Cliffhanger

Sony and Tri-Star's Blu-ray release of "Cliffhanger" presents a markedly improved AVC transfer, maintaining the film's original 2.40:1 aspect ratio with a solid and stable print that deeply respects the source material without succumbing to unnecessary digital enhancements. The transfer exhibits a robust clarity and color fidelity that, while not boasting the vibrancy of more recent high-definition transfers, remains faithful to the film's natural palette. Noteworthy is the balance achieved in preserving the film’s colors—particularly the reds of the rescue chopper and the nuanced hues of flames and blood—which stand out against the snowy backdrop without appearing oversaturated. Furthermore, the detail in facial textures, clothing, and environmental elements like rock faces and icicles is significantly sharper, bringing a new level of immersion to the viewing experience.

The high-definition upgrade notably enhances depth and shadow detail, especially evident in scenes showcasing the Italian Alps' breathtaking vistas and in darker sequences where the balance of light and dark is meticulously maintained. Blacks are deep and pure, contributing to an appreciable depth in low-light conditions without crushing details. Grain presence varies, suggesting a transfer that remains true to the original filming conditions rather than falling victim to overzealous noise reduction. Some visual effects and composite shots betray their age, appearing more pronounced amidst the otherwise solid resolution and textural definition. However, these moments do little to detract from the overall impressive quality of the transfer.

Despite occasional softness and a few instances of background noise and banding, the Blu-ray presentation of "Cliffhanger" is arguably the best this film has looked since its theatrical release. Color reproduction is natural with well-represented flesh tones and a consistent presentation of the film’s varied and dynamic color scheme, from the bright reds of helicopters to the subtler earth tones and primaries. While not reaching the pinnacle of current high-definition possibilities, owing partly to the source material’s original qualities and age-related limitations, this release delivers a commendably clean, sharp, and engaging viewing experience that fans will undoubtedly appreciate.

Cliffhanger's Blu-ray release boasts an auditory experience that's as muscular and relentless as its high-stakes, action-packed narrative. With a high bitrate, lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, the film roars to life in a spectacle of sound that transcends its visuals. The soundscape of Cliffhanger is intricately layered, marrying the harshness of explosive action sequences with the subtlety of nature's quietest whispers. From the rotors of a helicopter intricately moving across the soundstage, mimicking its presence with a realism that's almost tangible, to the enveloping orchestral score by Trevor Jones that sweeps across the channels with smooth, refined dynamism, the audio presentation is a testament to the power of lossless audio in enhancing cinematic immersion.

The sonic fidelity extends to capturing the raw ferocity of gunfire, the catastrophic roar of avalanches, and the chilling whisper of snow underfoot, each benefiting from an exceptional dynamic range that lends palpable energy and concussive impact to the action, while ensuring dialogue clarity amidst the chaos. The surround mix actively engages the entire sound field, seamlessly integrating ambient effects and directional cues that add layer upon depth to the experience. An impressive low-end frequency response ensures that every explosion and natural disaster hits with room-shaking intensity, anchoring the high-octane visuals with weight and depth.

Despite its prowess in delivering an auditory tapestry rich in both bombastic spectacles and nuanced details of the environment, Cliffhanger’s audio mix occasionally allows these dynamic sequences to overshadow dialogue clarity. This minor quibble aside, the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track exemplifies audio mixing and design at its most visceral and enveloping. It stands as a definitive upgrade over previous formats, offering viewers not only an improvement but a complete transformation of the viewing experience, ensuring that every moment, from the quietest to the most explosive, is nothing short of gripping.

The Blu-ray edition of "Cliffhanger" packs a commendable array of extras, faithfully porting over the features from its special edition DVD while introducing BD-Live and Movie IQ functionality for an enhanced viewing experience. The disc features two commentary tracks; one with insights from director Renny Harlin and star Sylvester Stallone, offering a fascinating glimpse into the production's challenges and triumphs, albeit with Stallone's input feeling somewhat minimal. Harlin's technical acumen shines through in both his solo commentary and a detailed personal introduction to the film. Viewers will also appreciate the inclusion of two deleted scenes, accompanied by Harlin's explanatory remarks on their omission, alongside a vintage making-of featurette, "Stallone on the Edge," which provides a lighter look at the production. Special effects analyses and storyboard comparisons delve deeper into the movie's visual storytelling. The original theatrical trailer and a selection of HD previews for other titles round out the package, making for a robust supplement to the film's Blu-ray release.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentaries: Two tracks featuring director Renny Harlin and Sylvester Stallone among others, covering extensive ground on the film’s production.
• A Personal Introduction from Renny Harlin: A brief insight into the director's perspective.
• Deleted Scenes: Two scenes not included in the final cut, with director's introductions.
• Stallone on the Edge: The Making of 'Cliffhanger': A 20-minute featurette focusing on the film’s creation.
• Special Effects: Breakdowns of key sequences such as Sarah's Fall and the Helicopter Explosion.
• Storyboard Comparisons: Visual comparisons for significant scenes against their initial storyboards.
• Theatrical Trailer: With an optional introduction by Renny Harlin, sharing thoughts on trailers as marketing tools.
• BD-Live / MovieIQ: Features that provide real-time facts and trivia about the film’s cast and crew during viewing.
• Previews: High definition previews of films like 'Snatch', 'The DaVinci Code Extended Cut', 'Ghostbusters', and more.

Renny Harlin's "Cliffhanger" remains a pinnacle of the action genre, consistently thrilling viewers with its high-altitude suspense and visually striking set pieces, despite some dated visual effects. Sylvester Stallone’s portrayal of Gabe Walker provides a compelling blend of agility and grit, facilitating a more nuanced and vulnerable action hero that stands apart from his roles in "Rocky" and "Rambo". The supporting cast, including John Lithgow's deliciously villainous performance and Michael Rooker's steadfast loyalty, elevate the narrative, making "Cliffhanger" not just a Stallone showcase but a robust ensemble effort. The Blu-ray presentation magnifies this cinematic experience with impeccable AV quality that breathes new life into the icy slopes and treacherous cliffs of the Italian Alps doubling for Colorado's Rocky Mountains.

The storyline taps into a timeless action trope – a straightforward battle of wits and wills against a backdrop of perilous terrains and high stakes. Yet, it distinguishes itself with its relentless pace and ingeniously staged set pieces that rival the best of its genre. The film's awe-inspiring opening scene sets a high bar for tension, a level that Harlin skillfully maintains throughout, leveraging both the stark beauty of the natural landscape and the raw physicality of its actors’ performances. Notably, the commitment to real stunts and minimal reliance on digital effects grants "Cliffhanger" an authenticity that enhances its spectacle and dramatic tension, making every leap and explosion feel all the more perilous.

Action connoisseurs will appreciate the film's adherence to genre hallmarks while pushing the boundaries with its breathtaking location work and harrowing survival scenarios. The Blu-ray's audiovisual clarity underscores Trevor Jones' dynamic score and the intricately choreographed action, ensuring "Cliffhanger" endures as a hallmark of '90s cinema. While the extras might not break new ground, they offer valuable insight into the film's creation, with deleted scenes and commentaries enriching the viewing experience for fans and newcomers alike. In essence, "Cliffhanger" not only reinvigorated Stallone's career but also stands as a testament to Harlin’s directorial prowess and the enduring appeal of well-crafted action cinema.

In evaluating the Blu-ray presentation of "Cliffhanger," it's clear that while the film itself may not rival some of its contemporaries for script or performance, it stands out with its sheer spectacle and auditory experience. Utilizing an impressive array of equipment—including the JVC DLA-RS20 1080p High Definition Front Projector calibrated by Jeff Meier and the Anthem AVM50v THX Ultra 2 Preamp/Video Processor—the transfer conveys the film's breathtaking locations and stunts with a commendable level of detail. However, the 1080p video quality, despite expectations, slightly underdelivers, failing to match the high standards set by the audio's dynamic lossless presentation, which successfully immerses viewers into the action through systems like Canton Ergo and Axiom Audio QS8 speakers.

Regarding the technical setup that facilitated this review, it heavily features top-tier components such as the Oppo BDP-83 Universal disc/Blu-ray Player and Sherbourn Technologies' 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier, complemented by high-quality cabling solutions from Wireworld and Audioquest. This robust configuration underscores the testing environment's capability to discern and evaluate the finest audiovisual details. The auditory experience, powered by equipment capable of delivering a striking lossless soundtrack, notably stands in contrast to the video presentation. Despite these capabilities, enthusiasts might find the video performance less thrilling, which slightly diminishes the overall high-definition experience.

In conclusion, "Cliffhanger" on Blu-ray finds its strength in its sound presentation rather than its visuals. Though it may not fully satisfy purists hoping for a flawless transfer, the engaging lossless audio compensates significantly, supported by an enviable home theater setup. With plenty of extras to sweeten the deal, this release remains recommendable for fans seeking to relive the adrenaline-pumping action with superior sound, making it a valuable addition to a Blu-ray collection. However, its full potential is somewhat restrained by the video quality, marking a missed opportunity for an unequivocal home run.