Silent Running Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's Blu-ray release of Silent Running marks a significant upgrade, utilizing an AVC encoded 1080p transfer derived from a 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative, meticulously restored in 2K at R3Store Studios, London. Director Douglas Trumbull personally approved the grading, ensuring a presentation that closely aligns with his vision. The original mono audio mix has been masterfully remastered from the sound negatives at NBC Universal, providing an authentically immersive experience.

The transfer exhibits well-resolved grain, particularly superior to the previous Universal release, where graininess and damage were prominent issues. Instances of graininess are more refined, with some variance in clarity and fine details, especially during optical effects. This lends the film an organic texture that typifies high-quality restorations. Additionally, there are infrequent minor blemishes, but overall damage is nearly non-existent. Coloring is another highlight; while not overly vibrant, hues of blue, red, and green effectively pop, especially in interior shots against deep blacks of space.

Contrast levels are vibrant, enhancing interior glow and celestial details like distant suns and stars, vital for space-themed visuals. Enhanced sharpness reveals minute details in miniature models, facial textures, and costume fabrics. Despite the film’s quasi-muted palette, Arrow’s master achieves an appealing saturation that breathes life into the film’s 70s aesthetic, featuring bright technicolor wires and panels within the spaceship. The stable presentation promises a superior viewing experience and hints at the potential benefits of future 4K HDR enhancement. This edition definitively offers the best visual rendition of Silent Running on home video to date.

The audio presentation of the "Silent Running" Blu-ray is proficiently delivered in English mono DTS-HD, which admirably handles the film's diverse elements. Although initially surprising for a science fiction film of this scale, the use of a mono track mirrors its original 35mm screenings, with the 70mm version having had 6-track audio. This mix, while narrow, provides commendable fidelity with excellent prioritization. Dialogue, including Bruce Dern’s subtle murmurings, is clear and well-balanced against the sound effects and score.

The lack of a surround track could be seen as a limitation, especially given the compelling original score by Peter Schikele and the distinctive songs sung by Joan Baez. However, the DTS-HD mono track elegantly captures the score, achieving crisp highs without any noticeable age-related loss. The mix even includes some subtle bass, adding organic range to the audio experience. Throughout, there are no instances of hiss, crackle, distortion, or dropouts, making for a clean and satisfactory auditory experience. Optional English subtitles are also available, ensuring accessibility for all viewers.

Arrow Video's Blu-ray release of "Silent Running" offers a comprehensive array of extras, providing a deep dive into the film's production and legacy. The disc features two enlightening audio commentaries: one by Kim Newman and Barry Forshaw, discussing the film's context and impact, and another from 2000 with director Douglas Trumbull and star Bruce Dern, full of practical insights into the making of the movie. Jeff Bond’s interview and Jon Spira’s visual essay respectively offer immersive looks into the score and screenplay development. Archival footage such as “The Making of Silent Running” and interviews with Trumbull and Dern enrich the viewing experience. Arrow’s customary detailed inserts and reversible sleeve artwork finish off an exceptional package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Kim Newman and Barry Forshaw: Deep dive into the film's impact and context.
• Audio Commentary by Douglas Trumbull and Bruce Dern: Insights from the director and star.
• Isolated Music and Effects Track: Presented in LPCM 2.0.
• No Turning Back: Interview with music historian Jeff Bond.
• First Run: Visual essay by writer and filmmaker Jon Spira.
• The Making of Silent Running: Vintage documentary.
• Silent Running by Douglas Trumbull: Director’s retrospective interview.
• Douglas Trumbull: Then and Now: Additional insights from Trumbull.
• A Conversation with Bruce Dern: Actor’s career reflections.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer.
• Behind the Scenes Gallery: Extensive collection of production stills.

Silent Running, directed by special effects virtuoso Douglas Trumbull, stands as a hallmark of early 1970s science fiction that fuses post-apocalyptic motifs with staunch environmentalism. Released in the wake of the advent of Earth Day and the inception of the Environmental Protection Agency, this film uniquely channels the ecological anxieties of its era into its narrative. Exploring themes of morality, ecological disaster, and human isolation amid the vastness of space, Silent Running showcases Bruce Dern’s compelling portrayal of a fervent, solitary botanist whose empathy dynamically drives the film. The pathos Dern brings to his role is palpable, providing an emotional depth to the otherwise bleak, dystopian view of a future where Earth's last forests are sequestered in space.

Trumbull’s mastery is evident in the film’s visual execution, leveraging a limited budget to create impressive special effects that rival those seen in 2001: A Space Odyssey, a project he had previously worked on. The film features a poignant score by Peter Schickele and songs from Joan Baez, uncommon elements in sci-fi cinema that further distinguish Silent Running. Despite its initial lack of publicity and mixed contemporary reception, the film has garnered a dedicated following appreciative of its unique blend of technical artistry and thematic intensity. Its underlying message remains potent, especially when considering the potential nihilism of humanity’s ecological neglect as it pertains to current environmental crises.

Furthermore, Silent Running's narrative is unrelentingly charged with its plea for environmental awareness, typified by Dern’s character sleeping next to Smokey Bear posters and denouncing synthetic food. This heavy-handed environmental advocacy is both a strength and a critique of the film as it transitions from fervent activism to more subtle and introspective storytelling in its second act—ultimately culminating in a somber, thought-provoking conclusion underscored by Baez's emotive theme song. This film retains a special place in the sci-fi canon for its courageous thematic aggression and pioneering visual style, offering audiences not just entertainment, but a reflection on humanity's custodial duty to nature.

Silent Running, directed by Douglas Trumbull, is a blend of 1970s science fiction ethos with a prophetic environmental message that remains pertinent today. The Blu-ray transfer is commendable, and presents the film with remarkable clarity and stability. The presentation preserves the integrity of the original production, providing rich detail and nuance.

The film itself features a potent narrative on environmental conservation, emphasizing its thematic importance without being overly didactic. Bruce Dern's portrayal of Freeman Lowell is both compelling and memorable, grounding the story with a strong central performance. The production design, while somewhat derivative of its era, still offers an engaging aesthetic that complements the film’s thematic concerns.

The supplementary content is a highlight of this release, making it more comprehensive and rewarding for fans and newcomers alike. A notable inclusion is the extensive Behind the Scenes Gallery which provides an in-depth look into the film’s making, revealing its artistic and technical underpinnings. Another valuable addition is the 32-page insert booklet filled with insightful essays and restoration information, housed in a clear amaray case with reversible artwork.

Just because Silent Running was a product of its time doesn't mean it doesn't have something to say to us these days as well. The film may have faced backlash from those expecting another phantasmagorical head trip like 2001: A Space Odyssey, but its straightforward narrative and environmental subtext seem downright prescient given current climate challenges. Bruce Dern gives one of his most memorable performances as Freeman Lowell, and the overall technical merits of this Blu-ray release are solid. The supplementary package is richly detailed and immensely enjoyable. Recommended.