5.7 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
When another Mega Shark returns from the depths of the sea, world militaries go on high alert. Out of options, the US government unleashes the top secret Mecha Shark project - a mechanical shark built to have the same exact characteristics as Mega.
Starring: Christopher Judge, Elisabeth Röhm, Debbie Gibson, Matt Lagan, Paul Anderson (VIII)Horror | 100% |
Sci-Fi | 19% |
Action | 1% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
None
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 2.0 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 1.5 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
It's official: The super-size "Shark" movie has officially jumped the shark. The Asylum has burned out film fans (and this reviewer) on the gigantic beasties after a parade of Mega Shark films have strived to entertain audiences through lowest-common-denominator filmmaking. Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus felt like enough of a bad thing. The gimmicky Sharknado spawned a cult following for its title but not on its artistic, storytelling, dramatic, or visual merits. Mega Shark vs Crocosaurus? Who knows, who cares, it's not on Blu-ray (though it's not like taking a stab and calling it "awful" without seeing it would be much of a leap). With its latest flub, Mega Shark Versus Mecha Shark, The Asylum returns to the well but not to the drawing board for a movie it claims on the back of the box is sort of like The Lord of the Rings. Um, OK. Sure. Yeah.
Is it just me or do my special effects stink?
At least with The Asylum, viewers can expect a top-of-the-line HD Blu-ray image, and this title is no different. Indeed, Mega Shark Versus Mecha Shark features a strong all-around high definition transfer. The HD video sourced motion picture offers sparkling clarity and sports only a hint of the dreaded lower-end glossiness. Details are frequently magnificent, revealing intimate skin tones, fine clothing textures, and the finest textures on the rough-around-the-edges props. Colors are vibrant and frequently dominant, showing expert nuance and transition, save for some light banding on difficult background surfaces. Black levels are suitably deep and flesh tones appear natural. Overall, a positive viewing experience for a subpar movie.
Mega Shark Versus Mecha Shark's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack lacks the polish and nuance of the big boy Action movies, but it's more than serviceable and is, in fact, frequently enjoyable. The presentation offers well defined music that flows nicely around the stage, dominating the front but enveloping the listener across the back, too. Action sound effects are big and clearly pronounced, delivering chaotic bass and a massive stage presence across every battle scene. Action ambience is well defined, too. The track effortlessly wraps listeners in the chaos of a submarine with alarms blaring, crew screaming, and water spilling in. Dialogue is firm and focused in the center channel.
Mega Shark Versus Mecha Shark contains the usual Asylum extras, plus a bonus commentary.
With its Mega Shark films, perhaps The Asylum is trying to create this generation's Godzilla franchise, cranking out film after film about the same giant character wreaking havoc on humanity and battling some other, equally large, foe. Of course, neither Mega Shark Versus Mecha Shark nor any of its brethren are up to the challenge of replicating that franchise's success, especially not on this sort of budget. As it is, the Mega Shark movies feel like yesterday's news, their fifteen minutes long since gone and now just hanging on by a thread. At least audiences know exactly what to expect, and they'll be ready for the next inevitable release, which will hopefully be Mega Shark vs. Nazis at the Center of the Earth. The Asylum's Blu-ray release of Mega Shark Versus Mecha Shark delivers excellent video and audio. The usual Asylum extras are included, plus commentary. Skip it.
(Still not reliable for this title)
2010
Slipcover in Original Pressing
1961
1994
1957
2010
1977
Warner Archive Collection
1957
1958
1991
1964
1986
1970
1990
1966
Space Mission to the Lost Planet / Vampire Men of the Lost Planet
1970
1957
1973
Mutant / Roger Corman's Cult Classics
1982
2009
1999