The Guyver (1991) 4K UltraHD/Blu-ray/CD Review

There is a term used for films "Cult Classics". That term is for a movie that is considered to be one of the best of its kind by a small group of people. But not for the majority of film audiences. 

One of those films that have gained such status over the years is 1991's The Guyver. This film is based on the Manga (Japanese comic) Bio Booster Armour Guyver. For many years fans have been wanting to see this action flick be restored and released on deluxe home video. Well, now 33 years after the film's initial release comes a new 4K/Blu-ray/CD release from Unearthed Films and MVD Visual.

Synopsis: Sean Barker (Jack Armstrong) is a college student who discovers the "Guyver", an alien mechanical device that merges with his own body, turning him into a super-powerful cyborg fighting machine. The device belongs to Chronos, an evil corporation run by human mutants that metamorphize into monstrous soldiers called "Zoanoids". Chronos badly wants the Guyver back and sends a gang of Zoanoids to kidnap Sean's girlfriend, Mizuki (Vivian Wu). Sean rescues Mizuki with the help of Max Reed (Mark Hamill), a CIA agent determined to keep the device from falling into the hands of Chronos. However, the rescue attempt is not completely successful, thereby triggering a series of epic battles between the forces of good and evil.

I remember watching The Guyver as a teenager. The monster action always seemed to stay with me even after all these years. For the last few years I have been thinking a lot about The Guyver and wishing that it would get a deluxe home video release and now here we are! 

Now watching it after all these years as an adult I will admit The Guyver is not a great sci-fi monster flick, not by a longshot. But call me crazy I love it! The acting is far from great. But one thing is for sure the make-up effects are spectacular. There is no doubt this is a fun little film. And after all if your are entertained that is all you can ask for in the film. And even after all these years I was entertained.    

Now Unearthed Films restored this film, but not the theatrical version that was cut to shreds, this is the director's cut. The restoration The Guyver in 4K from the 35mm camera negative. The film looks so great. The picture is crisp and sharp with no signs of specks dirt of debris. Not scratches or marks. The colors are vibrant and the audio is clean with no hiss or pops. Unearthed Films did a remarkable job with this film. It looks like it could have been shot yesterday!

But this is a deluxe 3 disc set. That comes with a slipcover, reviersable disc insert and a booklet. But that is not all there are some cool bonus features in this set. Take a look at the features on each of these discs. 

DISC ONE – FEATURE (4K ULTRA HD):
* NEW 4K restoration of the original R-rated 35mm camera negative by Unearthed Films presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio in HDR
* NEW Commentary with co-directors Screaming Mad George and Steve Wang, moderated by Dom O’Brien, the author of Budget Biomorphs: The Making of The Guyver Films
* DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
* DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
* Optional English SDH Subtitles

DISC TWO – FEATURE & EXTRAS (BLU-RAY):
* NEW 4K restoration of the original R-rated 35mm camera negative by Unearthed Films presented in 1080p HD in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio
* DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
* DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
* Optional English SDH Subtitles
* NEW Commentary with co-directors Screaming Mad George and Steve Wang, moderated by Dom O’Brien, the author of Budget Biomorphs: The Making of The Guyver Films
* NEW Interview with producer Brian Yuzna
* NEW Interview with co-director Screaming Mad George
* NEW Suit Tests with commentary by co-directors Screaming Mad George and Steve Wang
* NEW Outtakes with commentary by co-directors Screaming Mad George and Steve Wang
* NEW Gag Reel with commentary by co-directors Screaming Mad George and Steve Wang
* NEW Production & Artwork Gallery
* Alternate Title Sequence
* Trailers

DISC THREE – SOUNDTRACK (CD / COMPACT DISC):
* The Guyver Original Motion Picture Soundtrack composed by Matthew Morse

Unearthed Films and MVD Visual really went above and beyond here and made a cool restoration into a release that I consider to be a must own for fans of 90s monster flicks. I love the edition of the Blu-ray with cool bonus features. So for me the 4K disc is the way to watch the film and the Blu-ray for the cool bonuses. And take the CD in the car and enjoy the ultra cool soundtrack on your travels. This is a spectacularly fun release!

So, if you love Kaiju monster madness, well The Guyver is one 4k UltraHD release you need for your collection. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today! You will not be disappointed!

Out of 4 Film reels (4 being the best) The 4K UltraHD/Blu-ray/CD of The Guyver receives....