The Mummy Returns Blu-ray

The Mummy Returns

 (2001)

Action | Adventure | Fantasy | Horror | Thriller



It is 1933, and 8 years have passed since dashing legionnaire Rick O'Connell and fearless Egyptologist Evelyn fought for their lives against a 3000-year-old enemy named Imhotep. Rick and Evelyn are married now, raising their son Alex in London. A chain of events finds the mummy of Imhotep resurrected in the British Museum, walking the earth once more in his search for immortality. But another force has also been set loose in the world - one born of the darkest rituals of ancient Egyptian mysticism, and even more powerful than Imhotep. When these two forces clash, the fate of the world will hang in the balance, sending the O'Connells on a desperate race to save the world from unspeakable evil and rescue their son before it's too late.

For more details about The Mummy Returns on Blu-ray, see The Mummy Returns Blu-ray Review

Starring: Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo, Oded Fehr
Director: Stephen Sommers

The Mummy Returns Blu-ray, Video Quality

 


The Mummy Returns debuts on Blu-ray with a transfer that's as solid as the one accompanying film's predecessor. Presented in 1080p high definition and framed in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio, The Mummy Returns is nearly demonstration-worthy material. The same earthy color schemes seen in the first Mummy film are back in this one, in parts of the movie, anyway. In fact, you could almost transplant much of the video review of the first film into this one for a fairly good description of what you'll see on your screen. Black levels are as fantastic in The Mummy Returns as they were in the previous film's transfer. Detail is wonderful, right down to the most miniscule particles of dirt, debris, cobwebs, sand, and other various dusty and ancient remnants of the bygone era depicted in parts of this film. When the film shifts to London, various interior shots appear a bit hazy. Much of the first half of the film is darker in nature than the bright, warm, sun-drenched shots seen in The Mummy, even taking into account the numerous sequences taking place inside the temple as seen in the first. These London sequences don't offer the startling detail and clarity of the bright shots, but they hold their own remarkably well. Blacks maintain a high level of consistency and colors are vibrant, noted by the red color of a double-decker bus and other random and brightly painted objects. Detail remains high on everything from the wet streets of London to, once again, Imhotep's mask. The greener exteriors that play prominently in the film's final act are lush and realistic in appearance. Detail in all the green leaves is high in both the foreground and the background. There is an excellent sense of realism about these scenes, thanks in large part to the first-rate visuals. Flesh tones are reproduced to perfection on this disc, and there is a deep, oftentimes three-dimensional quality to the picture. Like The Mummy disc, there is the occasional black speckle on the print, but it remains in excellent condition throughout. A slight amount of grain covers the image and adds to the deep, theatrical quality of the movie. Once again, Universal has delivered a nearly perfect image, one that fans everywhere are going to love.

The Mummy Returns Blu-ray, Audio Quality

 


The Mummy Returns may have made a deal with Anubis to sound this good. Presented in a lossless DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack, this active, powerful mix is truly reference material from beginning to end, and as fine as The Mummy sounded on Blu-ray, this one beats it. The opening battle scene will rattle your house from its foundation. It borders on being too loud at reference volume, which might be my only complaint or concern pertaining to this entire soundtrack. "Crazy" is the best word to describe not only this brief opening battle, but the soundtrack as a whole. Every speaker is liable to be blown out by the power and awesome presence of the mix. Fantastic atmospherics are to be heard throughout, notably in the early stages of the movie in the underground chambers. It's spooky and somewhat scary, and the effect is first-rate. The opening of ancient, sealed-for-centuries doors features nice reverberations throughout the soundstage, effectively placing us in the presence of the tomb. Rushing water in chapter four invades the listening area with unmatched power and presence that may have you running out of your media room for your life, just like the characters in the movie. The pounding of the subwoofer is a regular occurrence on this track, so be forewarned! It's definitely a marvelous and breathtaking sonic experience from the opening shots of the movie to the final frame. Surround speakers are in constant use. Every action scene is alive with room-filling, lossless goodness that permeates every cell of your body with its presence, authority and clarity. The battle scene in chapter 14 is particularly satisfying. I've rarely been more happy to have a good home theater set-up as I was during this presentation. Gunshots and their impacts are present in every speaker. The action is intense with heavy, saber-rattling power. Dialogue is consistently strong throughout the track; every syllable is driven home nicely by the center channel. Simply stated, The Mummy Returns is one of the finest listens on Blu-ray today.

The Mummy Returns Blu-ray, News and Updates

• Today on Blu-ray - July 22nd - July 23, 2008


• Blu-ray.com Reviews First Universal Titles - July 11, 2008


• Universal Blu-ray Titles in Hand - July 3, 2008


• The Mummy Returns Blu-ray Gets Specs - May 15, 2008


• Universal Releases Blu-ray Plans - April 17, 2008

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