One of the more cult followings among "hero" films, the Highlander series remains atop many lists of franchises waiting to be rebooted. Other than a long lived television show in the mid-nineties and one or two attempts in the latter part of that decade to bring the story back to the big screen, Highlander remains in one level of development heck or another. A shame given that the scope of the nearly allows for a nearly infinite number of thematic settings, as well as some interesting character studies. One would assume that living for centuries would have some interesting effects on the personality and psyche of the individual, as each new century requires a new identity and life. Not to mention having to live with watching generation after generation of friends/loved ones dying off. Regardless of these interesting facets, it doesn't look like the Highlander series will be front and center again anytime soon.
To that end, we are forced to make do with the films the series has already left behind. Two of those have been bundled into a special 25th anniversary Blu-ray edition. The original Highlander film, starring Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery, and the less well received Highlander 2.
The original film stars Christopher Lambert (Mortal Kombat) as Connor Macleod, a Scottish clansman who discovers that he is a member of a group of immortals. These immortals are destined to live out countless lives waiting for the time when those that remain will come together in an epic battle, leaving only one standing. The story spans the centuries, climaxing in an ultimate showdown in modern day New York City. Sean Connery (The Untouchables) co-stars as Ramirez, a fellow immortal who helps Macleod learn more about his heritage and ultimate destiny.
Highlander 2 sees Ramirez and Macleod join together once more to battle evil bent on destroying the planet Earth, this time propelling the story into the future, in the year 2024.
The transfers for both films are alright. There hasn't been a ton of touch-up done to the original prints, but the footage in the Scottish Highlands looks particular good, benefiting from the vibrant colors of the countryside. In contrast, New York looks drab, dark, and dirty, which is about on point with how the Big Apple looked back in the 1980s. Visual effects are a little outdated but relatively optimized under the sharper picture of the high definition Blu-ray. Sound has been enhanced and those with surround sound will be able to take advantage of the quality a bit more than others. Beyond that, there really isn't that much difference between the Blu-ray releases and any previous DVD release of the films. Not a complete waste by any means, but one wonders if more time should be taken with these anniversary Blu-ray releases to have the visuals match the potential that Blu-ray can deliver.
Of the two films the original is more re-watchable and just a better film. While some of the effects in the sequel have aged better, it feels more like a poorly crafted made for TV Syfy movie than a full fledged motion picture. The original also benefits from a rather entertaining supporting role by Clancy Brown (Starship Troopers) as the villainous Kurgan, a brutal warrior who seeks to take his place as "the one". Brown is just over the top enough to be ridiculously entertaining.
Bonus Features
Fans of the franchise will be more impressed by the special features for the two films rather than the transfers themselves. For the original film, some deleted scenes accompany a full audio commentary by director Russell Mulcahy.
The sequel actually is granted the bulk of the special features. Highlander 2 has featurettes on the music, fabric and making of the film, as well as a separate "Seduced by Argentina" documentary on the film. The filmmakers also decided to throw in the promotional reel from the film as well as the original theatrical trailer, which always seem like a waste of a special feature to me. Who really wants to relive the trailer for a film that is two decades old?
"Highlander 25th Anniversary 2-Film Set" is on sale February 1, 2011 and is rated R. Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi. Directed by Russell Mulcahy. Written by Gregory Widen. Starring Christopher Lambert, Christopher Lee, Sean Connery.
