Treasure of the Four Crowns Blu-ray Review

"Treasure of the Four Crowns" arrives on Blu-ray in its original aspect ratio of 2.39:1, offering a 1080p transfer encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. The film gives audiences a choice between 2D and 3D presentations, using polarized or anaglyph 3D methods to cater to different viewing setups. Shot on 35mm with the Marks 3-Depix StereoSpace Converter 3D camera system, the 3-D Film Archive’s restoration delivers an experience that highlights its rich heritage. While the digital 3D offers deep, convincing protrusion effects and excellent depth along the z-axis, some optical effects, particularly credits, exhibit unavoidable speckling and scratches. These do not drastically detract from the viewing because when the film is at its best, visuals are crisp with bold colors and an impressive cinematic grain structure.

Despite some unevenness in the 2D presentation, the visuals retain strong organic qualities with good image stability and color balance appropriate for an early '80s film. Delineation and clarity are inconsistent but watchable, maintaining a nostalgic charm. The restoration manages to mask major surface wear, presenting only minor imperfections. Although the 2D version suffers from being far less engaging than its 3D counterpart—lacking the dynamic pop-outs and, as noted, making several scenes appear dull—the overall presentation allows for a fine home viewing experience.

Overall, while not flawless due to inherent limitations in original materials and low budget aesthetics affecting image consistency, the Blu-ray adeptly encapsulates the spirited attempt to revive "Treasure of the Four Crowns" for modern audiences. The thoughtful restoration work by Kino Lorber ensures that viewers can appreciate this classic film in both nostalgically familiar and vividly enhanced dimensions. The inclusion of anaglyph 3D also provides a welcome option for those without digital 3D set-ups. This release is Region-A locked, requiring relevant playback capabilities.

The Blu-ray release of "Treasure of the Four Crowns" offers two audio tracks: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, with optional English SDH subtitles. While the 2.0 track delivers a serviceable audio experience, it occasionally feels flat and muddled, likely due to the original mix of the film. In contrast, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track enhances the film’s soundscape by providing better dynamic contrasts and improved separation of sound effects across multiple channels. This track enriches the overall listening experience, particularly by offering more depth during action sequences and bringing Ennio Morricone's iconic score to the forefront.

Despite this, the 5.1 track has its limitations, lacking substantial dynamics, especially noticeable in its bass response. During crucial scenes such as the initial break-in, dialogue can appear slightly subdued, but overall clarity remains intact throughout most of the film. The surround channels on the 5.1 mix effectively kick in during action sequences, enhancing engagement and immersion into the cinematic experience.

Ultimately, choosing between the two audio options may depend on personal preference and the viewer's home audio setup. The 5.1 track particularly stands out for fans seeking a more spatial and lively auditory experience, successfully spreading sound effects and musical elements throughout a reasonably expansive soundstage, despite some areas being more front/center loaded. The audio faithfully recreates the unique blend of Italian and Spanish cinema, albeit with occasional overdubbing that hints at a slightly duller mix. However, with an emphasis on key audio elements and an engaging score, the 5.1 track ultimately crafts a robust auditory environment for this adventurous classic.

The Blu-ray extras for "Treasure of the Four Crowns" provide a substantive dive into the film’s history and its lead actor, Tony Anthony. The audio commentary by film historian Jason Pichonsky is thorough, offering insights into Anthony’s career, Ennio Morricone’s score, and 3D filmmaking, though occasionally drifts from structured analysis. Meanwhile, Tony Anthony's lengthy audio interview, conducted by Douglas Hosdale, sheds light on his involvement in 3D films, despite being audio-only, suggesting a missed opportunity to capture his dynamic personality visually. The original U.S. trailer rounds off the extras, presenting a 2D glimpse of the movie. Overall, while space constraints on the disc limit additional features, the existing materials provide valuable context and intriguing insights for enthusiasts of Anthony's work and the era of 3D cinema.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Film historian Jason Pichonsky discusses various production aspects.
• Interview with Tony Anthony: Audio session on his attraction to 3D films and career.
• Trailer: Original U.S. trailer in English.

"Treasure of the Four Crowns" offers an intriguing, albeit chaotic, viewing experience, perfectly encapsulating the quirks of early 1980s cinema. Directed by Ferdinando Baldi and heavily inspired by the success of "Raiders of the Lost Ark," the film dives into the world of 3D adventure with gusto. Tony Anthony stars as J.T. Striker, a pragmatic fortune hunter embarking on a hazardous quest to retrieve sacred gems from a cult inhabiting a booby-trapped castle. This plot is a canvas for bizarre antics and over-the-top action sequences, reminiscent of similar era-defining titles. The absurdity kicks off with a lengthy prologue devoid of dialogue until past the twenty-minute mark, setting the tone for the wild ride that follows, filled with homages and direct lifts from other genre classics.

Technically, the film is a showcase of 3D spectacle, although it's more about the novelty than narrative cohesion. Utilizing every trick in the 3D manual, Baldi ensures a continuous stream of eye-popping moments—objects appear to leap from the screen towards viewers, from snakes and swords to flaming projectiles. These effects make for exhilarating visual thrills when viewed in 3D, although in 2D, certain scenes suffer from pacing issues and appear unnecessarily drawn-out. Despite being one of the last films during the brief 80s resurgence of 3D cinema, it has its place in movie history thanks to its ambitious use of technology, even if it doesn’t always hit its mark.

In summary, while "Treasure of the Four Crowns" may not provide deep narrative satisfaction or character development, it succeeds as a piece of escapist entertainment. It thrives on the novelty of 3D gimmicks and offers a sense of nostalgia for fans of Cannon Group's distinct brand of filmmaking. Despite its shortcomings, it's an enjoyable romp through a time when adventurous storytelling was often as rugged and unpolished as the heroes it portrayed.

"Treasure of the Four Crowns" is an audacious cinematic artifact from the 1980s, embodying the adventurous spirit and eccentric creativity of the Cannon Group. While its storyline borrows heavily from classic adventure films like "Raiders of the Lost Ark," it stands apart due to its unique absurdity. Tony Anthony's humorous performance is notable, bringing levity to a film that unpredictably swings between zany antics and high-stakes escapades. The recently released Blu-ray by Kino Lorber offers superior 3D presentations, both digital and anaglyph, truly enhancing the film's chaotic charm and making it a must-own for 3D enthusiasts.

The film is best experienced in three dimensions; the 2D version falls flat, missing the immersive spectacle that makes this film enjoyable despite its narrative shortcomings. Thanks to Kino Lorber Studio Classics and 3-D Film Archive's diligent restoration work, audiences at home can witness "Treasure of the Four Crowns" in all its three-dimensional glory. The Blu-ray package includes multiple viewing options—Digital 3-D, Anaglyph 3-D, and 2-D—and offers two different audio tracks to cater to various home theater setups. Although the bonus features are minimal, they are informative enough to provide additional context to this whimsical adventure.

In conclusion, "Treasure of the Four Crowns" may not shine as a quintessential cinematic masterpiece, but it does succeed in offering an entertaining and visually captivating experience. Its value lies in its unabashed embrace of 3D technology to heighten its wild narrative, making it an essential addition to any collection focused on the evolution of 3-D cinema. This release is certainly recommended for adventurous viewers seeking nostalgia and a dash of bold visual fun.