The Mummy Blu-ray Review

Universal Studios' Blu-ray presentation of "The Mummy" showcases the film in a remarkable high definition clarity that was previously unseen in its HD DVD and D-VHS incarnations. The video is presented in a stunning 1080p resolution with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, utilizing the VC-1 codec which complements the film’s dynamic visual design and special effects. Despite the transfer not being a remaster from the HD DVD release, it exhibits a higher bitrate on a 50gig dual-layered disc, leading to an overall enhancement in image sharpness and detail. There are, however, slight inconsistencies in video quality, with some scenes bursting with fine details while others appear slightly softer, particularly in effects-heavy shots. These inconsistencies seem to be tied back to the original film's production, with a natural film grain present that adds warmth and authenticity to the visual presentation without becoming distracting.

The color palette of "The Mummy" on Blu-ray is vibrant and well-saturated, capturing the intense hues of the Egyptian desert and the rich textures of costumes and set designs. Scenes set in daylight exhibit breathtaking detail, from the intricate patterns of the mummified cloth to the lifelike textures of sand and stone. Skin tones, although slightly warmer, fit seamlessly within the desert settings, contributing to the film’s visual authenticity. Despite occasional moments of softness and minimal chroma noise in highly saturated colors, the transfer maintains its cinematic quality. Blacks are deep and solid, ensuring that nighttime scenes and shadow details are consistently clear and visible, further enhancing the viewing experience.

Overall, "The Mummy" on Blu-ray marks a significant improvement over previous home video formats, setting a high benchmark for Universal's future Blu-ray releases. While not devoid of flaws—such as slight motion blur in fast-action sequences and minor soft edges—the video quality impresses with its detailed textures, natural film grain that enhances rather than detracts, and a color balance that enhances both the stark beauty of the desert and the eerie ambiance of night scenes. This release demonstrates Universal’s commitment to offering superior video presentations for their catalog titles, making it a commendable addition for both longtime fans and newcomers to this action-packed adventure.

"The Mummy" on Blu-ray emerges as an acoustic sensation, thanks to its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Universal Studios' commitment to lossless audio elevates this release, making it a sought-after gem for audiophiles and movie enthusiasts alike. The audio presentation is meticulously engineered, ensuring that every whip crack, conversation, and cinematic score echoes with pristine clarity. The soundtrack serves as a cornerstone of the experience, immersing viewers in ancient realms with its dynamic range and lush orchestrations. Enhanced bass frequencies promise a rigorous workout for high-end subwoofers, with every note rendered in palpable resonance that adds gravitas to the visual spectacle.

In action sequences, the mix showcases an aggressive and engaging soundfield. Dialogue remains crystal clear, tethered to the center channel, ensuring narrative coherence amidst the chaos of battle or the subtleties of quieter, more atmospheric scenes. The rear channels come alive with pinpoint accuracy, providing a fully immersive experience that encapsulates the listener in the film's expansive soundstage. Subtle sound effects and ambience are given as much attention as the booming bass, creating a balanced and enveloping acoustic environment. This attention to detail extends to the audio's harmonious interaction with the visuals, enhancing the storytelling without overwhelming it.

Despite a minor critique regarding volume levels in dialogue towards the film's climax—a negligible blemish—the soundtrack's dynamics, clarity, and precision stand out. The transition from the HD DVD's Dolby Digital track to this superior DTS-HD Master Audio offering marks a significant upgrade. "The Mummy" not only benefits from a sonic overhaul that matches its visual opulence but also sets a new benchmark for home cinema audio presentations. This Blu-ray release demands to be heard, guaranteeing an auditory journey as thrilling and immersive as the movie itself.

The Blu-ray release of "The Mummy" amalgamates a comprehensive array of extras, catering to both enthusiasts of filmmaking and the saga's fans. The most notable supplements include three diverse audio commentaries, providing varying degrees of insight and entertainment. The first, featuring director Stephen Sommers and editor Bob Ducsay, is particularly vibrant, showcasing Sommers' infectious enthusiasm for the project. The subsequent commentaries, one with Brendan Fraser and another with Oded Fehr, Kevin J. O'Connor, and Arnold Vosloo, offer a mix of solo and group dynamics that, while occasionally lacking in substance, still present interesting behind-the-scenes tidbits for die-hard fans. The disc is packed with features highlighting the film's production process, from its storyboarding to the final film comparisons, showcasing extensive special effects work in a five-part featurette on visual and special effects formation and an extensive documentary, "Building a Better Mummy," which provides an in-depth exploration of the CGI techniques employed. Additionally, a short featurette sheds light on the legacy of Universal's horror films. While the majority of these extras are presented in standard definition, they collectively enrich the viewing experience by offering substantial background and making-of information, despite some redundancy across previous releases.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Four scenes with no commentary.
• Feature Commentaries: Three different tracks providing insights from director Stephen Sommers, Brendan Fraser, and actors Oded Fehr, Kevin J. O'Connor, and Arnold Vosloo.
• The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Sneak Peek: A promotional piece for the third installment.
• Visual and Special Effects Formation: Detailed breakdowns showing the creation of visual effects for key scenes.
• An Army To Rule the World Part 1: Focuses on visual effects for Imhotep's armies.
• Unravelling The Legacy Of The Mummy: A short film exploring the history of Universal's horror films.
• Building A Better Mummy: An exhaustive documentary on the film's production and CGI effects.
• Photo Montage: A collection of stills from the film set to its score.
• Storyboard to Film Comparison: Shows original storyboards against the final film scenes.
• U-Control: Offers behind-the-scenes footage via Picture-in-Picture during movie playback.

"The Mummy," released in the summer of 1999, remains a notable entry in the action-adventure genre, distancing itself from its horror roots to deliver a riveting ride that transcends age barriers. Its handling of special effects, even decades later, continues to captivate, with its Blu-ray presentation breathing new life into these visual spectacles. The film, enriched by Stephen Sommers' direction and bolstered by a charismatic lead in Brendan Fraser, succeeds in etching itself into the minds of viewers as a significantly enjoyable romp through a blend of humor, action, and a touch of romance. Its presence on home video and television further cements its status, not as an untouchable classic in the vein of "Gone With the Wind," but as a beloved popcorn adventure that adeptly mixes excitement and heart.

At its core, "The Mummy" explores themes of forbidden love and resurrection, wrapped in a narrative that spans centuries—from ancient Egypt to the post-World War I era. The characters, led by Fraser's Rick O'Connell, navigate through dangers and rivalries to uncover the secrets of Hamunaptra, with their journey inadvertently resurrecting the titular mummy, Imhotep. The film's ability to juggle a fierce villain, engaging lead characters, and an enviable comedic timing ensures it stands as a testament to adventure films that aim to entertain on multiple fronts. It strikes a balance rarely achieved, utilizing its CGI not just as a crutch but as a storytelling tool that complements its live-action elements.

Despite its success and technological prowess at the time of release, "The Mummy" also sparked debate regarding its shift from horror to an action-adventure template, displaying a lighter approach to an icon of Universal’s horror roster. Its special effects were groundbreaking for their time, contributing significantly to the CGI landscape, alongside titans like "Terminator 2" and "Jurassic Park." However, it is in its character dynamics and humor where the film finds its true strength, offering a refreshing take on the genre that has ensured its longevity. While some may critique its departure from traditional horror or its indulgent use of CGI, "The Mummy" undeniably provides an engaging and memorable experience, emphasizing fun and spectacle while fostering a genuine connection with its audience through relatable heroes and thrilling narrative arcs.

Universal's Blu-ray release of "The Mummy" stands as a formidable testament to the studio's ambitious entry into the high-definition arena, drawing inevitable comparisons with its predecessor— the HD DVD version. This iteration showcases a marked enhancement in picture quality, boasting a crisper and more detailed visual experience. Despite occasional graininess that may detract from its otherwise stellar presentation, these moments are few and do not significantly mar the overall viewing pleasure. The upgrade in sound quality is even more pronounced, with the DTS HD Master Audio sound, which surpasses the Dolby Digital Plus track of the previous format, emerging as a reference quality for home cinema systems—a true delight for those craving deep and resonant bass.

The package is further enriched by a comprehensive set of extras; although not new, they provide a depth of information that warrants investment of time. The inclusion of additional materials elevates this release above its HD DVD counterpart, making it an enticing proposition for both aficionados of "The Mummy" and Blu-ray collectors. The film itself, a concoction of adventure, humor, and thrills, may not break new cinematic ground but remains an enjoyable Hollywood product, enhanced by its high-quality Blu-ray presentation. This release reflects Universal's commitment to excellence in the Blu-ray format and sets a high bar for future releases.

In conclusion, Universal's Blu-ray rendition of "The Mummy" represents a significant upgrade over previous versions, particularly in terms of sound quality and supplemental content. Despite the occasional presence of grain in the picture, the improvements in audio and visual fidelity, coupled with the robust collection of extras, make this Blu-ray edition a must-have for fans. It reaffirms that for those with the necessary home cinema setup, particularly the capability to leverage DTS HD Master Audio, upgrading is almost imperative. This release not only satiates the appetites of "The Mummy" enthusiasts but also signals Universal's promising foray into the high-definition realm.