Arnold Schwarzenegger gets angry, mythical style, in John Milius' mighty "Conan the Barbarian". It may be over 20 years old now, but with the treatment it's getting on DVD, and talks of a new sequel, this film hasn't looked so exciting in years.

TECHNICAL FEATURES

Picture Rob Cobb's fantastic sets are now fully visible thanks to the film being available in the proper widescreen ratio. The transfer to DVD is very good, with minimal grain, and good contrast for what had always looked a very murky film on video.

Sound The wonderful thundering Basil Poledouris music score that accompanies the fearsome on-screen action has been upgraded to 5.1. The result is very impressive, and really adds to the excitement.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Audio Commentary Prepare to weep with laughter as John Milius introduces himself as "Ahnult", and Arnie then says he's in fact John Milius... Trouble is, it just sounds like Arnold introducing himself, and then Arnold saying he's Milius, but with the voice of Schwarzenegger. Crazy or what, huh? Should we spend any more time debating this? OK, we'll just move on (sheesh, tough audience).

Arnie admits he couldn't believe he got a credit before James Earl Jones in the opening titles, and also tells Milius he's still waiting for him to come up with the third movie in the planned trilogy. Otherwise the chat is about the myths and stories that lie behind the film. Arnie and Milius clearly get on well, and Arnie has a ball reliving the movie.

Conan Unchained Whether you know nothing about the film or are encountering it again as a fan, this 53-minute documentary will please and inform all. A real effort has been made to secure interviews with the principle cast and crew stars involved. Arnie reveals how he worried if he'd be able to perform to expectations, and on how despite the fact he had to be physically massive, he also had to be fluid for the sword fighting.

The film was five years in development, with Arnie and Edward J Pressman both pushing to get it made. Pressman spotted Arnie after seeing a rough cut of "Pumping Iron", and they got together to push this project. Neither thought they'd be able to secure the services of Max Von Sydow, but they did, and Max discusses just how much he enjoyed working on the film. Additionally there's an extensive look at the striking art production on the movie.

Additional Special Features Also on the disc is five minutes of deleted scenes, special effects breakdowns, 11 minutes of production drawings set to the music of Basil Poledouris, trailers, and production notes.

Region: 2
Chapters: 15
Ratio: 2.35:1 (anamorphic)
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
Technical Features: Scene selection, and English captions for the hearing impaired.

This DVD was reviewed on a JVC XV-S57 DVD player.