under the haze of whatever OTC medication one might be taking. Otherwise, it's a lame, direct, largely empty A-to-B-to-C generic Fantasy film with larger aspirations that crumble under the hindrance of its middling-at-best script. The cast commendably does what it can with the material, and bits of fair production values and decent special effects don't hurt, but in total Kull the Conqueror is about as flat as they come. Universal's Blu-ray is likewise rather pedestrian. Decent video, flavorful audio, and no extras beyond a standard definition trailer aren't exactly ringing endorsements, either. Rent it or pick it up on the very cheap.
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