The Island Blu-ray Review

"The Island" Blu Ray offers a mixed but overall satisfactory high-definition transfer that showcases the film's cinematographic strengths. The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode (2.35:1) brings Henri Decaë’s visuals to life with pronounced contrast and a thin layer of natural grain, providing the picture with a film-like aesthetic. Daytime scenes benefit from bright, vibrant colors, particularly the greens of the surrounding foliage and the bold blood reds. Blacks during nighttime sequences are generally accurate and richly penetrating, although they oscillate at times from deep and natural to slightly washed out with hints of red and purple, affecting dark business suits and backdrops.

The image resolution exhibits an increase in detail that, while not strikingly complex, is appreciable given the film's age. Fine objects and textures are well-defined, although a noticeable softness persists across some scenes. Grain is inconsistently managed, spiking significantly in certain moments, giving an impression of video noise, yet remaining unobtrusive from normal viewing distances. Some scenes exhibit minor palette fades and thickened grain that can interrupt the overall visual consistency. Despite these fluctuations in image quality and occasional noise intrusion, "The Island" presents itself as a formidable improvement over previous DVD releases, delivering a pleasing if imperfect high-definition viewing experience.

"The Island" delivers a robust audio experience with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, which offers impressive spatial elements and strong directional usage during critical moments. The soundtrack effectively utilizes the surrounds for immersive effects, especially during action scenes, creating an engaging auditory landscape. Notably, elements like the gentle rain and lingering thunder claps provide a natural and satisfying ambiance. While some sequences, like the gun range scene, may lack sonic inspiration, the overall aggressive elements dominate when required, particularly during the climax. Music cues, though occasionally sharp, are well-spaced and volumetric, contributing to a robust presentation. Dialogue remains clear and precise, ensuring a coherent listening experience.

Comparatively, "The Island (1980)" offers two audio options - 5.1 surround sound and 2.0 stereo. The 5.1 surround option effectively spreads Ennio Morricone's score and discrete effects but occasionally suffers from overly loud rear speakers. On the other hand, the original DTS-HD Master Audio stereo track stands out with its sturdy and natural soundstage. This mix boasts excellent channel separation and detailed mid-range clarity, maintaining auditory perfection during the dynamic third act. The low bass is substantial, providing depth to gunshots and explosions. Regardless of choice, both high-resolution tracks deliver a thrilling and immersive audio journey fit for any adventure enthusiast.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Island" are sparse, comprising only three theatrical trailers. While the inclusion of these previews may offer a nostalgic glance at the marketing campaigns for the films, it is evident that the set does not provide any in-depth supplementary content like behind-the-scenes documentaries, director commentaries, or making-of featurettes. Each of the included trailers is presented in standard definition, which, in comparison to the high-definition main feature, feels outdated and underwhelming. Thus, for enthusiasts seeking a more immersive and comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the film, this Blu-ray edition might fall short of expectations.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Island: Theatrical trailer.
• Death Valley: Theatrical trailer.
• They Live: Theatrical trailer.

Set against the backdrop of the Caribbean, "The Island" features Michael Caine as investigative journalist Blair Maynard, who probes into the mysterious disappearances of boats. Accompanied by his son Justin, Maynard's investigation leads them to Navidad Island, where they encounter a hidden colony of pirates descended from 17th-century buccaneers. Under John David Nau's leadership (David Warner), these modern-day marauders impose their ruthless pirate heritage onto the captives, including Maynard and his son. While the premise has potential, the film struggles to capitalize on it, often falling short in pacing, character development, and dramatic engagement.

"The Island" endeavors to meld suspense with action, portraying pirates as both savage remnants of a bygone era and modern threats. However, the characters fail to resonate emotionally; Caine's portrayal of Maynard lacks the depth needed for a compelling hero, while the villains, though numerous and violent, lack the chilling menace expected from classic antagonists. The son, Justin, serves more as a plot device than a fully-realized character, further diminishing the story's impact. The film's technical aspects, from its editing to its action sequences, exhibit a roughness that detracts rather than adds charm or grit.

Despite some well-staged action scenes like an elaborate ship-boarding sequence, "The Island" often meanders through its narrative. Director Michael Ritchie attempts to maintain suspense but diverges into campy territory that undercuts the film's tension. Warner's Nau manages to instill some sense of foreboding, but it's not enough to elevate the film from its middling status. Ultimately, "The Island" is a curious yet uninspired blend of survival instincts clashing with antiquated piracy, leaving viewers yearning for more than what it delivers.

The Island is innocent fun that doesn't serve a purpose beyond general entertainment, but not every film need leave audiences pondering life's greatest mysteries. It could have been better, could have been worse, but cinema is full of such unremarkable pictures, which isn't the worst company for a movie of this sort. The Island just can't ever piece together its characters or actions or drama, leaving it all a piecemeal, globular entity that fits well enough together but never truly engages its audience beyond the boundaries of cinema tedium. Shout! Factory's Blu-ray release of The Island features acceptable video and solid audio. No supplements that can't be found by going to YouTube are included. Rent it. Based on a novel by 'Jaws' author Peter Benchley, 'The Island' is an entertaining thriller about classic 17th Century pirates still terrorizing the Caribbean Seas and amusingly meeting their match in Michael Caine. Directed Michael Ritchie, it's an enjoyable and well-made little film that shatters the romanticized image of the swashbuckling outlaws of legend. The Blu-ray arrives with strong video and an excellent audio presentation, but the overall package is a disappointing bare-bones release which only fans will find worth collecting.

"The Island" delivers a unique blend of thriller and adventure, based on Peter Benchley's novel. Directed by Michael Ritchie, the film depicts 17th Century pirates clashing with Michael Caine’s character in an engaging narrative that diverges from typical pirate romanticism. The technical execution captures an intriguing ambiance, although the character and dramatic cohesion fall short of compelling engagement.

Shout! Factory's Blu-ray boasts strong video and excellent audio quality, ensuring a visually and sonically immersive experience. However, the release’s lack of substantial supplementary material is a considerable letdown for collectors and fans who might have been seeking deeper insights into the making or thematic elements of the film.

In conclusion, "The Island" is innocent fun that doesn't serve a purpose beyond general entertainment. Shout! Factory's Blu-ray offers acceptable video and solid audio, but the sparse extras make it an underwhelming package. Rent it if you’re curious, but this release may not be worth adding to your permanent collection unless you're a dedicated fan.