Disc Reviews

The Chronicles of Riddick 4K Review

• 8th Sep 2024

Star Vin Diesel and director David Twohy struck cult gold with their film Pitch Black back at the turn of the century. Eager to expand on both the character and very much the universe, they dug deep into lore, alien worlds, adventure and characters that would make any pulp science fiction novelist proud.

As far as Space Operas go, TCOR is very ambitious.  The problem is that this is a film, and Space Operas with thick universes to explore filled with various planets, aliens, magic, tech and religion is that it all becomes a bit too much to cram into a pulpy movie. The film then fell slightly flat on its face when it was released. The years thankfully have been kind, and we have seen various other failed attempts at the space opera (John Carter), but more recently a return to the Dune universe which seems to have perked interest.  Now is the perfect time for Riddick to throw his hat back into the mix.

The only other negative to mention of the film is that it seemed quite tones done for audiences when compared to the more adult-rated first film. A third film fixed that issue, but it also returned the film more to its roots, all but abandoning the expanded universe idea. But maybe one day the chronicles will continue.

Of the colourful cast, Karl Urban shines, Alexa Davalous is strong, Thandie Newton camps it up, Judi Dench looks a little lost, Colm Feore looks menacing, Keith David makes a triumphant return and Vin Diesel is as dark and moody as you expect him to be in the title role.

On the extras side its nice to see creator/director Twohy give his blessing on the 4K restoration as well as his time for interview features, including a feature length making of.

Diesel is surprisingly absent from new material (as he considers this series precious to him). But he does pop up in archival material including a commentary track with Twohy.

Supporting character Keith David also delivers some new chatter on his role within the series.

The first disc houses the theatrical cut of the film and all the new extras. The second disc holds the director’s cut and all the archival material.  A third disc brings the theatrical version again, but in an alternate 1:78 version, which seems a bit far as extras go, but this disc only comes with the limited edition series. It also houses cut scenes from an animated game and a TV special.

The only thing missing is the animated short feature that was made to bridge the first two films. Aside from that, this is a decent package for collectors.

Steven Hurst

Full contents:

4K ULTRA HD LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS

• Brand new 4K restorations by Arrow Films of the Theatrical and Director’s Cuts of the film, approved by David Twohy
• Original DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround audio on both cuts, plus remixed Dolby Atmos for the Theatrical Cut
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing on both cuts
• Reversible sleeve featuring newly commissioned artwork by Dan Mumford
• Illustrated collectors’ booklet featuring new writing on the film by Walter Chaw, original production notes and the ‘Chronicles Compendium’, an overview of the characters and planets featured in the film

DISC ONE

• 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) of the Theatrical Cut from the original negative
• Ambition on Another Scale: Chronicling a Blockbuster Sequel, a brand-new feature-length documentary on the film, featuring interviews with interviews with writer-director David Twohy, actors Keith David and Linus Roache, storyboard artist Brian Murray, concept artist Matt Codd, miniature effects artist Ian Hunter and digital matte artist Dylan Cole
• Realizing Riddick, a new interview with Twohy on the creation of the character
• Back to Black, a new interview with Murray on his continuing work within the Riddick saga
• Chronicles of a Cult Film Icon, a new interview with David on the role of Imam
• Theatrical trailers

DISC TWO

• 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) of the Director’s Cut
• Archive audio commentary by David Twohy and Vin Diesel
• Archive audio commentary by Twohy and co-stars Karl Urban and Alexa Davelos
• Archive introduction by Twohy
• Creation of New Mecca, an archive featurette focusing on the world and characters of Helion Prime
• Riddick Rises, an archive featurette focusing on the prison planet of Crematoria
• Keep What You Kill, an archive featurette focusing on the world of the Necromongers
• Visual Effects Revealed, an archive featurette focusing on the VFX
• Interactive Production Calendar, a series of short, candid videos filmed throughout shooting
• Production Vignettes, a series of short behind-the-scenes segments
• Three deleted scenes
• Virtual Guide to the Chronicles of Riddick, a series of short animated segments explaining the world of the film
• Toombs’ Chase Log, a short film narrated by Nick Chinlund in character
• A guided tour of the set by Vin Diesel, along with 360-degree panoramic views of eight sets from the film
• On-set interviews with Twohy, Diesel, Dench, Urban, Colm Feore, Alexa Davelos, Thandie Newton and producer Scott Kroopf
• Promotional interviews with Twohy, Diesel, Newton, Urban, Davelos and Feore
• Easter egg

DISC THREE (LIMITED EDITION EXCLUSIVE)

• 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) of the Theatrical Cut in the alternate 1.78:1 aspect ratio
• Escape from Butcher Bay, a compilation of cutscenes from the acclaimed tie-in video game
• The Lowdown, a television special produced to promote the film’s original release

The Chronicles of Riddick is out on 16^th September