Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bridgette Nelson team up for the sword and sorcery cult epic Red Sonja. New to 4K UHD from Arrow Video.
The Films
Let us be clear… Red Sonja is NOT a good movie. In fact, it’s a terrible movie. That being said. It is a damn entertaining one. I would propose that producer Dino Delarentiis made some truly awful movies in his time, but never one that wasn’t at the very least amusing, albeit entertaining. Starring Bridgette Nielsen as the title character, this sword and sorcery epic is as much her film as it is the real Star of the film, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who plays Co… err Kalidor.
Red Sonja’s story is your standard issue fare with an evil power-hungry Queen (played by another familiar face, Sandahl Bergman) have a magical orb doohickey that will bring her ultimate power to control the world. Of course, Sonja (Nielsen) has to be plotting revenge not just for herself but for her sister, who was one of the priestesses guarding the magical orb. Enter Cona… Kalidor tries to help, but Sonja, suspicious of all men, does not accept his help. Adventure journey ensues with the help of not just Kalidor but a plucky, arrogant wee prince (Ernie Reyes Jr.) and his guard (Paul L. Smith). Cue lots of sword fighting, some practical creature effects, and a dash of optical visual effects for good measure…
Richard Fleischer continues his late-era assignment work. The film is no more distinct than his work on Conan: The Destroyer, which is no doubt why he got the work here. It’s an acceptable and proficient use of the widescreen format. One can feel Fleischer cares nothing about the work or the film, as nothing he does is in the least bit inspired. Looking at the way he shoots the inspired work of production designer Danilo Donati and art director Gianni Giovagnoni, it’s a shame because their work, respectively, is as good as anything in the 80s fantasy genre, but one wouldn’t know it. Even the standout moment, the face-off against the mechanical serpent, feels like it’s being sold by the actors (mainly Arnold Schwarzenegger).
In fact, it is only Schwarzenegger and Reyes Jr. that truly make a mark on the film. Schwarzenegger as Kalidor is having the kind of fun that translates to audiences having the same. One could say that the star appears to be having more fun here than he did in his Conan sequel. Reyes Jr. steals the show as Prince Tarn, the bratty kid who ends up on an adventure of a lifetime, including a duel with the one and only Ronald Lacy (playing an evil Priest). Reyes Jr. was cast mostly for his proficiency in martial arts, but is the real find as he’s a charmer.
Which brings us to the biggest issue of the film, its star, Bridgette Nielsen. Nielsen may be a physically imposing figure who, on paper, sounds ideal as an action lead, but her wooden acting and jaunty execution of the action make the biggest fumbles in the film. One just need look at her big action scene against the graceful power of Sandal Bergman to see the failure in play. One wishes they had cast Bergman in the role rather than Nielsen.
Even with the issues, and there are plenty, Red Sonja manages to be an entertaining, albeit jaunty, romp of an 80s Fantasy Epic. One with a pretty killer Ennio Morricone score too boot.
The Transfer
The all-new 4K restoration from the original negative with new HDR grading presented in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) by Arrow Films is an excellent transfer. The work by the cinematographer Giuseppe Rotunno is sharp and without any defects or scratches. The color pops, thanks in large part to the new HDR/Dolby Vision encoding. The blacks and contrast levels are highly giving new detail to the image that makes it look like a fresh, newly struck 35mm print. Arrow Video continues to amaze with their stunning 4K restorations. Regardless of what you think of the quality of the film, you must hand it to Arrow Video, they’ve delivered with a near flawless visual presentation.
The Extras
They include the following;
Brand new audio commentary by critics Eugenio Ercolani and Troy Howarth
Brand new audio commentary with comic book expert Dave Baxter
The Prince and Me an Interview with Ernie Reyes Jr.
Swords, Stunts and Sonja an Interview with Vic Armstrong
The Last of the Invincibles: An Interview with Pietro Torrisi
The Danish Girl an Interview with Ottaviano Dell’Acqua
The 12 Labors of Red Sonja an Interview with Stefano Spadoni
The Marvel of Primitive Technology, an Interview with FX artist Domingo Lizcano
Moulding Fantasies an Interview with Adriano Carboni
Bodybuilding the Imagery an archival interview with Renato Casaro
The Man Who Raised Hollywood
Red Sonja vs. Kalidor: The Making of a Misunderstanding
Theatrical trailer
Image gallery
The first of two new audio commentary tracks is by critics Eugenio Ercolani and Troy Howarth. The duo opens with their credentials before diving into the film. Some of the details include the context of how Arnold Schwarzenegger came to appear in this film; the production details of the film itself, location, schedule, budget, and release; a discussion of the history of Red Sonja as created by Robert E Howard; a discussion of the personal history of novelist Robert E Howard; how the film was advertised in Italy with Schwarzenegger front and center (even the title being his character’s name) even though he was a supporting role; the development of Red Sonja – including a history of producer Dino Delaurentiis taking over after the first Conan movie; the casting what if of Sandahl Bergman being offered the role of Red Sonja but turning it down for the villain role; the issue with Schwarzenegger’s contract and his appearance in the film; the script changes and development with the various writers none of whom were Italian which is rare for a Dino Delaurentiis productions; a larger discussion of producer Dino Delaurentiis output during this era; a larger discussion of the stunts, the coordination and work both Italian and non-Italian stunt people; the critical and commercial response around the world; the work and career of production designer Danilo Donati; a larger discussion of the various actors that appear in the film; a larger discussion of the various locations used by the production in and around Italy; and much more.
The second all-new audio commentary track is by comic book expert Dave Baxter. Baxter opens with his credentials before diving into what he plans to cover on his track. Some of the details include the history of the character versions: Robert E. Howard, Marvel Comics (and the newer publisher that took over), and Real Life History; the work of Ernie Reyes Sr. as fight choreographer; the similarity of Supergirl and Red Sonja, which were released around the same time; the casting of Bridgette Nielsen, including a discussion of her career beyond Red Sonja; the various differences between the different versions of Red Sonja/Sonya; the Marvel Comic publication of Red Sonya; Howard’s publication of his version of the Red Sonya character; and much more.
The Prince and Me with Ernie Reyes Jr. (13:41) – is an all-new interview with actor Ernie Reyes Jr. that begins with how he auditioned (including martial arts demonstrations) for producer Dino Larentiis. Reyes goes on to discuss how the script did not include his martial arts, and it was added after he got the role; how the production worked as a young child actor, splitting between school and the role; working with the various actors, Schwarzenegger, Neilsen, Paul Smith; learning to ride horses for the production; filming the action set pieces and how much fun it was for a pre-teen; and much more.
Swords, Stunts and Sonja with Vic Armstrong (14:59) – is an all-new interview with action unit supervisor Vic Armstrong, beginning with his friendship with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Armstrong goes on to discuss how he got involved with Red Sonja out of his work on Conan: The Destroyer for the director Richard Fleischer; stories from working with Schwarzenegger from this film and multiple other films; how much hasn’t changed in regards to effects and stunts since Red Sonja even his most recent project which is the Lord of the Rings series for Amazon; tales from the set, and also stories from beyond most involving Schwarzenegger and other cast and stunt crew members; and much more.
The Last of the Invincibles: An Interview with Pietro Torrisi (26:09) – is an all-new interview with Schwarzenegger’s stunt double Pietro Torrisi, who opens with how he got into acting through his bodybuilding in Rome and was cast in Cleopatra. Torrisi goes on to discuss with great anecdotes how he got his start in Italian films as a stunt double, moving through the various productions and years – acting and starring in films, along with the stunt work on some very questionable productions, all with good humor – finally getting to Red Sonja; Torrisi goes onto tell some truly great stories from the production; and much more. In Italian with English Subtitles.
The Danish Girl, an Interview with Ottaviano Dell’Acqua (16:08) – is an all-new interview with stuntman Ottaviano Dell’Acqua, discussing his beginning with Fellini in Satyricon before jumping, literally, into the world of Italian stunts. Dell’Acqua goes on to discuss the difference between Italian and Hollywood productions; how he got the job on Red Sonja; working on location in such a remote location; working with Bridgette Nielsen; how the American and Italian stunt team interacted and worked to collaborate; working with Schwarzenegger; and much more. In Italian with English Subtitles.
The 12 Labors of Red Sonja, an Interview with Stefano Spadoni (30:43) – is an all-new interview with assistant production manager Stefano Spadoni begins with his family moving to Rome post-WWII, beginning their work in Italian film, and their long and storied history that he eventually joined. Spadoni goes on to discuss how his father got him started on the Brooke Shields starer Sahara; how a firing brought him onto Red Sonja; how different the job was from 1984 to the current era and how much more work it was because of the lack of technology; working on the production and specifically how at the time shooting on 35mm was very different and how much preparation it took as compared to now; the archaic nature of the production’s effects work when compared to Hollywood productions; working with Schwarzenegger and the amount of people around and the how unfussy the star was during the production; various anecdotes about the production; and much more. In Italian with English Subtitles.
The Marvel of Primitive Technology an Interview with Domingo Lizcano (28:10) – is an all-new interview with FX artist Domingo Lizcano discussing the work of Emilio Ruiz del Río. Lizcano begins with Ruiz’s early days and how his fascination with cinema and the trickery within turned into an obsession and got him work in Spain, first in the art department and moving through various studios, learning Glass Matte Paint techniques from German master Burmann. Discussing Ruiz’s fascinating career from the Sword and Sandal epics to American/Hollywood Productions based in Spain, we get a look at his work, innovations, and, of course, the work itself. They do get to the work Ruiz did on Red Sonja and his work with producer Dino Delaruentiis. In Spanish with English subtitles.
Moulding Fantasies an Interview with Adriano Carboni (20:18) – is an all-new interview with make-up FX assistant Adriano Carboni begins with how his family, specifically his grandfather, began in acting, but soon turned to Makeup Effects work, which became a family business of sorts. Carboni goes on to discuss the various family members’ importance in Italian cinema and makeup techniques in Italian Cinema, including making up some of the greats like Audrey Hepburn and Clint Eastwood. Carboni eventually gets to discussing his work on Red Sonja and what he and his father did on the shoot. In Italian with English Subittles.
Bodybuilding the Imagery an interview with Renato Casaro (22:34) – is an archival and unreleased interview with poster artist Renato Casaro, begins with his interest in art and movie posters at an early age. Casaro goes on to discuss the posters/art he created for various studios and lower-budget films, eventually getting to more prestige pictures; the influence of other artists on him; his work with the Dollars Trilogy and the Trinity films – which eventually led to a long-term collaboration with Sergio Leone; his theories on poster art and what makes a successful poster; some of the famous work he did in the 1980s including Rambo III, The Running Man, Red Sonja; and much more. In Italian with English Subtitles.
The Man Who Raised Hollywood (15:39) – is an archive featurette on Schwarzenegger’s rise to superstardom. The documentary is all business talking about the ascent in his career and nothing more. Featuring filmmakers Peter Hyams and Arthur Allan Seidelman, producer Edward Pressman, Michael Ferry, and others.
Red Sonja vs. Kalidor: The Making of a Misunderstanding (12:03) – is an archive interview with assistant director Michel Ferry begins with how he became involved with the film through his work with producer Dino Delaruentiis. Ferry goes on to discuss the various studios and locations in Italy where the production filmed; his responsibilities on set; the impressive sets and work of the production designer Danilo Donati; working with director Richard Fliescher and how things went wrong quickly; working with Bridgette Nielseon and her work with stunt coordinator Vic Armstrong; and much more. In French with English subtitles.
Theatrical trailer (2:05)
Image gallery – the gallery consists of 56 production stills, lobby cards, and poster art.
The Final Thought
Arrow Video has given Red Sonja a true definitive edition with extras to match its beautiful picture and sound restoration. Recommended!!
Arrow Video’s 4K UHD Edition of Red Sonja is out March 24th.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bridgette Nelson team up for the sword and sorcery cult epic Red Sonja. New to 4K UHD from Arrow Video.
The Films
Let us be clear… Red Sonja is NOT a good movie. In fact, it’s a terrible movie. That being said. It is a damn entertaining one. I would propose that producer Dino Delarentiis made some truly awful movies in his time, but never one that wasn’t at the very least amusing, albeit entertaining. Starring Bridgette Nielsen as the title character, this sword and sorcery epic is as much her film as it is the real Star of the film, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who plays Co… err Kalidor.
Red Sonja’s story is your standard issue fare with an evil power-hungry Queen (played by another familiar face, Sandahl Bergman) have a magical orb doohickey that will bring her ultimate power to control the world. Of course, Sonja (Nielsen) has to be plotting revenge not just for herself but for her sister, who was one of the priestesses guarding the magical orb. Enter Cona… Kalidor tries to help, but Sonja, suspicious of all men, does not accept his help. Adventure journey ensues with the help of not just Kalidor but a plucky, arrogant wee prince (Ernie Reyes Jr.) and his guard (Paul L. Smith). Cue lots of sword fighting, some practical creature effects, and a dash of optical visual effects for good measure…
Richard Fleischer continues his late-era assignment work. The film is no more distinct than his work on Conan: The Destroyer, which is no doubt why he got the work here. It’s an acceptable and proficient use of the widescreen format. One can feel Fleischer cares nothing about the work or the film, as nothing he does is in the least bit inspired. Looking at the way he shoots the inspired work of production designer Danilo Donati and art director Gianni Giovagnoni, it’s a shame because their work, respectively, is as good as anything in the 80s fantasy genre, but one wouldn’t know it. Even the standout moment, the face-off against the mechanical serpent, feels like it’s being sold by the actors (mainly Arnold Schwarzenegger).
In fact, it is only Schwarzenegger and Reyes Jr. that truly make a mark on the film. Schwarzenegger as Kalidor is having the kind of fun that translates to audiences having the same. One could say that the star appears to be having more fun here than he did in his Conan sequel. Reyes Jr. steals the show as Prince Tarn, the bratty kid who ends up on an adventure of a lifetime, including a duel with the one and only Ronald Lacy (playing an evil Priest). Reyes Jr. was cast mostly for his proficiency in martial arts, but is the real find as he’s a charmer.
Which brings us to the biggest issue of the film, its star, Bridgette Nielsen. Nielsen may be a physically imposing figure who, on paper, sounds ideal as an action lead, but her wooden acting and jaunty execution of the action make the biggest fumbles in the film. One just need look at her big action scene against the graceful power of Sandal Bergman to see the failure in play. One wishes they had cast Bergman in the role rather than Nielsen.
Even with the issues, and there are plenty, Red Sonja manages to be an entertaining, albeit jaunty, romp of an 80s Fantasy Epic. One with a pretty killer Ennio Morricone score too boot.
The Transfer
The all-new 4K restoration from the original negative with new HDR grading presented in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) by Arrow Films is an excellent transfer. The work by the cinematographer Giuseppe Rotunno is sharp and without any defects or scratches. The color pops, thanks in large part to the new HDR/Dolby Vision encoding. The blacks and contrast levels are highly giving new detail to the image that makes it look like a fresh, newly struck 35mm print. Arrow Video continues to amaze with their stunning 4K restorations. Regardless of what you think of the quality of the film, you must hand it to Arrow Video, they’ve delivered with a near flawless visual presentation.
The Extras
They include the following;
The first of two new audio commentary tracks is by critics Eugenio Ercolani and Troy Howarth. The duo opens with their credentials before diving into the film. Some of the details include the context of how Arnold Schwarzenegger came to appear in this film; the production details of the film itself, location, schedule, budget, and release; a discussion of the history of Red Sonja as created by Robert E Howard; a discussion of the personal history of novelist Robert E Howard; how the film was advertised in Italy with Schwarzenegger front and center (even the title being his character’s name) even though he was a supporting role; the development of Red Sonja – including a history of producer Dino Delaurentiis taking over after the first Conan movie; the casting what if of Sandahl Bergman being offered the role of Red Sonja but turning it down for the villain role; the issue with Schwarzenegger’s contract and his appearance in the film; the script changes and development with the various writers none of whom were Italian which is rare for a Dino Delaurentiis productions; a larger discussion of producer Dino Delaurentiis output during this era; a larger discussion of the stunts, the coordination and work both Italian and non-Italian stunt people; the critical and commercial response around the world; the work and career of production designer Danilo Donati; a larger discussion of the various actors that appear in the film; a larger discussion of the various locations used by the production in and around Italy; and much more.
The second all-new audio commentary track is by comic book expert Dave Baxter. Baxter opens with his credentials before diving into what he plans to cover on his track. Some of the details include the history of the character versions: Robert E. Howard, Marvel Comics (and the newer publisher that took over), and Real Life History; the work of Ernie Reyes Sr. as fight choreographer; the similarity of Supergirl and Red Sonja, which were released around the same time; the casting of Bridgette Nielsen, including a discussion of her career beyond Red Sonja; the various differences between the different versions of Red Sonja/Sonya; the Marvel Comic publication of Red Sonya; Howard’s publication of his version of the Red Sonya character; and much more.
The Prince and Me with Ernie Reyes Jr. (13:41) – is an all-new interview with actor Ernie Reyes Jr. that begins with how he auditioned (including martial arts demonstrations) for producer Dino Larentiis. Reyes goes on to discuss how the script did not include his martial arts, and it was added after he got the role; how the production worked as a young child actor, splitting between school and the role; working with the various actors, Schwarzenegger, Neilsen, Paul Smith; learning to ride horses for the production; filming the action set pieces and how much fun it was for a pre-teen; and much more.
Swords, Stunts and Sonja with Vic Armstrong (14:59) – is an all-new interview with action unit supervisor Vic Armstrong, beginning with his friendship with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Armstrong goes on to discuss how he got involved with Red Sonja out of his work on Conan: The Destroyer for the director Richard Fleischer; stories from working with Schwarzenegger from this film and multiple other films; how much hasn’t changed in regards to effects and stunts since Red Sonja even his most recent project which is the Lord of the Rings series for Amazon; tales from the set, and also stories from beyond most involving Schwarzenegger and other cast and stunt crew members; and much more.
The Last of the Invincibles: An Interview with Pietro Torrisi (26:09) – is an all-new interview with Schwarzenegger’s stunt double Pietro Torrisi, who opens with how he got into acting through his bodybuilding in Rome and was cast in Cleopatra. Torrisi goes on to discuss with great anecdotes how he got his start in Italian films as a stunt double, moving through the various productions and years – acting and starring in films, along with the stunt work on some very questionable productions, all with good humor – finally getting to Red Sonja; Torrisi goes onto tell some truly great stories from the production; and much more. In Italian with English Subtitles.
The Danish Girl, an Interview with Ottaviano Dell’Acqua (16:08) – is an all-new interview with stuntman Ottaviano Dell’Acqua, discussing his beginning with Fellini in Satyricon before jumping, literally, into the world of Italian stunts. Dell’Acqua goes on to discuss the difference between Italian and Hollywood productions; how he got the job on Red Sonja; working on location in such a remote location; working with Bridgette Nielsen; how the American and Italian stunt team interacted and worked to collaborate; working with Schwarzenegger; and much more. In Italian with English Subtitles.
The 12 Labors of Red Sonja, an Interview with Stefano Spadoni (30:43) – is an all-new interview with assistant production manager Stefano Spadoni begins with his family moving to Rome post-WWII, beginning their work in Italian film, and their long and storied history that he eventually joined. Spadoni goes on to discuss how his father got him started on the Brooke Shields starer Sahara; how a firing brought him onto Red Sonja; how different the job was from 1984 to the current era and how much more work it was because of the lack of technology; working on the production and specifically how at the time shooting on 35mm was very different and how much preparation it took as compared to now; the archaic nature of the production’s effects work when compared to Hollywood productions; working with Schwarzenegger and the amount of people around and the how unfussy the star was during the production; various anecdotes about the production; and much more. In Italian with English Subtitles.
The Marvel of Primitive Technology an Interview with Domingo Lizcano (28:10) – is an all-new interview with FX artist Domingo Lizcano discussing the work of Emilio Ruiz del Río. Lizcano begins with Ruiz’s early days and how his fascination with cinema and the trickery within turned into an obsession and got him work in Spain, first in the art department and moving through various studios, learning Glass Matte Paint techniques from German master Burmann. Discussing Ruiz’s fascinating career from the Sword and Sandal epics to American/Hollywood Productions based in Spain, we get a look at his work, innovations, and, of course, the work itself. They do get to the work Ruiz did on Red Sonja and his work with producer Dino Delaruentiis. In Spanish with English subtitles.
Moulding Fantasies an Interview with Adriano Carboni (20:18) – is an all-new interview with make-up FX assistant Adriano Carboni begins with how his family, specifically his grandfather, began in acting, but soon turned to Makeup Effects work, which became a family business of sorts. Carboni goes on to discuss the various family members’ importance in Italian cinema and makeup techniques in Italian Cinema, including making up some of the greats like Audrey Hepburn and Clint Eastwood. Carboni eventually gets to discussing his work on Red Sonja and what he and his father did on the shoot. In Italian with English Subittles.
Bodybuilding the Imagery an interview with Renato Casaro (22:34) – is an archival and unreleased interview with poster artist Renato Casaro, begins with his interest in art and movie posters at an early age. Casaro goes on to discuss the posters/art he created for various studios and lower-budget films, eventually getting to more prestige pictures; the influence of other artists on him; his work with the Dollars Trilogy and the Trinity films – which eventually led to a long-term collaboration with Sergio Leone; his theories on poster art and what makes a successful poster; some of the famous work he did in the 1980s including Rambo III, The Running Man, Red Sonja; and much more. In Italian with English Subtitles.
The Man Who Raised Hollywood (15:39) – is an archive featurette on Schwarzenegger’s rise to superstardom. The documentary is all business talking about the ascent in his career and nothing more. Featuring filmmakers Peter Hyams and Arthur Allan Seidelman, producer Edward Pressman, Michael Ferry, and others.
Red Sonja vs. Kalidor: The Making of a Misunderstanding (12:03) – is an archive interview with assistant director Michel Ferry begins with how he became involved with the film through his work with producer Dino Delaruentiis. Ferry goes on to discuss the various studios and locations in Italy where the production filmed; his responsibilities on set; the impressive sets and work of the production designer Danilo Donati; working with director Richard Fliescher and how things went wrong quickly; working with Bridgette Nielseon and her work with stunt coordinator Vic Armstrong; and much more. In French with English subtitles.
Theatrical trailer (2:05)
Image gallery – the gallery consists of 56 production stills, lobby cards, and poster art.
The Final Thought
Arrow Video has given Red Sonja a true definitive edition with extras to match its beautiful picture and sound restoration. Recommended!!
Arrow Video’s 4K UHD Edition of Red Sonja is out March 24th.
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