Mannequin: On the Move Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Mannequin: On the Move" features an AVC encoded image with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, delivering a video experience that balances between capturing period cinematography and dealing with aged film materials. The overall clarity and detail are commendable, although not exceptional, persisting with adequate textures on store decorations and facial close-ups. The film retains a filmic look with natural grain, albeit mildly noisy at times. Primary colors are vivid yet contained, adding to the historical aesthetic of Hollywood’s costuming and set designs. While some scenes exhibit flatness, the colors do not get overly exaggerated. Flesh tones are generally solid, though in certain scenes, a slight red push results in an uneven pinkish hue.

Black levels in this 1080p transfer are well-managed but do show signs of crushing, occasionally obscuring details in shadow-heavy sequences. The image's depth is fairly uniform, with movements that are cinematic without blur, though an overall flatness pervades the cinematography. Slight edge enhancement was noted, and the contrast seems to be elevated, adding to visibility but sometimes sacrificing subtlety in gradation. Sporadic instances of speckling and aliasing come through but do not significantly distract from viewing. Evening sequences remain comfortable to watch, retaining necessary delineation for dense costumes and hair.

Overall, the transfer provides a pleasurable visual experience by maintaining grain structure and successfully encapsulating the colorful vibrancy of early 1990s aesthetics. Some limitations due to source material are present but are handled effectively. The transfer manages to keep specifics like Jessie's transformation clear while ensuring the primary colors stand out amidst the craftsmanship of medieval sets and garish early '90s costuming. Despite a few technical imperfections, the video presentation does a commendable job eliciting a bright and engaging viewing experience from this nostalgic film.

The 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track for "Mannequin: On the Move" is designed straightforwardly, with a primary focus on dialogue clarity. Vocals are notably clear and easily discernible, preserving the comedic delivery and various accents effectively. While there is some presence of a hollow flatness, particularly in post-dubbed lines, overall dialogue maintains an adequate balance without overwhelming the listeners, and minimal analog hiss is detected.

Soundtrack selections are given prominence, enhancing scenes where the original synth score by David McHugh falls short. The balance ensures that the soundtrack supports without overpowering performances, allowing store atmospherics and street life in outdoor sequences to retain their intended ambiance. Although dynamic imaging is limited, resulting in negligible channel movement, it doesn't detract from the overall sound experience.

The mix adheres mostly to midrange frequencies with decent dynamics and a recognizable analog quality. Low Frequency Extension and Surround Sound elements are not particularly highlighted but are sufficient to render music and effects accurately within the film's context. Viewers should not anticipate dramatic volume shifts, as the balance is well maintained throughout the runtime, providing a solid and serviceable auditory experience tailored to the film's requirements.

The Blu Ray of "Mannequin: On the Move" is notably lacking in supplementary material. Users who enjoy diving into behind-the-scenes features, commentary tracks, or any additional content beyond the main film will be disappointed. The menu is minimalistic, offering only options to play the movie or select specific chapters. This bare-bones approach might not meet the expectations of collectors or fans hoping for a richer, more immersive entertainment experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• None: There is no supplementary material on this disc.

"Mannequin: On the Move," a 1991 sequel to the 1987 hit "Mannequin," relives the original charm but struggles to revive its spirit. Directed by Stewart Raffill, best known for "Ice Pirates" and "Mac & Me," this sequel rehashes the first film’s premise with new leads, William Ragsdale and Kristy Swanson, while retaining Meshach Taylor's Hollywood Montrose. The plot traverses 1,000 years, following the cursed love of Prince William and peasant Jessie, frozen into a mannequin by an evil sorcerer. Reawakened in 1991 Philadelphia, Jessie navigates modern life, rekindling her romance with the reincarnated Prince. Despite their best efforts, Ragsdale and Swanson lack chemistry, further compounded by Terry Kiser's exuberant but misfired portrayal of a cartoonish villain.

The film’s technical execution echoes its uninspired narrative. The medieval opening sequences seem economical, resembling high-budget school stage plays more than a professional production. This lack of visual flair extends throughout the movie, undermining any potential for immersive storytelling. Although the film attempts to rejuvenate its franchise with engaging montages and whimsical education scenes where Jessie learns about modern amenities, these moments are fleeting. Meshach Taylor's Hollywood Montrose tries to shoulder the comedic burden, stepping up from a side character in the original to a near co-lead here. While Taylor's over-the-top performance injects some liveliness, it often feels forced and disconnected from the film's overall tone.

Ultimately, "Mannequin: On the Move" feels more like a routine rehash than a fresh sequel. The script’s reliance on slapstick comedy and ham-fisted villainy results in a lackluster endeavor, appealing primarily to younger audiences or those looking for nostalgic kitsch rather than coherent storytelling. It’s a film marked by its struggle for relevance and creativity, only sporadically salvaged by its earnest cast and moments of genuine amusement amidst the otherwise flat narrative landscape.

"Mannequin: On the Move" on Blu-ray achieves a solid technical presentation, though the film itself struggles to capture the charm and wit of its predecessor. Olive Films delivers a relatively strong transfer with decent picture and audio quality, though the release lacks any supplementary materials, making it a bare-bones offering. For fans of the original "Mannequin," this sequel can feel like a disappointing extension, trading in heartfelt moments for a series of exaggerated antics that miss the mark.

The film aims for comedic fantasy but often falls flat. Director Stewart Raffill seems more interested in spectacle, opting for scenes like a hot air balloon fight over developing the romantic core between the lead characters. This shift results in a lack of emotional depth, undermining the fantastical elements that could otherwise enrich the narrative. The performances by William Ragsdale and Kristy Swanson, while earnest, are undercut by a script that prioritizes shenanigans over sincere moments.

In conclusion, the romance in "Mannequin: On the Move" is overshadowed by its focus on overt slapstick and adventure. The Blu-ray release offers adequate technical quality but is hampered by the absence of any extras that could provide additional context or value. This sequel feels more like a television pilot than a worthy continuation of the story, making it a risky purchase for those unfamiliar with the film. Fans of the original might find some merit, but others may wish to rent before fully committing.