Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom Blu-ray Review
“Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom” is a slight improvement over the first film.
As the DC movie universe enters a new era, it’s time to say farewell to the previous era with “Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom.” The sequel to 2018’s “Aquaman” finds Arthur Curry/Aquaman having to embark on a quest to stop the vengeful Black Manta who has been using Atlantean artifacts. Needing help, Aquaman breaks his brother Orm out of prison. While on their journey together, they discover a bigger and more dangerous plot happening involving a Black Trident and the spirit of Kordax (the once ruler of the lost kingdom of Necrus). Of course, plenty of familiar faces (and some new ones) pop up along the way including Mera, Nereus, Thomas Curry, and, yes, Topo the octopus.
The first “Aquaman” was a box office hit that was generally well received, but to me it was a clunky, stiff, bloated action-adventure that was burdened by exposition and set-up. The sequel was generally not well received, but manages to work better as a whole. The script by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick is paced better, there’s more locations and action set pieces, and, above all else, it has a rewarding buddy comedy element with Arthur and Orm having a brother bonding experience. James Wan also seems more comfortable at the helm here. He doubles down on the goofiness (for better or worse) and seems to be having a blast showcasing comic book references ala Topo getting time to shine and Aquaman riding a seahorse. There’s more personality to this sequel. It’s not just a CGI spectacle.
In terms of the cast, Patrick Wilson is the MVP here. Orm’s character arc carries the movie and Wilson’s chemistry with Jason Momoa elevates the entire project. Jason Momoa was always an odd choice for Aquaman to me, but he certainly puts his own stamp on the character (or as I call it, Aquabro). Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is far better here as Black Manta than he was in the first film. He has more to do. Randall Park (Dr. Shin) is a reliable actor, but he’s in this movie TOO much. He’s in it more than some of the core cast members which was puzzling. Sadly, Willem Dafoe is not present here and his presence is definitely missed. Amber Heard, Dolph Lundgren, Temuera Morrison and Nicole Kidman are all solid in their parts (which are of varying size).
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.78:1 1080p. How does it look? ‘Kingdom’ is nothing if not a colorful movie and this hi-def transfer certainly dazzles in the color department. Note: This title is also available on 4K.
Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? Perfectly loud (the way it should be).
Extras:
* Digital copy
* “Finding The Lost Kingdom” covers the extensive location shooting and story. Interviews with cast and crew are included.
* “Aquaman: Worlds Above And Below” is all about locations and visuals.
* “Atlantean Blood Is Thicker Than Water”- A featurette on Arthur and Orm’s dynamic in the sequel.
* “It’s A Manta World”- A featurette on Black Manta.
* “Necrus, The Lost Black City” focuses on the lost kingdom.
* “Escape From The Deserter World” revolves around the action sequence.
* “Brawling At Kingfish’s Lair”- A behind-the-scenes featurette on the action sequence.
* “Oh, Topo!”- Yes, the octopus gets his own extra.
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