Matinee 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Matinee" by Shout Select presents a remarkable visual upgrade, featuring a Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) transfer overseen and approved by director Joe Dante himself. This meticulous 4K restoration from the original 35mm camera negatives offers a notable enhancement over previous HD releases. The visual fidelity is commendable, with rich hues and robust color saturation that are particularly evident in the primary colors and various neon elements, bringing a vibrant and comedic touch to the film. Daylight scenes are bright and detailed, showing both natural and artificial light beautifully, although there are rare instances of slight over-brightness. Close-up shots reveal facial complexions with natural, peachy-rose tones that align seamlessly with the film's hot, humid settings.

The Dolby Vision HDR presentation provides an energetic contrast balance, with firm black levels and radiant specular highlights, generating a fine sheen on metallic surfaces. While the transfer maintains consistently solid black levels, a few sequences exhibit a minor drop, leading to slightly drab visuals in those moments. Critics noted some occasional blurry or softer sequences, but generally, the fine lines and details remain sharp and well-defined even in the shadows. A natural filmic texture pervades every shot, supported by the average video bitrates of 82.2 Mbps for Dolby Vision and an overall UHD bitrate of 95.9 Mbps. Despite an artifact observed on the chin of a male shopper in one frame, the transfer's fidelity to the source material and overall rendering quality elevate it above its predecessors.

Overall, Shout Select's release shines with a well-resolved light grain, naturally sharp cinematography, and a palette that enhances the nostalgic setting. The 1.85:1 aspect ratio adds subtle framing advantages, revealing more information on the sides while keeping top and bottom elements clear. The UHD Blu-ray's presentation stands as an exemplary model in modern remastering efforts, retaining the charm of the original while offering a significant visual uplift. Such enhancements are proof of Shout Select's continuing excellence in producing high-quality home video releases.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Matinee" provides three distinct audio options: a new Dolby Atmos mix (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 compatible), a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround mix, and a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo track. The Dolby Atmos mix averages a bitrate of 3898 kbps, reaching peaks of 5841 kbps, and significantly enhances the soundstage, particularly in scenes featuring military helicopters and jets. The Rumble-Rama effects in the third act offer substantial low-frequency effects that enrich the auditory experience. Despite its prowess, the Atmos track's distinct object placement is most noticeable in the movie’s climactic sequences.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix remains solid, retaining its effectiveness from previous releases. This mix offers clear dialogue and a balanced distribution of sound across all speakers. The audio design does not stand out uniquely but provides a reliable, immersive experience, especially during scenes with bustling activities like the school bell or crowded theater sequences. Bass reproduction is strong, adding depth to the movie’s more dramatic moments, and Jerry Goldsmith's score benefits from warm mid-range frequencies.

Comparatively, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 Stereo track on this release does not quite match the fidelity of the original LaserDisc PCM Stereo mix, which offered superior treble and more occasional ambient effects. While the stereo track feels somewhat compressed, it remains functional, offering clean dialogue and music, albeit with slightly diminished impact on satellite speakers. The classic underscore by various composers enriches the nostalgic ambiance of "Matinee," with Goldsmith’s contributions projecting well across all tracks but finding their best expression in the broader, more layered Dolby Atmos mix. Overall, this release offers varied auditory experiences tailored to different preferences, retaining high audio quality across its formats.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Matinee" boasts an extensive selection of extras, although it omits some significant features from previous editions, like the 17-minute film "Mant!" and related trailers due to rights issues. New to this edition are engaging commentaries by film critics Drew McWeeny and Eric Vespe, alongside fresh interviews with actors Kellie Martin and David Clennon. Complementing these are numerous carryovers from prior releases, including in-depth discussions with director Joe Dante and key production personnel, as well as an array of featurettes exploring the creation and execution of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary with Drew McWeeny and Eric Vespe: Insightful discussion on the production and themes.

Florida Daydream: Interview with actress Kellie Martin.

Cold War Thing: Interview with actor David Clennon.

Master of the Matinee: Interview with director Joe Dante.

The Leading Lady: Interview with Cathy Moriarty.

MANTastic! The Making of a Mant: Behind-the-scenes featurette.

Out of the Bunker: Interview with Lisa Jakub.

Making a Monster Theatre: Interview with production designer Steven Legler.

The Monster Mix: Interview with editor Marshall Harvey.

Lights! Camera! Reunion!: Interview with director of photography John Hora.

Paranoia in Ant Vision: Joe Dante discusses the film's making.

Vintage Making of Featurette: EPK featurette from Universal.

Behind-the-Scenes Footage: Raw footage courtesy of Joe Dante.

Deleted and Extended Scenes: Sourced from Joe Dante’s workprint.

Still Gallery: Slide show of behind-the-scenes photos.

Joe Dante's "Matinee" (1993) is a compelling homage to 1950s creature features, deftly captured within the era's ambiance by focusing on a film within the film, titled "Mant." The movie leverages stock musical cues from Universal’s archives and vintage footage from Warner’s, enhancing its authenticity. John Goodman shines as Lawrence Woolsey, a charismatic shrewd promoter and director echoing the legendary William Castle. In "Mant," Woolsey's latest cinematic concoction, a man mutates into an enormous insect due to radiation exposure, reminiscent of classic B-movies like "Them!" and "The Fly."

Set against the backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis, "Matinee" intertwines the thrills of schlocky sci-fi horror with the more significant fears of nuclear catastrophe. The storyline follows Gene and Dennis Loomis, brothers navigating adolescence under the shadow of their father's military deployment. The era’s palpable tension is juxtaposed with the escapism provided by Woolsey's outlandish films. This dynamic highlights a recurring theme: movies as a sanctuary and distraction from real-life horrors. The genuine charm of the film lies in its celebration of cinema as a form of solace and communal joy amidst unsettling times.

Dante's work serves as both a thrilling narrative and a heartfelt tribute to the transformative power of movies. His nuanced direction ensures that while "Matinee" entertains, it also thoughtfully explores the intertwined relationship between film and reality, suggesting that movies can offer not just entertainment but comfort during tumultuous periods. The engaging performances, particularly by Goodman, coupled with Haas's skilled script, make this cult classic a commendable experience, resonating with both nostalgic cinephiles and new audiences alike. The 4K UHD Blu Ray by Shout! Factory further heightens this beloved film's accessibility and quality, encapsulating its essence in pristine resolution.

Joe Dante's Matinee is a compelling tribute to the enchantment of cinema, set against the backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis. This personal and nostalgic film captures the innocence of adolescence amidst political turbulence, resonantly evoking a bygone era. Shout! Factory's 30th-anniversary 4K Ultra HD release enhances this experience, delivering a notable upgrade over previous Blu-ray editions. The Dolby Vision HDR presentation significantly enriches the visual fidelity, while the Dolby Atmos soundtrack elevates Rumble-Rama's immersive effects, making it a stellar addition to any collection.

Visually, the 4K transfer marks a significant improvement from earlier Blu-ray versions released in the 2010s. Although a few scenes appear brighter compared to the included Blu-ray disc, the overall presentation on UHD is unparalleled since the film's initial theatrical run. A remastered 1.66:1 version would have been a cherished addition, but its omission is a minor concession. The Dolby Atmos mix, complemented by 5.1 tracks, provides a richer and more dynamic auditory experience than the previous 2.0 mix which pales in comparison to the stereo mix on LaserDisc. The commentary track and interviews offer insightful perspectives, despite their brevity.

In conclusion, Shout! Factory's 4K UHD/Blu-ray combo pack of Matinee is an outstanding celebration of Joe Dante's most personal work. The enhanced visuals and superior audio, combined with engaging bonus features, make this release highly recommended for both fans and newcomers. While missing some minor extras from other editions, this set stands as the definitive version of Matinee to date, preserving its nostalgic charm and cinematic magic for new generations to appreciate.