Paramount Pictures and eOne
For the Movie Review,
please visit our original post here.
Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is coming to home video this week! Although what’s offered as bonus content does not differ from the streaming version, I am glad to have a release to hold in my hands. Although I was hoping a store exclusive can come with added goodies, alas the only thing offered (for now) is the steelbook. The case presents the ampersand dragon with the movie cast presented in silhouette and the interior is a gorgeous recreation of the dungeon scene from the film like it was a Mondo art print.
And my appreciation for this film got bumped up a notch. The first segment, “From Dice to Dragons: Honouring the Lore,” finally reveals the details and what kind of love writer-directors Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley put in to adapt the game to screen. Their interview also includes explaining why they went with a pudgy dragon rather than a sleek one. Strangely, they didn’t acknowledge Gary Gygax or the TSR days. Unless it passed by fast, I would’ve liked to hear that Wizards of the Coast/Hasbro did not own and manage the property back then.
Another mini-doc is “Rogues’ Gallery: The Heroes of Dungeons & Dragons”, where each performer reveals how they connected with the role written for them not only on a gamer level but also as an actor. Some players treat role playing as performance art rather than to say, “my avatar will do this,” and it’s great to understand how the cast converted what geeks know as lore to what they know as actors, especially Hugh Grant, who is classically trained.
What’s good about this segment is that it’s an expanded piece from the promotional trailers about how they played an actual game with a Dungeon Master, rather than diving right in. I suspect the entire session was recorded, and we’re only getting a highlight reel. Hopefully, a future release will show it all uncut!
The one section I really liked is the effort put in to create The Battle of Evermoors–most of which was presented in flashback. Each warrior had a unique weapon, and to study these creations up close in “Broadswords, Battle-axes & Badass Brawls” makes me want to craft my custom weapons to display than to parley with.
Also included with this release are the usual gag reel and deleted scenes. Of the latter, a few include unfinished pieces, and bits of character development. The best one of the lot is “Corpse 6” for Aunty Donna fans, of course, and we look at how much was actually filmed. I’m sure they were allowed to improv.
Although this movie isn’t entirely perfect, having a copy to view at home helps me examine the moments I truly loved, namely the quick appearance of the cartoon characters from the 80s Dungeons and Dragons animated series. But more imporantly is that as a long time RPGer, I can make proper notes about the narrative that really matters. I can pause, rewind and make a map of the route Edgin took! But honestly, the story is really about Szass Tam and the Red Wizards goal to retake the realm! Whether this is the big story arc (the campaign as known in gaming jargon) to pay attention to or not, it’ll no doubt be followed up on with the next film and I’ll have my notes to compare it with.
Although a sequel is not confirmed, what’s revealed in these featurettes is that the team is willing to continue. Hopefully the coming months will reveal what the studio and producers plan as this backstory is an A+ in my books. Anything concerning on ongoing undead presence wanting to invade the living world is always tops!
Special Features
- From Dice to Dragons: Honouring the Lore — Go behind-the-scenes with Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, and the cast and crew to witness the thrilling journey of bringing the classic board game to life in the ultimate D&D experience.
- Rogues’ Gallery: The Heroes of Dungeons & Dragons — Get an in-depth look at the heroes of the film as the cast delves into their characters and reveals the secrets behind bringing them to life on screen.
- Fantastic Foes — Explore the dark side of D&D with a look at the film’s complex and fascinating villains.
- The Bestiary — Check out the cutting-edge visual effects, prosthetics, and intricate costumes that went into the creation of the movie’s magical beings and fantastical beasts.
- Forging the Forgotten Realms — Discover the secrets behind the exciting sets and breathtaking locations in faraway lands!
- Broadswords, Battle-axes & Badass Brawls — Dive into epic fight sequences with a behind-the-scenes look at the mind-blowing stunts and powerful weaponry that went into this heart-pumping action adventure.
- Gag Reel — Don’t miss the hilarious gag reel with bloopers and outtakes.
- Deleted and Extended Scenes — Uncover even more of the action with deleted & extended scenes not seen in theatres!
Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves Movie Trailer
