The Mummy Returns (2001)
Blu-ray
Directed by Stephen Sommers, Greg Michael
Starring Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo, Oded Fehr

During the format war, Universal was all about HD-DVD. Even Toshiba threw in the towel before Universal would even talk about releasing a movie on Blu-Ray. Nevertheless, it seems they are no longer dragging their feet with the release of the Mummy series.

Though The Mummy Returns may arguably not be the best movie, it’s definitely the kind that can benefit from a high-definition presentation. The magnificent scenery, intense action sequences, and larger-than-life special effects (save for, perhaps, the hokey CGI version of the Scorpion King) all look phenomenal in full 1080p.

Ten years after the first film, Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo) returns for a rematch against the O’Connell family. Brendan Fraser returns as Rick, and Rachel Weisz as Evelyn. Rick is arguably one of Fraser’s best roles. This is, after all, the guy who played George of the Jungle. Unfortunately, both he and Evey are water-down versions from the first film by the addition of an absurd reincarnation/destiny plot and their obnoxious child Alex (Freddie Boath). As fun as it is to watch sinister villains being foiled by childish antics, Home Alone and The Mummy don’t mix.

Still, The Mummy Returns has plenty of eye candy and is fun to watch.

The special features include the usual outtakes, which are more amusing when they involves people in dusty mummy costumes. Other features include a sneak peak at upcoming sequel Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, commentary from director/writer Stephen Sommers and executive producer/editor Bob Ducsay, interviews with cast members, a one-on-one with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and features on the special effects and the storyboard-to-film transformation.

The disc also makes use of Profile 1.1, commonly referred to as picture-in-picture, in a feature called “U-Control.” With this feature activated, a small symbol appears in the lower-right corner of the screen while the movie plays. When the symbol is highlighted, commentary and visuals from the other features can be displayed. The feature can be activated/deactivated with a simple push of a button, which brings all of the bonus materials together making great use of Profile 1.1.

Even though the three Mummy movies (The Mummy, The Mummy Returns, and The Scorpion King) were likely released now as promotional items for the upcoming sequel, The Mummy Returns definitely does not seems rushed. The visual quality of the film itself is great, while the special features and numerous and complimentary for the film.

If you like this series, the first film is certainly worth picking up first, but the Blu-Ray version of the sequel has enough quality to warrant an upgrade.

This Blu-ray disc comes with a free movie ticket to see The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperior valid for the month of August.