Time Bandits Blu-ray Review

The Criterion Blu-ray release of Terry Gilliam's Time Bandits showcases a significant leap in video quality compared to previous editions. Encoded in 1080p with MPEG-4 AVC and presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, this new transfer benefits from a 2K digital restoration overseen by director Terry Gilliam himself. Executed on an ARRISCAN film scanner using the original camera negative, the restoration process was carried out meticulously by Arrow Video and Deluxe Digital Cinema. Reviewers have consistently praised the removal of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, warps, jitter, and flicker, accomplished using MTI's DRS system. The result is an exceptionally clean and visually captivating presentation.

This high-definition transfer excels in depth, clarity, and overall image stability, outperforming previous DVD and Blu-ray releases in every aspect. Colors are fresh, vibrant, and remarkably realistic, with a clear absence of degraining or excessive sharpening. Light grain has been retained to preserve a natural, film-like texture throughout the movie. Close-ups reveal fine details such as pores and wrinkles without any notable loss in consistency across different scenes. The contrast is excellent, ensuring brilliant whites and deeply rich blacks that enhance shadow delineation, contributing to the film's overall three-dimensional appearance. The meticulous care taken in maintaining accurate primary and secondary hues adds vivacity and life to the visuals, making this transfer a definitive representation of Gilliam’s work.

Criterion's latest Blu-ray release of "Time Bandits" excels with its English LPCM 2.0 audio track, providing a highly satisfying listening experience for audiophiles and enthusiasts alike. Remastered from the original 35mm magnetic track, the uncompressed PCM stereo soundtrack brings a balanced, dynamic performance with excellent mid-range definition. Criterion's meticulous restoration process delivers a notable improvement over previous releases, presenting a wide imaging spectrum with convincing movement and superb front channel balance.

Dialog is exceptionally crisp, stable, and easy to follow, with no signs of audio dropouts or digital distortions. Background activity is clear, and acoustical details are vivid, offering listeners an immersive experience. Though bass response is as expected for a vintage film, it is adequately hearty, providing Mike Moran's musical score and action sequences with substantial presence. The overall result is a lossless mix that boasts crystal-clear vocals in the center, ensuring fans will be thoroughly impressed with this high-fidelity audio rendition.

The Blu-ray extras for "Time Bandits" provide an extensive and insightful look into the film's production, offering a rich blend of behind-the-scenes content and interviews with key contributors. The audio commentary by Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin, and cast members like John Cleese provides in-depth reflections on the film’s creation, balancing serious discussion with vivid production memories. The Gilliam and Peter von Bagh conversation, recorded in 1998, is a standout feature, offering an extensive 80-minute deep dive into Gilliam's inspirations and creative process. Detailed interviews, such as Creating the Worlds of Time Bandits with Milly Burns and James Acheson, shed light on the meticulous design work, while the Shelley Duvall interview presents the actress’s perspective on her involvement. Complemented by original trailers and a stills gallery, these extras significantly enhance the viewer’s understanding and appreciation of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Terry Gilliam and notable cast discuss production insights.
• Terry Gilliam and Peter von Bagh: An in-depth 1998 conversation exploring Gilliam's inspirations.
• Creating the Worlds of Time Bandits: Interviews on costume and set design.
• Shelley Duvall: 1981 interview focusing on her role in the film.
• Stills Gallery: Rare behind-the-scenes photos.
• Trailer: The original trailer for "Time Bandits".

Terry Gilliam's Time Bandits (1981), now available on Blu-ray from Criterion, stands as a masterwork of imagination and visual storytelling. The movie invites viewers on a fantastical adventure as 11-year-old Kevin (Craig Warnock) embarks on a time-travel journey with a band of six dwarfs, led by the remarkable David Rappaport. From Napoleon (Ian Holm) to King Agamemnon (Sean Connery), the film features historical and mythical figures in uproarious episodes that defy conventional narrative expectations. Co-written with Michael Palin, the film exudes Gilliam's signature dark humor, appealing to both children and adults. As Kevin and the dwarfs evade the Supreme Being (Ralph Richardson) and contend with the malevolent Evil (David Warner), Gilliam’s world unfolds with unpredictable charm and poignant observations on technology and consumerism.

Cinematographer Peter Biziou lends the film a visually distinct style, complemented by Mike Moran’s evocative soundtrack. The sequences within the dark castle of Evil are particularly striking, showcasing Gilliam's prowess in employing light, shadow, and color to create an enveloping Gothic atmosphere. Each location visited on this time-bending journey is meticulously crafted, making the film a visual feast. The coherence behind its apparent chaos reflects Gilliam's ingenuity in story construction, where every plot twist is intricately woven from the start.

This Blu-ray release enriches the experience with insightful supplements such as audio commentary featuring Gilliam and notable actors like John Cleese and Michael Palin, and conversations with film scholars. The inclusion of a leaflet with an essay by David Sterritt offers deeper appreciation for Gilliam's creative vision. Through Time Bandits, Gilliam rekindles a childlike wonderment for dreaming and storytelling, reminding us of the boundless potential of our imaginations.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Terry Gilliam's "Time Bandits" offers a significantly enhanced viewing experience over the 2010 Image Entertainment version. The visual and auditory improvements are striking, making this edition a must-have for fans. The disc includes an exclusive audio commentary recorded in 1997 and a compelling discussion between Gilliam and film scholar Peter von Bagh, adding depth to the viewing experience.

While some may find the selection of extras slightly limited compared to other releases, the available content is still impressive and highly enjoyable. The film itself is presented flawlessly, reaffirming its status as a seminal 80s fantasy film that cleverly critiques consumerism and technology. Performances by Ian Holm, John Cleese, and Sean Connery remain captivating, enhancing the movie's timeless appeal.

In conclusion, Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Time Bandits" is an essential upgrade for any collection. The superior audio-visual quality, paired with valuable supplemental content, makes this edition highly recommended. Investing in this release is undoubtedly worth it for the unique cinematic journey it offers.