A Superhero Tale With a B-Movie Flair

Read Time:5 Minute, 51 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Guyver (Limited Collector's Edition) [4k Ultra HD + Blu-ray + CD Soundtrack]
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Genre: Action, Comedy, Horror
Year Released: 1991, Unearthed Classics 4K
Runtime: 1h 33m
Director(s): Screaming Mad George, Steve Wang
Writer(s): Jon Purdy, Yoshiki Takaya
Cast: Mark Hamill, Vivian Wu, Jack Armstrong, Jimmie 'JJ' Walker, Michael Berryman, David Gale
Where To Watch: available June 25, 2024; pre-order your copy www.unearthedfilms.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: THE GUYVER, a first-time watch for me, directed by Screaming Mad George and Steve Wang in 1991, is a delightful blend of campy humor and dark superhero themes. Adapted from Yoshiki Takaya's manga, the film follows Sean Barker (Jack Armstrong,) a college student who finds an alien artifact that transforms him into a formidable cyborg. This artifact, known as the Guyver, is highly sought after by the villainous Chronos Corporation, led by mutants known as Zoanoids.

The film's plot revolves around Sean's transformation and subsequent battles with the Zoanoids. It combines superhero tropes with B-movie aesthetics, often reminiscent of the charm of the 90s action films with just a twist of the tokusatsu genre. The tone swings between gritty action and lighthearted humor, which can be disorienting but also adds a unique charm.

A standout feature of THE GUYVER is its creature effects. The practical effects team crafted some unforgettable monster designs. These effects demonstrate impressive craftsmanship, especially given the film's modest budget. However, the action scenes sometimes felt like they needed to be longer and less clumsy. Although visually striking, the suits worn by some of the cast hinder fluid movement, resulting in stiff and awkward fight choreography.

Mark Hamill, widely known for his role as Luke Skywalker, portrays CIA agent Max Reed in what is more of a supporting role. Hamill's performance, while professional, is overshadowed by the film's campy tone (and that mustache.) Armstrong, who plays the main character, Sean Barker, delivers a competent yet unremarkable performance, partly limited by the script. Vivian Wu, who plays Sean's girlfriend Mizuki, while at times feels a little one-dimensional, at least wasn’t left as strictly the damsel in distress stereotype that is so often found in this era and genre.

The narrative strives to incorporate elements from the manga but is often inconsistent in terms of tone and depth. The film's humor and spectacle dilute the original manga's darker, more serious aspects. This deviation may disappoint source material fans, who find the movie's lighter approach starkly contrasting the manga's intense, gritty atmosphere.

One of the film's more enjoyable aspects is its embrace of B-movie roots. It doesn't shy away from absurdity, featuring over-the-top villains, bizarre transformations, and a finale that is both ludicrous and entertaining. This self-awareness makes the film amusing if approached with the right expectations.

Despite its shortcomings, THE GUYVER has developed a cult following. Its sequel, GUYVER: DARK HERO, released in 1994, is often considered superior, offering more coherent storytelling and improved action sequences. The sequel's darker tone and more faithful adaptation of the manga elements make it a preferred choice among fans. I hope we also see it restored; this would be a fantastic one-two punch! This restoration is gorgeous; while this was my first time watching the film, it didn’t look like it suffered from many issues found in 90s action film restoration. The included score on the CD has a fantastic and retro vibe. I’ve already listened to it twice, and its unique sound that is 100% 90s!

THE GUYVER encapsulates the charm and pitfalls of early 90s sci-fi action. Its blend of practical effects, campy humor, and B-movie sensibilities creates a unique viewing experience. While it may not be a perfect adaptation of its source material, it offers enough entertainment value for those willing to embrace its quirks and imperfections. For a more polished take on the story, viewers might consider watching the sequel, which addresses many of the original film's shortcomings while retaining its core appeal.

Bonus Materials
4K ULTRA HD + BLU-RAY + CD SOUNDTRACK | LIMITED COLLECTOR'S EDITION CONTENTS
NEW 4K restoration of the original R-rated 35mm camera negative by Unearthed Films
Blu-ray of the feature film and all new extras
The Guyver Soundtrack, composed by Matthew Morse
Booklet

DISC ONE – FEATURE (4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY)
NEW 4K restoration of the original R-rated 35mm camera negative by Unearthed Films presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio in HDR
NEW Commentary with co-directors Screaming Mad George and Steve Wang, moderated by Dom O’Brien, the author of Budget Biomorphs: The Making of The Guyver Films
DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
Optional English SDH Subtitles

DISC TWO – FEATURE & EXTRAS (BLU-RAY)
NEW 4K restoration of the original R-rated 35mm camera negative by Unearthed Films presented in 1080p HD in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio
DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
Optional English SDH Subtitles
NEW Commentary with co-directors Screaming Mad George and Steve Wang, moderated by Dom O’Brien, the author of Budget Biomorphs: The Making of The Guyver Films
NEW Interview with producer Brian Yuzna
NEW Interview with co-director Screaming Mad George
NEW Suit Tests with commentary by co-directors Screaming Mad George and Steve Wang
NEW Outtakes with commentary by co-directors Screaming Mad George and Steve Wang
NEW Gag Reel with commentary by co-directors Screaming Mad George and Steve Wang
NEW Production & Artwork Gallery
Alternate Title Sequence
Trailers

DISC THREE – SOUNDTRACK (COMPACT DISC)
The Guyver Soundtrack, composed by Matthew Morse

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[photo courtesy of UNEARTHED CLASSICS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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