Taking place ten years after The Mummy, The Mummy Returns drops us right into the middle of the action. The film opens with Rick (Brendan Fraser) and Evy (Rachel Weisz) on an archaeological dig to find the bracelet of the Scorpion King (The Rock). According to legend, the Scorpion King was the herald for the armies of Anubis, and he would eventually rise to use Anubis' army to raze the earth. Joining Rick and Evy are their son, Alex (Freddie Boath). Meanwhile, a group of ne'er do wells have managed to dig up the corpse of Imhotep, with the intentions of using him to destroy the Scorpion King so he can control Anubis' army himself. A little snag comes up when Alex tries on the Scorpion King's bracelet, which makes him vital to Imhotep's plans. And so we have the setting for several massive fight scenes and other spectacles.

I don't think anyone would describe The Mummy as restrained, but compared to this film, it seems downright demure. Everything in this movie is bigger, louder, and longer. For the most part, this works to the film's credit. Sommers keeps a strong hand on the action, always giving it a sense of direction, and keeping it all exciting. The film also feels more epic than the first one, channeling Indiana Jones. Even the score sounds like a rip of John Williams' famous score. But luckily, Sommers also evokes the fun of that series, even if it doesn't reach that level of greatness, it certainly tries, giving every character some kind of major mythological role to fill. This doesn't always come off, however. A lot of the expansion of the mythology of the series feels forced, especially the subplot with Evy as the reincarnation of Seti I's daughter. Furthermore, the idea of Rick as some sort of savior of man is a little overblown.

But why dwell on the negatives? Honestly, it doesn't matter that The Mummy Returns has plot holes you can drive a truck through and utterly implausible action sequences, because the film is so damned fun. You can see Sommers' evolution as an action director, as this film feels far more polished and ambitious than the last one. Also, Sommers and the cast are clearly comfortable with each other, because this film has a lived-in feel that the first one lacked.

Fraser and Weisz in particular have an even stronger chemistry in this film. Their back-and-forth is always a pleasure to watch, and you can tell they genuinely enjoy each other's company. Oded Fehr also takes a much more prominent role in the film, and his greater presence is to the benefit of the project as a whole.

Even Arnold Vosloo gives a stronger performance as Imhotep. He never felt very threatening in the first film, but here he has a much better sense of menace. Also, Patricia Velasquez, who appeared in only one scene in The Mummy, now has a supporting role as the resurrected Anck-Su-Namun. Velasquez, who some of you may recognize as Marta from Arrested Development is a beautiful and underrated actress who deserves more exposure.

Another improvement over the first film is the look of the CGI. With the exception of the second appearance of the Scorpion King, all of the CGI is excellent. This really goes a long way to making the picture an immersing experience. Between the improved visual effects, comfortable performances, and heightened action, The Mummy Returns is an above-average sequel that is worth revisiting.

The HD DVD:

The Image:
This 2.35:1 1080p VC1 transfer is an absolute slam dunk. The color reproduction is absolutely perfect. From the drab blues of England to the bright browns and greens of Egypt, all the color here jumps right off the screen. The level of detail is also fantastic. When Izzy cuts the anchor rope from his dirigible, you can see every single nick and scratch on the wooden bow of the ship. This is easily demo material right here.

The Audio:
Hold on to your hat. From the word "Go," the Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 mix is active. Rears get plenty of action, with a wide, expansive soundstage. All of the action sequences have a dozen things going on at once, and you can hear each and every sound. Dialogue is clear and easy to hear. A winning track in all aspects. Spanish and French Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 tracks are also available.

The Supplements:
Feature commentary with writer/director Stephen Sommers and editor/executive producer Bob Ducsay: Sommers and Ducsay once again provide another highly listenable commentary track. This was probably recorded around the same time as the commentary for the first movie (as they mention the sequel on that commentary), and the same atmosphere is evident here.

Spotlight On Location - The Making of The Mummy Returns: It doesn't specify it, but I believe this is one those HBO first look featurettes. Despite interviewing the major members of the cast and crew, it's really just a fluff piece saying, "Ohh, look, isn't this exciting? Coming soon!" Most of it has the actors' explaining the plot.

Outtakes: A collection of outtakes that virtually define the phrase "you needed to be there."

Live Music Video: Just so you don't get confused, this is the music video for the song "Forever May Not Be Enough" by the band Live. It seems utterly incongruous for the film. It's also a bad song.

Visual and Special Effects Formation: Returning from the last disc is the series of work in progress shots for several visual effects sequences. All of these come with commentary by visual effects supervisor John Berton. These are more in-depth and detailed than the corresponding feature on the last disc, and are more interesting as a result.

Theatrical trailer: Perhaps Universal is going to include the theatrical trailers as a rule now? One can only hope.

My scenes: This is the bookmarking feature that can be found on most HD DVDs.

None of the special features are in high definition.

The Conclusion: While it's no Citizen Kane, The Mummy Returns is a hell of a lot of fun. Improving upon the first film in many respects, the movie is one show-stopping action sequence after another. With reference level picture and audio, this disc is Highly Recommended.

Daniel Hirshleifer is the High Definition Editor for DVD Talk.