Forbidden Zone Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Forbidden Zone," provided by MVD Visual, utilizes an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. This release mirrors the British Blu-ray previously released by Arrow, featuring both the original black and white version and the colorized version by Legend Films. The black and white rendition maintains a more authentic look with solid, though not exceptional, black levels and a well-modulated grayscale. Detail quality is generally satisfactory in midrange shots and notably well-resolved in close-ups. The visual integrity remains consistently organic, punctuated by a natural grain structure that faithfully preserves the film's texture.

The colorized version presents a slightly softer image, partly attributed to the added hues. Legend Films' colorization method is appropriately restrained, delivering an understated palette that avoids excessive vibrancy. It offers a visually coherent yet somewhat muted color experience. This dual-version offering on Blu-ray successfully captures the distinct visual essences of both the original and colorized formats, making it a valuable addition for collectors and fans of the film.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Forbidden Zone" from MVD Entertainment Group presents a mixed bag. While the disc includes DTS 5.1 and mono tracks, it lacks the lossless DTS-HD Master Audio options available in previous releases such as those by Arrow Video, which is quite puzzling for an upgrade. The surround track opens up the music adequately, providing a more immersive experience, but overall, the bulk of the film's audio remains anchored predominantly in the front channels. The dialogue is relatively clear and better defined, though some of the musical moments exhibit a boxy sound quality. The overall sound is enjoyable but lacks the high-definition clarity that could elevate the viewing experience.

Specific details worth mentioning include the English 5.1 and 2.0 DTS tracks for the color version, and English 5.1 and 1.0 DTS tracks for the black and white version. Additionally, there is an isolated score track presented in 5.1 DTS. Despite these options, audiophiles might find the absence of HD audio disappointing, as it limits the depth and richness that could be achieved with lossless formats. The tracks are mostly clear with strong sound effects and music, though there is a slight warbly quality that might detract from the overall experience, and it's notable that subtitles are not included. Overall, while the audio tracks are acceptable, they fall short of Blu-ray standards, leaving room for potential improvements in future releases.

The Blu-ray release of "Forbidden Zone" offers a valuable array of extras that provide both entertainment and insight into the making of this cult classic film. The quality of the content is consistently high, with rich interviews, detailed commentary, and a fascinating glimpse into deleted and extended scenes. The Richard Elfman Intro sets the stage, followed by an in-depth documentary "A Look into Forbidden Zone," ensuring fans get exclusive access to behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Noteworthy inclusions like an isolated score track in DTS 5.1 and a soundtrack CD elevate the overall package. The comprehensive booklet with Richard Elfman's essay and archival photos further enhances the collector's experience. Overall, the supplemental materials deliver robust and rewarding content for aficionados.

Extras included in this disc:

Richard Elfman Intro: An engaging prelude. A Look into Forbidden Zone: Interviews with the Elfmans. Commentary: Features Richard Elfman and Matthew Bright. Deleted Scenes: Unseen footage. Outtakes: Bloopers and behind-the-scenes moments. Scenes from the Hercules Family: Additional character content. Japan Promo: Promotional material for Japanese release. Theatrical Trailer: Official movie trailer. Isolated Score Track: DTS 5.1 presentation. Soundtrack CD: Music from the film.

Forbidden Zone is a 1980 cult film by Richard Elfman, with its narrative and visual style evoking the eccentric spirit of the New Wave era. As a bizarre mélange of musical numbers, surreal imagery, and cabaret-esque vignettes, the film eschews traditional storytelling. It begins with an animated sequence and quickly dives into the peculiar world of the Sixth Dimension, a universe populated by eclectic characters such as King Fausto (Hervé Villechaize), Queen Doris (Susan Tyrrell), and a topless princess (Gisele Lindley). The story centers on the Hercules family, whose members engage with these otherworldly beings, navigating surreal scenarios that challenge conventional plot structures. Richard Elfman’s brother, Danny Elfman, provides his debut film score, adding an integral musical layer to the hallucinogenic experience.

The unique atmosphere of Forbidden Zone is heavily influenced by the live performances of The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo, Richard Elfman's earlier project. The film's vignette-style construction and constant shifts in tone reflect its stage show origins, creating a jittery ambience propelled by relentless energy more than narrative coherence. Despite its often bewildering content, portions of the movie are captivating due to their inherent strangeness and creativity. The cast comprises mainly non-professional actors, lending an unpolished yet earnest charm that accentuates the lo-fi aesthetic.

Elfman's commentary on the Blu-ray reveals how Forbidden Zone swells with offensive stereotypes and controversial portrayals, rendering it a triggering film for some viewers. With scenes bordering on the tasteless—such as blackface segments—it is clear why it earned its status as a cult film that sharply divides opinion. Those willing to embrace its chaotic vision may find Forbidden Zone a unique journey through a cinematic realm that defies conventions, offering a brash yet fascinating experience unlike any other.

"Forbidden Zone" on Blu-ray offers a truly unique viewing experience, diverging starkly from conventional entertainment forms. A surrealist musical, the film embraces an avant-garde aesthetic, which, while not to everyone's taste, will appeal to those yearning for originality. The narrative is intentionally unstructured and features performances that are more passionate than polished. This quirky, almost chaotic style is part of the charm that has garnered a dedicated, albeit niche, fanbase over the years.

The new Blu-ray release by MVD largely replicates prior offerings, such as the Arrow release, making it a valuable addition for those who missed previous editions. However, the notable absence of DTS-HD Master Audio in this edition is surprising, as it slightly diminishes the overall audio-visual experience. Despite this oversight, the Blu-ray presentation remains commendable, maintaining much of the original film’s eccentric allure and visual intensity.

In conclusion, "Forbidden Zone" stands as a distinctive cinematic piece, recommended for those looking to diversify their film collection with something truly outlandish and memorable. While it may require a particular mood to be appreciated fully, its artistic bravado and peculiar charm make it a worthwhile pick for enthusiasts of unconventional cinema.