Fire and Ice (1983) (Blu-ray Review)
Directed By: Ralph Bakshi
Starring: Leo Gordon, Hans Howes, Alan Koss
Rated: PG/Region A/1:78/1080p/Number of Discs 1
Available from Blue Underground
It began as a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration between two of the greatest icons of the fantasy genre: Controversial animator Ralph Bakshi (director of FRITZ THE CAT, WIZARDS and the original THE LORD OF THE RINGS) and legendary illustrator Frank Frazetta (creator of the iconic CONAN THE BARBARIAN, VAMPIRELLA and Edgar Rice Burroughs book covers). It became – and remains – one of the most startling animation epics of all time. Now experience a world unlike any ever seen, where savage warriors, horrific monsters and luscious maidens battle for the soul of a civilization in a time of good and evil, pleasure and pain, and FIRE AND ICE.
The year 1983 gave us many cool things. We have the birth of the Chicken McNuggets at McDonalds. We have the birth of yours truly. We also had the release of the more adult oriented Fire and Ice. This is one of those animated movies that remind of stuff like Heavy Metal. The scenes were acted out and then had someone trace the animation of the motions of the real actors. This adds for a cool element to the movie as it seems less drawn, if that makes sense. The story isn’t bloody, but it is violant. A princess is stranded in the middle of Fire and Ice as the evil minions from Ice try to capture her. A warrior who is also stranded is also there and BOOM instant plot.
I know with the PG rating and the lack of blood you might think you are getting into a children’s animated affair, but that isn’t at all true. We have women in thongs, we have people being stabbed, we have wizards doing all types of evil things, and it doesn’t seem very PG even with it being so. Then again, ratings in 1983 were more lenient and that’s how The Wraith got a PG-13 to spite having boobs. Sadly, there is no animated boobs here. So it isn’t as good as stuff like Heavy Metal, but it isn’t bad either. If you animated fantasy movies with some violence I think you will enjoy this one. It looks good for a cartoon from the 80s too. The transfer has a few spotty moments, but it will do.
– Audio Commentary with Producer/Director Ralph Bakshi
– The Making of FIRE AND ICE
– Bakshi on Frazetta
– Sean Hannon’s Diary Notes
– Behind-the-Scenes Photo Gallery
– Theatrical Trailer
– Enhanced for D-Box Motion Control Systems
