The Mummy Returns

Collector's Edition (full frame version)

Summary: In this sequel to "The Mummy", the reincarnated Anck-su-namun is in the process of retrieving and resurrecting the mummy Imhotep, to take over the Anubis army to rule the whole.  Meanwhile, Evelyn has been dreaming about the ancient past and the Bracelet of Anubis.  Her visions of the past lead the O'Connells to Egypt once again on an expedition which fruition to obtaining the Bracelet.  As curious as his mother and as fearless as his father, their son tries on the Bracelet and the adventures begin.  If you like "The Mummy", you are likely to enjoy "The Mummy Returns" as well.  I found this sequel thoroughly enjoyable, for its intricate plot, amazing visual special effects, endless action, and incredible stunts.
 

The Story

Ten years after their amazing destruction of the mummy Imhotep in the prequel "The Mummy", Rick O'Connell (Brendan Fraser) and his wife Evie (Rachel Weisz) are joined by their son Alex (Freddie Boath) on an expedition in Egypt.  Evie has many visions about the ancient past which leads to the discovery of the Bracelet of Anubis.  Meanwhile, the reincarnated Anck-su-namun (Patricia Velasquez) is in the process of retrieving and resurrecting Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo) to take over the Anubis army to rule the world.

As curious as his mother andas  fearless as his father, Alex tries on the Bracelet of Anubis and discovers that the bracelet shows the way to the Scorpion pyramid amidst the Oasis.  Unbeknownst to the O'Connells, Imhotep wants the Bracelet of Anubis and sends his soldier mummies to retrieve it.  Rick and Evie put up a good fight along with their friend Ardeth Bay, but Alex is kidnapped by Imhotep's soldiers.  As Imhotep leads his crew toward the Oasis, Rick and Evie try to find and recover Alex before the unspeakable evil harms him and destroys the whole world.  from unspeakable evil through edge-of-your-seat adventures that will blow you away.  If you like "The Mummy", you are likely to enjoy "The Mummy Returns" as well, with its intricate plot, amazing visual special effects, endless action, and incredible stunts.

The Extras

This Collector's Edition comes with the following bonus features worthy of King Tut's tomb full of treasures:

• Spotlight on location: the making of "The Mummy Returns" (a very interesting segment)

• Feature audio commentary

• Cast and filmmakers features Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Patricia Velasquez, Arnold Vosloo, Oded Fehr, and director Stephen Sommers

• Visual and Special Effects Formation breaks into Conceptual Stage (narrated by visual effects supervisor John Berton), Animation Test, Plate Photography, Visual FX Elements and Final Feature Sequence for: "Imhotep Returns", "Pygmy Mummies Attack", "Anubis Warrior Rising", and "Scorpion King Revealed"

• Outtakes is a hilarious look at the cast and crew at work with great fun

• Egyptology 201: "An In-Depth Look at Mummification", "The Most Famous Mummy: King Tut", "Animal of Ancient Egypt", "Myths & Magic of Ancient Egypt", and "The Scorpion King: Myth or Reality?"

• Live "Forever May Not Be Long Enough" music video

• "The Mummy Returns" Chamber of Doom is a great virtual tour through Universal Studios attraction that contains many of the props

• "An Exclusive Conversation with The Rock" features the spin off in which he stars in the lead role as the Scorpion King

• "The Scorpion King" selected scenes which is the same segment preceding "The Mummy Returns" movie

• "The Mummy Returns" theatrical trailer

• A special message from Oded Fehr for the Kids Cancer Connection donation

• "The Mummy Returns" special offer advertises Universal theme parks

• "The Mummy Returns" PlayStation 2 game trailer out October 2001 and not yet rated

• Production notes

• Recommendations of Universal Studios movies of same genre

• DVD newsletter where viewers can register online at http://dvd.universalpictures.com 

• DVD-ROM features

  • Unlock the secrets to "The Scorpion King" gives unique in-depth access to movie production

Video & Audio

The image quality of this full frame (1.33:1 screen aspect ratio) version DVD is excellent and pristine in every way. The colors are accurate and saturated, while shadow detail is very good.  The video transfer is top notch and pays tribute to the cool visual special effects.  To really enjoy the grandeur of the cinematography, I would really recommend the anamorphic widescreen version, available as a separate DVD version.  The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is well balanced with very aggressive use of the surround channels.  The awesome sound design came across clearly on this Dolby Digital soundtrack and is one of the best I've heard.  The dialog remained crystal clear throughout the film.

As good as the Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack of this DVD, I'm hoping that Universal Studios will eventually release an Ultimate Edition DVD, with a DTS 5.1 surround sound option and an even richer set of bonus features.

 
Visit The Mummy Returns web site and the Universal Studios home video web site.

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Associated equipment used in evaluation: Sony DVP-S7700 reference DVD player, Sony KP-61V45 61" rear projection TV (4:3 screen aspect ratio), Sony ES STR-V444ES A/V receiver, four B&W CDM 9NTs as left/right main speakers and left/right surrounds, B&W CDM CNT center channel speaker, Monster Cable M-series S-Video cable MSV-500, Monster Cable Interlink LightSpeed 100 (Toslink) optical cable, Monster Cable Interlink 400 MKII interconnects, Monster Cable Original speaker cables in bi-wire configuration with Monster Cable twist-on gold-plated banana plug connectors, Lovan Sovereign T HiFi audio rack, and Sony MDR-V600 studio monitor headphones.  Our home theater equipment was calibrated with the Video Essentials DVD.

Be sure to check out our Top 10 DVDs of the year 2001 and our list of this year's Oscar winners on DVD.

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Specifications:

- DVD-Video

- Single-sided

- Dual layer

- Region 1

- Run time: approx. 130 minutes

- Subtitle: English

- Menus: Animated

- Scene selection: Static

- Package: keep case

- 20 chapters

Video Features:

- Full frame: 1.33:1 aspect ratio

- Also available in anamorphic widescreen, as a separate version

Audio Features:

- English: Dolby Digital 5.1

- French: Dolby Digital 5.1

Release Dates:

Theatrical Release:
2001

DVD Release:
10/02/2001

Review Date:
09/30/2001

List price:
$ 26.98

On-line price:
$ 17.95

Pre-order price was:
$ 17.95

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