The Highlander franchise stands as a testament to the enduring allure of epic narratives that blend action with fantasy. While most fans remember the original films starring Christopher Lambert, the franchise also ventured into the world of animated storytelling with “Highlander: The Animated Series.” Premiering in 1994, this animated adaptation joined a peculiar wave where beloved R-rated action films were repackaged for younger audiences. This trend included other heavyweights like “RoboCop” and “Rambo,” which raised the question: can a series retain its essence while becoming child-friendly?
Highlander: The Animated Series arrived at a time when the world craved fresh narratives, and the allure of immortals battling for supremacy was too enticing to resist. The show was set centuries after a catastrophic event had nearly eradicated civilization, thrusting humanity into a dark age reminiscent of medieval times. The genesis of the plot revolves around a clandestine group of immortals—a group that pledges to safeguard humanity’s remnants. However, the sinister immortal Kortan subverts this mission, establishing an iron-fisted regime. Out of the shadows, young immortal Quentin MacLeod emerges, determined to challenge Kortan’s brutal authority, setting the stage for a riveting saga filled with adventures, betrayals, and intense confrontations.
Animation Meets Mature Themes
One of the most fascinating aspects of the animated series is how it grapples with themes that resonate on multiple levels, even while adhering to accessibility for a younger demographic. The very premise—the quest for power, the struggle between good and evil, and the complexity of moral ambiguity—mirrors the intricacies of real-life situations. While its execution may lack the visceral impact of its live-action counterparts, the series doesn’t shy away from the gravity of character deaths and tragic arcs. The show creatively navigates around the more graphic content of the movies, yet it retains a surprising level of emotional weight, enriching the viewing experience.
Despite being presented in standard definition and lacking bonus content in its recent Blu-ray release—set to launch on July 29, 2025—there’s an unmistakable charm to revisiting this ’90s artifact. The collection boasts all 40 episodes across two seasons, inviting a new generation of viewers into its world while also enabling veterans of the franchise to relive their childhood memories. Even in its moderate presentation, enthusiasts will likely find joy in experiencing the evolution of its beloved characters.
Missing the Cinematic Glory
While the animated series has its merits, it is crucial to recognize the challenges faced by collectors of the Highlander franchise. Most of the original films and series are reportedly out of print, making them elusive treasures for die-hard fans. In contrast, the first Highlander film remains available in a superbly curated 30th Anniversary 4K Blu-ray edition, complete with a multitude of bonuses, including commentary tracks and insights into the film’s iconic soundtrack composed by Queen. This dichotomy raises questions about how the industry treats its legacy media and why significant titles remain difficult to access.
The Highlander narrative, whether in animation or live-action, has proved its endurance over time and continues to captivate audiences with its rich lore and timeless themes of immortality, struggle, and redemption. As we await the arrival of the animated collection, it stands as a reminder of how far the franchise has come while still holding potential for greater storytelling adventures.