Blu-ray Review: Predator 3D is a god damn sexual Tyrannosaurus

John McTiernan‘s Predator is a classic of the action sci-fi movie genre and one of Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s best films.

You know the score, but for those of you not aware of the greatness here is a quick rundown of what happens.

A great opening act sees Arnie and his team, comprised of Carl Weathers, Elpidia Carrillo, Bill Duke, Jesse Ventura, Sonny Landham, Richard Chaves, Shane Black head into the jungle to rescue some Americans. They track them down, things go south and they are then hunted down by something in the trees. Something that ain’t no human!

The whole film just works so well. Excellent characters, brilliant effects, good fights and so many cool quotes. Plus the Predator design is one of the great movie monsters. Excellent work by Stan Winston.

I could go on about the film, but you know what it is like.

The question is do you buy it again now that it has been released on Blu-ray in 3D.

The answer that is a great big yes.

It has been released on Blu-ray a few times before now, but the transfer has never been right. One was a direct port of the DVD version and the recent

This new version has a 3D and 2D disc which includes McTiernan’s commentary and the ‘If it bleeds we can kill it’ making of documentary.

Other films have been converted to 3D in the past, but none have been done as well as Predator. You feel as if you are in the jungle with Dutch and the team. Every scene you are looking through the leaves to see where the commandos are and when the Predator makes itself known you cannot wait to spot the blurry outline as it moves from tree to tree. The sense of depth you get in the jungle works so well.

The transfer itself is stunning. This is the best that Predator has ever looked on the small screen. Gone is the shiny, plastic skin. Now we can see the sweat, dirt and lines on all the faces. The blacks are deep and dark as they should be. There is some grain which always makes films look more authentic, but it has been cleaned up a little too much.

Sound on the Blu-ray is also great. Alan Silvestri’s sounds wonderful as it merges with what is going on on-screen to lift events and the sound effects pop all around the room with the familiar hum from the Predator’s computer fills you full of dread whenever it is heard.

All in all I can heartily recommend picking up Predator 3D. A great film, an excellent transfer and wonderful 3D.

Remember, if it bleeds we can kill it!