DVD Corner

Immortals Blu-ray Review

“Immortals” is positively dreadful from start to finish.

Logline: The God Zeus has chosen the brave Theseus to wage war against the evil King Hyperion to stop him from finding the powerful Epirus Bow that can release the Gods enemies- the Titans.

In the past, director Tarsem Singh (best known for “The Fall” and “The Cell”) has been known for his unique and colorful visual style. While his visual prowess is certainly on display here once again (especially in the last shot), “Immortals” is so utterly devoid of character and story that you won’t care how “cool” the movie looks. Like his other works, this is another case of style over substance. The film feels like nothing more than a CGI heavy cash-in of “300” and “Clash Of The Titans” only with more over-the-top violence involving private part crashing, beheadings, and a scene of people being cooked inside a giant metal cow (don’t ask).

The cast doesn’t help the movie much either. Normally reliable actress Freida Pinto looks bored here while Mickey Rourke mumbles and hams his way through the flick as the villainous King Hyperion. It’s a shame that Rourke has been wasting his talents in dreck like this since his back comeback role in “The Wrestler.” He deserves better.

As for star Henry Cavill (who is set to play Superman in 2013’s “Man Of Steel”), he’s rather bland in the dramatic department. During the action scenes, however, he definitely comes alive and is impressive in hand to hand combat sequences.

Summary: “Immortals” is the type of movie you just want to end. Let’s hope we don’t see a sequel.

Video/Audio:

The 1.85:1 1080p picture quality is surprisingly a mixed bag. Singh’s visuals definitely shine in many sequences, but the film looks far too dark at times (although this is probably the cinematographer’s fault). Whomever is at fault, the dark scenes don’t play well here and can be rather distracting in spots.

The 5.1 DTS-HD audio track, on the other hand, does its job. If you want loud action and sword fights, you will be pleased by this track.

Extras:
* Fox movie trailers and an “Immortals” theatrical trailer.
* An alternate opening with Young Theseus, two alternate endings titled “This Is Our Last Embrace” and “Theseus Kills Hyperion,” and 8 additional deleted scenes.
* Archaia’s “Immortals: Gods And Heroes” comic books. For fans of “Immortals” only.
* “It’s No Myth”- A featurette about Greek Mythology and a heroes.
* “Caravaggio Meets Fight Club: Tarsem’s Vision”- A 4 part featurette about direction, visual effects, the score and stunts.
* Digital Copy.

March 10, 2012 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | 300, Clash Of The Titans, Freida Pinto, Henry Cavill, Immortals Blu-ray Review, Isabel Lucas, Mickey Rourke, Stephen Dorff, Tarsem Singh