Conan the Barbarian Blu-ray Review

The "Conan the Barbarian" Blu-ray video presentation is nothing short of stunning. With an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, the visual quality of this film is rendered beautifully. The color palette, drenched in quasi-sepia tones and slate blue-gray filters reminiscent of "300," magnifies the film's unique aesthetic appeal. The hues are richly saturated, with crimson reds of blood appearing exceptionally robust. Razor-sharp clarity is evident in most scenes, particularly in bright daylight exteriors where intricate details like foliage, desert sands, and architectural ruins are meticulously defined. Skin tones in facial close-ups are impressively natural and lifelike, allowing make-up effects to withstand high-definition scrutiny.

Despite some minor issues with camera movement disrupting the full absorption of on-screen details, the overall video quality is outstanding. The seamless integration of CGI and green screen elements enhances the immersive experience, with no distracting artifacts or aliasing in intricate patterns on costumes and sets. Though some sequences experience slight blurriness and a loss of picture richness, these instances are rare. The contrast is spot-on for most of the runtime, delivering visible information with beautiful balance.

Color dynamics are yet another highlight, with both secondary warmer hues and primary colors vividly popping, notably during scenes featuring large splatters of blood. Black levels are profoundly inky, providing commendable depth, although some interior scenes suffer from somewhat flat shadows, making minor details harder to discern. However, these minor drawbacks do not significantly detract from an otherwise superb high-definition presentation that will undoubtedly satisfy fans and cinephiles alike.

The audio presentation of "Conan the Barbarian" on Blu-ray is a masterful display, particularly with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix. Right from the Lionsgate logo, the soundscape is rich with mechanical noises and subtle ambient sounds that set an immersive tone. Throughout the film, there is a nonstop array of well-designed effects zinging through the soundfield, with the opening battle providing widely splayed sounds and meticulous attention to detail, even capturing a slight breeze. The action sequences are enhanced by bright and precise metal sounds, with excellent discrete channelization making scenes vivid. An outstanding moment occurs during the climactic sequence where a sacrificial disc falls into a chasm, producing robust LFE that reverberates impressively across the soundstage. Furthermore, the fidelity is exceptional, with surprising dynamic range and clear, well-prioritized dialogue, even amid busy action sequences.

For an action-fantasy film like "Conan the Barbarian," the Blu-ray audio quality is expected to be top-notch, and it certainly delivers. The DTS-HD Master Audio track brims with explosive energy, vividly replicating the battle cries and sounds of combat. The surround channels are consistently active with Tyler Bates's musical score and other atmospheric elements, creating a 360-degree immersive experience. The front soundstage offers an overwhelming wall of sound with flawless panning and convincing movements that ensure a continuous sense of space. The clarity and dynamic range are impeccable, with superb differentiation in frequencies, allowing each clash of metal to be distinctly heard amidst the chaos. Additionally, the low-end is powerful, filling the room with a bone-rattling force.

The only minor flaw lies in occasional challenges with dialogue clarity, often during intense action moments. This issue might stem from actors grumbling their lines rather than any significant fault in the high-res track itself. Despite this small drawback, "Conan the Barbarian" provides a spectacular auditory experience that's both awe-inspiring and reference-quality.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "Conan the Barbarian" deliver a varied and insightful look into the film's creation and the legacy of its iconic character. The disc includes two audio commentaries, one with director Marcus Nispel, who offers a constrained yet occasionally informative overview that references the original Howard stories, and a more engaging one with actors Jason Momoa and Rose McGowan, whose humorous rapport makes for an entertaining listen. Several featurettes provide deeper dives, such as "The Conan Legacy," which explores the character's historical impact, and "Robert E. Howard: The Man Who Would Be Conan," a biographical piece on Conan's creator. Moreover, "Battle Royal: Engineering the Action" and "Staging the Fights" present meticulous examinations of the film’s choreographed combat sequences. The inclusion of the theatrical trailer rounds out this comprehensive extras package.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary With Director Marcus Nispel: Insightful yet sparse commentary with references to Howard.

Audio Commentary With Actors Jason Momoa and Rose McGowan: Highly engaging and humorous commentary between actions.

The Conan Legacy: Creative staff discusses Conan's impact and adaptations.

Robert E. Howard: The Man Who Would Be Conan: Biographical feature on Robert E. Howard.

Battle Royal: Engineering the Action: Analysis of fight choreography and staging.

Staging the Fights: Pre-visualizations and rehearsal footage of fight sequences.

Theatrical Trailer: The film’s promotional trailer.

Conan the Barbarian (2011) revitalizes the iconic character in an origin-focused narrative, embracing the brutal and savage essence of its source material. The film opens with a grisly sequence where Conan's mother, mortally wounded, gives birth on the battlefield, setting the tone for the relentless violence that permeates the movie. Young Conan, played by Leo Howard, is depicted in a unique rite of passage where he must protect an egg during a combat-intensive obstacle course. Such inventive moments briefly elevate the otherwise formulaic hero's journey.

Jason Momoa's portrayal of adult Conan brings the character to life physically, almost matching Frank Frazetta's illustrations, yet the script fails to imbue him with sufficient depth or charisma. His performance, while competent, can't salvage a lackluster plot that is choked by uninspired and repetitive fight scenes. The central antagonist, Khalar Zym (Stephen Lang), and his eccentric sorceress daughter, Marique (Rose McGowan), provide some of the film’s more engaging scenes, thanks largely to their melodramatic performances.

The film's visual splendor is undeniable, with Marcus Nispel's direction ensuring stunning special effects and rich production design. Unfortunately, these elements can't compensate for weak character development and subpar dialogue. The movie’s pacing suffers as it transitions from one predictable action set piece to another, ultimately rendering it unremarkable despite its extravagant style. For audiences seeking mindless sword and sorcery action, Conan the Barbarian offers fleeting thrills, but discerning viewers may find the film’s emphasis on brute force over substantive storytelling disappointingly shallow.

Marcus Nispel's "Conan the Barbarian" on Blu-ray offers a mixed experience that may leave some viewers torn between admiration for its visual splendor and disappointment with its narrative. While the film’s premise of recreating Robert E. Howard's iconic character carries nostalgic appeal, it ultimately falters in delivering a compelling story. The plot, inundated with clichés and uninspired elements, revolves around a brutish and violent quest that lacks emotional depth and engagement. Despite this, the film is undeniably a visual treat; the cinematography is lush and packed with meticulously crafted sets and decent special effects.

Technically, the Blu-ray release excels with remarkable video quality and immersive audio presentation. The transfer highlights the vivid landscapes and intricate details with fine clarity, making it a reference-quality visual experience. The boisterous soundtrack complements the action sequences well, adding layers of auditory excitement that enhance the viewing experience. However, while the disc’s technical merits are noteworthy, they can't overshadow the film’s uninspired storytelling and lackluster character development.

In conclusion, "Conan the Barbarian" is a beautiful package on the surface but lacks substance beneath. It’s an ideal rental for those seeking eye candy and robust sound design but falls short as a memorable or engaging addition to any movie collection. For all its visual and auditory prowess, this iteration of Conan may leave fans yearning for more than just spectacle.