The Mummy Returns (2001) DVD Review – UK

A mysterious group dig up Imhotep's remains from the city of the dead and bring him back to life in order to rule the world.

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A mysterious group dig up Imhotep's remains from the city of the dead and bring him back to life in order to rule the world.

Runtime

2 Hours 10 Minutes

US rating

PG13

Region

Region 1

Sound

Dolby Digital 5.1

Aspect

2.35:1

Release year

2001

Details

It's been ten years since Rick and Evelyn sent Imhotep back to the underworld and much has changed. Now husband and wife with an eight-year-old son, Alex, the O'Connells continue their globe-trotting adventures, this time searching for a mysterious bracelet foreseen in one of Evelyn's visions. Their discovery leads them once again into the realm of ancient curses, resurrected evil and unfinished business.

Meanwhile, a shadowy group has unearthed Imhotep's remains and, armed with the Book of the Dead, transports him to London for resurrection. Their true objective is the Bracelet of Anubis - an artefact with the power to awaken the Scorpion King and command his army. When young Alex unwittingly activates the bracelet and cannot remove it, he becomes the key to unlocking the Scorpion King's resting place, prompting a frantic race back to Egypt.

Where the original balanced horror, humour and adventure with surprising finesse, this sequel opts for scale and spectacle. The pace is relentless, rarely allowing the story or characters time to breathe. Brendan Fraser remains an engaging, physical leading man and Rachel Weisz enjoys an expanded role, but the emphasis clearly lies with increasingly elaborate effects-driven set pieces.

Picture & Sound

The transfer is first rate, boasting rich colour tones and impressively deep blacks. Real-life scenery and computer-generated imagery blend seamlessly for the most part, with only occasional moments that betray their digital origins. Detail levels remain consistently strong, even during the darker tomb sequences, and there are no obvious compression artefacts or distracting layer changes.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 track is equally impressive. Surround channels are used aggressively during the London museum attack and desert battle sequences, while the LFEs deliver satisfying weight during explosions and large-scale action moments. Dialogue remains clear and firmly anchored in the centre channel. Although a DTS option would have been welcome, the existing mix is dynamic enough to serve as excellent demonstration material.

Menu & Extras

The extras package is generous and well produced. The highlight is undoubtedly the outtakes reel, presented as an entertaining montage rather than a simple collection of bloopers. It is genuinely amusing and easily one of the better examples of its kind on DVD.

The feature commentary with director Stephen Sommers provides worthwhile insight, while the Egyptology featurette mirrors the educational angle of the first film. The heavily promoted appearance of 'the Rock' will appeal to some, although his limited screen time may leave others questioning the marketing emphasis.

The animated menu system is superbly designed, guiding viewers through atmospheric Egyptian tomb environments with haunting audio cues. It remains one of the more impressive DVD menu presentations currently available.

Overall

More often than not sequels struggle to recapture the magic of their predecessors and, once again, that proves to be the case here. While undeniably entertaining and packed with large-scale spectacle, the film sacrifices narrative restraint in favour of excess.

The visual effects are ambitious and plentiful - occasionally too plentiful. At times the computer-generated imagery dominates the screen, and although it generally integrates well, the final Scorpion King sequence pushes the technology close to its limits. Nevertheless, the disc stands as a highly polished technical showcase.

If you enjoyed the original and are prepared for a louder, faster and more effects-heavy adventure, there is plenty to enjoy. As pure blockbuster entertainment it delivers; as a sequel it falls just short of matching the charm and balance of its predecessor. Bear in mind, however, that Universal has form for releasing upgraded editions, so collectors may wish to exercise patience.