Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn – Blu-Ray Review
Arriving on Blu-ray/3D Blu-ray combo this week is the 1983 sci-fi/western, “Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn”, directed by Charles Band. Although I had seen this film on cable growing up, this is the first time I have been able to see it in 3D. This is a pre-Full Moon Charles Band flick that never really seemed to work. Shot in 3D during the early-80’s sci-fi/horror 3D boom there are a handful of gimmick shots but none of them were done very well.
For those of you who haven’t seen “Metalstorm”, it centers on Dogen (Jeffery Byron), a space ranger on the hunt for evil dictator Jared-Syn (Mike Preston). With the help of the reluctant Rhodes (Tim Thomerson), the pair journey across the desert planet of Lemuria with the homes of rescuing the beautiful young minor, Dhyana (Kelly Preston) and saving the citizens of the planet from Jared-Syn’s sinister plans. Along the way, they cross paths with Jared-Syn’s metallic-covered son Baal (R. David Smith) and giant cyclopse Hurok (Richard Moll).
“Metalstorm” is ultra-cheesy and is filled with some truly terrible special effects. The Sky-bike chase scene is absolutely laughable. The newly transferred 3D version of the film is kind of a mixed bag. Some of the 3D effects work but it also seemed off in some places. I haven’t screened the 2D version so I can’t comment on that, but the 3D also might come across different on different 3D TVs. I may not be a “Metalstorm” fan but for those of you who are, this is definitely the best release of the film to date.
Bonus Features
- NEW High Definition Transfer Presented In Both 2-D And 3-D!
- NEW High Noon At The End Of The Universe – Featuring Interviews With Director/Producer Charles Band, Actors Jeffrey Byron, Richard Moll And Tim Thomerson, Screenwriter/Producer Alan J. Adler, Special Effects Artist Allan Apone, Make-up Artist Kenny Myers And Composer Richard Band
- Promotional And Behind-The-Scenes Still Gallery
- Radio Spot
- Original Theatrical Trailer
By: Marc Ferman