The Mummy Returns – 4K UHD Blu-ray Review

Posted on June 15, 2018 by Brendan Surpless

Film Title: The Mummy Returns
Release Date: 2001
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 130 minutes
Region Coding: Region Free
Studio: Universal
Audio Formats: DTS:X
High Dynamic Range: HDR (HDR10)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Formats Available: 4K UHD Blu-ray
Versions Available: 4K Blu-ray or 4K Ultimate Trilogy
Director: Stephen Sommers
Cast: Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo, Oded Fehr, Patricia Velasquez, Alun Armstrong, Freddie Boath, Dwayne Johnson

The Movie

In the 2001 sequel, “The Mummy Returns,” Rick O’Connell (Brendan Fraser) and Evie (Rachel Weisz) are a happily married adventure seeking couple. Having just returned from another treasure hunting trip (this time looking for the bracelet of Anubis). We zip to another scene where we learn that Anuksunamun is trying to bring her old love Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo) back to life. The only big problem is that this particular year, 1933, happens to be the year of the Scorpion (a little back-story is that The Scorpion King sacrificed his soul to the god Anubis in exchange for victory over his enemies). If someone gets a hold of this bracelet and puts it on, The Scorpion King (Dwayne “The Rock“ Johnson) will rise in seven days (which is exactly what Imhotep and company want as they hope to steal The Scorpion King’s power). Well imagine what exactly happens and you have a pretty solid (if loop-holed) film.

Speaking of loop-holes, I found it interesting how this film never cared to explain what exactly the curator of the British Museum hopes to receive from Imhotep. Also, what are those random warriors doing? What is their purpose? Are they just servants of Imhotep? This is just a few of the inconsistencies I found between the first film and this sequel. Also how did Anuksunamun come back to life? While these inconsistencies take away a bit from the overall impact of the film, I still found the film entertaining enough.

I had feared that the generic adding of a child into the loop would kill this film. Luckily for everyone involved, the addition of Rick’s son (Alex) adds a bit of humor and charm to the film. Every sequence he’s involved usually ends up being smile cracking fun. I suppose what makes him so funny is that he loves adventure even more than his parents and is always seeking new fun (pretty intense for an 8 year-old). Alex wants nothing more than for Rick to include his son in his adventures (and vice-versa).

Carrying a heftier budget (probably due to the success of the first film), The Mummy Returns is a CGI-heavy film that constantly relies on these effects to help tell its story. Wow does that sound like a negative sentence or what? Even though it may sound negative, the CGI effects used in this film were convincing enough (especially Anubis’ warriors, which looked every bit as scary as you might think).

I was very surprised by this one when I saw it back in 2001 in theaters. I figured (as per the typical sequel), we’d get a dumbed down, stupid action fest with varying explosions. Instead of relying on these aforementioned typical sequel qualities, “The Mummy Returns” is a film that always seems to pleasure regardless of time span between viewings.

Movie Rating: 4 (out of 5)

Video Quality

According to the technical specifications on IMDb, the first film “The Mummy Returns“, presented in the 2:35:1 aspect ratio, was shot on 35MM film using the Panavision Panaflex Millennium XL camera and Panavision C-Series Lenses. This is presented in full 2160p 4K resolution with HDR (HDR10) High Dynamic Range.

Color was vibrant, crisp and powerful throughout. I particularly liked how the brightness was improved. I feared that all the bright exterior desert sequences would result in a lot of EE (edge enhancement). Such isn’t the case here as every exterior sequence from the opening battle to the closing minutes looked great. Detail was exquisite here. Every little detail in the sequence with Imhotep’s rebirth around 40 minutes in was perfect. Heck, even my brother (who isn’t the biggest video guy) noticed a big improvement here (trust me too he’s seen this film a dozen or so times). Fleshtones were great as well.

Grain was kept in check with the grain levels only becoming noticeable in the film’s darker sequences (when Rick is battling The Scorpion King). The sequence were Rick and company are traveling in a hot air balloon was amazing. Maybe it’s just me, but I found myself quite amazed at the clarity here, as each cloud seemed almost like a clear window. Great stuff. Besides the slight excessive film grain, “The Mummy Returns“ looks great throughout.

Video Quality Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)

Audio Quality

Audio here on the 4K UHD Blu-ray is in the DTS:X immersive sound format. Just worth noting that the standard Blu-ray Disc version contained DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio, in comparison. That core is still there in the DTS:X for those who don’t have height speakers to experience the “:X” part. It just goes back to a DTS-HD 7.1 MA core, and if needed then essentially a DTS core.

Dialogue was clear and intelligible throughout the film, which was a pleasant surprise as I figured with all the gun shots and roaring some of the dialogue would become muddled. Surround usage was, in a word, amazing. Watch the opening sequence here with The Scorpion King and his army rushing in. Wow was my only reaction here as swords clanged, bodies flew and soldiers screamed! Dynamic Range was also impressive as even the littlest sound effect (like the blowing of the sand) created a zipping effect throughout my living room.

I suppose I love the audio so much because I’ve always loved the film’s score by composer Alan Silvestri. As Rick and Evie blow away monster after monster, Alan really pumped up the audio giving us that heroic type of music that gets up and ready to fight.

Audio Quality Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)

Bonus Materials

A Digital Copy of the film is included, which is compatible with iTunes, Vudu, Amazon Prime Video and more. You redeem this with a code on paper insert in the various forms of packaging.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray includes no bonus materials what-so-ever, aside from subtitles and audio tracks in a few other languages. The Blu-ray Disc of the film is where the bonus contents are to be found.

On the Blu-ray Disc you will find the following:

Audio Commentary with Director/Writer Stephen Sommers and Executive Producer/Editor Bob Ducsay: The two participants here discuss topics ranging from production design to technical elements. I enjoyed how light and funny both of these men were as they provided us with a rather laidback approach instead of the usual ‘I’m the best’ approach. I loved the little poke at Roger Ebert though (Ebert didn’t completely enjoy the film). Worth a listen for fans of the film.
Spotlight on Location: The Making of The Mummy Returns: This 20 minute feature shows us various movie clips with the stars and varying cast members. Typical promotional fluff that makes the film feel as if it was the second coming.
Visual and Special Effects Formation: The four examined scenes are “Imhotep Returns”, “Pygmy Mummies Attack”, “Anubis Warriors Rising”, and “Scorpion King Revealed”. Of the four sequences, I enjoyed the “Anubis Warriors Rising” the most as the scene is kick ass.
Music Video: Here we get the music video for the song “Forever May Not Be Long Enough” by the band Live. A solid piece by a great band.
Outtakes: Here we get 6 minute of varying outtakes. Like most outtakes these are boring and not worth your time.

Overall, no new supplements are found on this release, with Universal just porting over the features found on the previous Blu-ray release.

Bonus Materials Rating: 2 (out of 5)

Closing Thoughts

With most sequels, there’s typically a drop off in quality of the film, as the film studio will just go for an easy ‘cash grab’ instead of producing something of quality. Luckily for us, and for fans of the 1999 film “The Mummy”, its sequel, “The Mummy Returns” is well worth the price of admission. Excellent action, funny moments as well as an adventure filled score make this one solid.

On its 4K UHD debut, Universal has done this release proud with an impressive V/A presentation. While it was disappointing to see no new supplements, the release comes well recommended, whether you decide to purchase the film solo or as part of the trilogy.

Lastly, it’s worth noting here that the individual releases are available like this for “The Mummy” franchise films from Universal, as well as the 2017 version, but it’s most important to emphasize that there is a box set on 4K UHD Blu-ray that has 3 of the films in the franchise called “The Mummy Ultimate Trilogy.” This is a much more affordable choice for most consumers if they enjoy all three of the films in the franchise.

In terms of 4K UHD Blu-ray release, this gets:
4.5 (out of 5) for video quality
4.5 (out of 5) for audio quality
2 (out of 5) for bonus materials