Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3 (1993)

When their closest friend April O'Neil discovers an ancient scepter with magical powers, the turtles must cow-a-bunga their way back to 17th century Japan to rescue her from the evil clutches of Lord Norinaga.

Director:

Stuart Gillard

Writers:

Kevin Eastman (based on characters created by), Peter Laird (based on characters created by)

Stars:

Elias Koteas, Paige Turco, Stuart Wilson

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Elias Koteas	...	Casey Jones / Whit
Paige Turco	...	April O'Neil
Stuart Wilson	...	Walker
Sab Shimono	...	Lord Norinaga
Vivian Wu	...	Mitsu
Mark Caso	...	Leonardo
Matt Hill	...	Raphael
Jim Raposa	...	Donatello
David Fraser	...	Michaelangelo
James Murray	...	Splinter
Eidan Hanzei	...	Kenshin (as Henry Hayashi)
John Aylward	...	Niles
Mak Takano	...	Benkei - Honor Guard #1
Steve Akahoshi	...	Honor Guard #2 (as Steven Getson Akahoshi)
Kent Kim	...	Honor Guard #3

Storyline

Ancient Japan, 1393. Without a map. Without a clue. Without a pizza. The international phenomenon that is the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, returns for a daring trip back in time. When their closest friend April O'Neil is accidentally transported to 17th century Japan, the Turtles spring into action, using a mysterious scepter to travel after her. Cowabunga. What they discover is they've landed right in the middle of a rebel samurai war. Now, with precious time on their side, they must save April and survive the deadly battle before it spills over into present day New York City.

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Plot Keywords:

splinter character | april o'neil character | sequel to cult film | arcade game | mutant | 

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Taglines:

The Turtles Are Back....In Time

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Comedy | Family | Fantasy | Sci-Fi

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for swashbuckling violence and mild language

Did You Know?

Trivia

On some dvd/blueray cases of this movie, instead of the Scepter, you'll see a Sword. This alludes to an Earlier plot involving a magic sword instead of a Scepter.

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Goofs

When Raphael is having his heart to heart with Yoshi, one of his wristbands is missing. When he joins Yoshi in flying the kite, his wristband has reappeared.

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Quotes

Raphael: Fightin's for grown-ups, and that's only if you got no other choice.

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Alternate Versions

The depiction of chainsticks on screen was rarely allowed in the UK, so the movie was heavily cut or reframed to remove every last trace of them. In total 7 secs were removed from the reframed print with most of the edits made to the opening scene where Michaelangelo practices with the nunchakus and hits a punching ball (this was replaced with images of the turtles dancing). The cuts were fully waived in 2002 for the DVD.

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Connections

Referenced in Cinemassacre Video: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1 and 2 - The First (and best) TMNT Films (2019)

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Soundtracks

Can't Stop Rockin'
Performed by ZZ Top
Words and Music by Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Records Inc.
By arrangement with Warner Special Products
© 1985 Hamstein Music Company (ASCAP)
All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission. International Copyright Secured.

User Reviews

Not the best, but still a laugh

Originally when I saw this movie, it had only just come out in theaters and I was just a kid. At the time, I thought the movie was a steaming pile of crap, no where near in comparison tot he first two. Hell, I overlooked the inclusion of Vanilla Ice for YEARS, insisting that even if he was in the second movie, it was still better than the third. However, now that I am older and a touch wiser, I've gone back and watched all three movies (I've been on a serious TMNT-a-Thon ever since I heard a new movie was in the making). While I admit the third is indeed the worst of the three, it is far from the travesty I originally thought (and thought for years). Aside from the silly story and the poor quality turtle costumes, the dialog is given several moments to shine with some surprisingly funny jokes and one-liners and minor giggles. I'm not saying every TMNT fan should go out and buy this. I don't even own it myself. However, I think you should get a few friends together, grab some snacks, some source of caffeine, order a pizza, and rent TMNT III for a night of absurdity and laughs. That's what my friends and I did <3

Details

Country:

USA Hong Kong

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 March 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: The Sacred Scroll of Death

Filming Locations:

Oregon, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$21,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$12,419,597, 21 March 1993

Gross USA:

$42,273,609

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$42,273,609

Company Credits

Production Co:

Golden Harvest Company, Clearwater Holdings, Image Comics

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1