The Movie
Released a relatively brisk two years after the original, Conan the Destroyer is quite a different movie, despite the return of star Arnold Schwarzenegger. To address the perceived racist undertones of Conan the Barbarian, The Destroyer features Grace Jones as a formidable ally. In contrast to the first film's dearth of mirth, Tracey Walter joined the cast strictly for comic relief.
The rating also stepped down to PG, built upon a screen story by two of Marvel Comics' most celebrated writers: Gerry Conway (who dreamed up The Punisher, killed off Gwen Stacy and the first Green Goblin, and pitted Spider-Man against The Man of Steel) and frequent collaborator Roy Thomas (the first successor to Stan Lee as Marvel Editor in Chief and a veteran scribe of hundreds of Conan comic tales).
This time, an evil queen promises our favorite barbarian an entire kingdom plus the resurrection of his lost lady love in exchange for his help escorting a princess on a two-stage quest that could unlock monumental mystical power. But right from the start we learn that they are setting him up, not merely to cheat him but to execute him upon completion of his task.
The Destroyer lacks the sheer body count of The Barbarian, and the action sometimes seems more conspicuous, there for its own sake rather than being germane to the plot. The makeup and effects also veer into cheese country (and I don't mean Wisconsin), but for sheer goofy sword and sorcery, Conan the Destroyer is still quite a bit of fun.
The Picture
This new HD remaster is marked by grain and noise, sometimes significantly so, but there is also a really exquisite crispness to the 2.35:1 image. It really pops with tiny flecks of light and the nuances of the costumes and sets, the textures of stone surfaces, all backed by a vibrant palette, quite a different look from the first Conan.
The Sound
We're given some nice instances of directionality, horses galloping from here to there, and the illusion of off-camera action is created credibly in this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack. Other than that, the audio is largely up front, with what I would consider obvious surround opportunities squandered: a battle in a circular hall of mirrors ending with a wizard getting all 360-degree magicky, Conan's showy twirling of his giant sword, and the princess' shout is clearly echoing throughout a castle, so why no joy from the rear speakers? They are mostly utilized for redundant, incidental fill in scenes of action.
The Extras
Universal hasn't given us any insightful new bonus material, really just the trailer in standard definition. The disc is D-Box motion-enabled for those fortunate enough to have compatible seating installed, and we can connect to the internet via BD-Live. The pocket BLU application is also supported.
Final Thoughts
If you picked up The Barbarian, you might consider grabbing Conan the Destroyer as well, if only for the lovely new HD video, or perhaps to complete the two-movie set.
Product Details
Where to Buy:
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