Way Bad Stone Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		2.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.0

Way Bad Stone Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 5, 2024

Sometimes, when Hollywood won’t take action, you just have to do it yourself. 1991’s “Way Bad Stone” is a shot-on-video production that attempts to replicate parts of the “Dungeons & Dragons” experience, with director Archie Waugh looking to sustain the sword and sorcery subgenre with this tale of magic and battling. Instead of finding exotic locations to help set the mood, Waugh settles on a forest area in Florida to detail the battle between… well, evil and evil. There’s basically no money being spent on the picture, leaving it up to Waugh to sell the enormity the screenplay with help from big performances and bloody acts of violence. “Way Bad Stone” is ambitious, and there’s some entertainment value found in the manner the cast tries to locate the spirit of the material, laboring to bring this world to life. It’s not a strong feature, losing its way in the final act, but for those who have a high tolerance for SOV efforts and low-budget fantasy, there’s a certain charm to the offering.

It's the time of rule for the Red King, with Aladar (Jan L. Skipper) the ruler’s trusted wizard, though the man of magic hasn’t seen the King’s castle in years. Aladar has two servants, Nico (Cory Boyas) and Wathan (James Thaggard), but he lives a solitary life, missing the company of a lady. Turning to demonic darkness, the wizard conjures Arith (Lisa M. Gallo), a young woman he looks to keep safe and close. Challenging such order is fortune teller Phaedra (Barrie Blankenship Maag), who’s on the hunt for the Stone of Mabrahor, a special rock presenting massive power to anyone who wields it. Phaedra is backed by a village of barbarians, with leader Bane (Steven L. Guthrie) and advisor Jagadai (Michael K. Maag) planning to infiltrate Aladar’s castle and take the ultimate prize. Instead of finding the Stone of Mabrahor, Phaedra locates Arith, taking her as a prize while she continues her quest. Aladar, realizing what’s going on while he’s away, turns to his magic to help retrieve the special woman, summoning an army of mercenaries, including Spar (Gregory Mullen), Razja (Janne), Syrus (Bob Applegate), and Ren (Ken Kenoke), to set out and reclaim what’s been stolen, soon facing the brutality of Bane’s men.

Hey, even wizards need love. For Aladar, time with two young men isn’t cutting it anymore, turning to the power of the pentagram to help manufacture Arith, a dewy creation who’s new to the world, kept safe in the castle. What Aladar is up to with the woman isn’t immediately clear, but she’s vital to the safety of the land, putting the wizard on guard to make sure she’s protected. Such domestic order is challenged by Phaedra, who hatches a plan to lure Aladar out of his castle via a kingly summons, forcing the old man who travel on foot to meet his ruler, pulled away from his home by the fortune teller and her bag of tricks. “Way Bad Stone” does an acceptable job creating a sense of the world in the first act, and while Waugh doesn’t have cash to spend, he tries to sell a fantasy realm with what he has, doing something with set dressing and costuming. There’s an appreciable role-playing game vibe to the early happenings in the movie, as scheming is acceptable, putting Phaedra on the move to lure Aladar out of his stronghold, giving her access to all the treasures inside.

Wathan and Nico are no match for Bane’s men, with gory events beginning early in “Way Bad Stone.” Phaedra is looking for the Stone of Mabrahor, but all she can find is Arith, while her partner is happy to collect wine and gold, returning to camp with riches, inspiring a celebratory party. The screenplay begins to focus on character concerns, as Jagadai isn’t sure taking Arith is such a good idea, sensing something off about the kidnapped woman. Bane doesn’t share such hesitation, but he can’t get his hands on the new acquisition, and Phaedra goes a little nutty as she fails to complete her mission. “Way Bad Stone” splits into two subplots, following the barbarians as they get lost in excess, ready to reach the pleasures of Shadazir City. And there’s Aladar, who comes home to find two dead men and his missing creation, unwilling to accept the loss.

“Way Bad Stone” spends a lot of screen time on the summoning of Aladar’s A-Team, with the wizard using special magic to send a call to all, pulling the ruffians out of their routines. Some of these events are a little strange, as Razja is pull away from a tavern game of “strip sticks” to return to Aladar’s side. And Ren is snapped to attention during a sexual experience (adding a softcore element to the feature), leaving the scene in a hurry. There are a lot of characters to meet, and Waugh doesn’t bother naming most of them until the end credits, leaving identification to costuming and weapons use. The building of this army has its purpose, as “Way Bad Stone” gets ready for war, pitting Aladar’s unit against Bane’s brutes.

Way Bad Stone Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Way Bad Stone" is listed as a "preservation from the original S-VHS master." The viewing experience remains in step with other shot-on-video productions, with a soft, fuzzy appearance due to age and technical limitations. A loose sense of frame information is retained, exploring character appearances and the shooting locations. Depth isn't present, but exteriors are basically appreciable as the action works around a forest setting. Color is fatigued, though a mild sense of primaries on costuming is found, along with greenery. Skin tones are also blown out to a degree at times. Source shows some wear and tear along the way.

Way Bad Stone Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix presents a basic understanding of dialogue exchanges. Performances are dealing with technical limitations, background noise, and skill level, but dramatic intent isn't challenged. Scoring is pronounced at times, with louder synth accompaniment throughout the listening event.

Way Bad Stone Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Partial Commentary #1 features director Archie Waugh.

• Partial Commentary #2 features writer/producer Janne Skipper.

• Image Gallery (7:03) collects BTS snaps, publicity shots, continuity polaroids, and promotional information.

• Short Films offer "V-Squad" (15:52, SD) and "The Maiden" (3:53, SD).

• "Ionopsis" (104:38, SD) is a 1997 "spiritual sequel" to "Way Bad Stone."

• A Trailer for "Ionopsis" (1:50, SD) is included.

• A Trailer for "Way Bad Stone" has not been included on this release.

Way Bad Stone Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Way Bad Stone" presents a lengthy final act of fighting, which keeps the blood flowing as bodies are impaled and sliced open along the way. It's mostly half-speed brawling in the middle of a forest, but Waugh has some ideas for stunts and brutality, though his sense of editing leaves much to be desired. "Way Bad Stone" is leading to a monstrous conclusion, but what's more interesting to watch is the production's efforts to sell the fantasy without major resources, and the cast does fine for what this is, with most invested in bringing dramatic power to an SOV endeavor that's inherently limited in scope and cinematic texture.