Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) DVD Review – UK

A secret from her father's past leads Lara Croft on her most dangerous adventure yet.

Runtime

1 Hour 40 Minutes

Region

Region 1

Sound

Dolby Digital 5.1

Aspect

2.35:1

Release year

2001

Details

Legend tells of a rare planetary alignment that unlocks the power of an ancient artefact - a mysterious triangular object forged from a fallen meteorite. So powerful was this object that it was broken into pieces and scattered across the globe to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.

When a hidden clock within Croft Manor begins mysteriously ticking, Lara discovers a strange key concealed within its mechanisms. A letter from her long-deceased father explains its significance and sets her on a globe-trotting quest to locate the remaining pieces of the Triangle of Light before a secret society known as the Illuminati can harness its destructive potential.

From Cambodian temples to Siberian ice caves, Lara finds herself engaged in a relentless series of set pieces, gunfights and acrobatic showdowns. The film rarely pauses for character development, opting instead for spectacle over substance. While the premise has potential, the execution feels more like a loosely connected sequence of action scenes than a coherent narrative.

Picture & Sound

As expected from a big-budget, effects-laden production, the anamorphic transfer is excellent. Colours are rich and vibrant, blacks are solid, and detail levels remain strong even during the numerous dark tomb sequences. The bitrate holds up well with no obvious artefacts or edge enhancement. Most of the CGI blends convincingly into its surroundings, although a handful of digital creatures betray their synthetic origins.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is suitably aggressive and energetic. Surround channels are used effectively during the many action sequences, with bullets, debris and environmental effects making full use of the rear speakers. The LFE channel provides satisfying impact during explosions and slow-motion combat moments. Dialogue remains clear throughout, even when the musical score surges to the forefront.

Menu & Extras

The animated menu system is stylish and very much in keeping with the film's slick, gadget-driven aesthetic. Borrowing heavily from the visual language of James Bond, the menus are smooth, responsive and well designed.

The extras package is generous, featuring several behind-the-scenes documentaries covering the stunts, visual effects and character creation, along with deleted scenes and a director's audio commentary. The inclusion of the U2 music video for "Elevation" rounds out a solid supplementary package.

There is also an amusing Easter egg hidden within the main menu - highlight the subtle wavy lines near the menu options to access a short interview with Jon Voight and Angelina Jolie. A nice touch for those willing to explore.

Overall

As a film, Tomb Raider struggles under the weight of its own ambition. The plot is flimsy, the dialogue frequently borders on parody and the story lacks emotional engagement. However, Angelina Jolie is perfectly cast and fully commits to the role, bringing a physical presence and confidence that carries the film through its weaker moments.

Compared to other video-game adaptations such as Street Fighter, it may represent a slight improvement, but that is hardly high praise. Ultimately this is style over substance - an expensive spectacle that prioritises action over storytelling with a plot is so ropey you could use it to support your garden runner beans.

As a DVD release it is impressive, packed with strong technical presentation and worthwhile extras. As a film, however, it is difficult to recommend beyond fans of the franchise or admirers of its leading star. Buyer beware.