Conan the Destroyer 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

"Conan the Destroyer," the notable fantasy sequel, makes its grand entrance into the Ultra-HD realm courtesy of Arrow Films, presented on a region-free 4K UHD Blu-ray disc. This release, part of The Conan Chronicles boxset or available as a standalone offering, showcases the film in its uncut version, mastered from the original 35mm camera negatives by NBC Universal. The restoration and grading process was meticulously carried out in 4K, utilizing HDR10 and Dolby Vision to enhance visual depth and detail, resulting in a presentation that respects the film's original 2.35:1 scope aspect ratio.

The visual fidelity of this transfer is nothing short of remarkable. Colors are vibrant and rich; flesh tones radiate warmth while the reds of blood and the varied palette of primaries exhibit unmatched zest. The application of Dolby Vision HDR propels the contrasts and colors to new heights, highlighting details such as the glint off Arnold Schwarzenegger's skin or the intricate landscapes that provide a lush backdrop to Conan's adventures. The restoration effort not only preserves but elevates the original cinematography by Jack Cardiff, ensuring that the grain structure remains consistent, adding a fine layer of depth and texture across the scenes.

Technical prowess extends to the film's audio treatment as well, featuring a remastered original monaural track alongside a new Dolby Atmos mix, providing a harmonious blend of dialogue, effects, and Basil Poledouris' stirring score. Despite occasional softness and blurriness inherent to the source material, the 4K transfer reveals an exceptional level of detail—from the nuanced textures of costumes and environments to the subtle complexities of facial expressions. Coupled with meticulously maintained black levels and shadow details, this release not only honors but enhances the cinematic legacy of "Conan the Destroyer," offering both longtime fans and newcomers a definitive viewing experience.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Conan the Destroyer" presents an audio restoration that avid fans and newcomers alike will find impressively handled, retaining the essence of its original era while embracing the advancements in audio technology. The disc offers two audio tracks: a remastered version of the original theatrical mono in 1.0 DTS-HD Master Audio format, and a new Dolby Atmos (7.1 Dolby TrueHD compatible) mix. The mono track, remastered with attention to detail by Þorsteinn Gíslason, is clean and clear, providing a nostalgic throwback with all its authenticity preserved. Dialogue is crisp, with no indications of age-related defects, making it a preferred choice for purists seeking the vintage audio experience.

The Dolby Atmos mix, crafted from the original DME mono elements at Deluxe Audio London, showcases a remarkable improvement in spatial dynamics, particularly noticeable in Basil Poledouris' iconic score. The orchestration gains a newfound depth, with the Atmos setup allowing for a broad and spacious soundstage. The mix delicately utilizes the height channels primarily for ambience, such as blowing wind or falling debris, while keeping dialogue clear and coherent throughout. It creates a more immersive experience without straying too far from its monaural roots. The additional channels are used sparingly, maintaining a center-focused track that respects the source material's age and original production techniques.

In terms of technical prowess, the Atmos track succeeds in providing a modest yet noticeable upgrade over its mono counterpart, especially during outdoor scenes where the expansive nature of the setting benefits greatly from the added dimensionality. Effects subtly emanate from the Atmos speakers, enhancing engagement without overwhelming the senses. The low-frequency effects add heft to the score and occasional action sequences, providing a satisfying weight to the listening experience. While dialogue can show signs of its 1984 origins, it remains intelligible and well-integrated with the overall mix. Optional English subtitles ensure accessibility for all audiences, further enriching this venerable fantasy adventure's auditory presentation on modern home theater systems.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Conan the Destroyer is a treat for both audiophiles and cinephiles, showcasing a meticulous restoration that brings the fantasy epic to life in unprecedented detail. The disc features both the original mono track and an impressive Atmos mix, with the former remastered by Porsteinn Gislason to eliminate hiss or sibilance, ensuring clear, in-sync dialogue and a well-balanced mix. The Atmos version, produced from the original DME elements, adds a modern edge by dynamically enhancing the score both musically and spatially, although it could benefit from greater surround engagement. Viewers have the luxury of choosing between these sonic experiences, each expertly presented despite the limitations of the original recordings. The plethora of extras includes commentary tracks offering invaluable insights from the director, cast members, and genre historians, alongside newly filmed and archival interviews that delve into the casting, costume design, art direction, stunts, and more. Not to forget the isolated score track and other collectible bonuses that enrich this edition, making it an essential addition to any collection.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary featuring Paul M. Sammon: Fresh insights from the Conan historian.
• Audio Commentary featuring Richard Fleischer: The director's perspective.
• Audio Commentary featuring Olivia d'Abo & Tracey Walter: Cast members share their experiences.
• Audio Commentary featuring Sarah Douglas, Kim Newman, & Stephen Jones: A blend of cast and historian viewpoints.
• Isolated Score Track: High-quality stereo presentation of Basil Poledouris' iconic score.
• Casting the Destroyer: Insights from casting director Johanna Ray.
• Cut from a Different Cloth: An interview with costume designer John Bloomfield.
• Dune and the Destroyer: Art director Kevin Phipps discusses his transition from Dune.
• Swords, Sorcery, & Stunts: Stunt coordinator Vic Armstrong on crafting action sequences.
• Behind the Destroyer: Author John Walsh offers behind-the-scenes glimpses.
• Conan: The Making of a Comic Book Legend: Archival interview with writers Roy Thomas & Gerry Conway.
• Basil Poledouris: Composing the Conan Saga: A look at the legendary composer’s work.
• Theatrical Trailers
• Image Gallery: A collection of visuals from the film.
• Double-sided fold-out poster
• Six double-sided collectors’ postcards
• Illustrated collectors’ booklet: New writings and archival content.

In its quest to deliver a family-friendly, PG-rated sequel to the darker, more mature "Conan the Barbarian," "Conan the Destroyer" noticeably shifts gears, embarking on a lighter, more comic book fantasy adventure. Directed by Richard Fleischer, the film sees Arnold Schwarzenegger reprising his role as Conan, who is now tasked with a quest that could potentially resurrect his lost love Valeria. Accompanied by a varied cast including Sarah Douglas, Olivia d'Abo, Wilt Chamberlain, Mako, and Grace Jones, Conan's journey feels less like the titular hero's story and more like an ensemble piece. Fleischer's direction alongside Jack Cardiff's cinematography ventures into a pulpy and campier tonality, eyeing a broader audience but ends up somewhat lost in the crowded space of early 80s fantasy cinema. The film's use of special effects, while ambitious for its time, has not aged particularly well, further diluting its standing in the pantheon of memorable fantasy epics.

Despite boasting a cast with more pronounced celebrity faces—leading to an uneven focus away from its main hero—the narrative meanders through a quest filled with fantastical set pieces and supernatural encounters. However, these elements often feel stitched together from a Dungeons & Dragons playbook without much novelty or coherence. Basil Poledouris returns with a score that, while competent, lacks the distinctiveness of his previous work, symbolizing the overall tonal shift of the sequel towards a more mainstream appeal. The allure of a blockbuster family film might have scrubbed some edges off Conan's character and world, making "Conan the Destroyer" a notably softer experience compared to its predecessor.

Despite criticisms of oversimplification and a reduction in mature content, "Conan the Destroyer" manages to encapsulate the charm of 80s fantasy adventures with its earnest yet flawed execution. Supported by memorable performances from Schwarzenegger, Douglas, and particularly Jones, the film traverses its fantasy landscape with enough spectacle and humor to provide an entertaining watch. However, its departure from the more somber themes and raw energy of the original leaves it as an easily digestible yet ultimately less compelling chapter in the Conan saga. The sequel exemplifies how cinematic expansions into broader market appeal can sometimes lead to diluted franchise entries that struggle to maintain the essence of what made them special.

"Conan the Destroyer" embarks on a markedly different journey than its predecessor, Conan the Barbarian, veering towards a lighter, more mainstream path that could divide fans of the original's grittier narrative. Despite this, Arrow Video’s 4K UHD Blu-ray release of the sequel warrants praise for bringing significant enhancements to the viewing experience. The Ultra HD presentation is nothing short of stellar, with a Dolby Vision HDR that vivifies the fantastical world of Conan with striking visuals, complemented by an immersive Dolby Atmos soundtrack. The release is bolstered by an array of special features, including new interviews with key production staff and a comprehensive collection of behind-the-scenes photos and promotional materials, offering an in-depth look into the making of this cult classic.

Notably, the disc's extras provide valuable insights into the film’s creation process - from costume design to music composition, encapsulating the effort to maintain the franchise’s legacy despite its narrative shortcomings. It's commendable how Arrow manages to curate a mix of archival and fresh supplementary content that enriches the overall package. This edition demonstrates an attempt to preserve and present "Conan the Destroyer" in a manner that both acknowledges its place in the franchise’s history and respects its fan base by offering a technically superior av version alongside enlightening retrospective glances at its production.

In conclusion, while "Conan the Destroyer" might not capture the same raw intensity or narrative depth as its iconic predecessor, Arrow Video’s 4K UHD release provides a compelling reason to revisit or discover the film. The exceptional video and audio quality significantly enhances the viewing experience, making it a worthwhile addition for collectors and fans alike. Despite its cinematic flaws, this release reaffirms Arrow's commitment to celebrating genre films with the respect and meticulous care they deserve, ensuring "Conan the Destroyer" is represented with unparalleled technical execution and an enriching set of special features.