The Towering Inferno Blu-ray Review

"The Towering Inferno" scorches its way onto Blu-ray with a commendable 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer that does justice to its original widescreen 2.35:1 Panavision aspect ratio. Respectful of the film's age and cinematographic style, this transfer presents a sharp and clear image without falling prey to excessive digital sharpening. Colors are vivid and well-saturated, capturing the vibrant yet realistic palette of the '70s, from the distinct hues of fire and smoke to the vivid portrayal of clothing and decor. While skin tones are mostly natural, they occasionally veer towards a slightly rosier or tanned appearance, reflective of the era's glam. The image retains a fine layer of grain, preserving its filmic integrity, with blacks that are generally deep, though sometimes they miss the mark due to environmental factors within scenes.

Comparisons with previous DVD versions highlight the Blu-ray’s superior resolution and depth. The presentation benefits from maintaining the film's original elements, translating to a stable resolution across varied scenes. However, inherent limitations due to the original filming conditions, such as camera angle-dependent detail perception and occasional softness in peripheral frame areas, remain evident. Despite these minor shortcomings related to the source material rather than the transfer process itself, this release offers a noticeable enhancement over its predecessors. Textures in close-ups and the intricacies of materials are distinct, improving overall visual depth in many sequences lit by firelight or obscured by smoke.

Fox's handling of this classic ensures that "The Towering Inferno" looks as striking as it possibly can on modern home media. The consistency in image clarity and the balancing act of preserving filmic essence while enhancing for high-definition viewing are commendable. Color representation is robust, with period-appropriate shades rendered vividly alongside natural flesh tones and deep blacks that contribute to the visual drama. Despite a few instances of softness and specks reflective of its age, this transfer navigates the challenges posed by smoke, flame, and '70s stylistic choices with aplomb. This Blu-ray not only revitalizes a landmark disaster film for longtime fans but also sets a high standard for the treatment of classics in the digital age.

"The Towering Inferno" on Blu-ray illuminates the room with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 channel mix, a mix that shines despite its age and the inherent limitations of its original production elements. Primarily front-loaded, the audio presentation places a strong emphasis on clear, intelligible dialogue amidst the visual chaos, with most sound effects and musical scores being projected from the front channels. The rear channels engage sporadically, coming to life with John Williams’ engaging score and occasional ambient effects, such as sirens, projecting a sense of environment that, while not fully immersive by modern standards, adds layers to the experience. The subwoofer receives limited engagement, providing just enough bass to enhance the atmosphere without overwhelming the soundscape, hinting at a deliberate choice to preserve the film's original auditory integrity over retrofitting a bass-heavy modern sound.

Despite a leap from previous formats, the soundtrack’s transition to lossless audio does not revolutionize its aural impact. Dynamics and clarity are significantly improved, showcasing the meticulous detailing of lesser sounds and effects amidst the soundscape without truly exploiting a fully dimensional stage. Scenes bustling with activity, from the roaring of flames to the unsettling disruption of gas lines and glass, convey strength and depth albeit with restrictions reflective of the era's recording techniques. Dialogues maintain prominence, occasionally challenged by competing background elements but largely benefiting from the lossless clarity which aids in discerning subtle tonal distinctions amidst chaotic sequences.

Elevated above past home video renditions, this Blu-ray audio mix extracts and enhances with fidelity, providing an experience that is arguably the best representation of the film's original sound to date. While it may not rival the depth and breadth of contemporary digital soundtracks, it offers a commendably clear and dynamic auditory experience. Certain high-energy scenes might reveal the soundtrack's age through minor distortions or lack of subwoofer impact, yet these moments are few. Overall, the track manages to envelop the listener in 'The Towering Inferno's' fiery embrace with a balanced mix of dialogue clarity, score presentation, and controlled use of environmental sounds, making it a pleasing, if not entirely engulfing, auditory journey through this classic disaster epic.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Towering Inferno" offer a comprehensive package that enriches the viewing experience with insightful commentaries and a plethora of featurettes diving deep into the film’s production, special effects, and cast memories. Notably, the commentaries by film historian F.X. Feeney and industry professionals Mike Vezina and Branko Racki offer varied perspectives on the movie’s creation, though the absence of original crew commentary is felt. The disc boasts an extensive collection of 33 deleted/extended scenes, alongside a rich selection of featurettes including “Inside the Tower: We Remember,” “Innovating Tower: The SPFX of an Inferno,” and “AMC Backstory: The Towering Inferno,” offering everything from cast recollections to the intricate details of the special effects work. Vintage promotional materials, interactive galleries, and storyboards comparisons further embellish the supplementary offerings. Also noteworthy is the D-Box motion code feature, providing an enhanced viewer experience. This meticulously assembled extras package not only pays homage to the film's legacy but also to the artistry and innovation behind its towering achievement.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentaries: Commentary tracks exploring different production aspects without participation from the original crew.
• Inside The Tower: We Remember: Cast members recall their experiences on set.
• Innovating Tower: The SPFX of an Inferno: Focus on the movie's special effects with insights from the effects team.
• The Art of Towering: Production illustrators discuss storyboarding and show sketches.
• Irwin Allen: The Great Producer: A tribute to the producer's career and personality.
• Directing The Inferno: Examines directors' contributions to the film's action and drama.
• Putting Out Fire: Technical advisor talks about safety measures for fire scenes.
• Running on Fire: Insights into the stunt work and the dangers involved.
• Still The World's Tallest Building: Architects discuss skyscraper construction and compare real buildings with the film's Tower.
• The Writer: Stirling Silliphant: A look at the Oscar-winning screenwriter's contribution.
• AMC Backstory: The Towering Inferno: Comprehensive documentary including interviews and production insights.
• Deleted/Extended Scenes: A collection of additional scenes.
• Storyboard-to-Film Comparisons: Compares storyboards with the final film scenes.
• Vintage Promotional Material: Trailers, featurettes, and a 1977 Irwin Allen interview.
• Interactive Galleries: Articles from American Cinematographer magazine on filming.
• Still Galleries: Photos and sketches across five categories.
• Theatrical Trailers: Trailers for "The Towering Inferno" and "The Poseidon Adventure."

"The Towering Inferno," a seminal entry in the disaster film genre, ignites the Blu-ray format with a presentation that does justice to its legacy. This 1974 classic, directed by John Guillermin and produced by the legendary Irwin Allen, is beautifully transferred in a sharp 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 encoding, framed in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The transfer captures the film's grandeur and the intensity of its fiery antagonist with vibrant color saturation and meticulous detail, free from digital noise reduction (DNR) or edge enhancement artifacts. The accompanying DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, while not pushing the boundaries of modern audio standards, delivers clear dialogue through the center channel, complemented by the enveloping effects of screaming flames and John Williams' stirring score. The release is further enriched by nine featurettes that dive deep into the making of this monumental film.

Set against the backdrop of what was then considered the world's tallest skyscraper, "The Towering Inferno" combines stellar performances, cutting-edge special effects of its time, and a gripping storyline to shed light on human resilience, heroism, and fallibility in the face of disaster. The ensemble cast, including Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, William Holden, and Faye Dunaway, brings depth to this spectacle, ensuring that viewers remain invested in their fate as they navigate the hazards wrought by greed and substandard construction. Despite its 165-minute runtime, the film maintains a tense pace, masterfully balancing character development with action sequences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

This Blu-ray presentation respects and revitalizes "The Towering Inferno" for both longtime admirers and new audiences. It stands as a testament to a time when disaster films prioritized practical effects, narrative substance, and character arcs. Through impeccable restoration and thoughtful extras, this release not only celebrates the film's cinematic achievements but also its place in the broader context of genre filmmaking. While today's disaster epics lean heavily on CGI, "The Towering Inferno" remains a towering example of storytelling and technical prowess, embodying the peak of 1970s disaster cinema while offering a suspenseful experience that transcends its era.

The Blu-ray release of "The Towering Inferno" ignites a remarkable sense of nostalgia coupled with technical brilliance, making it an essential addition to the collection of both disaster movie enthusiasts and cinephiles seeking high-quality home theater experiences. Utilized in testing was a meticulously calibrated JVC DLA-RS20 1080p High Definition Front Projector, projecting onto a Carada Precision Brilliant White 96 Screen, and the visual feed was complemented by an array of high-end audio/visual equipment including but not limited to the Oppo BDP-83 Universal disc/Blu-ray Player, Denon AVR 5308CI THX Ultra 2 Preamp/Video Processor, and an immersive sound setup featuring Canton Ergo Series and Axiom Audio QS8 Quadpolar speakers. These components ensured that the Blu-ray's excellent 1080p transfer and lossless soundtrack were experienced at their fullest potential, highlighting the film's impressive visuals, sound design, and the intensity of its action sequences.

The disc itself offers a treasure trove of extras that delve deep into the film's storied production, allowing for a comprehensive view of what made "The Towering Inferno" a standout piece in the disaster film genre. It is evident that 20th Century Fox has invested significantly in this release, ensuring that it appeals to a broad audience by preserving the film’s original charm - including its dramatic intensity and occasionally hammy performances - while enhancing it with a superior video and audio transfer. This has elevated the viewing experience to new heights, making it nearly as impactful today as it was upon its initial release.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release of "The Towering Inferno" sets a high standard for the presentation of classic films on modern formats. It provides a comprehensive package that respects the original’s legacy while offering a dramatically improved viewing experience for contemporary audiences. The combination of a strong technical presentation and rich supplemental materials makes this release highly recommended. It ensures that whether you're revisiting this classic or discovering it for the first time, you're in for an exhilarating experience that stands apart in the disaster genre and showcases the enduring appeal of well-crafted cinema.