Blu-Ray Review: Starship Troopers: Traitor of Mars

Starship Troopers: Traitor of Mars is a pretty solid film that’s fun in spite of flaws. Let’s see how its home video release holds up.

The Blu-Ray comes packaged in the traditional plastic case but there’s a premium-feeling cardboard case. It’s shimmery and features raised lettering for the title offers a high-end presentation.

The disc is packed with special features. “Traitor of Mars: An Inside Look” includes videos on bugs and powered suits, as well as a segment focusing on the story and characters. This featurette clocks in at around 16 minutes. The likes of producer Joseph Chou weigh in on how Traitor of Mars relates to the original film.

Though it’s short, just under 7 minutes, “Expanding the Universe: 20 Years and Counting” explores the vast franchise and is my absolute favorite special feature on the disk. Casper Van Dien, who stars as Johnny Rico in the live-action 1997 film and Traitor of Mars and screenwriter Ed Neumeier chat about the legay. It’s fascinating to take a look at these two chatting and recalling anecdotes. Plus, Van Dien and Neumeier interview one another which is a blast. If there’s one featurette you watch (and really you should watch them all), it’s this. “Expanding the Universe: Traitor of Mars” is fascinating with Neumeier and Van Dien delving into how Traitor relates to the rest of the series.

“Expanding the Universe: Continuing the Universe” clocks in at just under four minutes and again gives commentary from Neumeier. There’s a deleted scene which is, well, odd. For one, it’s PlayStation 2 quality graphics, plus it’s pretty short. A gallery of concept art is really neat, and each of these feels as though it could be printed out and hung on a wall as art.

 

Ultimately, I strongly recommend picking up Starship Troopers: Traitor of Mars if you’re a fan of the series or the original 1997 film. If you’re not a fan of the 1997 movie, it’s totally worthy of a rewatch for its witty humor, strong effects, and fun-filled plot. The special features mostly feature the stars of the film, and it’s awesome to hear their thoughts on the characters and universe.