THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK (4K): Somewhere In There Is A Great Film

THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK (4K UHD)

2004 / 119 & 135 min (2 cuts)

FROM ARROW VIDEO

Review by Stinky the Destroyer😺

If nothing else, this is the best The Chronicles of Riddick has ever looked on home video, with an excellent 4K transfer of both the theatrical version and the director’s cut. For at least the first viewing, even the overblown world-building elements that originally sank this sequel are visually striking enough to maintain interest. 

Additionally, this three-disc set is loaded with substantial new bonus features to go along with a plethora of archival ones, including a terrific feature-length retrospective documentary where everyone involved is still enthusiastic over the decision to make Riddick (Vin Diesel) a mythic character in an epic saga. Their enthusiasm is kinda contagious and I really enjoyed their recollections of creating a film that was intentionally different from the first.

And you know what? I believe there’s still a pretty great film somewhere in that Dune-like mess that became The Chronicles of Riddick. Had the gritty, violent middle act been expanded to become the entire story, it could’ve been the Pitch Black sequel it’s antihero deserved. The scenes taking place on the prison planet, Cremetoria, with its 700 degree days and minus 300 degree nights, make for some intriguing and suspenseful set pieces. No supernatural elements, no semi-zombified armies and - best of all - far less emphasis on elaborate spectacle. Just Riddick taking on mercs while rescuing Jack/Kyra (Alexa Devalos) from this subterranean hell. This lengthy segment remains the best part of the film...like the cream filling in a Twinkie.

The rest picks up five years after the events in the first film and Riddick has a huge bounty on his head. Meanwhile, a hostile army known as Necromongers, led by Lord Marshall (Colm Feore), are picking off planets one-by-one, laying waste to entire civilizations and killing anyone to doesn't convert to their faith. The next planet in their path is Helion Prime, the home of New Mecca, where people from all over the galaxy have congregated to live in peace. They are also the folks who put the bounty on Riddick. 

After checking in, Riddick realizes he misplaced his luggage.

It turns out Riddick is the last of the Furyans, the only race that Necromongers are afraid of. Judy Dench, in a wasted role as an omniscient “Elemental”, pleads for Riddick's help, just as the Necromongers land on Helion and start kicking ass. Meanwhile, several of Lord Marshall’s trusted underlings are secretly plotting against him, mercs are still chasing Riddick down, the good folks of Helion Prime are systematically being turned into Necromongers and Riddick is tormented by visions of his homeworld, as well as his destiny (which is to get even, of course).

That’s three times the plot of Pitch Black and not the direction I would have gone with a sequel. Wall-to-wall action & special effects take the place of atmosphere & characterization, when a tight & grungy story would have at least retained the tone of the original. Instead, director David Twohy simply plops a familiar character into a new (and much bigger) story, but Riddick's character is not much of an antihero here. In Pitch Black, he’s a remorseless criminal. In this sequel, Riddick is served-up as some kind of “chosen one.” Oh well, at least everyone came to their senses for the third film and reverted Riddick back to his ruthless, antisocial self. 

The Chronicles of Riddick is a decent film with visually stunning moments and a terrific middle act. It’s just too busy to be an effective sequel to Pitch Black. Still, this is another great release from Arrow Video that fans of the franchise will surely love. 

EXTRA KIBBLES

NOTE: Free Kittens Movie Guide was provided with a promo disc for review purposes. Physical supplemental material included with the final product (booklets, artwork, inserts, etc) were not available for review.

THEATRICAL & DIRECTOR'S CUT - The latter runs about 15 minutes longer, with additional scenes mostly related to Riddick’s Furyan past.

THEATRICAL CUT (in 1.78:1 aspect ratio)

AMBITION ON ANOTHER SCALE: CHRONICLING A BLOCKBUSTER SEQUEL - By far the best of the bonus features, this is an new feature-length documentary about the making of the film. Includes numerous interviews with cast and crew, including writer-director David Twohy, actors Keith David & Linus Roache, artists Brian Murray & Matt Codd, miniature FX designer Ian Hunter and digital matte artist Dylan Cole.

NEW INTERVIEWS - Individual interviews with David Twohy, Keith David and Brian Murray.

ARCHIVAL FEATURETTES - Creation of New Mecca; Riddick Rises; Keep What You Kill; Visual Effects Revealed.

ARCHIVAL INTERVIEWS - With most of the main cast, as well as David Twohy and producer Kroopf.

VIRTUAL GUIDE TO THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK - As told by some of the characters.

TOOMBS’ CHASE LOG - Narrated by Toombs (Nick Chinlund, who played him in the film).

2 AUDIO COMMENTARIES - 1) By David Twohy & Vin Diesel; 2) By actors Karl Urban & Alexa Devalos.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES FOOTAGE

DELETED SCENES

INTRO BY DAVID TWOHY

2 TRAILERS