The Jewel of the Nile Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "The Jewel of the Nile" on Blu-ray, framed at 2.35:1 with a 1080p transfer, provides a viewing experience that is commendable yet falls short of being remarkable. Throughout the film, particularly in sequences set aboard the Angelina and within Omar's vibrant kingdom, the transfer reveals a notable depth and clarity. Details in texture — such as the weave of towels, the nuances in clothing, and the rusticity of wooden surfaces, like the box hiding Ralph — are rendered with satisfying precision. The color palette shines in these moments, with bright attire standing out against the film's more subdued backdrops, contributing to a visual appeal that is one of the transfer's stronger points.

However, the visual presentation is not without its flaws. The image occasionally appears faded and softly focused, detracting from the overall sharpness expected from Blu-ray transfers. While this may not significantly hinder the viewing experience, it is an aspect that keen-eyed viewers might note. Black levels and flesh tones present as average, neither enhancing nor detracting greatly from the image quality. Moreover, the presence of print anomalies and noticeable noise towards the film's climax suggests a transfer process that could have benefited from further refinement.

In conclusion, while "The Jewel of the Nile" Blu-ray video section showcases high detail and vibrant color in parts, its inconsistency in sharpness and the presence of visual disturbances mark it as a sufficient but certainly not exceptional transfer. It stands as a decent upgrade for fans looking to own this classic on Blu-ray, although it might leave enthusiasts longing for a more polished presentation.

"The audio aspect of 'The Jewel of the Nile' Blu Ray edition, equipped with a DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack, leaves quite a bit to be desired, presenting an inconsistency that belies its adventurous premise. Despite boasting a more substantial bass and a livelier surround sound experience compared to its predecessor, 'Romancing the Stone,' the audio mix suffers from several critical flaws. The overall clarity is compromised, and at reference volume, the soundtrack is excessively loud, leading to a soundscape that often feels muffled and indistinct. Particularly during action sequences, the sound becomes confusing and overly intense, making it challenging to discern individual elements clearly.

Where the soundtrack finds its strength is in the dialogue delivery through the center channel, showcasing crispness and natural tones that stand out amidst the aural chaos. The use of the surround channels adds a dimension of spatial realism in select scenes, such as an echoing conversation in a large courtyard, which provides some auditory relief. Ambient effects and back channel utilization—like the sound of gunfire that traverses the soundscape in certain action scenes—demonstrate moments of excellence in an otherwise underwhelming mix.

However, these positive attributes are overshadowed by the mix's overall lack of balance and precision. Volume inconsistencies plague the experience, requiring frequent adjustments that distract from the on-screen action. While certain elements like explosive bass and well-rendered dialogue provide glimpses of potential, they are not enough to counteract the prevailing issues. The soundtrack's execution does not consistently complement the film's dynamic and action-packed nature, resulting in an audio experience that can be more frustrating than immersive."

The Blu-ray release of "The Jewel of the Nile" presents a modest collection of extras that cater mainly to the film's loyal fan base and aficionados of 1980s cinema. The highlight is undoubtedly the commentary track by director Lewis Teague, offering a fascinating mix of personal anecdotes with Michael Douglas, insights into the sequel's development, and the challenges faced during production. While the track has moments of silence, particularly around chapter 13, it provides a mostly engaging listen for those interested in filmmaking details. Other notable inclusions are interviews with cast and crew in "Romancing the Nile: A Winning Sequel," giving a contemporary look at the film's making and its place in modern cinema, and six deleted scenes that offer a glimpse of what might have been. While the "Adventures of a Romance Novelist" featurette may not grasp everyone's attention, it adds depth to understanding the film's narrative approach, rounding out an essential package for enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Director’s Commentary: Featuring Lewis Teague discussing various aspects of the film’s production and his career.
• Romancing the Nile: A Winning Sequel: Interviews with cast and crew sharing their experiences and the challenges of making the sequel.
• Adventures of a Romance Novelist: A closer look at the film's thematic elements and its story structure.
• Deleted Scenes: Six scenes not included in the final cut.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional material for the film.

Released through the holiday season of 1985, "The Jewel of the Nile" aimed to capture the magic and success of its predecessor, "Romancing the Stone," with the return of its beloved cast members Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, and Danny DeVito. However, under the directive of a new team, lacking the influential talents of director Robert Zemeckis, writer Diane Thomas, composer Alan Silvestri, and cinematographer Dean Cundey, the sequel struggles to reclaim the spark that made the original a classic. The film unfolds as Jack Colton (Douglas) and Joan Wilder (Turner), now in a relationship strained by their own successes and failures, find themselves entangled in a new adventure involving a mysterious Middle Eastern ruler, Omar (Spiros Focás), and the coveted Jewel of the Nile. Despite the crew's competent efforts, the absence of the original's creative minds is palpable, leading to a sequel that, while generally entertaining, considerably lacks the charm and allure of its predecessor.

The narrative picks up with Jack enjoying his wealth and Joan facing writer's block, soon diverging into an audacious rescue mission intertwined with schemes for revenge and fortune. Despite occasional bright spots in action—a standout being an F-16 jet sequence—the sequel is hampered by pacing issues and a script that fails to fully utilize its characters' potential. The dynamic between Douglas and Turner, once a highlight, now feels diminished, undermining the film's attempt at depth and emotional investment. The technical aspects of the film, from its dated effects to soundtrack, align with the era's standards but do little to elevate the overall experience.

As a standalone adventure, "The Jewel of the Nile" offers moderate entertainment value, with commendable action scenes and a notable plot twist concerning the true nature of the Jewel. However, it falls short of recapturing the inventive spirit and cohesive storytelling that defined "Romancing the Stone." While it serves as a testament to rapid sequel production and '80s filmmaking ambition, this sequel is ultimately a missed opportunity to build upon its characters' legacies, concluding as a watchable yet underwhelming extension of Jack and Joan's cinematic journey.

"The Jewel of the Nile," while a follow-up to the beloved "Romancing the Stone," navigates its journey with a mix of success and disappointment. This sequel, albeit rushed in its journey to the screen, offers a canvas where memorable characters from its predecessor make a return; albeit, they seem to have lost a layer or two of their original charisma. Despite this, the film manages to stand on its own, providing decent entertainment value through its action sequences, a compelling twist, and an adequately intriguing villain. The overall experience, though, might not fully satisfy those expecting the vibrancy and chemistry of the original.

On the technical front, 20th Century Fox's Blu-ray release of "The Jewel of the Nile" fails to meet the high standards typically associated with the studio's catalogue. The video quality, although an improvement over standard definition, does not compare favorably with most other Blu-ray releases in the catalogue segment, showcasing lackluster visuals that disappointingly dull the movie's action and scenic nuances. The audio track suffers from inconsistency, making for a challenging auditory experience at times. The supplemental content provided is modest but somewhat redeems the technical letdowns, offering a glimpse into the making and essence of the film which fans might find worthwhile.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray rendition of "The Jewel of the Nile" might cater best to the devoted fanbase rather than a broader audience seeking high-quality home cinema experiences. The film itself harbors moments of entertainment and allure despite its shortcomings, yet its presentation on Blu-ray does not echo the standard one might anticipate from a 20th Century Fox release. It stands as a piece best appreciated by those with a fondness for the franchise, willing to overlook its technical flaws in favor of nostalgia and continuity within the series.