The 3 Worlds of Gulliver Blu-ray Review

The 3 Worlds of Gulliver`` is presented on Blu-ray with AVC encoded 1080p transfers available in both 1.66:1 and 1.78:1 aspect ratios. Both versions showcase another stellar looking transfer from Sony - Columbia. The increased resolution of the transfer vividly reveals era-specific special effects techniques while faithfully reproducing the lush color palette, especially with primaries like blues and reds popping off the screen. Some grain and dirt are variably present but maintain an organic feel without compression issues. Notably, blacks slightly trend towards blue, intensifying during the Brobdingnag sequence. Overall, this transfer is bound to satisfy most viewers.

The picture quality of this Blu-ray transfer impresses with both aspect ratios framing beautifully. The original theatrical 1.66:1 aspect ratio has slight vertical pillar boxing while the 1.78:1 aspect ratio eliminates the pillar boxing at the expense of a bit of image on the top and bottom. Both aspect ratios retain fine film grain that is more pronounced during optical effects sequences but remains non-intrusive. Colors are vivid and bright, making primaries particularly appealing. Shadow separation in the robust and inky black levels adds a pleasing three-dimensional depth to the image. This Blu-ray transfer surpasses prior VHS and DVD releases, offering an image free from age-related damage or speckling, resulting in a truly beautiful restoration that allows viewers to appreciate the film's details fully.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track of "The 3 Worlds of Gulliver" is commendable for its depth, particularly in the mid and lower ranges, enhancing the richness of Bernard Herrmann’s brass-inflected score. The mix manages to balance dialogue and sound effects well, ensuring clarity without any interference from the soundtrack. Environmental effects, such as the reverb used to emphasize the size disparity between characters, occasionally present a slightly boxy feel but do not detract significantly from the overall experience. There are no notable age-related issues, with fidelity sounding fine and dynamic range reasonably wide.

Similarly, the DTS-HD MA 1.0 mix offers crystal-clear dialogue with no hiss or interference, elevating Herrmann's score to new heights with a sense of liveliness that matches the film's adventurous spirit. Despite being a mono track, there is an impressive sense of space and dimension, making even the most outlandish scenes, like Gulliver towering over Lilliputians, feel realistic. The bass and lower tones provide a solid foundation, giving depth to Gulliver's voice and ensuring an immersive audio experience. Free of any age-related distortions, this mix stands out as a rich and fitting complement to the visual vibrancy of this classic film.

The Blu-ray extras for "The 3 Worlds of Gulliver" are a significant highlight, catering to fans of Ray Harryhausen and enthusiasts of film history. The audio commentary by Randall Cook, C. Courtney Joyner, and Steven C. Smith is informative and engaging, packed with insights about the production and Harryhausen’s contributions. "The Making of 'The 3 Worlds of Gulliver'" offers a valuable look at the techniques used to create the film's sense of scale. "The Harryhausen Chronicles," narrated by Leonard Nimoy, is an extensive and fascinating retrospective on Harryhausen's career. "This is Dynamation!" serves as a brief yet amusing promotional trailer showcasing the Dynamation process. The inclusion of an isolated score in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and the original theatrical trailer in 1080p round out a robust selection of extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Informative commentary by film historians Randall Cook, C. Courtney Joyner, and Steven C. Smith.
• The Making of 'The 3 Worlds of Gulliver': Archival piece featuring Harryhausen discussing film techniques.
• The Harryhausen Chronicles: Extensive documentary narrated by Leonard Nimoy on Harryhausen's career.
• This is Dynamation!: Fun promotional quasi-trailer.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer in HD quality.
• Isolated Score: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 presentation of the score.

"The 3 Worlds of Gulliver" is a visually compelling yet simplified adaptation of Jonathan Swift's literary classic. Directed by Jack Sher and starring Kerwin Mathews alongside June Thorburn, this 1960 film distills the complex socio-political themes of Swift's work into an accessible, family-friendly adventure. Swift's nuanced satire is pared down to fit within the constraints of a rousing escapade, focusing primarily on the charming exploits of Dr. Lemuel Gulliver. The political intrigue in Lilliput and the societal commentaries in Brobdingnag are present but rendered with a lighter touch, ensuring that the film remains engaging while hinting at deeper themes.

The film excels through Ray Harryhausen's state-of-the-art visual effects, which transform ordinary environments to convincingly display Gulliver as either a giant or a tiny figure in his varying worlds. This clever use of Harryhausen's Dynamation process, combined with Bernard Herrmann's beautiful score, gives the film a grand, adventurous feel. Despite the less magical impact compared to other Harryhausen films like "Jason and the Argonauts" or "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad," the visual effects remain a significant accomplishment, offering a delightful spectacle for audiences of all ages.

While purists might find the abridged and neutered adaptation of Swift’s biting satire to be lacking, it's clear the filmmakers aimed to prioritize entertainment over faithful replication of the source material. The film serves as a nostalgic piece of cinema for those who grew up on Ray Harryhausen's works, delivering enough charm and visual wonder to delight both new viewers and long-time fans. "The 3 Worlds of Gulliver" may not fully capture the intellectual depths of Swift's original novel, but it succeeds in presenting an enjoyable, fantastical journey that's hard to resist.

Twilight Time's Blu-ray release of "The 3 Worlds of Gulliver" captures the vibrant essence of this classic adventure film, showcasing impressive technical merits. The film, though not as renowned as other Ray Harryhausen works like "Jason and the Argonauts" or "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad," demonstrates a unique charm with its meticulous use of special effects and scale. The rich colors and creative visual techniques are a testament to Harryhausen's skill, making it an enjoyable viewing experience for audiences of all ages.

The Blu-ray presentation excels with a high-quality audio/visual transfer that enhances the film's visual spectacle. The colors are vivid, and the images sharp, ensuring that the intricate details of Harryhausen's effects work are preserved and appreciated. Twilight Time has added substantial value to this release by including a thoughtful essay by Julie Kirgo, along with several archival bonus features. The isolated score track, in particular, is a notable addition, providing an exclusive auditory experience that complements the film's adventurous spirit.

The 3 Worlds of Gulliver never quite attains the majesty of Jason and the Argonauts or The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, but it's bright, colorful and will probably appeal to younger kids especially. Technical merits are strong, and The 3 Worlds of Gulliver comes Recommended.