Firestarter Blu-ray Review

Shout! Factory's deluxe Blu-ray release of "Firestarter" delivers a noteworthy video presentation, leveraging an AVC encode housed on a BD-50 disc. The main feature displays an impressive average bitrate of 34999 kbps and maintains the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1, effectively capturing the immersive CinemaScope framing. The 2K scan of the interpositive film element proves beneficial, presenting lush vegetation and the picturesque wilderness of Wilmington, North Carolina with vibrant, saturated greens.

A comparative analysis reveals that Shout! Factory's transfer surpasses previous releases in several aspects. For instance, it offers superior compression compared to NSM Records and Universal, boasting a total bitrate of 40.85 mbps against Universal's 33280 kbps. Despite occasional white speckles, particularly during the penultimate reel, these imperfections are infrequent and do not detract significantly from the overall quality. Shout! Factory's choice to retain a moderate level of grain results in a sharper image with more detailed textures compared to Universal's heavily DNR-applied version.

The technical details deserve commendation for their execution. The resolution is consistently clear, and details such as wallpaper, denim, and facial features are rendered with precision. Depth is well-managed with distinct separation between foreground and background elements. Black levels are deep with rich shadows that maintain texture visibility, and colors exhibit natural reproduction with a noticeable emphasis on teals and reds, alongside robust greens. Skin tones remain natural and consistent across different sequences, ensuring a coherent visual experience. Overall, the print appears in good condition, marked by minimal grain and negligible artifacts, solidifying Shout! Factory's release as the definitive edition for discerning viewers.

Shout! Factory's Blu-ray release of "Firestarter" features an English 2.0 Mono DTS-HD Master Audio track (encoded at 2014 kbps, 24-bit). While the fidelity is satisfactory, the track reveals the inherent limitations of the original mono recording, often requiring increased volume for full dialogue clarity. The master is generally in good condition despite its age, free from notable defects or significant degradation. Sound effects, however, lack expansive range and dynamism, potentially leaving audiences wanting more robust audio presentation, particularly for the Tangerine Dream score which would benefit greatly from a more immersive audio treatment.

The provided audio, though clear and functional, feels somewhat flat and without substantial dynamic variation. Both dialogue and sound effects are clear and audible throughout the runtime but fail to captivate due to the monotonous nature of the track. Enhancements, such as a 5.1 upgrade or at least an uncompressed stereo mix, could have delivered a richer, more immersive sound experience, particularly accentuating Tangerine Dream’s electronic score.

Subtitles in English SDH are available and reliable, albeit with minor transcription errors. Overall, while the audio presentation does its job effectively, Shout! Factory missed an opportunity for a more ambitious audio revamp that could have significantly enhanced the viewing experience.

The extras on the "Firestarter" Blu-ray are a worthwhile addition to any collector's shelf. Shout! Factory has included new content which, while filling the long-standing special features void, offers depth and insight into the film's production and legacy. The highlight is undoubtedly the retrospective "Playing with Fire: The Making of FIRESTARTER," featuring interviews with key cast and crew members. The contributions by Johannes Schmoelling of Tangerine Dream stand out, providing technical details on the score's composition. However, despite an informative commentary by director Mark L. Lester, the track is plagued by gaps that could have benefitted from a moderator. Coupled with trailers, radio spots, and a still gallery, these inclusions make for a comprehensive package that enhances appreciation for the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: With Director Mark L. Lester.
• Playing with Fire: The Making of FIRESTARTER: Interviews with cast and crew.
• Tangerine Dream: Movie Music Memories: Interview with Johannes Schmoelling.
• Live Performance of Charlie's Theme: By Johannes Schmoelling.
• Theatrical Trailers: Two American trailers.
• Radio Spots: Promotional spots from 1984.
• Still Gallery: Includes production photos and marketing materials.

Firestarter (1984) is an intriguing yet uneven adaptation of Stephen King's 1980 supernatural thriller, under the direction of Mark L. Lester. The plot centers on Charlene "Charlie" McGee (Drew Barrymore) and her father Andy McGee (David Keith), who are on the run from government agents intent on harnessing their unique psychic abilities for further experiments. Flashbacks reveal their backstory, including participation in a controlled experiment involving mild hallucinogenic drugs that bestowed Andy with psychokinetic powers and Charlie with pyrokinetic abilities. The film builds tension through these flashbacks and the constant threat posed by the Department of Scientific Intelligence (DSI).

Barrymore’s performance as Charlie stands out, capturing both innocence and burgeoning power, a testament to her skill at such a young age. Her chemistry with George C. Scott, who delivers a menacing portrayal of John Rainbird, adds depth to their scenes. Scott’s dedication to the role is evident, despite the initial hesitations about casting a non-Native actor. Martin Sheen brings a sinister layer to Captain Hollister while exuding deceptive warmth toward Charlie. The film's score by Tangerine Dream is a notable highlight, effectively complementing the narrative with electronic cues that enhance the tension and emotional moments.

However, the film is not without its drawbacks. David Keith's portrayal of Andy McGee is inconsistent, swinging between deep emotional moments and less engaging monotone scenes. The DSI agents are depicted as one-dimensional villains, occasionally bordering on unintentionally silly, which impacts the overall tone of the film. Despite its shortcomings, Firestarter maintains a compelling narrative structure and showcases some powerful performances, situating it as a middle-of-the-road entry among Stephen King adaptations.

"Firestarter" makes a compelling transition to Blu-ray, garnering praise for both its technical enhancements and supplementary content. The transfer is notably superior, offering a pristine, high-definition presentation that eclipses previous editions. Colors are more vibrant, the detail is crisper, and the visual quality enhances the storytelling experience. Scream Factory’s restoration effort is lauded for its clarity and fidelity, making it a substantial improvement over prior releases.

The supplementary content on this release is particularly commendable. Among the highlights are new extras such as an informative audio commentary with director Mark L. Lester and the illuminating "Playing with Fire: The Making of Firestarter" featurette. The "Tangerine Dream: Movie Music Memories" featurette offers valuable insights into the iconic score, complemented by Johannes Schmoelling’s performance of "Charlie’s Theme." Additionally, the Blu-ray includes two theatrical trailers, six radio spots, and a still gallery, providing a comprehensive look at the film's legacy. These well-executed interviews and features significantly enrich the viewing experience and cater to fans of the film and Stephen King’s work.

Despite some problems, "Firestarter" is an above-average fantastical thriller, buoyed by the performances of Barrymore, Scott, and Sheen. The film is also worth experiencing to hear Tangerine Dream's ethereal music in tandem with some memorable scenes. Shout! delivers a top-notch transfer and some excellent supplements. Fans of the cast and King should definitely pick this up. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.