Gog Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Gog" offers a meticulously restored 3-D (and 2-D) visual experience, encoded in AVC with a 1.66:1 aspect ratio, showcasing the film's rich color palette. The restoration highlights the vibrant hues of the period, with costumes and set designs appearing remarkably alive. Precise skin tones add authenticity, and fine details—down to scientific props and robots—are spectacularly clear. Grain is filmic yet unobtrusive, maintaining a natural texture without overwhelming the image. Although the source material presents minor imperfections like hash reel changes and speckling, these do not detract significantly from the overall visual quality.

The film’s 3-D transformation marks a significant achievement, ranking among some of the best vintage 3-D restorations, comparable to Warner Bros.' "House of Wax." Utilizing both right and left film strips for a full 3-D effect, the image depth is extraordinary, with smart object staging and color usage enhancing the sense of depth. Remarkably, the colors remain robust, unhampered by the dimming effects typical of 3-D glasses. Black levels are strong, producing natural shadow detail that lends further depth. In 2-D, the film is just as impressive, displaying fine grain without noise, vibrant pastel tones characteristic of the 1950s, and striking detail in costumes, sets, and characters. This restoration is a testament to the 3-D Film Archive’s dedication and technical prowess, providing an outstanding visual experience for both contemporary and nostalgic audiences.

The DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio mix for the Blu Ray presentation of "Gog" is commendable. Dialogue is crisp, clear, and delivered with notable depth, effectively anchoring the auditory experience. Free from age-related issues such as hiss, pop, scratches, or dropouts, the track maintains a healthy presence throughout the entirety of the film. Even in confined sets like single rooms or hallways, there's a remarkable sense of spatial awareness and directionality, enhancing the immersive quality of the soundscape.

The track's balance between dialogue, sound effects, and scoring is exemplary. While dialogue occupies the midranges, sound effects and music by Harry Sukman ensure that both lower registers and higher pitches remain dynamically active. Sound effects particularly excel, filling each scene with an array of computer beeps and other science-related noises that enrich the film's atmosphere without colliding with either dialogue or score. Despite some period limitations on instrumentation in the soundtrack, audio cues are easily discernible and contribute effectively to the narrative. Overall, this audio mix delivers a layered and engaging auditory experience that bolsters the entire film.

The Blu Ray of "Gog" offers an impressive array of extras that enrich the viewing experience with insightful commentary and fascinating behind-the-scenes content. The audio commentary provided by film historians Tom Weaver, Bob Furmanek, and David Schecter stands out as both informative and engaging, offering a deep dive into the film's production. The restoration demo vividly showcases the meticulous effort and technical expertise involved in bringing this 3-D classic back to life. Interviews with Herbert L. Strock and 3-D specialist Lothrop B. Worth provide valuable perspectives on the production challenges and 3-D filming techniques, essential for any film history enthusiast. With the inclusion of several trailers, viewers get a sense of the era's cinematic landscape.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Film historians Tom Weaver, Bob Furmanek, and David Schecter discuss production details.
• Restoration Demo: Showcase of the meticulous restoration process by the 3-D Film Archive.
• 2003 Interview with Director Herbert L. Strock: Discusses production challenges and revival screenings.
• Interview with 3-D Specialist Lothrop Worth: Career overview and 3-D filming anecdotes.
• 'Gog' Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• 'Mask' Trailer: Promotional trailer.
• 'The Bubble' Trailer: Promotional trailer.
• 'Fantastic Invasion of Planet Earth' Trailer: Promotional trailer.

Gog (1954), directed by Herbert L. Strock, channels the era's fascination with futuristic anxieties, offering an intriguing intersection between technology and human error. While the chaotic robot uprising is central, Gog stands out for its emphasis on the scientific process. The movie features a narrative that's an entertaining amalgamation of detailed exposition and escalating robotic tumult, all presented in 3D. The film treats its themes of experimentation and space exploration with appropriate gravitas, and the climactic showdown, which involves flame-thrower battles against robotic entities, retains audience engagement despite a lack of traditional suspense.

The core plot unfurls within an underground research facility where Dr. David Sheppard (Richard Egan) investigates mysterious deaths and acts of sabotage linked to the facility's control computer, NOVAC, and its robotic extensions, MAGOG and GOG. Supported by characters like his old flame Joanna Merritt (Constance Dowling) and the facility head Dr. Van Ness (Herbert Marshall), Sheppard's journey through the film is packed with scientific jargon and pseudo-scientific explanations that add a semblance of realism. Rich with thematic resonance even decades after its release, Gog hints at dangers of unchecked technological advancement and autonomous machines.

Despite the solid thematic underpinnings and some engaging sequences, the film does suffer from pacing issues. Much of Gog’s runtime is devoted to exploratory exposition that occasionally feels like a guided tour thinly veiled under the auspices of plot development. Richard Egan’s role often devolves into that of an exposition vehicle rather than a proactive protagonist. However, charming 1950s scientific concepts and competent special effects, especially considering director Strock’s own visual limitations with 3D perception, provide enough entertainment value to hold interest. Overall, Gog’s ambitious blending of science fiction and thriller elements, coupled with its impressive 3D effects, make it a noteworthy entry for genre enthusiasts.

The Blu-ray release of "Gog" by Kino Lorber and 3-D Film Archive stands as a thoroughly impressive tribute to an often-overlooked classic of mid-century science fiction. The film dives into themes surrounding the responsibility associated with advancements in science and technology, themes that remain relevant over 60 years after the movie's original release. Although certain elements of the plot may come across as somewhat implausible, "Gog" captures the viewer's imagination through its period-specific charm and speculative narratives.

The technical presentation of this release is particularly noteworthy. The image transfer is rendered flawlessly, bringing clarity and depth to the film's visuals that elevate its retro aesthetic. Additionally, the audio mix is handled with equal precision, delivering a sound experience that enhances the film’s immersive qualities. For those invested in 3D technology, "Gog" proves to be a must-own addition to their collection. Alongside its main feature, the Blu-ray is packed with a variety of compelling extra features that further enrich the viewing experience.

In conclusion, while "Gog" fails to drive home its vision of horror, the picture is a charming reminder of period filmmaking interests. Its attempt at verisimilitude is endearing, working to cook up a machine-based nightmare with a healthy appreciation of possibility, even when it indulges in pure fantasy.