Spirits of the Air: Gremlins of the Clouds Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Spirits of the Air: Gremlins of the Clouds" by Umbrella Entertainment showcases an AVC encoded 1080p transfer with a 1.32:1 aspect ratio, derived from a 2K scan of the original 16mm negative. Alex Proyas, the director, has meticulously managed the distinct and striking visual palette, which is heavily influenced by his strategy of shooting perpendicular to light sources. This technique enhances warmer hues such as reds, oranges, and ambers, rendering them vividly on screen. The contrast between these warmer tones and the bright blue skies is particularly captivating, although some variances in clarity are notable in dimly lit interior shots.

However, there are occasional issues with grain resolution, where the grain can appear chunky and pixelated unexpectedly before reverting to a more natural texture. This inconsistency is noticeable in specific scenes but does not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience. The film also displays a minor wobble during the opening credits, but image stability remains firm throughout the rest of the movie. Notably, despite Umbrella Entertainment primarily servicing Region B, this Blu-ray is Region Free and operates seamlessly across various players and PC drives.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray of "Spirits of the Air: Gremlins of the Clouds" is available in both DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 tracks. The 5.1 surround track particularly shines, offering a fuller and more immersive auditory experience. Peter Miller's score, a significant element of the soundscape, is prominently featured on the surround track, adding a sweeping, atmospheric quality to the movie. While the score has garnered praise from fans, some may find it occasionally overpowering. Ambient environmental sounds, specifically wind effects, are thoughtfully placed, enhancing the desolate landscape's immersive quality. Dialogue remains consistently clean and clear, ensuring effective narrative clarity.

On the other hand, the 2.0 track is more restrained but still proficiently handled, providing a narrower but serviceable audio experience. The DTS-HD Master Audio format ensures that both tracks maintain high fidelity with no noticeable audio damage or issues. The optional English HoH subtitles are a welcome addition, increasing accessibility for all viewers. Overall, the audio quality of this release is commendable, with the 5.1 track standing out for its depth and detailed sound staging.

The Blu-ray release of "Spirits of the Air: Gremlins of the Clouds" offers a remarkable array of extras that significantly enhance the viewing experience for both cinephiles and fans of the film. Director Alex Proyas delivers a deep dive into the filmmaking process through his audio commentary, shedding light on creative choices and production challenges. The complementary audio commentary with Composer Peter Miller and Editor Craig Wood adds further insight into the film's technical and musical landscapes. Cast interviews with Rhys Davis and Michael Lake provide personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories, enriching the viewer's understanding of the characters and plot. The "Making a Post Apocalypse Western" featurette offers a comprehensive look at the developmental journey of this unique film. Additionally, the Spirits Song music video and image gallery are delightful extras that capture the film’s aesthetic essence.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Alex Proyas: Insightful analysis from the director.
• Audio Commentary with Composer Peter Miller and Editor Craig Wood: Discussion on musical and editorial elements.
• Interview with Cast Member Rhys Davis: Personal anecdotes from the cast.
• Interview with Cast Member Michael Lake: Extended insights and stories.
• Making a Post Apocalypse Western: Comprehensive behind-the-scenes featurette.
• Spirits Song Music Video: Captivating musical presentation.
• Image Gallery: Automatically advancing image showcase.
• 2018 Trailer: A recent promotional trailer.

Alex Proyas' "Spirits of the Air, Gremlins of the Clouds" is a visually stunning debut feature from the renowned director, whose visionary style has been both praised and critiqued across his works such as "The Crow" and "Dark City". This film, an intriguing entry in the Aussie-pocalypse subgenre, is a powerful blend of stark, apocalyptic aesthetics and Proyas' hallmark psychedelic flair. The story centers around Smith (Norman Boyd), who roams an arid wasteland adorned with bizarre visuals like car carcasses positioned upright in the sand, an effect achieved on a minimal budget. The narrative takes an even odder turn with the introduction of Betty Crabtree (Melissa Davis) and her brother Felix (Michael Lake), highlighting Proyas' unique ability to merge surrealism and raw human emotion.

The narrative itself is somewhat opaque, revolving around Smith's inexplicable entanglement with the Crabtree siblings and their plan to construct a flying machine. Betty's erratic behavior and Felix's obsession with religious iconography imbue the film with a disorienting, almost hypnotic, atmosphere. While Proyas' intention to merge science fiction with Western elements is clear, the film’s languorous pacing and its emphasis on vivid, often bewildering visuals sometimes feel like they're impeding a cohesive storyline. The director himself acknowledges in his commentary that many visual aspects, though striking, lack context within the narrative without his explanations.

Despite the disjointed story, "Spirits of the Air" excels as a visual experience rich with iconographic imagery. Proyas' artful depiction of an almost Fordian desert landscape coupled with whimsical elements, such as the peculiar stringed instrument Betty plays or the eccentric flying machine, evokes a blend of classic Western ambiance and darkly whimsical science fiction. This creates a film that is as enchanting as it is perplexing, leaving viewers both awed by its visual splendor and pondering its deeper meanings.

Spirits of the Air, Gremlins of the Clouds provides a unique visual experience, though it may not reach the same levels of ingenuity and audacity seen in Alex Proyas' later works like "Dark City". The film's style is commendable, especially when one considers the limited budget it was created with. The landscape and setting are rendered with an artistic flair that is both captivating and immersive, making it a standout in the sub-genre of Australian post-apocalyptic cinema focused on inventive contraptions.

The Blu-ray release of the film has undergone a meticulous 2K transfer, ensuring a pristine visual experience that honors the original aesthetic. The technical merits are first-rate, showcasing impeccable image clarity and color grading that bring new life to Proyas' visionary world. Audio enhancements also contribute significantly to the overall experience, ensuring that every sound detail is crisp and clear. The package is complemented by a host of enjoyable supplements that will engage fans and newcomers alike, adding substantial value to the release.

In conclusion, Spirits of the Air, Gremlins of the Clouds may not be widely celebrated, but it certainly deserves recognition. Despite its narrative simplicity, the film’s stylistic achievements and the quality of this Blu-ray release make it a worthwhile addition to any cinephile’s collection. With its exceptional technical presentation and compelling extras, this release offers a perfect opportunity for rediscovery. Highly recommended.