Big Trouble in Little China Blu-ray Review

Big Trouble in Little China Blu-ray Video Review

Arrow Video's Blu-ray presentation of John Carpenter's cult classic "Big Trouble in Little China" delivers a visually rich experience, staying true to the film's original aesthetic charm while enhancing its clarity, color, and detailing. The transfer, shared with Fox's Region A US edition and encoded via AVC in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, appreciably maintains the film's natural film grain without the application of digital noise reduction (DNR), ensuring that the cinematic texture remains intact. The result is an image overwhelmingly faithful to its source material, free from damage or artificial manipulation, and marked by a striking enhancement in color vibrancy.

Notably, the visuals benefit from an impressive leap in detail compared to earlier home video versions, presenting a remarkable level of clarity in even the minutest aspects like costume textures and facial expressions. This enhancement is particularly evident in scenes featuring special effects, where the integration of magical light shows and supernatural phenomena is executed with remarkable smoothness, avoiding the common pitfall of dated effects appearing jarringly out of sync with the live-action components. This seamless integration, alongside deep and well-defined black levels and a conscientious balance in contrast, elevates the film's dynamic visual storytelling.

Despite the film's age, this Blu-ray edition showcases its visual effects with a newfound finesse, effectively marrying practical effects with their digital counterparts to create a cohesive visual experience. The vibrant neon lights, iconic supernatural laser lights, and otherworldly hues all pop with an intensity that far surpasses previous iterations, without succumbing to bleeding or smearing. Furthermore, while retaining a softness characteristic of the original photographic technique used by Dean Cundey, Carpenter’s go-to cinematographer, the transfer remains largely free from digital artifacts such as edge enhancement or noise. Mild aliasing and slightly over-strong black levels are noted but do not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience. In summary, this Blu-ray release of "Big Trouble in Little China" not only pays homage to its origins but also significantly uplifts its visual impact for contemporary audiences, making it a must-have for fans and cinephiles alike.

The Blu-ray release of "Big Trouble in Little China" by Arrow Video showcases a meticulous audio restoration that's bound to enhance any viewer's experience, particularly through its English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. This mix, a replication from earlier renditions but with notable improvements, dramatically increases the liveliness and the boisterous nature of the film's captivating audio landscape. The detailed separation across the front soundstage is remarkably clean and wide, thereby elevating the detail of every auditory nuance—from Carpenter's iconic score to the synthesized stingers that punctuate the movie's more intense moments. While the majority of the sound dynamics play out at the front, contributing to an immersive but front-heavy audio experience, the Arrow release also features an English LPCM 2.0 track, which some may find to be better balanced, delivering on clarity and stability, especially in dialogue.

However, while the DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix offers a more robust and vigorous experience, especially in action sequences where gunshots are given extra bass to resound with more depth and explosions sound heftier, it doesn't fully escape its limitations in surround sound immersion. The rear channels occasionally contribute with ambient sounds and score support but don’t quite achieve a fully dynamic or natural surrounding effect. Yet, amidst these high-octane sequences and sonic embellishments, dialogue maintains its clarity and precision, never succumbing to the surrounding cacophony. This is a testament to the mix's ability to balance the immediate with the atmospheric.

In terms of special audio features, Arrow has included an Isolated Score in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, allowing aficionados of Carpenter and Howarth's score to experience the music in isolation from other elements—an addition that complements the already substantial offering. The provision of optional English SDH subtitles adds another layer of accessibility, ensuring that none of the film’s witty exchanges or mystical utterances are lost. When considering this Blu-ray solely from an audio perspective, it presents a significant upgrade over previous versions, displaying a strong dedication to preserving and enhancing the film's auditory heritage. While not without its shortcomings in surround sound dynamics, this release stands as a powerful homage to the auditory spectacle that is "Big Trouble in Little China," scoring a solid 7 out of 10 for its efforts.

The Blu-ray extra presentation of "Big Trouble in Little China" offers an extensive and fulfilling package that expertly balances archival content with fresh material. The inclusion of John Carpenter and Kurt Russell's engaging audio commentary brings a personal touch, packed with anecdotes and production insights that fans will cherish. Noteworthy are the new interviews produced by Severin Films, featuring key contributors like Carpenter, Russell, and Dean Cundey, which dive deep into the film's creation and legacy. The extras are rounded out by a thoughtful selection including deleted scenes, an extended ending, the isolated score in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, and a music video that adds a unique flair. Despite the absence of a comprehensive retrospective making-of, this collection serves as a testament to the film's lasting impact, blending technical revelations with candid reflections.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: A track by John Carpenter and Kurt Russell.
• Vintage Featurette: Features cast and crew insights and filming footage.
• Deleted Scenes: Includes eight scenes offering a glimpse into alternative plot points.
• Extended Ending: Provides a different conclusion to the tale.
• Isolated Score: The film's score available in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1.
• Music Video: A rock-themed video for the film’s title song by The Coupe De Villes.
• Trailers & TV Spots: Original promotional materials in English and Spanish.
• Gallery: A compilation of production and film stills.
• Interviews: Severin Films-produced segments with John Carpenter, Kurt Russell, Dean Cundey, Larry J. Franco, Jeff Imada, and Richard Edlund.
• Booklet: Features new writing on the film, including an American Cinematographer article re-print.

John Carpenter's "Big Trouble in Little China," a wild blend of action, comedy, and fantasy, remains an unparalleled cinematic experience even decades after its initial release in 1986. Despite being a box-office disappointment upon its debut, the film has since achieved cult status thanks to its audacious storytelling, rich visual tableau, and a memorable performance by Kurt Russell as truck driver Jack Burton. This Blu-ray presentation by Arrow Video not only revitalizes the film for high-definition aficionados but also enriches the viewing experience with an array of special features, including insightful interviews with the cast and crew, deleted scenes, and a treasure trove of production stills and posters. The film's journey from a misunderstood flop to a beloved classic is a testament to its unique charm and Carpenter’s visionary direction.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of San Francisco's Chinatown, the film follows the reluctant hero Burton as he dives headfirst into an underworld of mysticism, ancient sorcerers, and martial arts mayhem. Accompanied by a colorful cast of characters, Burton’s adventure is a masterclass in genre fusion, seamlessly blending elements of Eastern action cinema with Western comedic sensibilities. The Blu-ray release showcases the film’s intricate set designs and elaborate action sequences in stunning clarity, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the painstaking detail Carpenter and his team poured into every frame. Moreover, the soundtrack by Carpenter and Alan Howarth—an intoxicating mix of synth-rock energy and atmospheric themes—further complements the film’s distinctive aura, making it an auditory as well as a visual feast.

The meticulous restoration and the inclusion of substantial extras make this release a definitive edition for both long-time fans and newcomers. Arrow Video's commitment to preserving the film’s legacy is evident in the careful curation of bonus materials, offering a deeper dive into the film's creative process and enduring appeal. "Big Trouble in Little China" on Blu-ray is not merely a revisit but an enhancement of Carpenter's fantastical vision, reinforcing its status as an atypical gem that continues to resonate with audiences searching for cinematic experiences that defy conventional storytelling.

John Carpenter's "Big Trouble in Little China" on Blu Ray is a celebration of the action-packed, comedy-filled fantasy that has garnered a cult following over the years. This release, presented by Arrow Video in the UK, carries the spirit of the 40s cliff-hangers into the modern age, blending oriental mysticism and brash Western machismo in a story that remains as fresh and engaging today as it was upon its original release. Kurt Russell's portrayal of the bumbling yet endearing protagonist is highlighted as a standout performance, embodying a delightful mix of adventurous spirit and comedic resilience. The release not only preserves the exceptional quality of previous editions but augments this with fresh content including insightful interviews and captivating deleted scenes, providing both newcomers and longtime fans with a comprehensive viewing experience.

The technical presentation of the film is meticulously preserved, maintaining the vibrant special effects and martial arts sequences that make it an endlessly entertaining journey. The Blu Ray offers a sharp transfer that ensures the film’s visual inventiveness and ambitious action sequences are displayed in their full glory. The addition of new special features, especially the interviews produced by Severin Films, offers fascinating insights into the making of this unique film. The commentary is both amusing and informative, enriching the viewing experience with behind-the-scenes knowledge and anecdotes from the filmmaker and cast.

In conclusion, this Blu Ray release of "Big Trouble in Little China" is a well-curated tribute to an unconventional classic. Arrow Video's commitment to enhancing this edition with both preserved and new special features makes it a highly recommended purchase for fans in the UK and beyond. The blend of nostalgia-inducing content and fresh insights ensures that this release is not only a trip down memory lane but also a comprehensive package that celebrates the film's lasting impact on genre cinema. Its enduring charm and inventive spirit are captured flawlessly, offering both a high-quality viewing experience and a deeper appreciation for this cult masterpiece.