DVD Review: Turok: Son of Stone
First off, the box art for Turok: Son of Stone does not do this release justice. I get that they're trying to show Turok as a badass by standing up to a giant Tyrannosaurus-like creature, but it looks more like they're about to have a steamy make-out session than a battle to the death. Turok is most definitely a badass, and deserves better cover art.
Also on the front of the DVD case is a sticker which says "Warning: Contains Graphic Violence - suitable for mature audiences only"... and let me tell you, they aren't kidding! I missed this rather small warning label when I first removed the DVD from its case and shoved it in the player, so you can imagine my shock when I start seeing things like a bloody, severed arm flying through the air in slow motion after Turok's blade slices completely through his foe's limb. So yeah, this DVD is NOT FOR CHILDREN!
Turok is an adolescent Native American and appears to be living sometime around the 18th century. Turok and his brother both fancy a beautiful girl of their tribe, and all three of them are out frolicking when they encounter some punks from another tribe. Battle ensues, and Turok kicks serious butt, killing every one of them. Unfortunately, in his battle rage, he also injures his brother. Because of this, the tribe banishes him into exile, where he remains on his own for the next 20 years.
In that time he has grown into an even more powerful warrior than he was as a teen, while Turok's brother married the girl, had a son named Andar, and is now the tribe leader. But now, the tribe needs Turoks help. An attack from the other tribe is eminent, and fear that this will be the end, for they cannot win. So Andar is sent to find Turok, and ask him to come help save the village. Will Turok return and put his life on the line for those that shunned him all those years ago? The answer may surprise you!
From here, I'll just skip ahead a bit. Turok and Andar, upon pursing a bad guy, find themselves stumbling into a lost world filled with dinosaur-like creatures. Now they have not just their evil-doer to worry about, but also the extreme viciousness of this new world they've entered, where one misstep could mean sudden death! With a new home comes new friends and new foes, but Turok is one serious badass, so don't expect him to take this lying down. He'll do what needs to be done in order to rescue the girl, keep Andar safe, and find a way back home!
This unrated, feature-length animated film is chalked full of action and adventure, with a nicely woven story and characters you can feel for. I hope this will continue into a serious of DVD movies, as I'd love to see what other adventures Turok and Andar face, especially after watching the special feature which talks about the comics. Sounds like there's plenty of material to continue on with Turok: Son of Stone.
Turok: Son of Stone is released by Classic Media on DVD starting February 5, 2008.
Official Press Release: Turok: Son of Stone
Synopsis
During 20 years in exile, Turok has become a powerful and feared warrior. He now returns home to find his village destroyed and his family slaughtered at the hands of the ruthless tyrant Chichak. On a mission of vengeance, Turok must journey to the Lost Land, a savage place forgotten by time, where primeval beasts hunt all who enter. Turok will face his greatest battle as he fights man-eating dinosaurs, merciless cave dwellers, and the darkness inside himself to take revenge on his sworn enemy. In this epic journey, Turok will find his destiny. In this Lost Land a legend is born.
The DVD contains exclusive bonus materials including an in-depth look at the Turok property from comic book to video game and now an animated movie. The DVD also includes a commentary by the creators of the film. TUROK: SON OF STONE will be available for the suggested retail price of $19.95.
Special Features
Total Turok - An in-depth look at the Turok property from comic book to video game and now an animated movie.
Son of Stone Commentary with Producer Evan Baily, Director Tad Stones, Director Dan Riba, Director Curt Geda, and Director Frank Squillace.