The Three Musketeers (Blu-Ray Special Edition) – Available Now

by Aaron Einhorn
Despite being intrigued by the Steampunk setting immediately evident in the trailers, I never got around to catching The Three Musketeers when it arrived. I was intrigued enough by the cast, featuring Logan Lerman, Orlando Bloom, Milla Jovovich and Christoph Waltz (plus, you know, Matthew McFadden, Ray Stevenson and Luke Evans as the actual musketeers) that I wanted to see it, but for some reason, I just didn’t. Therefore, when an opportunity was presented to me to check out the The Three Musketeers (Blu-Ray Special Edition), I jumped on it, like I would an exploding airship. And I have to say, I’m glad I did.

Official Synopsis
The Three Musketeers — a modern retelling of Alexander Dumas’ timeless swashbuckling classic – arrives on 3D Blu-ray™, Blu-ray and DVD March 13th from Summit Entertainment. This exciting adventure for the whole family stars Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson & the Olympians), Orlando Bloom (Pirates of the Caribbean films), Milla Jovovich (Resident Evil films) and Academy Award®-winner Christoph Waltz (Best Supporting Actor, Inglourious Basterds).

The Feature
Ok, let’s begin. This film is profoundly stupid. But I mean that in mostly a good way. It takes the central premise of the Three Musketeers as you know them, adds in a healthy dose of Steampunk, a few twists and turns of betrayal between the Musketeers and those around them, and blends it together in a high-octane blend.

The intrigue and politics between the Cardinal (Waltz), the King and the Musketeers is all there, with added twists in the form of the action-heroine-spy Milady (Jovovitch) and schemes by the English Lord Buckingham (Bloom). The airships and steamtech? Well, that’s new. And to be honest, as much fun as it is, it doesn’t really add much to the story. The action is great through the film, and each and every actor is serviceable, if none are truly exceptional.

Will this version of The Three Musketeers become your favorite? Possibly, if you’re a big enough fan of Steampunk. Otherwise, it’s a decent, if unexceptional adaptation of the classic tale.

The fight choreography is pretty cool though.

Bonus Features
For a “Special Edition” Blu-Ray, The Three Musketeers (Blu-Ray Special Edition) isn’t terribly laden-down with extras, which was a bit of a disappointment. There’s a section of deleted scenes, a long, interactive featurette “Access: Three Musketeers”, and an audio commentary from the filmmaker.

Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun, over-the-top, swashbuckling adventure, with tons of Steampunk flavor? The Three Musketeers (Blu-Ray Special Edition) is for you. If you want a more traditional take on the tale, there are other (and better) adaptations. But for what it is, it’s not bad. Considering the cast and filmmaker involved, you should get what you expect.

You can get The Three Musketeers (Blu-Ray Special Edition) via Amazon.com by clicking on the link or order through Comic Hero News at our online store.