‘Dragonslayer: Steelbook Edition’ 4K Ultra HD movie review

Filmmaker Matthew Robbins’ dark fantasy movie from 1981 returns to home theaters after 20 years with an exceptional ultra-high definition presentation set to dazzle fans of fire-breathing monsters in Dragonslayer: Steelbook Edition (Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment, rated PG, 2.39:1 aspect ratio, 109 minutes, $30.99).

Set during the sixth century, the tale finds a wizard’s apprentice Galen (Peter MacNicol) must take on the task of slaying a ferocious 400-year-old dragon named Vermithrax Pejorative that has terrorized the kingdom of Urland after his master Lord Ulrich of Cragganmore (Ralph Richardson) meets a strategic demise.

The opposition of this unlikely hero is not just the beast, but a king that would rather sacrifice virgins to keep the dragon at bay. His captain of the Royal Guard Tyrian (John Hallam)’s budding romance with the blacksmith’s daughter Valerian (Caitlin Clarke) adds to Galen’s stress.

The epic follows the traditions of “Jaws,” with viewers only getting a full shot of the dragon about 80 minutes into the movie, but what follows was certainly worth the price of admission.

“Dragonslayer” stands as a benchmark of excellence for both special effects and storytelling in the sword-and-sorcery genre. Long before “The Lord of the Rings” and “Game of Thrones” came to screens, “Dragonslayer” made audiences believe in fire-breathing beasts.

4K in action: The gritty middle ages production design comes to clean and crisp life through a restoration approved by the director and offering clear panoramic views of forested and seaside terrain, waterfalls, misty caves, smoky villages and caves and even a flaming lake.

Muted color schemes dominate throughout and highlight period costume designs including armor, weapons (a shield made of dragon scales), gowns, tunics and lots of fur, leather and chain mail.

A quality scene sure to impress finds Galen on horseback riding out of a crumpling castle wall to an open green field with mountains in the background.

However, the focus of this film is the mighty Vermithrax brought to stop-motion life by Industrial Light and Magic in an Academy Award-nominated effort.

The dragon in 4K looks, well, devilishly monstrous, with textured scales, multilayered skin flaps near its mandible, glistening teeth, yellow eyes and claws, and moist gills.

The color richness of flames pouring from the beast’s mouth (actually accomplished using World War II flame throwers) also stand out as well as the fires and glowing embers left in his strafing of villages or wake.

Best extras: Privileged viewers first get a new optional commentary track with the director and filmmaker Guillermo del Toro who considers Vermithrax “one of the most perfect creature designs ever made.”

Mr. del Toro, wearing the hat of a film historian, arrives well-versed about the movie and often leads the discussion, even interviewing Mr. Robbins. Suffice it to report, viewers will learn a wealth of information about the film and get lessons in cinema while also loving this pair’s nonstop discussion and its tangents.

By far, this is one of the most energetic and comprehensive commentaries released for a film in recent memory.

Also, new is a roughly one-hour (four-part) informative retrospective on the movie, often focused on creating the dragon as explained by the original artists working on the project; master stop-motion maestro Phil Tippett; and visual effects legend Dennis Muren.

Mr. Robbins then adds plenty of nostalgic stories and detailed information about the production that cover origins, casting, story, effects, editing, sound, set designs and specifics such as creating the dragon-slaying spear, using go-motion animation (a variation of stop-motion animation) building baby dragons, working with a lake of fire and making a dragon fly.

The steelcase packaging truly brands the release as special and one of the best out there. First a cardboard slipcase, a rare event for a steelcase edition, features illustrated art of Galen wielding weapons on front and back.

Now, the metal case dazzles as fiery oranges and reds and burnt blacks abound revealing a front cover of Galen with shield and spear facing a furious dragon hulking over him and ready to unleash its wrath. The back cover offers a close-up of Vermithrax’ eye and craggy eyelid.

The inner, two-panel spread is much simpler with a black background and red text spread across both sides that read, “In the dark ages, magic was a weapon, love was a mystery, adventure was everywhere … and dragons were real.”