Riddick’s Battle Beyond the Stars

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Chronicles Of Riddick [4K Limited Edition]
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Genre: Action, Adventure
Year Released: 2004, Arrow Video 4K 2024
Runtime: 1h 59m
Director(s): David Twohy
Writer(s): Jim Wheat, Ken Wheat, David Twohy
Cast: Vin Diesel, Thandiwe Newton, Karl Urban, Alexa Davalos, Colm Feore, Linus Roache, Keith David
Where To Watch: available now; order your copy here www.arrowvideo.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: David Twohy ambitiously broadens the world of the Riddick series with THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK, transforming Vin Diesel's quintessential survivalist into a mythic hero entangled in the universe's fate. This chapter catapults Riddick into a confrontation with the Necromongers, a power-hungry cult dominating the cosmos. Elevating the stakes from personal survival to the survival of civilizations, this sequel immerses Riddick in a battle that stretches his abilities and destiny to their limits.

Stranded in a lonely ice world, Riddick's existence is abruptly disrupted, drawing him to Helion Prime, where echoes of his past converge with new challenges. Here, Riddick encounters Aereon, played by Judi Dench. Her revelations about Riddick's connection to the warrior race, the Furians, thrust him into a prophecy that is both a gift and a burden, muddying the waters of his destiny.

The visual scale of THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK is nothing short of spectacular. With a generous budget, the set designs and costumes are meticulously created with care, bringing the dark, authoritarian aesthetic of the Necromongers to life and setting them up as formidable adversaries. While the film's visual achievements are undeniable, they occasionally overshadow the narrative, begging for a more balanced approach where spectacle is independent of character development.

Action is where the film truly excels, showcasing Diesel's physical prowess through gripping combat scenes. The fiery depths of Crematoria serve as the backdrop for Riddick’s strategic and physical combat, emphasizing his raw survival skills. However, the pacing of the film is frenetic, leaping between planets and battles so swiftly that the depth of Riddick's journey sometimes gets lost in the shuffle.

At its core, THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK revisits timeless sci-fi themes of empire and resistance. The Necromongers' quest for the UnderVerse, a realm believed to confirm their dominion, adds an existential layer to their conquests. However, the depiction of their motives needs more clarity, leaving their ominous mission feeling somewhat underexplored. The political machinations within the Necromonger ranks, particularly between Lord Marshal and his ambitious subordinate Vaako, introduce a compelling element of internal conflict that the film only briefly explores.

Despite its ambitious narrative arcs, THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK is a compelling visual journey that needed to work on maintaining the gritty, character-driven core that initially drew fans into Riddick's universe. While a feast for the eyes, the film occasionally loses sight of its protagonist amidst the expansive myth-making.

THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK is an epic endeavor to elevate the story of a lone outlaw to that of a cosmic warrior. It crafts a visually arresting experience and provides thrilling action sequences to satisfy those who journey with Riddick from his darker beginnings to this expansive new chapter. Yet, it serves as a reminder that in the vastness of space, the essence of a hero must not be overshadowed by the grandeur of the universe. It teaches that survival isn't just about battling external foes but also about preserving one’s core amidst the vast chaos of the cosmos.

Bonus Materials
4K ULTRA HD LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS
Brand new 4K restorations by Arrow Films of the Theatrical and Director's Cuts of the film, approved by David Twohy
Original DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround audio on both cuts, plus remixed Dolby Atmos for the Theatrical Cut
Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing on both cuts
Reversible sleeve featuring newly commissioned artwork by Dan Mumford
Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film by Walter Chaw, original production notes, and the ‘Chronicles Compendium,’ an overview of the characters and planets featured in the film

DISC ONE
4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) of the Theatrical Cut from the original negative
Ambition on Another Scale: Chronicling a Blockbuster Sequel, a brand-new feature-length documentary on the film, featuring interviews with writer-director David Twohy, actors Keith David and Linus Roache, storyboard artist Brian Murray, and many others
Realizing Riddick, a new interview with Twohy on the creation of the character
Back to Black, a new interview with Murray on his continuing work within the Riddick saga
Chronicles of a Cult Film Celebrity, a new interview with David on the role of Imam
Theatrical trailers

DISC TWO
4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) of the Director’s Cut
Archive audio commentary by David Twohy and Vin Diesel
Archive audio commentary by Twohy and co-stars Karl Urban and Alexa Davelos
Archive introduction by Twohy
Creation of New Mecca, an archive featurette focusing on the world and characters of Helion Prime
Riddick Rises, an archive featurette focusing on the prison planet of Crematoria
Keep What You Kill, an archive featurette focusing on the world of the Necromongers
Visual Effects Revealed, an archive featurette focusing on the VFX
Interactive Production Calendar, a series of short, candid videos filmed throughout shooting
Production Vignettes, a series of short behind-the-scenes segments
Three deleted scenes
Virtual Guide to the Chronicles of Riddick, a series of short animated segments explaining the world of the film
Toombs’ Chase Log, a short film narrated by Nick Chinlund in character
A guided tour of the set by Vin Diesel, along with 360-degree panoramic views of eight sets from the film
On-set interviews with Twohy, Diesel, Dench, Urban, Colm Feore, Alexa Davelos, Thandiwe Newton, and producer Scott Kroopf
Promotional interviews with Twohy, Diesel, Newton, Urban, Davelos and Feore
Easter egg

DISC THREE (LIMITED EDITION EXCLUSIVE)
4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) of the Theatrical Cut in the alternate 1.78:1 aspect ratio
Escape from Butcher Bay, a compilation of cutscenes from the acclaimed tie-in video game
The Lowdown, a television special produced to promote the film’s original release

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[photo courtesy of ARROW VIDEO, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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