Unwrapping the 2005 The Mummy Collector's Set: A Must-Have for Fans and Collectors

If you're a fan of action-adventure movies, or of the classic tale of the cursed Egyptian mummy, or of the charismatic duo of Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, or of all of the above, then you might already know about The Mummy franchise. The series started in 1999 with the blockbuster hit directed by Stephen Sommers, which followed the quest of a group of adventurers to stop the resurrection of the mummified High Priest Imhotep, who sought revenge and immortality in 1920s Egypt. The movie was a mix of humor, horror, romance, and spectacle, and spawned two sequels, a spin-off, and a reboot.

However, you might not be aware of the 2005 The Mummy Collector's Set DVD, which is a special edition that includes not only the original movie but also a lot of bonus features that make it a treasure trove for collectors and fans alike. In this review, we'll explore what's inside the set and why it's worth owning.

First of all, let's talk about the movie itself. The Mummy has aged well, in my opinion, and still holds up as a thrilling and entertaining adventure. The chemistry between Fraser as the swashbuckling adventurer Rick O'Connell and Weisz as the nerdy librarian Evelyn Carnahan is infectious, and their banter and romance provide a human anchor for the fantastical story. The supporting cast is also great, with John Hannah as Evelyn's bumbling brother Jonathan, Arnold Vosloo as the menacing Imhotep, and Oded Fehr as the heroic Medjai leader Ardeth Bay. The special effects, although not as advanced as today's CGI, are still impressive, and the practical makeup and stunts add a tangible weight to the action scenes. The music by Jerry Goldsmith is epic and catchy, and the direction by Sommers is brisk and colorful.

The Scorpion King, on the other hand, is a bit of a departure from the main series. It's a prequel that focuses on the titular character, played by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and his rise to power. While it's not quite as strong as the other films, it's still an enjoyable action romp with some impressive set pieces and stunts.

Now, let's delve into the bonus features of the Collector's Set which includes:

• A commentary track by Sommers, editor Bob Ducsay, and executive producer Jim Jacks. They provide a lot of behind-the-scenes insights and anecdotes, and their enthusiasm for the movie is infectious.
• A featurette called "Building a Better Mummy", which explores the creation of the special effects, the makeup, and the sets. It includes interviews with the visual effects supervisor, the makeup artist, and the production designer, as well as some interesting before-and-after shots.
• A featurette called "An Army to Rule the World, Part 1", which focuses on the casting and the characters of the movie. It includes interviews with the actors and the casting director, as well as some audition tapes and screen tests.
• A featurette called "Unraveling the Legacy of The Mummy", which looks at the history and mythology behind the mummy legends, and how the movie adapted and transformed them. It includes interviews with Egyptologists, historians, and filmmakers, and some fascinating comparisons between the movie and the real-life artifacts and rituals.
• A deleted scene, which shows a confrontation between O'Connell and Imhotep that was cut from the final version. It's interesting to see how the scene would have changed the tone and the pacing of the movie.
• A music video for the end credits song, "Forever May Not Be Long Enough" by the rock band Live. It's a catchy song that captures the adventurous spirit of the movie.
  

  

Overall, the 2005 The Mummy collector's set DVD is a must-have for fans of the series and collectors of classic cinema. With its thrilling adventure, memorable characters, and extensive bonus content, it's a set that you'll want to revisit time and time again. So grab your popcorn, sit back, and get ready to be transported to a world of mummies, treasure, and excitement!