Masters of the Universe

Masters of the Universe, a visual spectacle in its own right, represents a nostalgic trip down memory lane with its Blu-ray release, showcasing a commendable effort by Warner in its 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer. It's evident from the get-go that the collaborative effort between Israeli cinematographer Hanania Baer and director Goddard to balance a stylized vision against a more naturalistic look has been preserved with integrity in this HD upgrade. The Blu-ray retains the film's original graininess—a conscious choice to keep the visual texture true to its photochemical finishing and nocturnal shoots in Whittier, California. This decision will resonate well with purists, who will appreciate the authentic replication of the film's cinematic quality, despite the inherent softness and weaker contrasts in effects-heavy and composite shots.

Delving deeper into the specifics, the Blu-ray does reveal its age, particularly through somewhat muted colors and a visible softness in mid- to long-range shots. Yet, it is precisely these imperfections that underscore the faithful preservation of the film’s original aesthetic, costumes, and makeup work in high definition. Notably, close-up shots benefit immensely from this upgrade, revealing an unprecedented level of detail—from facial hair to intricate smile lines—that was previously obscured in VHS and DVD formats. However, challenges such as fading colors and errant noise remind viewers of the technological limitations of the era.

Despite these minor quibbles, the Blu-ray transition impressive enhances visual details that enriches the viewing experience significantly compared to older formats. Even with slight banding in some scenes and occasional shadow crush, the presentation’s strengths—like improved black levels essential for characters like Skeletor and preserved detail in costume and set design—far outweigh its shortcomings. This release encapsulates a sweet spot between adhering to the film’s original visual essence and offering a palpable upgrade in quality, making it a worthwhile acquisition for fans eager to revisit Eternia with fresh eyes.

The audio presentation of "Masters of the Universe" on Blu-ray, featuring its original stereo soundtrack, has been produced in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. This ensures a solid and serviceable auditory experience with commendable fidelity, though it stops short of offering an immersive surround sound experience, even when utilized with sophisticated matrix decoders. The dialogue clarity stands out prominently, a trait that pairs well with the film's characteristically theatrical Eternian vernacular. Notably, the film's score, masterfully composed by Bill Conti, shines through in this lossless format, evoking the epic essence of otherworldly confrontation with a unique voice that distinguishes itself from the works of John Williams or Jerry Goldsmith yet matches their emblematic impact on science fiction and fantasy storytelling.

However, this release does not introduce a new mix but opts to enhance the stereo presentation of its predecessor. The transition to a lossless DTS-HD MA 2.0 track does offer an auditory improvement, particularly in terms of resonance and the clarity of low-frequency effects (LFE), which give explosions and laser blasts a notable depth missing from the DVD's lossy mix. Despite these advancements, dialogue and the musical score at times retain a tinny quality, detracting slightly from the overall sonic depth that fans might have anticipated.

In essence, while the Blu-ray edition of "Masters of the Universe" delivers an improved audio experience with clear dialogue and a splendid reproduction of its score, it may leave some audiences yearning for a more robust and enveloping sound design. The solid stereo mix offers increased resonance and clearer LFE compared to its DVD incarnation, yet the absence of a surround sound option or more significant enhancements could be seen as a missed opportunity to fully revitalize this iconic film's auditory landscape for modern home theaters.

The extras on the "Masters of the Universe" Blu-ray offer an intriguing but mixed bag for enthusiasts. The highlight is undoubtedly the audio commentary by director Gary Goddard, which, despite its occasional depth issues due to the considerable time elapsed since the film's release, remains a treasure trove of anecdotes and filmmaker insights. Goddard, having not directed another film but instead transitioning to a successful career in theme park attraction design, approaches the commentary with a mix of nostalgia and professional shift in perspective, making it a unique listen. However, his detachment can sometimes render the commentary more superficial compared to others recorded closer to a film's release. The trailers, offered in both standard and high definition, contrast in quality and presentation but uniformly carry an overly solemn narration that might unintentionally amuse more discerning fans. Despite these variances, the extras provide a worthwhile peek behind the curtain for those fascinated by the film's production history.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Gary Goddard: A deep dive into the director's experience and memories from filming, marked by a blend of enthusiasm and reflective distance.

• Trailer (SD; 1.78:1, enhanced): Features almost solemnly serious narration, provided in standard definition.

• Trailer (HD): The theatrical trailer in high definition, also noted for its solemn narration.

Masters of the Universe," released during the peak of He-Man's popularity in 1987, represents an audacious attempt to translate the beloved toy line and cartoon series into a cinematic experience. Directed by Gary Goddard, his first foray into feature filmmaking was both shaped and constrained by a variety of challenges, including budgetary limitations and the technological state of the era. This resulted in notable deviations from the source material, such as the CGI-absent representation of Orko, and an ambition to pay homage to the comic book aesthetics of Jack Kirby - an influence deeply felt yet never directly translated from the comics. Despite these deviations, Goddard's vision was grounded in a dedication to creating a kid-friendly universe wherein characters like He-Man (Dolph Lundgren) and Skeletor (Frank Langella) could exist as larger-than-life figures, directly mirroring the fantastical battles children imagined with their action figures.

The film's narrative, while innovatively intersecting the world of Eternia with Earth, employs a cast that blends the muscular heroics of Lundgren with the crafty villainy of Langella under layers of makeup and prosthetics designed by Michael Westmore. The story oscillates between these two planets, involving earthlings in a cosmic key-fueled battle for the universe's fate. Despite its initial critical and commercial disappointment, "Masters of the Universe" has cultivated a following that appreciates its earnest attempt at blending sci-fi and fantasy elements with the unmistakable flavor of 1980s cinema. This generational fondness stems not only from nostalgia but also a recognition of the film's unique place within the genre – balancing between the so-bad-it's-good allure of its campy execution and the genuine enthusiasm visible in its production.

Its presentation on Blu-ray, spearheaded by Warner Bros., invites a new appreciation for "Masters of the Universe" with enhanced visual and auditory clarity bringing new life to Eternia's battle-scarred landscapes and synth-laden scores. The 25GB disc encapsulates this vibrant yet flawed gem within cinema's vast universe, offering a high-definition gaze into a film that ambitiously sought to immortalize He-Man's saga. As it stands, this Blu-ray release serves not merely as a dredge through nostalgia but as an artifact of cinema’s relentless pursuit to adapt and celebrate characters that have shaped cultural milestones, underscored by Tenney's balance between vision and limitation.

Masters of the Universe" on Blu-ray presents an intriguing paradox: it's a testament to the enduring charm of an 80s sci-fi narrative that thrives on both nostalgia and a unique blend of operatic themes, despite its inherent cheesiness. This film, much like George Lucas' iconic "Star Wars" saga, navigates through the cosmic dance of good versus evil with a grandeur that belies its B movie roots. With exquisite costumes and a heady mix of ambition and space-age drama, it’s easy to see why this could have rivaled the likes of Darth Vader in the pantheon of cinematic villainy. The quality of the Blu-ray enhances this experience, bringing out the nuances of what might have otherwise been dismissed as merely another corny 80s flick.

The archival value of this release cannot be overstated. Not only does it offer a crystal-clear window into Dolph Lundgren's pivotal role that encapsulates the trajectory of his career, but it also serves as a cultural artifact, capturing a moment when high fantasy met science fiction with unabashed boldness. Its preservation in high definition allows both newcomers and longtime fans to appreciate the intricate details of its production design, from Skeletor's menacing lair to Eternia's sprawling landscapes, with breathtaking clarity.

In conclusion, "Masters of the Universe" on Blu-ray is more than a simple trip down memory lane; it's a vital addition to any sci-fi aficionado's collection. It stands as a compelling chronicle of an era where cinematic excesses were embraced with open arms, immortalizing a film that, against all odds, has managed to carve its niche as a beloved cult classic. Highly recommended for its technical brilliance and the sheer joy of revisiting an 80s gem with contemporary clarity.