A Trip to the Moon Blu-ray Review

Video Review for Blu-ray of "A Trip to the Moon"

The Blu-ray presentation of Georges Méliès' "A Trip to the Moon" by Flicker Alley is impressively encoded with MPEG-4 AVC in a 1080p transfer and presented in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio. The restoration effort is extraordinary, showcasing an exceptional depth and clarity in the hand-colored version that defies belief considering the deteriorated state of the original negatives. The colors are vivid and balanced, contributing to an immersive visual experience. The image stability is notably superior to many silent films, adding fluidity to the viewing without extensive frame skipping, despite the inherent instability of early filmmaking techniques.

The film's meticulous frame-by-frame restoration process is nothing short of miraculous, especially given the age of the source material, with all 13,375 frames receiving individual attention. Hand-painted scenes enhance the overall quality significantly, producing a vibrancy that elevates the century-old footage. While the inherent signs of its age persist, comparing the restored film to its untreated state astonishes with the magnitude of improvement achieved. This Blu-ray version delivers a phenomenal visual experience, transcending expectations for a film from 1902.

For reference, this release includes screencaptures of both the restored hand-colored and B&W versions, as well as additional Méliès works like "Astronomer's Dream" and "The Eclipse." Importantly, this is a Region-A locked disc, necessitating a Region-A or Region-Free player to access.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "A Trip to the Moon" is an impressive blend of modern technology and classic compositions. The restored hand-colored version, featuring Air's newly composed soundtrack presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, stands out with its nuanced dynamics, offering exceptional clarity and fluidity. Fans of contemporary music scores will find Air's contribution to be a refreshing addition that integrates seamlessly with the historic material. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track's balance is commendable, allowing each instrument to shine without overshadowing the others, while maintaining a warm LFE that remains controlled and immersive.

For those who lean towards a more traditional auditory experience, the Blu-ray provides various alternative audio tracks for the B&W version of the film, including Robert Israel's orchestral score in Dolby Digital 2.0 and Frederick Hodges' piano accompaniment in LPCM 2.0. Hodges' piano accompaniment, though distinctly different from the modern score by Air, offers an intimate and historically authentic viewing experience. However, potential users should be aware that the original spoken English narration by Georges Méliès is currently absent from the Robert Israel orchestral score on the Blu-ray disc; such narration is available on the DVD as described or upon request through the manufacturer’s Disc Replacement Program.

Additionally, the supplementary documentary "The Extraordinary Voyage" is available with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, enhancing the documentary’s engagement with a robust and dynamic auditory backdrop. Other included features such as "The Astronomer's Dream" and "The Eclipse" are presented in LPCM 2.0, maintaining consistent audio quality across all selections. Overall, this audio presentation provides a diverse array of listening experiences catering to both purists and fans of modernized classical cinema scores.

The Blu-ray extras for "A Trip to the Moon" provide a richly detailed exploration of Georges Méliès' seminal work and its historical context, making it an essential acquisition for film history enthusiasts. The highlight is "The Extraordinary Voyage," a comprehensive documentary that delves into Méliès' life, the making of "A Trip to the Moon," and the intricacies of film preservation. Additional valuable inclusions are the B&W version of the film, complete with varied historical scores, and rare short films, "The Astronomer's Dream" and "The Eclipse," showcasing Méliès' other pioneering works. There are insightful contemporary filmmaker interviews and discussions with the band AIR about their reimagined soundtrack, which provide a fuller appreciation of the restoration process and creative inspirations.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Extraordinary Voyage: Documentary on Méliès' life and film restoration.
• A Trip to the Moon, B&W Version: Classic film with multiple scores.
• The Astronomer's Dream (1898): Early short film with new music.
• The Eclipse (1907): Another Méliès short with unique score.
• Interview With Air: Band discusses creating the new soundtrack.
• Booklet: Detailed 24-page commentary on the film’s restoration.

The newly restored Blu-ray release of Georges Méliès' "A Trip to the Moon" (1902) by Flicker Alley is a testament to the timeless magic of early cinema. The restoration is nothing short of miraculous, beginning with the discovery of an original hand-colored copy in Barcelona and culminating in a world-class restoration effort by Lobster Films, Groupama Gan Foundation, and Technicolor Foundation for Cinema Heritage. Over 13,000 frames were meticulously restored, one by one, under the expert supervision of Tom Burton. The result, an unparalleled visual feast that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2011, is accompanied by a new soundtrack from French band Air. This restored version seamlessly blends modern technology with early 20th-century cinematic ingenuity.

The film itself, approximately 15 minutes long, features astounding sets and special effects that remain impressive even after more than a century. Méliès’ creativity as writer, designer, producer, and director manifests brilliantly through his pioneering use of in-camera effects, editing techniques, and imaginative storytelling. The narrative follows an audacious professor who dreams of traveling to the moon, executing his plan despite initial ridicule and encountering bizarre lunar life forms. The film not only showcases Méliès' technical brilliance but also eerily predicts aspects of actual lunar exploration.

Additionally, this Blu-ray includes a meticulously restored black-and-white version sourced from a fine-grain master derived from a nitrate print, offering multiple audio tracks like Robert Israel’s orchestral score and Frederick Hodges’ piano accompaniment with original spoken English narration. This release, coupled with a documentary detailing the restoration process and other supplemental features such as additional Méliès films and interviews, underscores the historical significance and enduring charm of "A Trip to the Moon." This Blu-ray stands as an exemplary homage to Méliès' legacy and a must-have for film enthusiasts.

Flicker Alley's Blu-ray release of Georges Méliès' "A Trip to the Moon" is a pinnacle in the preservation and presentation of classic cinema. The restoration, meticulously conducted by Lobster Films, Groupama Gan Foundation, and Technicolor Foundation for Cinema Heritage, breathes new life into one of the most seminal works in film history. This Blu-ray doesn’t merely display the film; it preserves and honors its legacy, making it an indispensable addition to any cinephile’s collection. Notably, Serge Bromberg and Eric Lange's accompanying documentary, "The Extraordinary Voyage," enriches this release with a captivating glimpse into the restoration process and historical significance of Méliès' work.

The technical quality of this release is nothing short of spectacular. The high-definition transfer showcases the film with stunning clarity, providing a viewing experience far superior to previous versions. The colorization, initially a daring innovation by Méliès himself, has been immaculately restored, adding vibrancy while preserving authenticity. Despite minor critiques over the omission of certain narrations in the special features, this package firmly stands as an outstanding accomplishment. The audio-visual presentation is perfectly balanced, enhancing the original score with modern fidelity without detracting from its historical charm.

This release is not merely a film but an experience. "A Trip to the Moon" stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of early 20th-century cinema and retains its enchantment and significance for contemporary audiences. In delivering this Blu-ray with such care and quality, Flicker Alley has set a new standard for classic film releases. This is undoubtedly a must-have for anyone dedicated to film history or simply looking to appreciate one of cinema’s foundational treasures. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.