Mission: Impossible Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Mission: Impossible" presents the film in a 1080p, MPEG-2 encoded transfer, maintaining its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The video quality, while arguably the best it has been in its numerous releases over the past decade, leaves much to be desired when stacked against the potential of high definition. The transfer exhibits an only modest enhancement in fine detail, and the color reproduction does not quite reach the vivacity or accuracy enthusiasts might expect. The overall image is marred by a softness that detracts from the finer points of the cinematography, and while there is a cinematic grain that might appeal to some purists, the addition of black and white speckles throughout diminishes the viewing experience. Flesh tones and colors fluctuate across scenes, varying from overly red to unnaturally pale, without a consistent baseline.

Paramount has repackaged this edition for individual sale after its initial release as part of the 'Ultimate Missions' box set, without altering any of the technical specifications. Despite being the weakest visually in its trilogy, this release does showcase some improvements over prior editions, particularly in terms of source material condition and the avoidance of major degradation signs. However, the image remains decidedly dark and soft, with an evident 'black crush' issue that affects the delineation in shadowy segments and oversaturated colors that sometimes distort natural hues, especially in skin tones.

However, not all is lost; the Blu-ray does manage to capture a good amount of depth in certain sequences, notably during brighter daylight scenes which come closest to demonstrating the format's capabilities. Detail levels are slightly better than average for a film of its age, and the transfer benefits from a smoothness and clarity that keep compression artifacts at bay. The action scenes, in particular, are handled well, without noticeable macroblocking, showcasing that while "Mission: Impossible" may not meet the high benchmarks set by contemporary high definition releases, it still offers a competent if not entirely satisfying upgrade from previous versions.

The audio presentation of "Mission: Impossible" on Blu-ray, encoded in Dolby Digital 5.1, reveals a performance that, while competent, falls short of spectacular. The track, operating at a bitrate of 640kbps—a reduction from the HD DVD's 1.5mbps—struggles to fully exploit the potential of its big-budget source material. Despite its admirable dynamic range and the pristine clarity of dialogue and gadgetry sounds, the mix's use of surround sound feels underwhelming, failing to consistently immerse the listener in the film's diverse environments. Scenes that could benefit from a rich, atmospheric soundscape, such as those set in crowded locales, instead come across as disappointingly flat. Danny Elfman’s score, alongside U2's energized rendition of the series’ iconic theme, punctuates the soundtrack with high points that are clear and forceful, yet these moments are sporadic highlights within an overall lackluster sound design.

Notably, the film’s audio track delivers its most compelling experience during sequences of heightened tension and action, where the soundstage springs to life with more deliberate and effective use of the surround channels. The break-in scene's use of near-silence, punctuated by the subtle hums of electronic equipment, exemplifies the soundtrack's capacity for nuanced soundscaping. Conversely, the high-speed train chase epitomizes the audio at its most dynamic, with sound effects sweeping from front to rear with convincing vigor, momentarily transporting the listener into the heart of the action. Yet, these instances aside, the audio presentation often misses opportunities to enhance the film’s impact, with many sound effects lacking the depth and intensity that might have otherwise elevated the sensory experience.

Dialogue remains consistently clear across varied scenes, ensuring that narrative elements are never lost amidst the score or sound effects. However, this clarity does not compensate for the audio track's overall mediocrity. The soundtrack’s handling of music offers occasional thrills yet fails to sustain an engaging auditory experience throughout. The end result is a sonic aspect of "Mission: Impossible" that, whilst technically proficient in areas such as dialogue reproduction and specific action sequences, ultimately feels underwhelming in its failure to consistently harness and project the full auditory potential inherent in such a high-octane adventure.

Paramount's Blu-ray release of "Mission: Impossible" offers an impressive collection of supplemental features that enthusiasts and newcomers alike will find enriching. The collection includes insightful featurettes like "Mission: Remarkable - 40 Years of Creating the Impossible," which delves into the franchise's evolution and Tom Cruise's involvement, and "Mission: Explosive Exploits," highlighting Cruise's commitment to performing his stunt work. "Mission: Spies Among Us" offers a tantalizing glimpse into the world of espionage, and "Mission: International Spy Museum" is a unique journey through spy gadgetry. Absent audio commentary from Brian De Palma, these extras provide a comprehensive look at the making-of aspects and the rich history behind the series. Additionally, promotional materials and tributes to Cruise's career offer more for fans to enjoy. While some may seek more behind-the-scenes footage, the available content strikes a fine balance between celebrating the franchise's past and looking forward to its future.

Extras included in this disc:

• Mission: Remarkable - 40 years of Creating the Impossible: A dive into the franchise's history and progression.
• Mission: Explosive Exploits: Focus on Tom Cruise's physical performance and stunt work.
• Mission: Spies Among Us: Examination of hypothetical spy work and intelligence gathering.
• Mission: Catching the Train: Insights into creating a climactic action sequence.
• Mission: International Spy Museum: A tour of notable exhibits guided by Peter Earnest.
• Mission: Agent Dossiers: Profiles of key characters in the franchise.
• Excellence in Film: Tribute to Tom Cruise's receipt of the Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award for Excellence in Film.
• Generation: Cruise: MTV Generation Award tribute to Cruise.
• Photo Gallery: Collection of production and publicity stills.
• Mission: Marketing: Includes film's teaser and theatrical trailers, plus TV spots.

Brian De Palma's "Mission: Impossible," arrives on Blu-ray amidst a backdrop of nostalgia for blockbuster adaptations of classic television shows. While the film itself has been praised for its slick presentation and an ensemble cast delivering compelling performances under the legendary director's unique vision, the Blu-ray release leaves something to be desired. The film, which came out in 1996, marked a significant point in cinematic history, setting a high bar for summer blockbusters with its intelligent screenplay that balanced thrilling action with complex intrigue. This transmutation of a beloved small-screen series into a big-budget spectacle was a departure from the era's comic book adaptations, showcasing Tom Cruise in a role that demanded both physical prowess and intellectual agility.

The narrative thrust of "Mission: Impossible" hinges on the covert operations of the Impossible Missions Force (IMF), led by Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and Jim Phelps (Jon Voight), as they navigate through layers of deception to uncover a mole within their ranks. This premise sets the stage for a movie that requires—and rewards—viewer attentiveness, as the plot unfolds with intricate details and twists. The stellar cast, including Ving Rhames, Jean Reno, and Emmanuelle Béart, bring depth to their roles, with Voight's portrayal of Phelps standing out for its nuanced complexity. Despite these strengths, criticisms have been leveled at the film's screenplay for its convolutions and at times, emotional detachment, as well as De Palma's pacing and direction, which some argue is ill-suited for action, detracting from the movie's climax.

The transformation of "Mission: Impossible" from a team-centric narrative to a showcase for Cruise's Ethan Hunt has been met with mixed reactions. While Cruise's dual role as lead actor and producer marked a pivotal moment in his career, elevating him to a Hollywood heavyweight, this shift has been critiqued for sidelining the ensemble dynamic that was central to the original series. Furthermore, despite De Palma's efforts to distinguish the film with its noir-esque visuals and elaborate sequences, there's a sentiment that the movie, particularly in its Blu-ray incarnation, doesn't fully capitalize on its source material’s potential, resulting in a film experience that, while visually engaging, might lack the emotional resonance and cohesiveness expected by contemporary audiences.

"Mission: Impossible" on Blu-ray presents an intriguing proposition for avid collectors and film aficionados alike. It serves as a crucial turning point in the summer blockbuster genre, offering a captivating mix of high-octane action and a thought-provoking narrative that demands more from its audience than the usual fare. Brian De Palma's direction injects an avant-garde flair into this ostensibly mainstream release, creating a film that is both a visual spectacle and a narrative puzzle. However, this Blu-ray edition, while acceptable, falls short of the high standards set by newer releases in the home media marketplace. The presentation on MPEG-2 video format does not do justice to the film’s cinematography, and the lossy audio track, though competent, lacks the dynamic range of modern lossless codecs. Fans will appreciate the inclusion of substantial bonus materials, offering a deeper dive into the making of this seminal film.

On the technical front, this release does not offer any enhancements or exclusives over the content found in the previously issued 'M:I' box set from Paramount. This stands as a notable missed opportunity to revitalize this classic with upgraded audiovisual elements or new special features. For newcomers or those with a particular interest in the genesis of the "Mission: Impossible" franchise, this disc may hold value. However, for those already in possession of the box set or seeking a definitive home theater experience, this Blu-ray may come across as redundant.

In conclusion, while "Mission: Impossible" remains an influential piece of cinema that skillfully blends intellectual narrative elements with blockbuster spectacle, its Blu-ray incarnation is somewhat lackluster. Paramount's offering is adequate for those eager to revisit or discover De Palma's film in high definition, but it leaves room for improvement. The true potential of "Mission: Impossible" on Blu-ray lies untapped, prompting hopes for a future release that fully realizes the film's visual and auditory prowess. Until then, this edition serves as a placeholder for what could be a more impressive presentation worthy of the film's legacy.