The Mummy [DVD] [1999]

This new 'Augmented Reality' edition is essentially the previous Blu-ray transfer on a new disc, and so on first inspection, is not really noteworthy. However, like all the latest Universal 100 products, this is a damn fine release that works out excellent value. What you're getting for under eight quid (at the time of writing) is the film in a stunning transfer, brand new HD documentaries and a great selection of special features from the previous releases - both DVD and Blu-ray.

Both 'The Mummy' and it's sequel are the two gems of the saga that, in time, started to falter with some poor productions. I'm delighted that Universal have selected this original film as part of it's centenary celebrations as it has clearly become a modern day classic. The juxtaposition of the swashbuckling but ultimately careless Brendan Frasier and focus on historical themes is absolutely spot on, and makes for a hugely entertaining movie. I know many people that have watched this film who normally wouldn't touch anything with such a combination, but they loved it. And as a deep lover of Ancient Egypt myself, I get a great sense of release* from watching Rachel Weisz battle with history! Boy, she's beautiful and deadly...

... In short however, this release of The Mummy is flawless and I'll certainly be flicking through Universal's other '100' titles as they're all the same price. In case you're wondering what the 'Augmented Reality' deal is, you're given the opportunity to hold an Apple iOS device (iPhone/Pad) and point the built-in camera at the slipcover of this product. The Universal App (which you must download) then creates a 3D image on your screen of... well, I won't spoil it, but it's fun if you want to pass a minute or two.

*The release I refer to is PURELY cognitive.

I have to say that The Mummy became the favourite film of my wife and me after seeing it in 1999. We even named our cat Ankh Su Namun - sad but true. Arnold Vosloo's sinister priest and even more sinister lover are the stars here, and Brendan Fraser's oafish poor man's Indiana Jones and Rachel Weisz's surprisingly resourceful academic Evie are merely window-dressing. The set pieces such as when the rival archaeologists are systematically hunted down and maimed by the eponymous undead creature, are what makes this film, and the tongue-in-cheek feel coupled with Stephen Sommers' whistle-stop direction make this a great feel-good popcorn movie.

The Mummy Returns inevitably suffers from the law of diminishing, well, returns, and the addition of Rik's (Fraser) nauseatingly precocious son Alex doesn't help things. However, Fraser's dumb lug is still good value; there are more memorable set-pieces (Mummified cannibal midgets anyone?) such as the mummified Pharaoh's guards attacking a London bus as Rik and Evie desperately try to escape their clutches.

Anyway, this is a nice box set for fans - the third installment of the franchise is not worth adding believe me - with some great extras such as an informative 'making-of' and entertaining DVD commentary. Good price for a great package.

Pretty average but nonetheless quite entertaining at times. What was strange was its inability to decide on a target audience. Parts of it seemed to be aimed at small kids; the knocking down of the shelves in the library for instance. Contrasting with the frequent rather gruesome deaths ( Not least that of Imotep ) While not particularly graphic, its still quite horrifying that that little guy just gets locked up in the dark with all those scarabs at the end. Pretty savage in parts, especially considering that it was a 12 in the cinema

In ancient Egypt, one priest had the nerve to fall in love with Pharaoh's mistress. As a penalty, he was cursed to become one of the undead and suffer for all time. Unless someone released him from his prison.

Flash forward to the 1920's. A group of treasure hunters and a group of archeologists set out to find the ancient city of Hamunaptra. When they accidentally awaken the ancient evil, they find themselves in a race against time to save their own skin and the world in general. Is there a way to stop someone you can't kill?

This movie starts out rather slow. The first hour is set up getting the characters to the city. Once the Mummy awakens, however, it becomes a fast paced thrill ride you can't stop watching. The actors do a great job of keeping things believable, even if the plot has a few holes in it.

The DVD truly has some great stuff on it. Not only do you get great picture and sound with wide screen and full surround, but you get some fun features, too. The director's audio commentary is fascinating, discussing the struggles that it took to get the movie to the screen. Along those lines, the documentary is fantastic as well. I always love seeing what goes into making movie magic. Also worth checking out is the section on ancient Egypt.

This movie is slightly horror, but mainly action/adventure. It's a Saturday matinee, popcorn flick with great special effects. Pop it in and enjoy.

'The Mummy' was a box office smash hit back in 1999 with an all-star cast of Brendan Fraser, Rachael Weisz and John Hannah with the genius of Steven Sommers behind it 100%. The tale of Evelyn a somewhat misunderstood librarian with a fascination of Egypt and Rick O'Connell the man who's life she saved to lead her to Hamunaptra, lost city of the dead. Where the three accidently release an undead curse and then battle to put it back where it came from. This film with shocking computer graphics and brilliant slick comic style is ideal for every type of film lover, as too is the sequel 'The Mummy Returns'. Set 9 years later the married couple and thier son Alex are once again united with Egypt and their curiousity of exploration. Evelyn's dreams come into collision with the Egyptian new year and with that bring flashbacks of past lives, leading her to discover her fate planned hundereds of years before her existence. Once again Rick and Evelyn along with Alex and Jonathon must battle to save the world from Imhotep and the Scorpian King. Featuring WWF's The Rock this is a well-planned and perfect sequel to 'The Mummy'. This box set will give both the brilliant masterpieces a chance to shine true. A must have for all film-lovers, no matter your preference.