The People That Time Forgot Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image presentation of "The People That Time Forgot" (1.85:1 aspect ratio) provides a surprisingly robust experience, particularly given the film's age and status as a deep catalogue release. The 1080p transfer navigates inherent softness to reveal pleasing textures, from the dinosaurs and native costumes to facial responses and adventurous wardrobe choices. Colors are secure and true, offering vivid primaries and more extravagant hues for the evil empire outfits and unique skin tones. Landscapes maintain their natural look, with grain presenting a filmic quality despite battling some baked-in filtering.

Detail levels are commendably strong, surpassing expectations with impressive clarity that preserves frame information well. Black levels are deep and inky, providing good shadow separation which gives the image a three-dimensional quality. Some minor issues such as light speckling during credits and opening scenes, and occasional flickering and shaking during a few scenes, do little to detract from the overall viewing experience. Grain is intact without signs of DNR, allowing the detail to remain sharp. The improved clarity sometimes reveals the limitations of the effects work, but this only enhances the film's nostalgic charm. Overall, this is a technically proficient transfer that breathes new life into a beloved fantasy adventure.

The audio presentation of "The People That Time Forgot" on Blu Ray features a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. The dialogue is prominently placed, allowing clear and intelligible speech amidst varying scenes that range from polite banter to dynamic action sequences. Engaging sound effects such as gunshots, explosions, and dinosaur screeches exhibit a strong and natural presence. Despite mild level fluctuations, the overall balance remains agreeable without requiring frequent volume adjustments.

The atmospheric elements are particularly well-executed, providing depth and immersion, whether the scene is set in a dense jungle or an expansive cave. John Scott's classical adventure score is well integrated, enhancing the scenes without overwhelming the dialogue or sound effects. The audio mix remains clean throughout, free from hiss, distortion, or any age-related issues, ensuring an enjoyable auditory experience for viewers.

The Blu-ray extras for "The People That Time Forgot" provide an enriching look behind the scenes with a comprehensive and engaging set of features. The audio commentary by director Kevin Connor, moderated by filmmaker Brian Trenchard-Smith, maintains consistent engagement through insightful discussions on casting, financing, and the film series' general production. Actress Sarah Douglas offers a heartfelt and humorous interview, sharing vivid production memories and her concurrent audition for "Superman," which intriguingly influenced her role preparation. Dana Gillespie's interview is similarly candid, focusing on her costume, relationships with co-stars, and singing career, punctuated with amusing anecdotes. The inclusion of theatrical trailers rounds out the extras, bridging this film with its series counterpart "The Land That Time Forgot".

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Director Kevin Connor with moderator Brian Trenchard-Smith.
Interview With Sarah Douglas: The actress discusses production memories and her role in "Superman".
Interview With Dana Gillespie: Reflections on her wardrobe, co-stars, and singing career.
Theatrical Trailers: Trailers for "The People That Time Forgot" and "The Land That Time Forgot".

1977's "The People That Time Forgot," directed by Kevin Connor, offers an adventurous extension of its predecessor, adapting Edgar Rice Burroughs's work to continue the exploration of Caprona's prehistoric landscape. The narrative thrust involves Ben McBride (Patrick Wayne) leading a mission to rescue Bowen Tyler (Doug McClure), encountering journalist Charly (Sarah Douglas), paleontologist Norfolk (Thorley Walters), and mechanic Hogan (Shane Rimmer). The characters traverse into a world populated with dinosaurs and an imposing native culture led by the Nargas. The film, while overshadowed by the game-changing release of "Star Wars" in the same year, retains a sense of old-school cinematic wonder through tangible effects and creature designs that evoke a charming, retro appeal.

Though not as frenetic as high-octane blockbusters, the movie thrives on its charismatic cast and a story that mixes light comedy and fantasy adventure. Patrick Wayne provides a steady center, playing the heroic Ben with believable earnestness, while Sarah Douglas adds a refreshing dose of defiance as Charly, her character clashing with Ben in occasionally humorous, gender-charged exchanges. Thorley Walters and Shane Rimmer contribute to the lighter side of the proceedings, ensuring the film maintains an engaging balance between humor and adventure. Dana Gillespie also stands out as Ajor, both for her physical presence and her portrayal that adds a layer of exotic allure amidst the somewhat ham-fisted special effects.

Technically, the movie adopts rear-projection techniques for its dinosaur encounters, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the era's visual effects—amusing yet earnest. The film’s practical models and animatronics remind viewers of a period when filmmakers leaned heavily on ingenuity under budget constraints. Even if occasionally marred by cultural insensitivity, the visual bravado and spirited performances make "The People That Time Forgot" a delightful throwback that plays well within its niche. For fans of mid-to-late 20th-century sci-fi adventures, it captures a palpable sense of escapism reminiscent of another age in moviemaking.

"The People That Time Forgot" on Blu-ray is a mixed bag that manages to pull off an engaging experience despite evident flaws. The film, which struggles with its screenplay, suffers from a plot that loses steam around the hour mark. Director Kevin Connor is left to fill the remaining runtime with chases and half-hearted battles against the Nargas, creating a sense of repetitiveness. However, the costuming and set design push as far as the budget allows, and the mid-movie visit to the Nargas lair delivers visually engaging moments reminiscent of Frank Frazetta's artwork.

The film requires viewers to disengage logically and simply enjoy the spectacle, but it doesn't insult the audience's intelligence. It remains a fun, old-school adventure that could easily captivate a younger audience. This Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber stands out for its impressive audio-visual transfer, particularly remarkable given the film's age. Additionally, the disc includes insightful extras such as a commentary track by Director Kevin Connor and interviews with female leads Sarah Douglas and Dana Gillespie, enriching the overall viewing experience.

In conclusion, while "The People That Time Forgot" has its share of narrative shortcomings, it manages to compensate through spirited storytelling, creative design work, and a solid Blu-ray release. It’s not without faults but offers enough intrigue and nostalgia to justify a watch. Recommended for those willing to overlook its imperfections for a dose of cinematic escapism.