Epic Adventures Reborn in High Definition

Read Time:5 Minute, 36 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Conan Chronicles: Conan The Barbarian & Conan The Destroyer
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Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Year Released: 1982 / 1984, 2024 Arrow Video 4K/Blu-ray
Runtime: 3h 52m
Director(s): John Milius / Richard Fleischer
Writer(s): Robert E. Howard (based on the character created by,) John Milius (written by,) Oliver Stone (written by,) Edward Summer (story) (uncredited) / Roy Thomas (story by,) Gerry Conway (story by,) Stanley Mann (screenplay by)
Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Earl Jones, Grace Jones, Olivia D'Abo, Max von Sydow, Mako, Gerry Lopez, William Smith, Ben Davidson, Sven-Ole Thorsen, Cassandra Gaviola, Nadiuska, Wilt Chamberlain, Tracey Walter, Sarah Douglas, André René Roussimoff, Jeff Corey, Pat Roach, Ferdy Mayne
Where To Watch: available January 30, 2024; pre-order here www.arrowvideo.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Come along with me as we enter the realm of THE CONAN CHRONICLES; one is immediately enveloped in the grandeur and depth of these iconic adaptations. The 4K presentations of CONAN THE BARBARIAN and CONAN THE DESTROYER transform these familiar tales into a stunning, new visual narrative. The transformation of Robert E. Howard's classic sword-and-sorcery stories into this high-definition format is a remarkable and welcome technical achievement. These films are not only a tribute to the genre but the starting blocks for it as well.

CONAN THE BARBARIAN, directed by John Milius, is an impressive visual odyssey. It showcases the evolution of Conan from captive to legendary warrior. Embarking on a vendetta against the evil Thulsa Doom, portrayed by the legendary James Earl Jones, Conan’s journey is as captivating as it is visually stunning. Following this, under Richard Fleischer's direction, CONAN THE DESTROYER veers into a lighter, more whimsical territory, adding a different flavor to Conan's adventures while retaining the saga’s overall appeal.

This was the first time I had watched both of these films. I remember seeing glimpses of them on TV as a child, but I’m so glad I waited. They genuinely shine in their technical execution. The 4K restoration injects new vitality into every frame, with colors and details that leap off the screen. The auditory and visual landscape of these films is as immersive as their creative storytelling. Basil Poledouris's musical scores are crucial in elevating the narrative, with a sound that will stick with you long after you finish the film.

Arnold Schwarzenegger's portrayal of Conan is commanding and nuanced, underpinning the films’ narratives. This is one of those situations where it feels like the actor was born to play a role. It doesn’t feel like Schwarzenegger is portraying Conan as much as he is Conan. Despite some uneven performances, the supporting cast contributes to the charm and depth of this mythical world, each new character adding an intriguing addition to the larger universe.

THE CONAN CHRONICLES presents a compelling dichotomy: one film is steeped in a potent narrative and memorable music, while the other offers a more playful exploration of the iconic hero. The 4K restorations rejuvenate the visual splendor of these films and bring Poledouris's impressive compositions to the fore. (thank goodness that everything used to be shot on film; it’s a shame that there are so many movies that will never see this glorious upgrade) The result is a well-rounded cinematic journey that honors Conan's legacy and redefines it for today’s audience. For longtime enthusiasts and newcomers, these films offer a spectacular experience of a world where magic and myth coexist.

Bonus Materials
Brand new 4K restorations of both films from the original negatives by Arrow Films
4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentations of both films in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
Three versions of Conan the Barbarian via seamless branching: Theatrical Cut (127 mins), International Cut (129 mins), and Extended Cut (130 mins)
Newly restored original mono audio and remixed Dolby Atmos surround audio for both films
Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing on both films
Archive commentary for Conan the Barbarian by John Milius and Arnold Schwarzenegger
Archive commentaries for Conan the Destroyer by Richard Fleischer and actors Olivia d’Abo, Tracey Walter, and Sarah Douglas
Brand new commentaries for both films by genre historian Paul M. Sammon
Newly assembled isolated score tracks in lossless stereo for both films
Newly filmed interviews for Conan the Barbarian with production artist William Stout, costume designer John Bloomfield, special effects crew members Colin Arthur and Ron Hone, actors Jorge Sanz and Jack Taylor, assistant editor Peck Prior, and many others
Newly filmed interviews for Conan the Destroyer with Bloomfield and Walsh, casting director Johanna Ray, art director Kevin Phipps, and stunt coordinator Vic Armstrong
Conan Unchained: The Making of Conan, an archive documentary from 2000 featuring interviews with Schwarzenegger, Milius, Stone, Jones, Lopez, Bergman, Poledouris and several others
Archive bonus features for both films, including interviews with sword master Kiyoshi Yamasaki, writers Roy Thomas & Gerry Conway, and Poledouris, outtakes, and more
A Tribute to Basil Poledouris, a series of videos produced by the Úbeda Film Music Festival, including a video of Poledouris conducting a concert of music from Conan the Barbarian in 2006 (remixed in 5.1 surround)
Theatrical trailers and image galleries for both films
Double-sided fold-out posters for both films
Twelve double-sided collectors’ postcards
Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing by Walter Chaw and John Walsh and archive set reports for both films by Paul M. Sammon

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[photo courtesy of ARROW VIDEO, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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