Hercules and the Captive Women (Blu-ray Review)

Reviewed By Jason Lockard

Peplum was a term used for Italian-made historical, mythological, or Biblical epics. They were very popular in the 50s to the mid 60s when the spaghetti western became the new rage and the Peplum aka Sword and Sandal films went out of style.

In 1961 Ercole alla conquista di Atlantide was released by writer and director Vittorio Cottafavi. Just a short two years later in 1963 it was dubbed in English and released to American theaters under the title Hercules and the Captive Women.

The Film Detective has given this sword and sandal epic a deluxe Blu-ray release. Now I have to say if it is half as good as their previous release The Giant from the Unknown, that this is going to be a must own Blu-ray let's take a look!

King Androcles of Thebes (Ettore Manni) is in command of a ship in search of a oracle predicted threat. Hercules (Reg Park) is a member of the crew, but falls overboard into a thick fog. When he washes ashore, he finds a young girl, Ismene (Laura Altan), in danger by a shape-shifting creature. He saves her from the danger and she takes Hercules to Atlantis, where he finds her mother, the evil Queen Antinea (Fay Spain), has captured Androcles. Hercules plans to rescue him and thwart Antinea's dream of world conquest. Will he success? You will have to see the film to find out.

These peplum films were not trying to say some profound thing, they were just a trying to entertain people and Hercules and the Captive Women does just that. The action is exciting and special effects are surprisingly effective.

Some reviewers would say that Reg Park is no Steve Reeves (Original Hercules) and that is true he is not! But you can not judge an actor on another version of a role. I think Reg was very good in this role. He looked the part and was a fearless Hercules.

The Film Detective used a new 4K scan from the original film print. This transfer presented the film in 1080p and aspect ratio 2.20:1. There is two audio soundtracks to choose from a DTS-HD Master Audio English and a Dolby Digital Audio 2.0. There is also English and Spanish subtitles.

When you see this new 4K scan in comparison to other releases. This is an embarrassment of riches. The colors are bright and vibrant. The picture is crisp and clear and the audio is clean no signs of hiss or pops. It is a beautiful scan!

A beautiful 4K scan of this film is not where the goodies end in this release though! The Film Detective have loaded up this disc with very cool bonus features. Take a look at what is included;

* Full Feature, Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K): Hercules and the Captive Women
* Hercules and The Conquest of Cinema: A Swords and Sandals Documentary
* Audio Commentary by film critic, Tim Lucas
* The Duel of the Titans: full color insert booklet with an essay by C. Courtney Joyner
* Introduction by MST3K writer and co-star, Frank Conniff

I will tell you to have the 4K scan of this film is awesome and to have the Mystery Science Theater 3000 version is awesome, but to have both of them on one Blu-ray! This is just plain epic. The Film Detective has done it again. I must give this release our highest recommendation! With the gorgeous 4K scan and all the awesome bonuses. It is that remarkable release.

So if you are a fan of those sword and sandal films from yesteryear, Hercules and the Captive Women is going to be just up your alley! I highly suggest you pick up the Film Detective release above any other one as it is the best picture quality and loaded with great bonus features. Order your copy today by heading over to Amazon.com.