Enemy Mine Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of Wolfgang Petersen's "Enemy Mine" delivers a visually engaging experience with its 1080p transfer, encoded using the AVC codec. Presented in a theatrically accurate widescreen 2.35:1 aspect ratio (notably 2.37:1 in some instances), the video retains impressive detail and texture. The skin of both human and alien characters appears realistic, with the sewn rags and space uniforms presenting discernible weaves. The hostile planet's landscapes, captured both on location and in sets, display commendable edge definition. The sunsets are particularly noteworthy, showcasing a rich palette of reds that add vibrancy to the scenes.

Brightness and contrast settings ensure robust black levels, enhancing night scenes and cave sequences with a palpable sense of depth. While shadow details add to the image quality, some darker footage sees a tendency for existing detail to collapse slightly. Despite these minor qualms, overall image stability is commendable. Colours remain stable, though further improvements in saturation and nuance could elevate the visual experience even more. There are no noticeable issues with compression, edge enhancement, or banding, preserving the film’s organic grain structure. The original print's condition is very good with only sporadic instances of damage, contributing to an authentic presentation of this classic sci-fi film.

The Blu-ray release of "Enemy Mine" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 4.0 track, which offers a robust and immersive auditory experience. While it may not boast the extensive bass capabilities of a 5.1 or 7.1 setup, the track effectively utilizes its four channels to deliver a well-balanced surround mix. Key sequences such as spacecraft dog fights, meteor showers, and mining operations are particularly noteworthy for their ability to fill the room with dynamic effects, placing the viewer right at the heart of the action. The audio track supports this immersion with a well-calibrated soundscape, and the enigmatic score is cleverly distributed across the speakers to enhance this effect.

Notably, dialogue clarity is another strong aspect, with clear, precise vocals that remain intelligible throughout without becoming overwhelmed by the other sound elements. Although there is no designated subwoofer channel in the 4.0 mix, the track does not neglect the lower end; explosions and spacecraft audio elements extend into the bass frequencies sufficiently to add depth, albeit not with superlative bass impact. The subtle but present bass contributes to a fuller auditory experience without drawing too much attention to its limitations. Optional English SDH subtitles are also provided, appearing within the image frame for those who need them.

Overall, whether comparing the DTS-HD Master Audio 4.0 on this release to the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.0 on the British Eureka Entertainment release, both tracks exhibit strong mixing and distribution of effects. Despite minor differences between them, each harnesses its respective configuration to elevate the film’s audio dynamics effectively, making either version a sound choice for experiencing "Enemy Mine."

The Blu-ray extras for "Enemy Mine" offer viewers a engaging and comprehensive deep dive into the film’s production and legacy. They include an extended scene presented in VHS quality with supplementary dialogues that enrich character transitions, a detailed 18-page booklet featuring an insightful essay on the film’s history by Craig Ian Mann, and an original U.S. trailer that captures the film’s initial promotional essence. Additionally, enthusiasts are treated to a compelling image gallery paired with an essay by Fangoria writer Lee Gambin, and a reversible cover, giving collectors more display options. This array of extras enriches the "Enemy Mine" viewing experience, highlighting the film’s behind-the-scenes intricacies and enhancing its nostalgic appeal.

Extras included in this disc:

• Extended Scene: Additional dialogue in sickbay, in German with English subtitles.
• Trailer: Original U.S. theatrical trailer.
• Booklet: Full-color 18-page booklet with historical essay by Craig Ian Mann.
• Image Gallery and Essay: Exclusive stills and an essay by Lee Gambin.
• Cover: Reversible cover.

Wolfgang Petersen’s "Enemy Mine" presents a compelling narrative set in a distant future where humans and an alien race known as the Dracs clash over galactic territories. The film follows Willis Davidge (Dennis Quaid), a fighter pilot who crash-lands on a hostile planet after an intense space battle. Stranded alongside his adversary, Jeriba Shigan (Louis Gossett Jr.), the two enemies are forced to collaborate for survival. Their initial animosity evolves into a bond characterized by mutual respect and shared experiences. The story takes a poignant turn with Jeriba's unexpected pregnancy—a biological trait of the Drac species—culminating in his death during childbirth and leaving Davidge to care for the orphaned child, Zammis.

While the film is visually appealing with strong dramatic elements and decent special effects, it suffers from a somewhat sluggish pace and a conventional screenplay. Despite these flaws, the acting is commendable, particularly the palpable chemistry between Quaid and Gossett Jr. The film ambitiously tackles themes of tolerance and comradeship but sometimes gets bogged down in melodrama, detracting from its overall impact. One can attribute some of the film's shortcomings to its troubled production history and significant studio interference.

The narrative pushes political allegory heavily, simplifying complex issues of tolerance, religion, and ideology, reminiscent of Cold War-era propaganda films. This didactic approach may render the film's message about coexistence and unity somewhat simplistic and heavy-handed to contemporary viewers. Although it aims to deliver a heartfelt and significant message pertinent to its time, the execution may come off as over-sanitized and overly earnest. Nevertheless, "Enemy Mine" remains an intriguing blend of science fiction drama with pressing social commentary, albeit one that arguably promises more than it ultimately delivers.

The Blu-ray release of Wolfgang Petersen's 1985 sci-fi drama "Enemy Mine" delivers a moderately satisfying visual and auditory experience. The film, which follows the story of two adversaries, human pilot Davidge and alien counterpart Jeriba, as they struggle to survive on a hostile planet, remains an engaging narrative with its themes of cooperation and mutual understanding. The picture quality is commendable, presenting a clean and bright image with good detail, appropriate coloration, and solid black levels. The 5.0 surround audio track is surprisingly immersive, enhancing both dialogue clarity and atmospheric soundscapes.

While the content on this Blu-ray set might not be extensive, it does provide some valuable additions. The extras include a trailer, an extended scene that offers substantial narrative enrichment, and a color booklet containing a well-researched essay on the film’s history. Notably, the Blu-ray distributed by Eureka Entertainment is sourced from the same Fox master used for the UK release, making it a viable option for North American fans due to its Region-Free compatibility. This could be a worthwhile addition to any sci-fi enthusiast's collection, especially if importing is feasible.

In conclusion, "Enemy Mine" on Blu-ray is a competent release, albeit with limited supplementary content. The visual and audio reproduction on this disc ensures that Wolfgang Petersen's poignant tale of camaraderie and survival shines through, albeit it offers slightly less than its full potential in terms of bonus features. Nevertheless, for fans of the genre or those who appreciate the film's thematic depth, this Blu-ray should be strongly considered for its technical presentation and narrative value.