Starship Troopers: Traitor of Mars Blu-ray Review

The 1.78:1 framed digitally animated "Starship Troopers: Traitor of Mars" Blu-ray release presents a visually commendable, albeit somewhat imperfect experience. With an encoding of MPEG-4 AVC at 1080p on a BD-25 disc, the film's video quality is solid given its 88-minute runtime. The animation style, while a bit rough around the edges, offers sufficient detailing in close-ups — skin textures, armor, and uniforms all show commendable damage, mud, and nuances. The film particularly excels with red tones seen on Mars but is plagued by minor color banding and noise. Black levels maintain strong details but tend to appear slightly greyish without showing any crushing.

However, the overall graphical quality lacks the high fidelity found in other contemporary animated films or video game cutscenes, such as "Resident Evil: Vendetta" or "Halo 5." Broader shots feel somewhat flat and uninspiring, dominated by drab colors like blacks, browns, and grays, which dominate much of the aesthetic. Such scenes can appear washed out with less vibrancy except during moments of bug plasma or weapon bursts. The creators did not implement an animation style with copious minute details, contributing to a somewhat disjointed visual cohesion.

Despite these drawbacks, the Blu-ray manages to deliver a respectable video presentation with strong details in specific areas and smooth motion during fast-paced sequences. Spacing and depth are competent but don't stand out compared to other animated features. Some artifacts are present, including a cosmetic grain layer that does not appear to be actual noise but rather an intentional stylistic choice. While not the most visually impressive release, it sufficiently meets expectations for fans of the series and delivers commendable video quality given its budget constraints.

Starship Troopers: Traitor of Mars’ Blu-ray audio presentation, encoded in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, offers an evenly balanced and immersive listening experience. While not cutting-edge, the sound mix is both effective and satisfying, creating a palpable sense of atmosphere. Music is presented with agreeable breadth and impact, and the clarity of the audio remains consistent throughout the range. The track uses the entire soundstage well, with alarms emanating clearly from the sides, swarms of bugs enveloping each speaker, and gunfire engaging each corner, although the intensity could benefit from additional amplification. The standout moment arrives with a nuke strike against a swarm of bugs, where movement and full-stage immersion are prominent, though again lacking in sheer potency.

The Blu-ray features multiple audio formats including English and French in 5.1 DTS-HD MA, and Spanish in 5.1 Dolby Digital. The dynamics of the track are decent, though not particularly extraordinary. The Low-Frequency Extension ensures that explosions, blast fire, and bug stomping resonate effectively through the subwoofer. Surround channels deliver smooth ambiance and environmental cues, although they are typically overshadowed by frontal battle sounds that pan adeptly from left to right. Dialogue reproduction is notably crisp and clear, capturing the voice actors’ performances with precision. However, one minor issue is the occasional lack of seamless lip-syncing with the digital animation, detracting slightly from an otherwise solid audio experience.

Overall, while Starship Troopers: Traitor of Mars’ Blu-ray audio does not revolutionize home theater soundscapes, it delivers robust immersion and clarity that effectively serve the film's energetic scenes.

The "Starship Troopers: Traitor of Mars" Blu-ray disc boasts a compelling selection of extras that provide an enriching behind-the-scenes look. The featurettes contain detailed discussions from the film's key creators, juxtaposing visual effects intricacies and narrative evolutions of the franchise. Notably, "Traitor of Mars: A Look Inside" segments explore bug design, powered suits, and deeper narratives. Casper Van Dien and Writer Ed Neumeier prominently feature, shedding light on the franchise’s historical legacy and continuing development. Additionally, viewers are treated to a brief but intriguing deleted scene, along with an extensive photo gallery of concept art, all presented in high-definition.

Extras included in this disc:

• Traitor of Mars: A Look Inside Bugs and Powered Suits: Insight on designs and digital work.
• Traitor of Mars: A Look Inside Story and Characters: Covers narrative structure and voice casting.
• Expanding the Universe:
  • 20 Years and Counting: Discusses the franchise’s history and legacy.
  • Continuing the Universe: Explores novel adaptation and sequels.
  • Traitor of Mars: Details on character arcs and power armor.
• Deleted Scene: A short, early-stage scene.
• Photo Gallery: Concept art gallery.

Starship Troopers: Traitor of Mars is an interesting addition to the animated lineup within the Starship Troopers franchise. It expands upon the adventures of Johnny Rico (voiced again by Casper Van Dien) as he continues battling the enduring bug menace. Set decades after the original film, it exhibits a straightforward narrative centered on Rico training an under-prepared bunch of Mars colonists while unexpectedly encountering a new threat orchestrated by the ambitious Sky Marshall Amy Snapp (Emily Neves). However, this iteration does little to elevate the franchise’s thematic depth, offering more action-oriented thrills over meaningful satire.

The film doesn't quite capture the satirical essence of Paul Verhoeven's 1997 classic, instead opting for a streamlined and more conventional action approach. While it includes political undertones, they are more subdued and less poignant. The animation quality, though adequate, often resembles high-end video game cutscenes rather than a polished film experience. The absence of key original cast members like Neil Patrick Harris is felt, and the replacement voice actors don’t mitigate this gap effectively. Rico's character development benefits from Van Dien’s seasoned portrayal, but his weathered demeanor might seem flat compared to his vibrant characterization in the original.

Despite its shortcomings, Traitor of Mars does succeed in delivering high-energy action sequences and adheres to the visual and thematic roots of the franchise. It features the popular power armor from Heinlein’s novel, integrating it effectively into several key moments which fans will appreciate. The film’s simplicity and efficient pace may render it more like a long TV episode than a standalone cinematic piece, yet it still manages to be an engaging, albeit modestly memorable, continuation of the Starship Troopers saga. For those seeking a brief excursion into bug-slaying adventures with a nostalgic touch, this animated sequel provides an enjoyable watch without demanding much in terms of intellectual engagement.

"Starship Troopers: Traitor of Mars" continues the franchise with a fun, albeit uncomplicated, story that brings back characters Johnny Rico and Dizzy Flores in a logical and nostalgic way. Directed by Shinji Aramaki and Masaru Matsumoto with a script by Edward Neumeier, the film provides serviceable action sequences, some biting social insights, and a memorable villain in the form of a scheming politician. While it doesn’t drastically expand the Starship Troopers lore, it is a guided and entertaining entry into the animated film space of this universe.

Sony’s Blu-ray release offers a solid technical presentation. The visuals, with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 AVC, and the DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio tracks in English, French, and Spanish, deliver a satisfying viewing experience. The package also includes a nice array of extras that enrich the main feature without overpromising. Rounding out the technical specifications are a runtime of 88 minutes and an R rating, fitting for the film’s content. It would appeal to long-time fans more than casual viewers due to its niche presentation.

In conclusion, "Starship Troopers: Traitor of Mars" is an entertaining diversion that doesn’t aim to revolutionize its franchise but serves as an enjoyable piece for fans. While it may not impress those unacquainted with the series or seeking profound depth, it remains a worthwhile watch for enthusiasts. The Blu-ray release, with its solid audio and visual quality alongside enjoyable extras, makes it worth checking out either as a rental or borderline purchase.