Power Rangers fans, new and old, prepare to suit up! The eagerly anticipated reboot of the long-running television series, that also spawned a few films, has arrived on DVD and Blu-Ray and is a surprisingly fun modernization of a classic come to life on the silver screen.
The story of five teens, who at the start of things barely know each other, who come together and form a quintet of justice wielding heroes has resonated with audiences for decades. The manner with which filmmakers introduce our five soon-to-be-Mighty Morphin souls is not necessarily textbook origins story 101. It feels real and rather three-dimensional. These are true characters with original problems whose altered reality comes all-too-real when they encounter an alien presence deep in a local mine near their homes one evening. Each awakes the next day with unique abilities that will come to define their present and completely alter their future.
The ensemble of Power Rangers is perfectly cast and is as diverse as it is unique, a rarity in today’s films. Dacre Montgomery is Jason the Red Ranger. Naomi Scott stars as Kimberly the Pink Ranger, with RJ Cyler taking on the role of Billy the Blue Ranger, Ludi Lin is Zack the Black Ranger and Becky G. is Trini the Yellow Ranger.
They must learn how to channel their new powers quickly because the threat coming at them (from devilishly delicious villain, Elizabeth Banks’ Rita Repulsa) is fierce and seeks to decimate their small town of Angel Grove… and then the world.
Mentoring them along the way is Bryan Cranston as Zordon, the ancient warrior Power Ranger who’s past battles with evil is legendary. Now, he can only impart his knowledge to the new generation of heroes with the help of the robot Alpha 5 (voiced brilliantly, as always, by Bill Hader).
The cast is top notch. Each brings elements to their characters that elevate them from not only being two-dimensional, but separates them from all those who have donned those colored suits in the past. Cyler, in particular, is a standout. He portrays a teen that is on the spectrum and it’s awesome to see him bring to life something that we’ve never seen before on the big screen, someone with special needs who can become and triumphs as a superhero. Cranston is his usual awesome self and Banks is brilliant as a villain. We would love to see her visit the dark side again in the future.
The bonus features are vast and varied, all while being entertaining and quite enlightening.
“The Power of the Present” is a nine-part documentary that covers the making of Power Rangers from every possible angle you would expect and even a few that you might not!
Each of the nine sections are impeccably put together, in that they build towards a thrilling conclusion, much like the film itself.
“Rangers Then to Now” gives us a in-depth look at the Power Rangers and where they’ve been, so we have a better understanding and appreciation as to where they are heading. “Building the Team” showcases finding the new cast and the difficult challenge that was finding actors and actresses who not only fit these roles now, but could grow with these characters should success dictate future chapters (the jury is still out on that, but let’s hope there is at least a second film). It also showcases how this ensemble was created and then, and most importantly, brought together as a team that need to work seamlessly on and off screen. “Beyond the Rangers,” “Suiting Up and Rangers,” “Welcome to Training” all encompass the actual gelling of the team as the production whips into gear and this engine gets going. We enjoyed “Rangers in the Wild” and “It’s Morphin Time,” although they may be the weakest spokes in this making-of documentary wheel.
It is always nice when the score gets a behind-the-scenes look. “Power Ballad: Music and Sound” does just that and illustrates why this compelling reboot has an element of risk and power to it that is enforced by the musical stylings of its score.
Lastly, “This is Your Destiny” wraps it all up in one delicious little package and puts an emotional pull bow on the entire nine-part making-of featurette. By showing how this entire production felt like fate working (an emotional pull that resonates in the film as well), the viewer is left with quite the smile on one’s face as this featurette fades to black.
Since Power Rangers writer John Gatins and director Dean Israelite worked so well in tandem throughout the making of the film, as chronicled in the making-of doc, listening to their commentary track is a living, breathing look at their work as it happens in real time. Don’t miss it.
Film Grade: B
Bonus Features: B