6.4 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
The Leprechaun is back when a group of girls unwillingly awaken him after they tear down a cabin to build a new sorority house.
Starring: Taylor Spreitler, Linden Porco, Mark Holton, Pepi Sonuga, Sai BennettHorror | 100% |
Comedy | Insignificant |
Fantasy | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 16-bit)
English, English SDH, Spanish
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Digital copy
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (locked)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Technically, Leprechaun has returned already, multiple times. 1993’s “Leprechaun” was a genre lark created to offer oddity to curious audiences, and while success was desired, I doubt anyone associated with the production expected the brand name to carry on for five sequels and one dismal reboot. Now the pint-sized Irish demon is back and the spirit of ghoulishness is pleasantly revived in what’s actually a direct sequel to the original film. While Jennifer Aniston and Warwick Davis have decided to sit out this homecoming (not a surprise), director Steven Kostanski tries his best to revive the magic(?) of the first chapter, delivering plenty of blood and quips, though his helming powers aren’t impervious to lengthy stretches of screentime with obnoxious characters.
"Leprechaun Returns" is a film that mostly takes place at night, presenting a challenge for the AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio). Delineation is adequate, retaining key imagery from attack sequences and moments of suspenseful stalking around the house. Compression issues are present, finding banding periodically creeping into view. Colors are agreeable, showcased during sunlit encounters, providing natural skintones and hits of bold green in the middle of the rural setting. Costuming has highlights, and gore zone visits deliver deep red blood. Detail also comes through during scenes of violence, offering viewers a chance to survey the special effects and make-up work on the titular demon.
The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix offers distinct dialogue exchanges, handled with an appealing range of panicky performances, never slipping into distortive extremes. Scoring is supportive, capturing heated chases with satisfactory instrumentation. Surrounds are active, with decent panning effects for vehicle movement, and a few sharp separation moments, secure spatial relationships. Atmospherics are strong as well. Low-end presents some reasonable weight with developing violence and explosive encounters.
Gore is plentiful in the picture, and when Kostanski gets around to gross material, "Leprechaun Returns" improves tremendously. There's not a big imagination for the mangling of prey, but the little green man scores by driving a drone into the neck of one character, while another is sliced in half by a falling solar panel. It's amusing and disgusting, while Holton offers a spirited performance to maintain Leprechaun menace, forever on the hunt for his pot of gold. The climax is protracted, but there's eventually something of an ending. Two of them to be exact, but Kostanski keeps energy up with Raimi-esque violence and fantasy insanity, securing entertainment value once everyone is on the run. "Leprechaun Returns" is a smaller, sleeker production, not quite as scrappy as the original endeavor, but it's better than the dopey sequels and a welcome apology for the 2014 reboot. Kostanski should really be working with material that matches his imagination and wonderfully silly sense of humor, but this career detour is acceptable fun, and the first Warwick-less installment to ease the pain of the actor's absence.
1993
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1986
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1995
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Deluxe Edition
1995
The Lordi Motion Picture
2008
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1989
Unrated Director's Cut
2006
2018
Hatchet IV
2017
Collector's Edition
1981
MVD Rewind Collection
1988
1986