This dark continuation of the Snow White mythology never quite enthralled movie audiences nor critics last year in a Cedric Nicolas-Troyan directed epic.
However, The Huntsman: Winter’s War (Universal Studios Home Entertainment, rated PG-13, $34.98, 120 minutes), recently debuted on Blu-ray with an extended cut in hopes that home theater owners will become enamored with its rich picture quality and bevy of extras.
Unfortunately, even the star power of Charlize Theron (evil Queen Ravenna), Emily Blunt (sister queen Freya), Chris Hemsworth (Eric) and Jessica Chastain (Sara) can’t awaken a tired plot about a pair of royal siblings looking to rule the lands while smothering the eternal love of two warriors.
Thankfully an impeccable digital transfer (2.40:1 aspect ratio) impresses throughout and highlights the beauty of Miss Theron, albeit her brief appearances; some dazzling costumes; a fierce, golden-horned goblin; and a collection of gorgeous chilly magical effects in an ice kingdom.
Viewers get the original theatrical cut of the film as well as an extended version (roughly 6 minutes longer), and bonus content led by an optional commentary track with Mr. Nicolas-Troyan.
The first-time director first alerts viewers that they will be dealing with his slightly heavy French accent before launching into an informative overview of the production touching on the story, special effects, make-up, challenges with the scenery and weather, shooting in Iceland and the impressive costuming.
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Equally worth a look is the five-part, near 40-minute-long documentary on the film, with plenty of interviews with the actors and production staff.
It covers the motivation of the two queens, close-quarter combat scenes, casting, effects involved to animate ice and bringing goblins to life, making normal-sized humans look like dwarfs, creating fairy-tale costumes (a golden dress and crow cape to name a few), and the actors gushing about their love for the director and each other.
A collection of four deleted scenes with director commentary and a 10-minute gag reel (enjoy the censored f-bombs from Miss Theron) round out the extras.
• Joseph Szadkowski can be reached at jszadkowski@washingtontimes.com.
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