Conan the Barbarian Blu-ray Review

The 3D Blu-ray presentation of "Conan the Barbarian" is marred by an uninspired post-conversion process that falls short of contemporary standards. While the encode is generally free from significant technical issues such as banding and ringing, the film's post-production flaws impose notable limitations. Depth is neither entirely absent nor convincingly natural, making for an average-at-best viewing experience. The sepia tones and dim lighting exacerbate the already underwhelming 3D effects, further flattened by the tint of 3D glasses. Moments of potential, such as dramatic battle sequences and visually rich settings, fail to impress due to the subdued dimensionality and darkened imagery.

On a more positive note, the technical transfer stands out for its proficiency. The 1080p/MVC-encoded (2.40:1) video features commendable clarity and definition, especially in close-ups showcasing intricate textures of costumes and set designs. Thomas Kloss' cinematography is well-preserved, with rich black levels and sharp edges that capture every detail in blood-soaked battle scenes. Despite some minor crush during poorly lit interiors and the occasional softness attributed to original photography, there are no significant artifacts like noise or aliasing.

Ultimately, while the 3D version holds up in terms of visual detail and encoding quality, it lacks the immersive depth and dimensionality expected from a high-quality 3D release. It appears that the film would have benefited greatly from being shot in native 3D rather than relying on a post-conversion process that doesn't quite deliver. For those keen on the highest fidelity, the 2D version remains the better viewing option, offering a more consistent and visually appealing experience without the drawbacks associated with its 3D counterpart.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track of "Conan the Barbarian" truly elevates the film's auditory experience, starting robustly with the Lionsgate logo's impressive mechanical sounds. From there, the mix delivers a relentless array of breathtaking auditory effects that invigorate the soundfield throughout the movie. The opening battle scene features exceptional channel separation, creating an expansive soundscape rich with dynamic metal-on-metal clashes and subtle environmental details like rustling breezes. Action sequences showcase meticulous placement of sound effects, such as expertly directed punches and thumps in hand-to-hand combat scenes. The climactic encounter is particularly notable for its authoritative LFE, enhancing impactful moments like the sacrificial disc's drop with deep, resonant low-frequencies, ensuring a wholly immersive experience.

Complementing the action, Tyler Bates's musical score consistently energizes the rear channels, enriching the 360-degree soundfield and maintaining viewer immersion. The front soundstage benefits from excellent imaging and expansive panning, making frantic combat scenes intensely realistic as sounds move fluidly across the spectrum from ceiling to floor and side to side. The dynamic range stands out for its crispness and clarity, bringing every clash of swords and background commotion into sharp relief. The bass frequencies impress with their depth and force, effectively filling the room and amplifying the visceral impact of every collision.

However, while the overall audio presentation is outstanding, minor issues with dialogue clarity do arise during some action-heavy sequences. This was likely compounded by actors' gruff line delivery, making some dialogue difficult to discern. Despite this small critique, the sonic prowess of "Conan the Barbarian" on Blu-ray remains exceptional, firmly positioning it as a reference-level audio experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Conan the Barbarian" provide a mixed yet engaging collection of supplemental content. The two audio commentaries offer different experiences: Director Marcus Nispel's track is informative but lacks enthusiasm, whereas actors Jason Momoa and Rose McGowan deliver a lively and entertaining commentary filled with humor and behind-the-scenes insights. The featurettes explore various facets of the film's production, such as the historical impact of Conan, detailed stunt and fight choreography, and an intriguing glimpse into the life of creator Robert E. Howard. These segments, while sometimes brief, contribute significant depth to the understanding of both the movie and its source material.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Marcus Nispel: Informative but low-energy commentary.
• Audio Commentary with Actors Jason Momoa and Rose McGowan: Entertaining, humorous, and insightful dialogue.
• The Conan Legacy: Discussion on the history and evolution of Conan.
• Robert E. Howard: The Man Who Would Be Conan: Brief look at the life of Conan's creator.
• Battle Royal: Engineering the Action: Behind-the-scenes look at stunts and fight choreography.
• Staging the Fights: Pre-visualization and rehearsal footage.
• Theatrical Trailer: Promotional trailer in HD.

Marcus Nispel's 2011 adaptation of Conan the Barbarian brings with it high expectations and significant nostalgia, but regrettably falls short on multiple fronts. While the film is visually impressive and clearly demonstrates Nispel’s talent for creating visually appealing scenes, the narrative is disappointingly unoriginal. The film displays repetitive clichés and uninspired storytelling, making it difficult for viewers to fully engage. The film's protagonist, played by Jason Momoa, delivers a physical match to Frank Frazetta’s iconic illustrations. However, despite Momoa’s commendable effort, the character lacks depth and quickly devolves into a stereotypical, one-dimensional brute driven solely by vengeance.

As for the portrayal of Conan's journey from birth to adulthood, it attempts to reflect his gritty origins and barbaric environment. Yet, these early sequences, including a cesarean birth amidst battle and premature feats of strength, fail to establish an emotional connection with the audience. The script inadequately balances the hardened warrior exterior with moments of vulnerability, resulting in narrative dissonance that hampers audience engagement. As the story progresses, Conan’s quest for revenge becomes increasingly monotonous, further marred by lackluster dialogue and action sequences that feel more obligatory than engaging. The interactions between Conan and other characters, notably his love interest Tamara (Rachel Nichols), are riddled with unconvincing and often sexist dialogue that detracts from the film’s overall appeal.

Lionsgate's Blu-ray release, however, caters well to fans of visual spectacles. The Blu-ray offers both 2D and 3D presentations, housed in a visually appealing eco-case package. Although the film's 3D conversion adds little to the viewing experience, the high-definition visuals are undeniably stunning. With a boisterous soundtrack that complements its visual prowess, this Blu-ray release may still appeal to those seeking a visually immersive adventure, despite its narrative flaws.

Marcus Nispel's "Conan the Barbarian" offers a technically robust Blu-ray package, though the film itself leaves much to be desired. The 3D presentation, while backed by a proficient video transfer, falls short of expectations, failing to deliver the immersive experience that viewers might hope for. However, the solid technical encode and the powerful DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track do provide some redemption. Coupled with a respectable array of special features, the Blu-ray release is understandably tempting for enthusiasts.

From a narrative standpoint, this adaptation of Robert E. Howard's sword-and-sorcery epic feels lackluster and lethargic. Conan's character lacks the depth needed to engage the audience, resulting in a dull and uneventful viewing experience. Despite the movie's visually impressive scenes, the lack of emotional connection to its titular hero and his quest significantly undermines its appeal. Considering the package includes 2D and DVD versions along with a digital copy, it might seem appealing, but these extras do little to elevate the underwhelming cinematic experience.

In conclusion, while Nispel's rendition of "Conan the Barbarian" might attract some for its action sequences and technical prowess, it struggles to justify a must-buy status. The Blu-ray's robust audio-visual quality and additional content may warrant a rental for genre aficionados but fall short of turning it into an essential purchase. As always, weigh your options based on price and personal preference – particularly if 3D fidelity is a deciding factor.