Matinee Blu-ray Review

Shout Factory’s deluxe Collector's Edition release of "Matinee" delivers a visually impressive transfer in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, utilizing AVC/MPEG-4 encoding on a BD-50 disc. Enthusiasts will appreciate the high average video bitrate of 29995 kbps, ensuring that the 35mm film's grain structure remains intact and well-articulated. Despite not being a 4K scan, the transfer remains solid, reflecting Joe Dante's intended visual style, with robust and immersive colors reminiscent of 1960s cinema. The film’s color grading, particularly in the brightly lit scenes and iconic monochromatic sequences of "Mant!," is worth noting, as it shows great fidelity to the source material. Deep and stable black levels further enhance the viewing experience, with only minimal grain present in darker scenes.

The details and textures across varying scenes reveal a high level of clarity that fans will find satisfying. While the print showcases occasional soft fine details, largely attributed to either the source material or the transfer age, the image remains clean with an unobtrusive amount of grain. Reds, utilized prominently in theater settings and on the "Mant!" costume, are brilliantly saturated, while other colors such as blues, greens, and oranges maintain a strong presence throughout the feature. The film excels in presenting lifelike skin tones and sharp facial textures during close-ups. Black-and-white segments within the film also retain a period-authentic look that contributes to the overall visual narrative.

Additionally, there is a consistent depth of field and separation between foreground and background elements that creates a dynamic and engaging visual experience. Movements appear fluid and natural within this maintained depth. Although some minute flaws are noticeable, such as the remnant of a scratch in a specific scene and a slightly noticeable grain in low-light conditions, these do not detract significantly from the high-quality presentation. Fans of "Matinee" will find this Blu-ray release from Shout Factory a noteworthy addition to their collection, worthy of its "Collector's Edition" title.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "Matinee" is offered in two options: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround. Notably, this marks the first time the film's 5.1 surround mix is available on home video in the US. Despite its origins from a Dolby Stereo Spectral recording, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track is impressively executed and comes highly recommended. The sound mix maintains clarity and balance between dialogue, effects, and Jerry Goldsmith's eclectic score, enhancing the film's immersive experience. Surround channels deliver solid ambiance, with notable moments of low-frequency effects during major sequences, such as "nuclear explosion" scenes and the Rumble-Rama effects featured in the movie-within-the-movie MANT!.

The 5.1 mix extends beyond basic spatial audio, generating directional movement and enveloping the audience effectively, especially during chaotic scenes involving military aircraft and theater destruction. While the mix is primarily front-heavy due to substantial dialogue content, it capitalizes on rear channels to enhance atmospheric elements, subtly integrating sounds like crackling electricity and crowd noises. This thoughtful soundscape craftsmanship provides a particularly engaging experience during the film’s key moments, benefitting from dynamic range and clear dialogue reproduction.

The DTS-HD MA 2.0 track retains similar fidelity but naturally lacks the spatial breadth of its 5.1 counterpart. Although it offers a noteworthy presentation with clean, intelligible dialogue and a decent representation of the original mix's character, it doesn't quite capture the same level of immersion provided by the surround sound option. Optional English SDH subtitles are included for accessibility. Overall, while the 2.0 track holds nostalgic value, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix stands out for its richer, more encompassing audio experience, making it the superior choice for viewers seeking an engaging and authentic auditory rendition of "Matinee."

Shout! Select's Blu Ray release of "Matinee" features an impressive collection of extras that will intrigue fans and film enthusiasts alike. Each featurette is presented in high definition video with two-channel audio, though some footage uses standard definition sources. The content includes insightful interviews, detailed behind-the-scenes footage, and a nostalgic full-length version of the fictional film "Mant!" with an introduction by Joe Dante. Despite some overlaps and occasional self-promotional tones, this set delivers an exhaustive look at the various aspects of the film's production. Overall, it offers a well-rounded exploration into both "Matinee" and the era it portrays.

Extras included in this disc:

• 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 on Mant’s creature effects.
• 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 making of the film.
• MANT!: Full-length version of the film with introduction by Joe Dante.
• Vintage Making of Featurette: General behind-the-scenes segment.
• Behind the Scenes Footage: Various unprocessed scenes from the set.
• Deleted and Extended Scenes: Sourced from Joe Dante's workprint.
• Still Galleries: Photo gallery focusing on Mant! creature and cast.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer in its un-restored form.

Matinee, directed by Joe Dante and starring John Goodman, is a nostalgic tribute to the B-movies and the cultural backdrop of the early 1960s. Set against the paranoia of the Cuban Missile Crisis, the film follows showman Lawrence Woolsey (Goodman) who premieres his latest creature feature, Mant!, in Key West, Florida, complete with 1950s-inspired gimmicks like buzzers under seats and fog machines. The film immerses viewers in a past era of cinematic history, celebrating the creativity that once defined movie-making before CGI dominated the industry.

The performances are top-notch with John Goodman particularly shining as Woolsey, a character clearly inspired by legendary B-movie producer William Castle. Goodman’s portrayal blends charisma with a tinge of earnestness, successfully capturing the spirit of Castle’s showmanship. The young cast, including Simon Fenton and Lisa Jakub, also delivers, encapsulating the innocence and enthusiasm of youth during a tense historical moment. The heavy use of 35mm film and the period-accurate color grading add to the movie’s authenticity, with Shout Factory's remastering efforts ensuring this Blu-ray release looks better than ever.

Despite its initial box office disappointment in 1993, Matinee has grown to be one of Dante's most cherished films, particularly among cinephiles. The film meticulously recreates the era’s aesthetic and atmosphere, down to the set designs and costumes. While some critics note that it meanders occasionally, especially with its subplot involving the teenage characters, the film's charm lies in its detailed homage to a bygone era of cinema and its celebration of mid-century American cultural anxieties. This Blu-ray edition, packed with supplementary materials and a pristine transfer, stands as a definitive release for collectors and fans alike.

"Matinee" is a delightful homage to the B-movies of the past, lovingly crafted by director Joe Dante. Shout Factory’s Collector's Edition Blu-ray provides an exceptional viewing experience, featuring a commendable 1.85:1 AVC transfer. Although not flawless, the visual presentation is of high quality, maintaining the charm of the original. The audio options include both English DTS-HD MA 5.1 and DTS-HD MA 2.0 tracks, ensuring that the immersive, period-appropriate soundscape remains intact. This release also comes with a neat slipcover and reversible cover art, adding to its appeal for collectors.

Technical specifications highlight top-notch production values, with John Goodman leading a stellar cast that includes Cathy Moriarty and Simon Fenton. Shout Factory enhances this Blu-ray with a comprehensive package of extra features. From newly recorded interviews with cast and crew to the unabridged version of "Mant!" originally from the 1994 LaserDisc, this edition is packed with content. Additionally, it gathers older featurettes and ancillary extras from previous overseas releases, making it the definitive version for fans.

In conclusion, "Matinee" is a charming film that pays loving tribute to a bygone era of cinema. Shout Factory's Blu-ray Collector's Edition enriches this experience with a superb array of features. Whether you are a fan of Joe Dante, John Goodman, or classic monster movies, this release is highly recommended. The blend of quality video and audio, coupled with extensive extra features, makes this Blu-ray a must-own for collectors and cinephiles alike.