The Mummy on Deluxe Edition DVD

Brendan Fraser Entertains in 1999 Special Effects Adventure

Jul 1, 2008

The new 2-Disc Deluxe Edition DVD of 'The Mummy' coincides with the theatrical release of 'The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.'

In this updated and CGI-enhanced remake of the 1932 horror film The Mummy (also being released on DVD in a new special edition in July), Brendan Fraser stars as a goofy, but brave American who causes quite a bit of trouble in Egypt. The July DVD release of Fraser’s 1999 adventure film The Mummy also coincides with a new Deluxe Edition DVD of The Mummy Returns and the theatrical release of the third installment in this series, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.

The Tomb of Imhotep

Rick O’Connell (Fraser) looks for adventure wherever he can find it. This time, he finds it in Egypt where he meets Evelyn (Rachel Weisz), a sweet (and highly curious) librarian and Egyptologist who hopes to improve her status among the literary crowd. Tagging along behind her everywhere she goes is her disreputable brother, Jonathan (John Hannah), a petty thief and coward who adds some comic relief.

The trio seeks an ancient treasure – that is, until Evelyn reads from the ancient “Book of the Dead,” and they learn what really lurks among the tombs beneath the sands. They accidentally unleash ten horrible plagues and unlock the tomb of Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo), an angry mummy intent upon regenerating himself and his evil girlfriend, and destroying everyone and everything in his path.

Aside from ancient curses, sand storms, grisly special effects, a disgusting re-generating mummy, and flesh-eating scarabs, The Mummy actually provides a fun romantic comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Fraser’s broad humor, goofy smile, and sturdy build are perfect for the role of Evelyn’s protector. The subplot involving Imotep’s scheming past and strange burial explain that despite the monster he becomes, his ancient actions were done out of love. His love affair compares and contrasts with the Rick-Evelyn relationship throughout The Mummy and The Mummy Returns, the second installment also re-released this month.

Already released in various DVD packages, The Mummy 2-Disc Deluxe Edition includes earlier short features from the previous Ultimate Edition, plus a digital copy of the film (on the second disc), a new two-part featurette, a featurette on the legacy of The Mummy and a preview of The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.

The package comes packed with extras including commentary with the director-writer Stephen Sommers, editor Bob Ducsay, star Brendan Fraser, and additional actors, plus short documentaries on subjects such as visual and special effects, pharaoh lineage, and a photo montage.

The copyright of the article The Mummy on Deluxe Edition DVD in Romantic Comedy Films is owned by Leslie C. Halpern. Permission to republish The Mummy on Deluxe Edition DVD in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.