Get ready for an adventure that’s about to redefine your 4K Blu-ray collection! Severin Films is unleashing a treasure trove of '80s action with Antonio Margheriti & The Jungles of Doom: His '80s Adventure Films, a massive seven-disc 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray/CD extravaganza hitting shelves on March 24th. This isn't just a release; it's a deep dive into a legendary director's thrilling take on the adventure genre.
For over four decades, Antonio Margheriti was a true cinematic chameleon, mastering everything from gothic horror and westerns to giallo and sci-fi. But when the dust settled after the groundbreaking success of Raiders of the Lost Ark, Margheriti unleashed his own brand of over-the-top action-adventure films. We're talking about pure 'Indiana Jonesploitation' – and they are spectacular!
But here's where it gets exciting: This collection features three pulse-pounding films: The Hunters of the Golden Cobra, The Ark of the Sun God, and Jungle Raiders. Each film has been meticulously scanned in 4K from their original camera negatives, promising a visual feast. Plus, you'll get over 2 hours of brand-new and archival special features hand-picked just for this set!
The Hunters of the Golden Cobra (1982)
Kicking off this epic trilogy, Italian maestro Antonio Margheriti (known for chilling classics like Castle of Blood) delivers an absolute blast of "full-throttle action". Starring the dynamic duo David Warbeck (The Beyond) and John Steiner (Night of the Sharks), this film throws you into the heart of WWII with two roguish adventurers on the hunt for a relic with supernatural powers – the Golden Cobra. Expect deadly traps, thrilling double-crosses, and daring escapes. Co-starring Almanta Suska (The New York Ripper) and Luciano Pigozzi (Strike Commando), this is a "fun and entertaining knock-off" that’s a must-see.
*Special Features & Technical Specs for *The Hunters of the Golden Cobra:
- Disc One (4K Blu-ray): A NEW 4K RESTORATION from the original camera negative, HDR PRESENTATION, original English and Italian audio, optional English SDH, and English subtitles, plus a trailer.
- Disc Two (Blu-ray): The same NEW 4K RESTORATION, original audio options, and subtitles, along with a treasure trove of extras: 'The Path Of The Cobra' (Interview with Assistant Director Edoardo Margheriti), 'Bloodline Of The Cobra' (Interview with Second Camera Assistant Davide Mancori), a 1996 Festival of Fantastic Films Award Presentation and Q&A with David Warbeck, a video essay by Rob Hill (Author of The Bad Movie Bible), and a trailer. This is a REGION-A "LOCKED" BLU-RAY.
The Ark of the Sun God (1984)
Following up the success of The Hunters of the Golden Cobra, Margheriti injects a Bond-esque flair into his Indiana Jonesploitation formula with this Italian/Turkish co-production. For the first time ever in North America, experience this "undeniably great fun" in UHD! David Warbeck returns as a master thief, tasked by a wealthy collector (the brilliant John Steiner) to pilfer the legendary Scepter of Gilgamesh from a mountaintop temple. But before he can claim the prize, he must navigate treacherous car chases, daring kidnappings, elaborate traps, and an ancient curse! Luciano Pigozzi also stars in this "cult fanatics' lost treasure", co-written by Giovanni Simonelli (Jungle Raiders) and Giovanni Paolucci (Shocking Dark). It’s a thrilling adventure, newly scanned in 4K and packed with over an hour of new and archival features, plus a Bonus Soundtrack CD!
*Special Features & Technical Specs for *The Ark of the Sun God:
- Disc One (4K Blu-ray): An EXCLUSIVE NEW 4K RESTORATION from the original camera negative, HDR PRESENTATION, original English and Italian audio, optional English SDH, and English subtitles, plus a trailer.
- Disc Two (Blu-ray): Another EXCLUSIVE NEW 4K RESTORATION, original audio and subtitle options, and exciting extras: 'Second Unit Chronicles' (Interview with Assistant Director Edoardo Margheriti), 'Raiders Of The Sun God' (Interview with Writer Giovanni Paolucci), 'Antonio Margheriti Recalls David Warbeck', and a trailer. This is a REGION-A "LOCKED" BLU-RAY.
- Disc Three (CD): Features the complete original soundtracks of both The Hunters of the Golden Cobra and The Ark of the Sun God.
Jungle Raiders (1985)
Bringing his Indiana Jonesploitation trilogy to a close, Antonio Margheriti delivers a "fun and fast-paced" jungle adventure that became a beloved VHS staple. Now, for the first time ever, experience it in UHD! Christopher Connelly (Raiders of Atlantis) stars as a jaded safari guide who leads unsuspecting millionaires on fake treasure hunts in Malaysia. But when a cunning U.S. government operative, the legendary Lee Van Cleef, blackmails him into finding the mythical Ruby of Gloom, they’ll face death cults, treacherous double-crosses, volatile volcanoes, and exploding refineries. Marina Costa (The Final Executioner) and Luciano Pigozzi (Double Target) co-star in this "utterly charming" action hit, written by Giovanni Simonelli (The Ark of the Sun God) and originally released in America by Cannon Films. It’s a grand finale, newly scanned in 4K from the original camera negative.
*Special Features & Technical Specs for *Jungle Raiders:
- Disc One (4K Blu-ray): An EXCLUSIVE NEW 4K RESTORATION from the original camera negative, HDR PRESENTATION, original English and Italian audio, optional English SDH, and English subtitles, plus a trailer.
- Disc Two (Blu-ray): Another EXCLUSIVE NEW 4K RESTORATION, original audio and subtitle options, and engaging bonus content: 'The Ruby Trail' (Interview with Assistant Director Edoardo Margheriti), the Italian Credit Sequence, and a trailer. This is a REGION-A "LOCKED" BLU-RAY.
And this is the part most people miss: The very idea of 'Indiana Jonesploitation' films, while clearly inspired by a massive hit, often carve out their own unique identities through their directors' distinct styles and the often-wilder, more experimental approaches to action and storytelling. Margheriti’s films are a testament to this, offering a different flavor of adventure that’s just as exhilarating.
What do you think? Are these '80s adventure gems deserving of such a lavish 4K release, or do you feel they are simply imitations? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
