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 effects, costumes, and production design

- How the film influenced Mortal Kombat lore, including Kano becoming Australian

- Why the original techno soundtrack is still iconic

- Comparing the 1995 cult classic to the 2021 reboot and upcoming sequel

Does Mortal Kombat deserve its reputation as one of the best early video game adaptations? How well do the visual effects and practical creature work hold up today? Has the 2021 reboot changed how audiences view this original classic?

Finish him... by hitting play now.

This week’s episode is brought to you by

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