Movie Info
Movie Name: The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury
Studio: Universal Pictures
Genre(s): Animated/Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Action/Adventure
Release Date(s): June 15, 2004
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
My enemy has night vision…I’m screwed!
Richard Riddick, Jack, and Imam Abu al-Walid have escaped the horror of the dark planet and now are travelling through deep space. Picked up by mercenaries, Riddick, Jack, and Imam find themselves prisoners of Antonia Chillingsworth…unfortunately, Riddick will not be held, and he’s out to free his friends no matter what cost.
Directed by Peter Chung, The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury is a short Direct-to-DVD animated film. The movie helps fill in the events between Pitch Black (2000) and The Chronicles of Riddick (2004).
Pitch Black was a surprise hit for me. I really enjoyed the movie, it had some surprises, and it was a fun thriller. When The Chronicles of Riddick came out, I was a bit disappointed by changes in the themes when I first saw it, but I’ve soften a bit to it. I had not however seen The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury until recently.
I’m sure glad I keep facing enemies who have to be in the dark…
The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury doesn’t try to do anything complex or introduce new aspects to the “Riddick” story. The story is simply an adventure story with Riddick doing what Riddick does best: he fights. There is aren’t any complex alien races or plans, and it a fun little ride as a result.
The short does get complete film backing from the cast. Vin Diesel, Rhiana Griffith, and Keith David reprise their roles from Pitch Black. Rhiana Griffith provides Jack’s voice despite in The Chronicles of Riddick, she was replaced by Alexa Davalos. Tress MacNeille, who provides voices for everything from The Simpsons and Futurama to Animaniacs and Chip ’n Dales Rescue Rangers, is the voice of Antonia Chillingsworth.
Guess what, it’s not called Chronicles of Sword-Guy…You’re dead!
The art for the short is also strong. Animator Peter Chung has a really unique style. He brings the style he applied to Æon Flux to Riddick and it looks great. I like its slick, smooth style and it helps make the film better than just your average animated tie-in.
The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury is a short little movie but worth seeking out if you like the other films in the series. A Blu-Ray version does exist as part of a Riddick collection and with the newest Riddick film out in 2013, I hope that more Riddick adventures will come in the future and if they are animated like this film, I don’t think I’d be disappointed.
Related Links:
The Chronicles of Riddick (2004)
