Phenomenon Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Phenomenon" is commendable, demonstrating Disney’s capacity to produce high-quality transfers of catalog titles. Presented in 1080p using the AVC MPEG-4 encode with a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, the image is sharp, clean, and natural-looking, effectively preserving the film-like quality. The grain structure from the anamorphically acquired photography is present and intact, without signs of filtering, artificial sharpening, or digital tampering. The transfer also benefits from the usage of a BD-50 disc, ensuring that compression artifacts are non-existent. Optically superimposed titles in the opening sequence are the only minor drawback, slightly affecting image quality.

The palette of "Phenomenon" is dominated by earthy tones, particularly rich browns and greens, with blues used sparingly to accentuate the warmer hues. Whites are pristine, exhibiting no noise or tint, while blacks in night scenes and shadowed interiors are well-differentiated, maintaining detail without crushing. Close-ups are detailed and lifelike, revealing intricate textures on clothing and hair. Mid-range shots retain ample definition and depth, maintaining viewer engagement. However, some minor visual inconsistencies such as occasional light scratches and minor flickering do occur, along with a single frame brightness anomaly—issues indicative of an otherwise excellent transfer.

Overall, "Phenomenon" on Blu-ray stands out as a superb transfer with vibrant color representation and fine detail retention that would please both casual viewers and videophiles alike. Despite minor imperfections, this release is a success, especially considering its status as a low-priced catalog entry.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Phenomenon" features a DTS-HD MA 5.1 track that is subtle yet notably effective. Without major sonic set pieces, it excels in creating an immersive environment through consistent use of ambient sounds, particularly from the film’s country setting. The sound design aligns well with the narrative focus on George Malley's experience, avoiding a bombastic track that would be out of place for this film. The minor earthquake scene provides a notable exception with its impactful rumbles and rattles. Overall, the mix ensures that even without constant dynamic action, the surround channels enrich the overall auditory experience.

One of the standout elements of this audio track is the high quality of the original recording, evident in the crystal-clear dialogue and the superb rendering of Thomas Newman's score. Newman's music, known for evoking intense yet modest emotional tones, plays a crucial role as George's situation intensifies. Songs chosen by soundtrack supervisor Robbie Robertson, including Sheryl Crow's "Everyday Is a Winding Road," Eric Clapton's "Change the World," and Aaron Neville's rendition of Van Morrison's "Crazy Love," are seamlessly integrated with Newman's compositions, enveloping the listener in a rich soundscape. The solid dynamic range and focused dialogue ensure that prioritization and comprehension are exemplary, making this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track impressive for a film of its era.

Despite a few missed bass opportunities, the soundtrack’s light thumps effectively complement the softer moments. The full-room mix exemplifies how less can indeed be more in terms of sound design gripes, as the track remains engaging without drawing attention to its technical prowess overly. Given these qualities, the audio presentation of "Phenomenon" stands out as surprisingly ahead of its time, providing a well-rounded and immersive listening experience.

The Blu Ray extras for "Phenomenon" are minimal and somewhat disappointing, especially for fans seeking more in-depth content. The sole included extra is the film's theatrical trailer. The trailer is presented in standard definition and highlights the movie's paranormal themes. Additionally, there are previews for other movies and TV shows, though these are not directly related to "Phenomenon" and do not add significant value to the disc.

Extras included in this disc:

Theatrical Trailer: The film's trailer, highlighting its paranormal elements. Previews: Trailers for "The Odd Life of Timothy Green," "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?," "Castle: Season 4," ABC TV on Blu-ray and DVD, and an anti-smoking PSA.

In 1994, John Travolta revived his acting career with "Pulp Fiction," which led to a series of artistic successes, among them "Phenomenon." Directed by Jon Turteltaub, known for his work on "National Treasure" and "Jericho," "Phenomenon" features Travolta as George Malley, a small-town mechanic who gains extraordinary intellectual and telekinetic abilities following a mysterious flash of light. Unlike Turteltaub’s typical action fare, this film is a blend of science fiction and emotional drama, echoing the moral nuances found in "Charly" (1968). The screenplay by Gerald DiPego centers not on the source of George’s new powers but on their impact on his life and relationships. As George’s intelligence transforms, the narrative delves into his deeper understanding of love, community, and self.

George Malley lives in Harmon, California, where he runs a garage and befriends local farmer Nate Pope (Forest Whitaker) and town physician Doc Brunder (Robert Duvall). His life changes radically after a bright light incident, leading to intellectual feats like mastering languages instantly and devising groundbreaking inventions. However, rather than exploiting his gifts for personal gain, George remains rooted in his community, driven by innate curiosity and the desire to better those around him. His transformative journey brings him closer to Lace Pennamin (Kyra Sedgwick), despite her initial reluctance.

"Phenomenon" effectively captures the reactions of ordinary people to extraordinary events, yet suffers from tonal inconsistencies. The film oscillates between awe-inspiring sci-fi elements and an underdeveloped romantic subplot that detracts from its central premise. While Travolta's portrayal of George is heartfelt, the narrative struggles with mood shifts and character motivations. Despite these flaws, the film’s core message about self-discovery and genuine human connection resonates. It’s a tale of extraordinary potential and the inherent need to anchor oneself in familiar, meaningful relationships.

"Phenomenon" on Blu-ray offers a mixed bag of experiences. The film itself presents an intriguing narrative inspired by Zen concepts, as stated by screenwriter DiPego, exploring the life-altering journey of John Travolta's character, George Malley. Critics have, at times, erroneously linked the storyline to Scientology principles, citing specific scenes that are commonplace in many films. Despite the controversy, the film maintains its philosophical underpinning, focusing on George's quest to explain his newfound abilities against a backdrop of societal and religious pressures.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray release excels in delivering high-quality video and audio. The transfer is notably sharp, with clear detail and vibrant colors that enhance the viewing experience. The sound design is immersive, making full use of the surround sound capabilities to draw viewers into the film's emotional and narrative arcs. However, the Blu-ray's supplementary material is notably sparse, offering little in the way of added value for hardcore fans or those interested in behind-the-scenes content.

In conclusion, "Phenomenon" on Blu-ray allows the film to be appreciated on its own terms, free from external controversies. While the movie falls short in some narrative decisions and includes what some may see as superfluous romantic elements, its core story remains compelling. This Blu-ray edition, with its exceptional audio-visual quality, is highly recommended for fans and new viewers alike who wish to experience the film in its best possible form.