The NeverEnding Story 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD presentation of "The NeverEnding Story," released as a 40th Anniversary Limited Edition in Australia by Imprint, stands out with its meticulous attention to video quality. This adaptation is culled from 4K scans of the original 35mm camera negatives, enhancing the depth and clarity of director Wolfgang Petersen's fantasy classic. Both Dolby Vision and HDR10 enhancements have been employed, offering viewers superior color grading and contrast. The film's original 2.35:1 aspect ratio is preserved, ensuring authenticity. Visual effects hold up remarkably well, given the film's reliance on blue screen technology—a technique that involved approximately 300 shots, demonstrating an impressive restoration of the famed optical elements.

Cinematographer Jost Vacano's work on "The NeverEnding Story" benefits significantly from modern technological advancements. Originally shot using Arriflex 35 BLIII and 35 III cameras with Zeiss anamorphic lenses, the film seamlessly merges these vintage aesthetics with contemporary digital clarity. The use of VistaVision cameras for visual effects plates further underlines the importance of preserving initial material for optimal quality. With the 4K treatment, the visuals now appear vivid and life-like, capturing fine details and subtle textures that were less discernible in the past. Textures of set pieces and practical effects are strikingly sharp, offering an invigorated experience that enhances both nostalgia and appreciation for new viewers.

Overall, this 4K rendition pays homage to the film's revered visual tapestry, offering a viewing experience that is both faithful to its original production techniques and enriched by modern-day enhancements. Whether viewed anew or revisited, "The NeverEnding Story" in this format continues to be an immersive spectacle.

The audio presentation of "The NeverEnding Story" 4K UHD Blu-ray is notably impressive, showcasing a masterful blend of nostalgia and modern enhancements. The release features English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and 2.0 stereo LPCM, with optional English SDH subtitles. Notably, the 5.1 mix stands out as the superior choice, offering a robust and well-balanced audio experience that significantly heightens viewer immersion. While the original theatrical release utilized Dolby Stereo, this updated 5.1 configuration introduces split surround effects that effectively bolster the film's atmospheric depth.

The enhanced audio track is characterized by a significant extension in bass response, which contributes to the auditory impact during key scenes—emphasizing elements like Limahl’s iconic title song, the rumble of the Rockbiter’s vehicle, and thunderous effects. This deepened bass adds to the immersive quality, though it occasionally veers toward excessive intensity, verging on boominess during sequences involving earthquakes. Despite potential level disparities between DTS-HD Master Audio and LPCM tracks, the 5.1 mix maintains its superiority in delivering a richer, more dynamic soundscape.

Overall, this audio release captures the essence of the original film while effectively utilizing modern technology to enhance sonic clarity and impact, ensuring that both dialogue and musical elements resonate throughout viewing sessions. The presentation on the Blu-ray reflects a careful and deliberate technical approach to maintaining fidelity to the film's original auditory intentions while embracing the opportunities presented by contemporary audio mastering capabilities.

The extras on the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The NeverEnding Story" provide an enriching exploration of this beloved classic. The commentary section is particularly reflective, featuring both a new and an archival track. The archival commentary, originally from the 2014 30th Anniversary Edition, showcases director Wolfgang Petersen’s reflective journey as he revisits the film after three decades. Moderated by Christina Hagopian, the commentary invites viewers into Petersen's candid recollections and insights into production challenges, his collaboration with Steven Spielberg for the U.S. release, and his discrepancies with author Michael Ende. While the commentary includes gaps, Petersen's enthusiasm shines through, offering fans an authentic behind-the-scenes experience. These extras are a testament to the film's lasting appeal and provide a deeper understanding of its creative process.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary Tracks: Two commentaries on the theatrical cut, one archival with Wolfgang Petersen, and one new.

Wolfgang Petersen's 1984 adaptation of "The NeverEnding Story" remains an iconic piece of cinema, memorable for its imaginative storytelling and intricate practical effects. Drawing from Michael Ende’s novel, the film delves into the enigmatic world of Fantasia, under threat from a void known as the Nothing. Despite significant deviations from the original text, Petersen’s film manages to retain a deep thematic resonance focusing on the boundless power of imagination. The narrative interweaves existential themes with childhood fantasies, creating a tapestry that is both visually enchanting and emotionally profound. While some critique the fragmented narrative and underdeveloped characters, the stunning visuals and unique design work continue to captivate audiences even decades later.

Central to the film’s charm is the meta-narrative that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. As Bastian discovers his role within the story, it reflects our own ability to shape narratives in our lives. The film intricately merges the real and fantastical, underscoring the necessity of imagination in confronting life’s challenges. Characters like Atreyu and iconic creatures such as Falkor, though minimally developed on screen, symbolize the film's call to action: to nurture creativity and resist the encroaching nihilism of adulthood. The film's pacing, though critiqued as disjointed at times, adds to the dreamlike quality that is both its strength and weakness.

The release includes an Extended German cut with a more classical score, which sacrifices some of Georgio Moroder's iconic synth tunes. While additional scenes aim to flesh out Fantasia's world and its inhabitants, altering the score impacts the nostalgic essence for long-time fans. Despite these changes, "The NeverEnding Story" remains an enduring artifact of cinematic imagination that continues to resonate with its audience, urging all to cherish and utilize the power of fantasy in overcoming life's real-world adversities.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The NeverEnding Story" emerges as an exemplary showcase of both the film’s enduring charm and technical excellence. Visually, the transfer offers a splendidly immersive experience, markedly enhancing the fantasy world with vibrant clarity and color depth. Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the Dolby Atmos soundtrack, enriching the film’s soundscape with expanded dynamic range and spatial precision. This high-definition release is a dream for collectors and cinephiles alike, offering meticulous care in preserving the nostalgia of this cinematic classic.

Accompanying this exceptional presentation is an abundance of supplementary materials that provide a comprehensive exploration of the film's creation and legacy. Older featurettes are thoughtfully complemented by new, insightful retrospectives and interviews that fully honor the film's historical significance. Including both cuts of the movie, viewers have access to a complete storytelling package, ensuring no element is overlooked. Though lacking a dated German restoration featurette and extraneous trailers seen in prior releases, these omissions are inconsequential compared to what is gained.

Conclusively, Via Vision's 40th Anniversary Limited Edition stands as a monumental release, offering unparalleled packaging and content richness that is both worth the investment and a proudly nostalgic addition to any collection. While it demands a hefty investment, both financially and emotionally, this edition significantly redefines physical media standards with its grandeur. For those committed to embracing "The NeverEnding Story" once again through the lens of this superb offering, it’s an opportunity too significant to pass up.