The Legend of Hercules Blu-ray Review

"The Legend of Hercules" on Blu-ray, courtesy of Lionsgate Films, showcases a mixed bag in video presentation that leans heavily on digital visual effects. Encoded with both MVC (3D) and AVC (2D) in 1080p resolution at a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, the film, shot digitally using the Red Epic, often struggles with a flat, textureless aesthetic. This is especially evident in scenes relying on CGI, which appear soft and, at times, seem incomplete. Harlin and DP Sam McCurdy's extensive use of color grading introduces a variety of visual palettes, from 300-esque sepia tones in battle sequences to deep blues in significant scenes featuring Alcmene. While natural sequences, like the lake scenes with Hercules and Hebe, are commendable for their accurate flesh tones and detailed close-ups, shadow detail is inconsistent, particularly in darker interior scenes where contrast becomes ill-defined.

The 3D encoding of "The Legend of Hercules" demonstrates both strengths and weaknesses. Utilizing native 3D capture with the Red Epic and 3Ality Technica 3D rig, the film occasionally achieves impressive depth and spatial realism. Wide and long shots are especially effective, displaying clear separation between foreground and background elements that enhance the immersive experience. Indoor sequences also benefit from this expansive feel, though reliance on gimmicky shots like arrows aiming directly at the viewer can feel overdone. Despite these highlights, darker scenes often fail to maintain this level of depth due to inadequate lighting, resulting in flatter visuals. Nonetheless, primaries are lush and vibrant, secondary hues add warmth and texture, and blacks remain deep and rich without overwhelming detail. The overall video quality is slightly marred by minor banding and posterization issues.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 mix of "The Legend of Hercules" showcases a bombastic auditory experience that impresses predominantly during the action and battle scenes. Sword slashes, bone breakings, and other violent effects are vividly pronounced within the surround channels. However, the track also strikes with its nuanced and subtle surround effects, such as Alcmene's labor cries reverberating through the immense court. Dialogue consistently remains cleanly presented and frequently directional, which complements the forceful LFE at key moments and Tuomas Kantelinen's dynamic score, which envelopes the soundfield with remarkable fidelity.

This DTS-HD MA soundtrack stands as a reference-quality mix that effectively raises a violent storm throughout. The soundstage is immensely wide from the outset, vividly capturing King Amphitryon's invasion with excellent mid-range imaging. Detailed auditory elements like arrows, spears, and fireballs transition smoothly across channels, while hand-to-hand combat effects resonate with remarkable clarity. The powerful and palpable bass bolsters the thunderous action sequences without overwhelming the clarity of the dialogue, which remains precise and crystal clear in the center.

Rear activity in the mix is impressively adept, generating a constant array of ambient noises that keep the experience lively and engaging. Action sequences benefit from flawless panning and directionality, with the yells of soldiers and debris creating an immersive soundscape. Grand speeches and quieter moments do not fall short either; echoing inside auditoriums with acoustical precision, and ambient sounds such as wildlife and rustling leaves add depth to quieter segments. Overall, this lossless mix is effective in delivering an exhilarating audio presentation that truly complements the film's visual spectacle.

The extras for the Blu Ray edition of "The Legend of Hercules" are generally underwhelming and lack depth. The audio commentary by director Renny Harlin and star Kellan Lutz starts promisingly but becomes increasingly sparse, revealing little of substance and displaying a mutual disinterest that echoes the reception of the film itself. The making-of featurette offers a standard behind-the-scenes look at the production but leans heavily on Electronic Press Kit (EPK) style content, featuring cast and crew interviews alongside some behind-the-scenes footage. Overall, while there are bits of information on action sequences and special effects, none of the extras provide substantial or indispensable insights.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary with Kellan Lutz and Director Renny Harlin: Sporadic discussion with limited interesting information on action sequences and special effects.

The Making of The Legend of Hercules: Standard EPK-style piece with various cast & crew interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.

"The Legend of Hercules" fails to rise above a conglomeration of hackneyed clichés and poorly executed visuals, resulting in an experience more laborious than legendary. Directed by Renny Harlin, this film attempts—but overwhelmingly fails—to reimagine the iconic Greek myth for a modern audience. The narrative strays considerably from traditional Hercules lore, offering a plot riddled with predictable tropes and derivative sequences reminiscent of "Gladiator," "Braveheart," and "300." The film opens with an unconvincing underwater scene and proceeds to inundate viewers with subpar CGI battles, cheesy dialogues, and inconsistent accents, leaving little room for either genuine excitement or emotional connection.

In terms of character portrayals, the performances are underwhelming at best. Kellan Lutz, as Hercules, struggles to bring depth or sympathy to the character, resulting in a performance that feels both wooden and contrived. Liam Garrigan’s Iphicles is reduced to a caricatured antagonist, complete with over-the-top villainy that lacks nuance. Similarly, Scott Adkins as King Amphitryon delivers grandiose yet vacuous monologues, while Gaia Weiss's Hebe fails to transcend her damsel-in-distress limitations. These casting choices exacerbate the film's struggle to engage its audience, as the throwaway dialogue and hackneyed tropes further undermine any potential for compelling character arcs or authentic mythology.

The technical aspects of "The Legend of Hercules" do nothing to salvage the film. Harlin's over-reliance on slow-motion sequences and Matrix-style camera tricks comes across as both heavy-handed and unimaginative. Attempts to emulate graphic novel aesthetics fall flat, accompanied by distractingly poor CGI, particularly in grand venue scenes where background figures appear as indistinct blobs. Overall, despite a budget of $70 million, the film feels like a bargain-bin production laden with missed opportunities and half-baked executions. The stage sets and art direction provide a glimmer of adequacy, but these are far overshadowed by the overarching mediocrity that defines this ill-fated cinematic endeavor.

"The Legend of Hercules" disappoints on multiple fronts, failing to capture the grandeur and excitement expected of a mythological epic. While director Renny Harlin has a record of inconsistent successes, this film stands out as a notable failure, marred by an underwhelming script, lackluster CGI, and performances that often verge on the comically bad. The film's visual effects, which are essential for the immersive experience of an epic tale, are surprisingly subpar and fail to deliver the necessary spectacle. However, 3D enthusiasts might find some redeeming value in the moderately consistent visual immersion offered.

Despite the film's major drawbacks, the Blu-ray presentation of "The Legend of Hercules" is a standout in technical quality. The video quality is superb, offering vibrant and meticulously detailed visuals that elevate the viewing experience significantly. Coupled with reference-quality audio, this Blu-ray release has commendably high production values when it comes to home viewing. Unfortunately, the supplementary materials are disappointing and add little value to the overall package, reflecting the disjointed and unengaging nature of the film itself.

In conclusion, while "The Legend of Hercules" fails to deliver as a compelling cinematic experience due to its uninspired script and lackluster technical execution, the Blu-ray release offers an impressive audiovisual presentation. However, even its superior technical aspects cannot save it from being categorized as an epic disaster. The film may be worth a look for 3D enthusiasts or those who appreciate high-quality home theatre presentations, but overall, it remains one of Harlin's most regrettable ventures.