Scanners Blu-ray Review

Presented in a meticulously supervised Blu-ray edition, David Cronenberg's "Scanners" benefits from a revised video presentation that has generated considerable debate. This release, boasting a 1.78:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC at 1080p, differentiates itself notably from prior high-definition transfers by British Second Sight and Australian Umbrella Entertainment through its unique video characteristics. A collaborative effort led by Cronenberg himself and Lee Kline ensured a digital transfer created in 2K resolution on an ARRISCAN film scanner from a 35mm interpositive. The attention to detail in the remastering process is evident, with the color grading executed at Deluxe Toronto providing a range of softer, warmer colors that significantly diverge from the brighter, more glaring transfers of past releases. Such meticulous color work, especially in the reproduction of reds and browns, imbues "Scanners" with a renewed vitality and organic appearance.

The restoration process meticulously addressed thousands of instances of physical deterioration such as dirt, debris, and scratches through advanced digital tools like MTI's DRS, Pixel Farm's PFClean, and Digital Vision's Phoenix. This painstaking effort results in an exceptionally clean presentation that retains the film's original grain structure without falling prey to excessive digital noise reduction or artificial sharpening, ensuring that "Scanners" maintains its intended aesthetic. Furthermore, the dynamic range and contrast levels have been refined, altering the appearance of daylight scenes and enhancing depth and clarity across sequences. Although shadow definition varies slightly between editions, the Criterion release showcases excellent image stability and a slight edge in encoding quality during detailed close-ups and indoor scenes.

The audio aspect was not neglected; the original monaural soundtrack was remastered at 24-bit from the 35mm Dialogue/Music/Effects magnetic track with the removal of auditory imperfections using Pro Tools HD among other high-end tools, underscoring the release's commitment to quality. In comparison to alternatives, this Criterion release of "Scanners" not only presents a visually distinct experience but also invites fans and scholars alike to engage in discussions about the impact of restoration choices on the film's atmospheric integrity and viewer's immersion.

The Blu-ray release of "Scanners" offers a singular and purist audio experience with its English LPCM 1.0 soundtrack. This choice to feature the original mono track aligns with a preservationist approach, ensuring that viewers experience the film as it was initially heard and intended. The Criterion edition has commendably included optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature, enhancing accessibility without compromising the film's authentic auditory essence.

The audio quality itself is surprisingly robust for a mono track, showcasing an impressive depth and clarity that breathes life into the film’s iconic moments, such as the intense gallery sequence. The nuanced dynamics of the soundtrack reveal a meticulous effort to present a clear and balanced auditory experience. Listeners will appreciate the crispness of the dialogues, which remain stable and intelligible throughout, indicative of thoughtful remastering work aimed at cleaning and rebalancing the original audio elements.

In evaluating this Blu-ray audio presentation, it's evident that considerable attention has been devoted to optimizing the LPCM 1.0 track, allowing it to stand up well against more modern multi-channel mixes found in other releases, like the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track featured in the Australian version. The preservation of the film's original auditory atmosphere, alongside enhancements that ensure clarity and dynamism, delivers a commendable audio experience that respects the film's legacy while effectively engaging contemporary audiences.

The extras on the "Scanners" Blu-ray are an impressive array that both celebrates and dissects the seminal work, significantly enhancing the film’s appreciation. Among the highlights, the documentary "The Scanners Way" provides an in-depth look into the revolutionary special effects and the collaborative essence of the film's team. Its rich detail and exclusive interviews with key crew members offer invaluable behind-the-scenes insights. "Mental Saboteur" and "The Ephemerol Diaries" provide poignant reflections from actors Michael Ironside and Stephen Lack, respectively, giving viewers a more intimate understanding of their characters and the film's production. Additionally, the inclusion of David Cronenberg's earliest feature film, "Stereo," as well as an interesting excerpt from "The Bob McLean Show," presents a broader context for "Scanners" within Cronenberg's oeuvre. An illustrated booklet rounds off the collection, offering critical perspectives that enrich viewers' engagement with the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for Scanners.
• Radio Spots: Three original radio spots for the film.
• The Scanners Way: A documentary on the special effects, financing, and shooting of Scanners.
• Mental Saboteur: Michael Ironside discusses his collaboration with David Cronenberg.
• The Ephemerol Diaries: Stephen Lack talks about his role and the filming in Montreal.
• The Bob McLean Show: Excerpts featuring David Cronenberg discussing Scanners.
• Stereo: David Cronenberg’s first feature film.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet with an essay by critic Kim Newman.

David Cronenberg's "Scanners" (1981), a seminal film in the body horror genre, has been meticulously brought to Blu-ray by Criterion, showcasing its unique blend of psychological horror and science fiction. With its narrative centering around individuals possessing formidable telepathic abilities, the film explores dark themes of power, control, and the dangers of unchecked corporate ambition. Despite some narrative unevenness, particularly in the initial stages where character motivations and plot developments are laid out more methodically than might seem necessary, "Scanners" remains a compelling watch. The painstaking detail given to the setup pays off, providing a rich backstory to the telepathic confrontations that follow. However, while the visual effects stand out, especially for their time, the culmination of the protagonist Cameron Vale's quest feels somewhat rushed, detracting from the potential impact of his moral quandaries.

Technically, the film benefits enormously from the contributions of Canadian cinematographer Mark Irwin and composer Howard Shore, whose minimalist yet atmospheric soundtrack adds a haunting layer to the narrative. The visual and auditory elements combine to heighten the sense of paranoia and tension that runs through the film, amplifying its psychological impact. This is exemplified in sequences such as the iconic exploding head scene and a brilliantly conceived phone booth sequence, which demonstrate Cronenberg's innovative vision and aptitude for creating memorable cinematic moments. These technical achievements, coupled with the film's underlying cautionary tale about the potential for abuse of power by large entities, resonate with viewers even decades after its release.

While "Scanners" may falter in its pacing and resolution, its strengths lie in its thought-provoking premise, strong atmospheric tension, and groundbreaking visual effects. Despite Cronenberg's own frustrations with aspects of its production, the movie has achieved cult status, underpinned by its critical examination of themes that are increasingly relevant in today's digital and corporate-dominated age. The Criterion release enhances this experience with high-quality visuals and sound that honor the film's original aesthetic, while also enriching viewers' understanding through a wealth of supplementary material. For aficionados of horror and science fiction alike, "Scanners" remains a must-see for its bold storytelling and technical ingenuity.

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of David Cronenberg's "Scanners" stands out as a meticulous endeavor in the realm of home video presentations. With a restoration personally overseen by Cronenberg himself, this edition offers a unique visual experience that diverges significantly from previous high-definition transfers, including those by Second Sight in the UK and Umbrella Entertainment in Australia. This difference in visual quality, characterized by its fidelity to Cronenberg's directorial vision, offers a fresh perspective on the film. Adding to the release's allure are the exclusive supplemental features and the inclusion of Cronenberg's first feature, "Stereo," providing a comprehensive package that will entice both newcomers and die-hard fans.

Criterion's commitment to quality is further evidenced by their selection of bonus content, carefully curated to enhance the viewing experience. The exclusive extras provided alongside the main feature not only offer insights into the making of "Scanners" but also delve into Cronenberg's evolution as a filmmaker. This makes the Blu-ray not just a means to watch a movie but an educational resource for those interested in the director's method and the history of early 1980s cinema. The fact that fans may feel compelled to purchase multiple editions of the film to gain access to all available supplementary materials across markets highlights the richness of content associated with this release.

In conclusion, Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of "Scanners" is an exceptional addition to any film enthusiast's collection. Its standout feature is undoubtedly the director-supervised restoration, which ensures an authentic viewing experience differing from other releases. Combined with the compelling and exclusive supplemental content, this edition not only pays homage to Cronenberg's cinematic vision but also sets a high standard for future home video releases. Highly recommended for both aficionados of Cronenberg's work and those looking to explore it in unparalleled quality.