Mortal Kombat (1995) Retro Review

About this episode

Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey revisit the iconic 1995 film Mortal Kombat, exploring its nostalgic value and production details.

This week on The Commentary Booth , Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey revisit one of the most iconic video game adaptations of the 1990s, Mortal Kombat (1995). With Mortal Kombat II arriving in cinemas, the pair head back to the original tournament to find out whether this cult classic still holds up nearly three decades later. Three martial arts warriors journey to a faraway island to battle for the fate of the Earth realm. It's dumb. It's glorious. And it absolutely holds up more than you'd expect. From nostalgia-fuelled memories of seeing the film at the drive-in, to breaking down the surprisingly strong fight choreography, practical effects, and unforgettable techno soundtrack, Jamie and Corrina dig into what made this adaptation a standout in an era when video game movies rarely worked. They also unpack the film’s wild casting “what ifs”, including alternate choices for Johnny Cage , Sonya Blade and Raiden , plus behind-the-scenes trivia around Goro ’s infamous animatronic suit and the production challenges faced by director Paul W.S. Anderson . Highlights Breakdown: - Why Mortal Kombat (1995) remains a nostalgic favourite for longtime fans - The surprisingly impressive practical…

People in this episode

Hosts: Jamie Apps, Corrina Mabey

Topics covered

• video game adaptations
• film review
• nostalgia
• fight choreography
• practical effects
• soundtrack comparison

Keywords

• Mortal Kombat
• 1995 film
• video game movie
• nostalgia
• fight choreography
• techno soundtrack
• practical effects
• casting choices

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Mortal Kombat (1995), Mortal Kombat II, Mortal Kombat

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