Review of Power Rangers: Double Feature (2 Discs)

Introduction

The 90s had its share of popular children`s TV, and one of the shows that made many-a-youngster adopt a strange pose and dance about the room, limbs flailing in all directions, was Power Rangers - a show where five `Rangers` fought for good against the oppressive evil force led by none other than Rita Repulsive. In a special episode, a new ranger was introduced, Tommy, who took control of the group and added his own expertise and skills to the ensemble.

Every week viewers were guaranteed the introduction of the threat to world peace; `the detective work`; then the ass-kicking work: in the form of martial arts toned down to the pre-teen level; and then finally, after the minions were defeated, the big boss was put in his place by the Rangers` final power - the power to call upon machinery to finish off the enemy.

After numerous episodes, it was inevitable Hollywood would come calling. This DVD comprises of the two films, Disc One containing the 1995 one, and the second the 1997 offering.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie
Some major s*** is going down in the `hood...after Zordon, the Rangers` leader, and the Rangers HQ is taken prisoner by newly-commissioned leader Ivan Ooze and his cohorts, the Rangers must work against the clock to find the only power source to save Zordon`s life, and the fate of the world.

Being a kids film, I was surprised that I did actually enjoy this. Sure, it isn`t good, but it isn`t bad. It has its moments, such as some fairly good ass-kicking, and the script isn`t as dire as one would have expected. Although some of the characters have as much depth as a puddle (purposefully designed for the younger viewers no doubt), even sane-minded people can get some enjoyment out of this, as long as you leave your brain at the door.

Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie
The whole concept has been shaken up somewhat - each Ranger has now been re-cast (character wise as well as actor wise) apart from the character Tommy, who, although he is still on board, has been shuffled slightly, as he is now the Red Ranger. The plot this time revolves around the Rangers going to another distant planet, and defeating the new enemy in town: a rather nice bit of eye candy who fortunately happens to be scantily-clad throughout the film...

Another familiar face crops up, in the form of Kimberly, who was the Pink Ranger in the last film (and indeed the TV series). However, this film is weaker than the previous installment - yes, the law of sequels does apply here. Although the film looks better (the two years has made a difference), the plot is predictable and the film feels as if it was churned out in a hurry.

Video

Both films are presented in 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen, and the visuals are defined well, with no compression signs visible. The print is crisp and clear throughout, and the colour tones are just right.

The martial arts in both films are good, although they don`t compare to say, a Jet Li flick. It`s good to see the film-makers paying attention to choerography and timing. On the subject of eye candy, there are a futher two points to be made. First up, the CGI is good in both films, but Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie has the slight edge due to the fact that it`s more recent. Secondly, to up the, er, attention levels, in the first film a female warrior who just so happens to be wearing only a bikini and who just so happens to be in the exact spot the Rangers are in is present, and as mentioned before, the villainess in the second film is also pleasing on the retina.

Audio

A DD 5.1 track is on offer for both films, and both tracks are good, if a slightly lacking, since the surrounds aren`t used as much as they could have been. But, the main audio steam is crisp and clear, and there is no volume conflict, so what we get is sufficient.

The scripts are OK, if a little predictable and cheesy - but hey, this is aimed at the Power Rangers generation: and the criteria for that is pre-teens with over-active imaginations, which can be fuelled by the good vs. evil concept.

Features

Another 20th Century Fox double feature - another crap attempt at any extra material whatsoever. All we get is a trailer for each disc. My joy is over-bearing...

The menus are completely static and look just like every other double feature DVD - plain, boring, but easy to navigate.

Power Rangers is presented in a clear Amaray case, with 2 disc holders, and a leaflet containing chapter listings.

Conclusion

Implausible and tacky, this ain`t the kind of DVD you would run out and buy. But, it is good popcorn fodder, or the first film is anyway. The second one is OK, but only kids will get anything out of it, hence the lower content rating. Leave your critical observations behind, and it might surprise you.

Disc wise, presentation is good, but extras is a different issue. Or to be more precise, there is no issue to be discussed.

If this crops up in a bargain bin, and you`re looking for a modest action flick, then this might be the ticket. However, it isn`t perfect, so make sure your wallet can withstand it, as there are many better discs out there.