Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger" offers a generally impressive 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 encoded transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. While this release delivers substantial high-definition clarity, it does fall short of the visual splendor offered by "The Golden Voyage of Sinbad." The contrast in this transfer isn't as potent, resulting in some darker scenes exhibiting a slightly murky quality and minimal shadow detail. Nevertheless, fine detail remains commendable, showcasing intricate elements such as the wiry hair of the baboon and the crosshatched weave of Melanthius' cloak. However, the Blu-ray accentuates some inherent flaws, particularly in the special effects department, where deficiencies in traveling mattes become more evident. This release retains grain and softness during optical effects scenes, consistent with expectations for the era.

The image quality here is remarkably well-preserved, exhibiting high levels of fine detail and contrast that produce a bright and vivid picture virtually free of excessive grain. Textures in costumes, sets, and locations are impressively detailed, allowing viewers to appreciate intricate fabric weaves and environmental nuances. The stop-motion effects, while not seamless against human actors, have improved clarity and animation fluidity compared to earlier transfers. Notably, scenes such as the battle against the giant walrus benefit from layers of depth created by environmental effects like blowing snow, enhancing the overall viewing experience without detracting from the action. Despite a few low-light scenes, black levels are solid, maintaining overall detail integrity.

Overall, while "Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger" shares some of the same special effects challenges seen in "Voyage," it still offers a robust and lively viewing experience, preserving much of the charm and visual appeal for fans to enjoy in high definition.

The Audio presentation of "Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger" on Blu-Ray features a remarkably well-executed DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix. Dialogue is rendered with exceptional clarity and fidelity, ensuring that spoken words are consistently clean and intelligible. The dynamic range is satisfyingly wide, which is crucial for a fantasy film of this nature, allowing the score and sound effects to coexist without overpowering each other.

The surround activity, while not as impressive as that in "The Golden Voyage of Sinbad," efficiently uses discrete foley effects to populate the soundscape, providing a decent immersive experience. Particularly noteworthy is how the mix handles audio directionality and imaging, with sounds effectively placed across various channels to enhance immersion. Roy Budd's score, although not on par with Bernard Herrmann or Miklos Rozsa, is well-balanced within the overall mix, contributing a musical backdrop that complements rather than dominates the action.

In conclusion, the Blu-Ray audio track impressively delivers an auditory experience that enhances the film viewing. It is free from scratches, hissing, or other imperfections, which ensures that the listener enjoys a rich and unblemished sound presentation. While it may not surpass modern sound mixes, this audio track stands out for its clarity and immersive qualities, preserving the film’s auditory legacy at a commendable quality level.

The Blu-ray release of "Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger" offers a commendable selection of extras that will delight enthusiasts of classic animation and film history. The special features provide valuable insight into the pioneering stop-motion techniques by Ray Harryhausen and the film's production context. Presented in varying resolutions, these extras maintain a high standard of technical quality. The inclusion of an isolated score track in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is notably impressive, catering to audiophiles who appreciate cinematic scores.

Extras included in this disc:

• This is Dynamation: A brief vintage look at the iconic Harryhausen stop-motion animation process.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: The original promotional trailer for the film.
• Isolated Score Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, showcasing the film's music in high-quality audio.

"Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger" presents a mixed yet nostalgic entry in Ray Harryhausen's iconic Sinbad trilogy. Ray Harryhausen's signature stop-motion animation, undoubtedly, is the highlight, offering memorable creations like the enchanting baboon Prince Kassim. Despite facing competition from groundbreaking special effects seen in contemporaries like "Jaws" and "Star Wars," Harryhausen's craft still grips the imagination with its unique blend of aesthetic charm and technical prowess. The film unfortunately carries a certain dated feel, with 1977's rise of CGI leaving it seemingly quaint and old-fashioned.

The story crafted by Beverley Cross and Harryhausen follows the intrepid Sinbad (Patrick Wayne) attempting to break a curse on Princess Farah's (Jane Seymour) brother, Prince Kassim, who has been transformed into a baboon by the malevolent witch Zenobia (Margaret Whiting). Supporting performances include standouts like Patrick Troughton's Melanthius and Taryn Power as his daughter Dione. However, the film suffers from a sense of lethargy due to its overly familiar plotline and pedestrian direction by Sam Wanamaker, which contrasts sharply with the vibrancy of Harryhausen's animations.

Ultimately, the film is a charming artifact of a bygone era. Harryhausen's meticulous work remains enthralling, particularly in the emotional beats surrounding Kassim's plight and the dynamic portrayal of fantastical creatures. Yet, elements like Patrick Wayne's non-Arabian accent and wooden performance slightly hinder the immersive experience. Fans of stop-motion and classic adventurism will find enough to treasure in this lesser but still spirited entry in Harryhausen's legacy.

Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger is a mixed bag, offering both notable highlights and several disappointments. Despite feeling like a retread of earlier Harryhausen films, the movie stands out with its colorful supporting cast and distinctive use of a baboon, one of Harryhausen's most unique creations. While the reversed cover art and the omission of newly recorded commentaries may frustrate some fans, the film's overall visual and audio quality on Blu-ray largely compensates for these shortcomings.

There is a certain charm in Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger's creativity, thematic depth, and special effects. Though not as convincingly portrayed as other films in the trilogy, it delivers thrilling scenes that showcase Harryhausen's prowess in stop-motion animation. The Blu-ray release features a strong image and impressive sound quality but is somewhat lacking in additional extras, which could be seen as a missed opportunity for a more comprehensive package.

In conclusion, Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger may not be the pinnacle of Harryhausen's work, but it remains a worthwhile experience for fans of his artistry. The film's high-definition release, despite some flaws, allows audiences to appreciate its visual splendor and innovative special effects. For enthusiasts of Harryhausen and stop-motion animation, this Blu-ray is a valuable addition to their collection.